CN112867415A

CN112867415A - Tooth cleaning device

Info

Publication number: CN112867415A
Application number: CN201980060600.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·帕尔梅贾尼
Original assignee: G Paermeijiani
Current assignee: G Paermeijiani
Priority date: 2018-09-18
Filing date: 2019-09-12
Publication date: 2021-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-12
Also published as: EP3852575A1; WO2020058812A1; EP3852575B1; CN112867415B

Abstract

A tooth-cleaning device (1) comprises: a grip handle (2) having an elongated shape and comprising at least one distal portion (3); a brush (4) associated with the distal portion (3) and movable between an adjustment position and a use position; a detachable locking mechanism (5) of the brush (4) in at least a plurality of predetermined angular positions with respect to the distal portion (3); wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises at least one locking projection (5a) and at least one locking seat (5b), in the adjustment position the locking projection (5a) being spaced from the locking seat (5b) and being released from the locking seat (5b), and in the use position the locking projection (5a) being inserted inside the locking seat itself in one of the predetermined angular positions, wherein the brush (4) comprises at least one connecting element (10) connected to the handle (2), the connecting element (10) defining at least one abutment surface (11), the abutment surface (11) being adapted to operate together with the handle (2) to prevent mutual separation thereof in the adjustment position and in the use position; wherein the distal portion (3) defines at least one first housing seat (12) of the connecting element (10) with the brush (4) in the adjustment position, and at least one second housing seat (13) of the connecting element (10) in communication with the first housing seat (12) with the brush (4) in the use position, wherein a first narrowing (14) is defined between the first housing seat (12) and the second housing seat (13), the abutment surface (11) abutting against the first narrowing (14) in the use position, and a second narrowing (20) is defined between the first housing seat (12) and the locking seat (5b), the abutment surface (11) abutting against the second narrowing (20) in the adjustment position.

Description

Tooth cleaning device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tooth-cleaning device.

Background

Several tooth cleaning devices are known today as toothbrushes.

The toothbrush is an oral hygiene implement that removes impurities, particularly plaque and food debris, from the teeth and gums.

It essentially consists of a set of bristles, usually made of synthetic fibers, which are fixed to a special support associated with an elongated handle.

The user holds the handle opposite the bristles and places the toothbrush in his mouth to clean the teeth and gums.

It is well known that in order to effectively clean teeth, a toothbrush must be able to easily reach all areas of the teeth, including the inside and outside, and must be able to move or perform a rotational motion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth.

The shape of the toothbrushes currently known is convenient for the user to clean the teeth and gums, including the inner and outer sides of each tooth.

Us patent 5,305,491 describes a known type of toothbrush, wherein the toothbrush comprises an end portion having bristles which can be arranged such that each tooth is juxtaposed on three sides (i.e. a top side and vertical sides opposite each other) simultaneously.

However, this known toothbrush has some disadvantages.

This embodiment is difficult to achieve and it is not possible to clean the teeth and gums in the correct brushing direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth or by a rotational movement.

Us patent 4,829,621 describes another known type of toothbrush in which the toothbrush is resiliently deformable in the region between the handle and the region where the bristles are located.

The known toothbrush allows the region provided with bristles to be oriented in a plane containing the direction of extension of the bristles.

However, this known toothbrush does have some drawbacks.

In particular, such toothbrushes do not clean the teeth effectively because such bristles are not properly arranged to brush teeth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth, or by rotational movement on the inside thereof.

Another type of known toothbrush is described in patent EP 2048988B 1.

The known toothbrush comprises a grip handle having a distal end portion oppositely positioned with respect to the handle.

In the distal portion, a set of bristles is provided, positioned and mounted on a support connected in an orientable manner with respect to the distal portion.

The support may be rotatable relative to the distal portion and may be locked in a predetermined number of positions.

The locking mechanism is provided with a cylindrical movable collar mounted externally of and coaxially with the distal section.

The movable collar is adapted to slide from top to bottom and vice versa, allowing locking/unlocking the support.

Depending on the position in which the support is locked, the set of bristles may be oriented in different directions relative to the direction of extension of the handle.

Once the optimum position for the operator is found, the support is locked relative to the handle, preventing further rotation.

In this way, the set of bristles can be oriented in a plurality of differently oriented configurations relative to the handle so that it can easily reach different points in the mouth to clean the teeth and gums.

However, this known toothbrush also has some disadvantages.

The support moves along an axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the handle, which results in a lack of practicality for the user in use.

In particular, the support must be moved with two hands, that is, one hand holds the handle and the other hand moves the support.

In addition, the variety of components present makes the manufacturing process of the device more expensive from a production and economic point of view.

The various components present, in particular the locking ring, are also susceptible to water infiltration and the accumulation of impurities, food residues and bacterial deposits, which can affect the hygiene level of the toothbrush itself.

Other known toothbrushes are described in US 2008/172812 a1, US 2047613 a and CH 50937A.

US 2008/178212a describes a toothbrush with a brusher which is associated in an orientable manner with respect to an associated support handle. However, the brush must be removed from the handle in order to rotate it, which makes it uncomfortable and impractical to use.

The toothbrush described by US 2047613 a provides a pin adapted to connect the brush to an associated handle, and a resilient element located between the brush and the associated handle to allow mutual rotation thereof. Such a toothbrush is not only complicated in structure but also poor in function in view of a large number of parts, since it requires the use of two hands to adjust the angular position of the brush.

The toothbrush described by CH 50937A also has a connecting pin between the brush and the associated handle, and a spring element for fixing the brush in the desired position.

Disclosure of Invention

The main object of the present invention is to devise a tooth-cleaning device which is easier to use, more practical, simpler to manufacture and cheaper than the known devices.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to devise a tooth-cleaning device that can be operated even with one hand.

Another object is to design a tooth-cleaning device that comprises as few components as possible and allows easy and convenient changing of the position of the brush relative to the associated handle.

It is another object of the present invention to design a tooth-cleaning device that reduces the deposition of food, impurities and bacteria, thereby improving the level of hygiene thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to design a tooth-cleaning device that can clean teeth and gums (including the inner and outer sides of each tooth) and move alternately or rotationally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a tooth-cleaning device that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, in the context of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

The above object is achieved by a tooth-cleaning device according to claim 1.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of the tooth-cleaning device, given as a preferred but not exclusive example in the attached drawings, in which:

figures 1 to 4 are isometric views of a device according to the invention in different predetermined positions of use;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in an adjusted position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in a use position;

fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a tooth cleaning device.

The apparatus 1 comprises:

at least one grip handle 2 having a substantially elongated shape and comprising at least one distal portion 3;

at least one brush 4 rotatable with respect to the distal portion 3 about an associated rotation axis X;

a detachable locking mechanism 5 of the brush 4, which can be in at least a plurality of predetermined positions with respect to the distal portion 3.

In the remainder of the text, reference sign a is used to indicate a transverse axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle 2.

In particular, the handle 2 is an elongated solid body comprising two opposite ends, one of which is suitable for being gripped by a user and is therefore shaped so as to be easily gripped, while the other defines a distal portion 3.

The distal portion 3 is included in a second end, opposite to the first end, with respect to the center of gravity of the handle 2.

The second end corresponds to the part of the handle 2 that projects into the mouth of the user when the device 1 is in use, and thus supports the brush 4.

The handle 2 is typically made of a partially deformable plastic material to facilitate manual manipulation by a user and to avoid the introduction of too hard a material into the mouth.

However, alternative embodiments employing different materials of construction cannot be excluded.

The brush 4 is associated in a removable manner with the handle 2 so as to allow cleaning and/or replacement thereof.

According to the invention, brush 4 is translatable along a locking/unlocking axis a transverse to the longitudinal axis of handle 2 between an adjustment position, in which brush 4 performs a rotational movement with respect to distal portion 3, and a use position, in which brush 4 is locked in one of the above-mentioned predetermined positions with respect to distal portion 3.

In particular, when brush 4 is in the adjustment position, it can rotate freely about locking/unlocking axis a and, once the desired predetermined position is reached, move to the use position.

In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, there are four predetermined positions.

Specifically, in the first position, brush 4 is aligned relative to the longitudinal axis of handle 2.

This position is a conventional type of position used for tooth cleaning devices without moving parts.

In the second position, brush 4 is oriented at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of handle 2.

This position is particularly effective for cleaning the inner surfaces of the lower left and upper right molars and the front molars.

In the third position, brush 4 is oriented at 135 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of handle 2; this position is particularly effective for cleaning the inner surfaces of the lower right and upper left molars and the front molars.

In the fourth position, brusher 4 is oriented at 90 relative to the longitudinal axis of handle 2, thereby facilitating cleaning of the inner surfaces of the upper and lower incisors and canines.

However, alternative embodiments that contemplate different numbers of predetermined locations cannot be excluded.

The user selects the most suitable predefined position according to the requirement of the user.

According to the invention, the locking mechanism 5 comprises at least one locking projection 5a associated with the brush 4 and at least one locking seat 5b associated with the distal portion 3.

When the brush 4 is in the adjustment position, the locking projection 5a is spaced from the locking seat 5b and is released from the locking seat 5b, allowing the brush 4 to rotate relative to the distal end portion 3, whereas when the brush 4 is in the use position, the locking projection 5a is inserted inside the locking seat itself, preventing the brush 4 from rotating relative to the distal end portion 3 after reaching the desired predetermined angular position. Thus, the brush 4 is locked against rotation relative to the handle in the use position due to the interaction of the locking projection 5a and the locking seat 5 b.

In particular, the locking projection 5a and the locking seat 5b are complementary to each other, that is to say, have the same profile, and are made so as to enter each other when a predetermined position is reached, preventing their mutual movement about the locking/unlocking axis a.

In more detail, the locking projection 5a is adapted to interlock into the locking seat 5b when a predetermined position is reached.

In addition, the locking projection 5a and the locking seat 5b are polygonal.

Preferably, one of the locking projections 5a and the locking seats 5b defines a plurality of projections 8, while the other defines a plurality of recesses 9, the plurality of recesses 9 being adapted to receive the projections 8 in the use position due to mutual alignment.

In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the locking projections 5a have a substantially cylindrical portion from the side surface of which eight projections 8 extend, which are arranged in a radial pattern and are equally spaced from each other.

Similarly, the locking seat 5b has a substantially circular housing portion with eight recesses 9 extending from its peripheral edge.

However, alternative embodiments in which the locking projections 5a and the locking seats 5b have different forms and/or numbers cannot be excluded.

Advantageously, the outer surfaces of the recess 9 and the protrusion 8 are shaped so as to allow mutual interlocking between the recess 9 and the protrusion 8.

Still according to the invention, the brush 4 comprises at least one connecting element 10 connected to the handle 2, the connecting element 10 defining at least one abutment surface 11, the abutment surface 11 being adapted to operate with the handle 2 to prevent the two from separating from each other in the adjustment position and in the use position.

In more detail, the connection member 10 extends from the locking protrusion 5 a.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting element 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is connected to the locking projection 5a by a cylindrical rod having a smaller section than the connecting element itself.

More specifically, the abutment surface 11 substantially coincides with the outer surface of the connecting element 10.

The distal portion 3 defines at least a first housing seat 12 of the connecting element 10.

In particular, in the adjustment position, the connecting element 10 is located within the first housing seat 12 and is rotationally movable about the axis of rotation X.

The distal portion 3 further defines a second housing seat 13, the second housing seat 13 being in communication with the first housing seat 12, the second housing seat 13 being adapted to receive the connecting element 10 when the brush 4 is in the use position.

According to the invention, a first narrowing 14 is defined between the first housing seat 12 and the second housing seat 13, against which first narrowing 14 the abutment surface 11 abuts in the use position, and a second narrowing 20 is defined between the first housing seat 12 and the locking seat 5b, against which second narrowing 20 the abutment surface 11 abuts in the adjustment position.

In more detail, the locking seat 5b communicates with the first housing seat 12 and is arranged on the opposite side of the second housing seat 13 with respect to the first housing seat itself.

Preferably, with the brush 4 in the adjustment position, the abutment surface 11 adheres to the inner surface of the first housing seat 12 and abuts against the second narrowing 20, preventing the brush 4 from disengaging from the handle 2, while allowing it to rotate about the rotation axis X.

When the brush 4 is in the position of use, the connecting element 10 is inserted in the second housing seat 13 and the abutment surface 11 abuts against the first narrowing 14. At the same time, the connecting element 10 is located in the second housing seat 13.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the first housing seat 12 and the connecting element 10 are substantially spherical. On the other hand, the second housing seat 13 has a substantially truncated cone shape.

Thus, brush 4 remains associated with handle 2 in both the adjustment position and the use position.

The handle 2 is therefore made of a material sufficiently flexible to allow the connecting element 10 to pass between the first housing seat 12 and the second housing seat 13.

Advantageously, brush 4 comprises:

at least one base portion 15 comprising at least one first face 17 and at least one second face 16 opposite each other;

at least one set of bristles 18 of a type known to the person skilled in the art, associated with the first face 17, wherein the locking projections 5a are associated with the second face 16.

The base portion 15 is suitably made of a plastic material.

Preferably, the set of bristles 18 is associated with the base portion 15 in a removable manner, so that it can be replaced without removing the base portion itself from the handle 2.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

The user holds the device 1 by grasping the handle 2 at the first end.

As described above, when brush 4 is in the adjusted position, it can be rotated relative to distal portion 3 to find the optimum position for the cleaning needs of the user.

Then, the user exerts a small pressure on the brush 4 to move it along the locking/unlocking axis a and pushes the locking projection 5a toward the locking seat 5 b.

When the locking projection 5a and the locking seat 5b are angularly aligned with each other in one of the predetermined positions, the locking projection 5a enters the locking seat 5b, thereby preventing further rotation of the brush 4 relative to the distal end portion 3.

In the position of use, the projection 8 and the recess 9 interlock, thereby maintaining the brush 4 in a predetermined position determined by the user. The user can perform brushing and cleaning activities in selected areas of the mouth.

When the user wants to change the angle of the brush 4 with respect to the handle 2, it exerts a small pulling force on the brush 4 along the locking/unlocking axis a to move the locking projection 5a away from the locking seat 5b, allowing the brush 4 to rotate again with respect to the distal end portion 3.

At this time, the user places brush 4 at a new predetermined position, and then performs the aforementioned process to return brush 4 to the use state.

In practice it has been established that the tooth-cleaning device according to the invention allows the user to move the brush practically and easily.

In particular, the component performs a locking/unlocking axis movement with respect to a longitudinal axis transverse to the handle.

Furthermore, it has been noted that the tooth-cleaning device according to the invention allows moving parts using only one hand and the teeth themselves.

In particular, in the case of making the adjustment, the teeth can bite the brush, and one hand can easily rotate the brush itself.

Furthermore, the tooth-cleaning device according to the invention can be manufactured at reduced costs, since it has only two parts which are easy to manufacture.

Furthermore, the tooth-cleaning device according to the invention allows to reduce the deposition of food, impurities and bacteria between the different components, thereby increasing the level of hygiene of the tooth-cleaning device itself.

Still further, the tooth-cleaning device according to the present invention allows the user to clean his teeth and gums, including the inner side and the outer side, and to move or rotate parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth.

Claims

1. A tooth-cleaning device (1) comprising:

-at least one grip handle (2) having a substantially elongated shape and comprising at least one distal portion (3);

-at least one brush (4) associated with said distal portion (3) and movable along a locking/unlocking axis (a) transversal to the longitudinal axis of said handle (2) between an adjustment position, in which said brush (4) is rotated about an associated rotation axis (X) with respect to said distal portion (3), and a use position, in which said brush (4) is locked against rotation with respect to said distal portion (3);

-a detachable locking mechanism (5) of the brush (4), in at least a plurality of predetermined angular positions with respect to the distal portion (3) with the brush (4) in the position of use;

wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises at least one locking projection (5a) associated with the brush (4) and at least one locking seat (5b) defined on the distal portion (3); in the adjustment position, the locking projection (5a) is spaced from the locking seat (5b) and is released from the locking seat (5 b); in said position of use, said locking projection (5a) is inserted inside the locking seat itself in one of said predetermined angular positions; the brush (4) is locked against rotation with respect to the handle (2) due to the interaction of the locking projection (5a) with the locking seat (5 b);

characterized in that said brush (4) comprises at least one connecting element (10) connected to said handle (2), said connecting element (10) defining at least one abutment surface (11), said abutment surface (11) being adapted to operate with said handle (2) to prevent mutual disengagement of said connecting element (10) and said abutment surface (11) in said adjustment position and in said use position;

the distal portion (3) defines:

at least a first housing seat (12) of the connecting element (10), the connecting element (10) being rotatable about the axis of rotation (X) within the first housing seat (12) with the brush (4) in the adjustment position and

at least a second housing seat (13) of the connecting element (10), the second housing seat (13) being in communication with the first housing seat (12) with the brusher (4) in the use position;

wherein a first narrowing (14) is defined between the first housing seat (12) and the second housing seat (13), the abutment surface (11) abutting against the first narrowing (14) in the position of use, and a second narrowing (20) is defined between the first housing seat (12) and the locking seat (5b), the abutment surface (11) abutting against the second narrowing (20) in the position of adjustment.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking/unlocking axis (a) corresponds to said rotation axis (X).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said locking projection (5a) and said locking seat (5b) are complementary to each other.

4. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said locking projection (5a) and said locking seat (5b) are polygonal.

5. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

-one of said locking projections (5a) and said locking seats (5b) defines a plurality of projections (8); and

-the other of said locking projection (5a) and said locking seat (5b) defines a plurality of recesses (9), said recesses (9) being adapted to receive said projections (8) in said position of use.

6. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connection element (10) and said first housing seat (12) are substantially spherical in shape.

7. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second housing seat (13) has a substantially truncated-cone shape.

8. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that with said brush (4) in the adjustment position, said abutment surface (11) adheres to the inner surface of said first seat (12) and abuts on said second narrowing (20) to prevent the brush (4) from coming off said handle (2) and at the same time allow the brush (4) to rotate about said rotation axis (X).

9. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said locking seat (5b) communicates with said first housing seat (12) and is arranged on the opposite side of said second housing seat (13) with respect to the first housing seat itself.

10. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connection element (10) extends from said locking protrusion (5 a).

11. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said brusher (4) comprises:

at least one base portion (15) supporting said locking protrusion (5a) and at least one set of bristles (18) associated with said base portion (15) on opposite sides of said locking protrusion (5 a).

12. Device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said set of bristles (18) is removably associated with said base portion (15).