GB2533417A

GB2533417A - A mouth cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2533417A
Application number: GB1422796.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barton Justine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-19
Also published as: GB2533417B

Abstract

A mouth cleaning device comprises an elongate body comprising a proximal end 3, an intermediate portion with a handle 8, and a distal end 2 configured with a cleaning head 1. The elongate body defines an insertion axis A extending between the proximal 3 and distal 1 ends, and wherein the head 1 extends at an acute angle (C, figure 5) to the insertion axis A of 45 degrees. The neck 4 may be flexible configured to flex under pressure, and the head 1 includes a plurality of bristles 5 which may be provided with a chamfered leading edge (11, figure 5). The device enables a user to reach difficult areas such as inter proximal areas between the teeth but especially subgingivally at the periodontal pockets within the mouth.

Description

A MOUTH CLEANING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mouth cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush style device for cleaning within and around a user's mouth; more particularly but not exclusively a device for deep and safe cleaning between the user's gum and tooth to help in the prevention of periodontal disease.

Background

Increasing awareness of mouth hygiene, teeth cleanliness and breath freshness has led to better mouth cleaning regimes. In accordance with this many users have become accustomed to better toothbrushes, manual or electric.

Particularly with an increase in processed and sugared food and drink cleaning between the tooth and gum is of great importance for prevention of periodontal disease; namely the subgingival area being or occurring under the gums; especially, being or occurring in the crevice between the gum margin and the neck or root of a tooth.

Current subgingival toothbrushes are ineffective at reaching awkward periodontal pockets in the mouth and their bristles are not long enough to reach deep recesses, especially for patients in whom periodontal disease is most prevalent.

Although flossing can accomplish many such cleaning tasks it can be quite difficult, and so not always appropriate due to mouth layout or user prejudice.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese patent application CN 202 445 426 (YONGSHENG) discloses a bent 35 toothbrush. Most of common toothbrushes are used for cleaning front surfaces of teeth, and the bent toothbrush is specially designed for cleaning back surfaces of the teeth. When a bent toothbrush head is put into a mouth, toothbrush bristles are used for directly cleaning the back surfaces of the teeth; and a toothbrush bar of the toothbrush is detachable, and a straight hooked toothpick is arranged on a rear toothbrush bar of the bent toothbrush and used for removing residues in the toothbrush bristles and among tooth gaps. Accordingly, the bent toothbrush is wide in applicability, and the improvement of the bent toothbrush has a certain positive significance.

Granted United States patent US 6 401 291 (LEE) discloses a toothbrush, comprising: a handle; and a bristle head connected to said handle and having a flat base that is implanted with a plurality of bundles of bristles, said bundles of bristles implanted in a middle section of said flat base having a first length, and said bundles of bristles implanted on opposite sides of the middle section having a second length that is shorter than the first length, so that said plurality of bundles of bristles collectively define a V-shaped configuration, said bristle head being arranged at an angle between 45 degrees to 90 degrees relative to a central axis of said handle.

United States patent application US 4 502 177 (BEGGS) discloses a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a plurality of bristles; a head for holding said bristles; a neck for connecting said handle and said head with an offset angle formed therebetween, wherein said neck causes said offset angle to approximately equal the average value of the long axis of the anterior teeth of the population, said offset angle being within the range of approximately 110 (degree) -122 (degree) such that when said toothbrush is used to clean the lingual aspects of the anterior teeth said head is approximately parallel to the long axis of the anterior teeth, and said handle is approximately parallel to the occlusal plane, -wherein said neck further provides a reverse angle, said reverse angle in the neck providing an angle between the neck and the handle within the range of approximately 120 (degree) -170 (degree) , wherein when said toothbrush is used to clean the lingual aspects of the anterior teeth, said handle is approximately parallel to said occulsal plane and lies closer to said occlusal plane than would be the case if said reverse angle were not used, and wherein said bristles exit said head at an exit angle of approximately 45 (degree) measured between the length of said bristles and that portion of said head furthest from said neck, said bristles being substantially parallel with teach other and the same length.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouth cleaning device comprising: an elongate body comprising a proximal end for a user to hold, an intermediate portion, and a distal end configured with a cleaning head; in which the elongate body defines an insertion axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate body, and wherein the head extends at an acute angle to the insertion axis.

Preferably the head comprises a plurality of bristles which can be better directed about the inside of the mouth.

The head at the distal end may be configured in fixed manner so as to continue and deviate from the insertion axis substantially so as to present bristles at the acute 15 angle, wherein the head forms a bristle axis at an acute angle to the insertion axis.

In typical embodiments the device is manually implemented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrically powered toothbrush comprising an elongate body comprising a proximal end for a user to hold, an intermediate portion, and a distal end configured with a cleaning head; in which the elongate body defines an insertion axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate body, and wherein the head is arranged at an acute angle to the insertion axis, and wherein the insertion axis comprises the route along which electrical power is supplied from at or adjacent the proximal end to the distal end of the elongate body.

In this way the device may be inserted in use into the mouth and the head may be directed at least partly in a manner to have a plane of usage that is returned back along the insertion axis, consequently allowing a user to reach interior and anterior areas of the mouth. The device thereby advantageously enables a user to reach difficult areas such as inter proximal areas between the teeth but especially subgingivally at the periodontal pockets.

The intermediate portion may deviate in at least one direction off the insertion axis wherein the body follows a non-linear axis from end to end. Advantageously the body is thereby configured to curve about the axis and thereby allow the user to operate further insertion possibilities of access to areas of the mouth, in addition or the alternative avoiding obstructions therewithin by intermediate deviation from and final return to the insertion axis.

In some embodiments this deviation may be constant so as to provide an easy to clean form and surface, whereas in others it is envisaged to be multi-angular with plural corners.

In other embodiments the axis may be largely linear with the head alone deviating therefrom.

In preferred embodiments therefore the curvature of the body is advantageously formed so as to further accentuate the angle of the head with respect to the proximal 15 end, wherein the body is at an angle to the axis.

In some embodiments the curvature may comprise a central portion of the body, wherein the curvature is a returning curve. In this way the user is enabled to reach over teeth and further into the mouth and accordingly and advantageously is enabled 20 to brush to rear of the mouth and teeth.

In combination with the angled head the device allows the user to brush teeth in a direction returning towards the proximal end.

The body is typically moulded in a fixed piece in a synthetic plastics material. Such material allows the body to be formed in a cost-effective single shot mould.

The material may allow flexure in the body, ideally wherein the body is advantageously formed with a relatively minimal construction and minimal sectional 30 profile, so as to permit flexure, minimal cost, and a lightweight construction allowing maximal manoeuvrability in the mouth.

Preferably the body is formed of a handle for holding and a neck for providing the head, wherein the handle is configured to be gripped, typically having a greater cross 35 section and robustness, and the neck is thinner and configured for manoeuvrability and flexure.

The head may comprise a single tapered tuft, comprised of multiple bristles, allowing for a streamlined, low-cost construction and maximal manoeuvrability.

The bristles may be typically medium to soft and closely packed so as to allow effective cleaning and massaging of soft tissue such as periodontal areas.

The head may be formed so as to reach a distal point, which point allows for effective and targeted cleaning between two teeth or between teeth and gums.

The head may thereby comprise a sculpted or progressive shape, tapering or curving towards a point.

In this way the head may be directed into difficult to reach areas of the mouth, 15 wherein the sides of the head may additionally or alternatively be used for cleaning purposes; further allowing access to difficult areas of the mouth.

Advantageously in some embodiments all bristles are additionally individually rounded so as to limit damage to gingival areas or the mouth.

Advantageously the bristles are closely packing so as to provide maximal cleaning effectiveness as well as longevity of use, where bristles are not liable to displace or break in isolation. The head is typically larger than the bristle diameter and tapered towards the bristles so as to ensure an effective placement.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the device according to the present 30 invention; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 5 shows a sketch of a detail view of the head of the embodiment pictured in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Ficiures

With reference to the figures there is shown a device comprising an elongate body, 10 formed in singles-shot moulded plastics such as polyethylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) but ideally polypropylene.

The body comprises an intermediate section comprising a handle 8 which is configured to be gripped in a plurality of positions adding to available angles of 15 insertion, having at one distal end 2 a distal head 1, and a proximal end 3 said end being distal to the head and typically closer to a user's hand during usage.

The body further includes a flexible neck 4 which is configured to flex under pressure to limit accidental damage to the mouth or gingival areas of the mouth in use.

The head includes a plurality of bristles 5, which bristles are provided with a chamfered leading edge 11.

The bristles are seated in the head and surrounded by a tapered socket 12, so as to 25 allow for maximal concentration of the bristles in relation to strength of attachment to the body.

The head attaches to the body at an elbow 10. The head has an axis B which is angled to the insertion axis A at an angle C of approximately 45 degrees.

The bristles ends are all rounded to prevent trauma to gingiva as well as the chamfering of head edge shape altogether.

The body defines an insertion axis A, drawn through the ends.

The body does not follow the axis, and deviates to either side of this axis at rest, in order that greater angling and ease of insertion may be provided to the user.

The deviation of the body is provided from the proximal end in a first curvature 7 5 away from the axis, and a second curvature curve 6 towards the axis.

The body deviates in continuous curvature wherein the ends are separated by a curvature that may be used to overcome or pass teeth and reach towards the rear of the mouth.

The ergonomic curvature further provides peaks and troughs that fit comfortably into the user's hand, where a gentle upwards sweep of the distal end gives greater access to the rear of the mouth. Wide and thin areas of the body aid in comfort.

Central overmoulded portions 9 to either side of the handle provide added grip for the user's fingers and palm during use. The overmould is ideally rubber or silicone type material and can be produced in most colours and texture may be applied to both the overmould and plastic for added grip.

A tapered bristle configuration on the head allows greater control and precise access in confined spaces.

The bristle length is ideally about 10mm and has a variety of selectable hardness as retail, for example with soft or medium hardness having a bristle diameter of 0.2mm 25 and 0.3mm The head is angled at 45 degrees from the distal end, presenting the axis of cleaning at an acute angle from the insertion axis.

The angled head allows the user to access hard to reach areas of their mouth that often prove difficult with conventional, larger heads especially when attempting to clean deeply between the gum and tooth principally in the prevention of periodontal disease.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A mouth cleaning device comprising: an elongate body comprising a proximal end for a user to hold, an intermediate portion, and a distal end configured with a cleaning head; in which the elongate body defines an insertion axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate body, and wherein the head extends at an acute angle to the insertion axis.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the head extends to a 45 degree angle at insertion axis.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the head comprises a plurality of bristles.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the bristles extend from the plane of the head of the elongate body in a direction defining a bristle axis.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the bristle axis is at an acute angle to the insertion axis.
6. A device according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the bristle axis is at 45 degrees to the insertion axis.
7. A device according to any of any of the preceding claims wherein the head provides bristles that have individually rounded ends.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the distal end comprises the head and is configured in fixed manner so as to continue and deviate from the insertion axis substantially so as to present bristles at the acute angle, wherein the head forms a bristle axis at an acute angle to the insertion axis.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the intermediate portion deviates in at least one direction off the insertion axis wherein the body follows a non-linear axis from end to end.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the body from the proximal end to the distal end deviates firstly away from the axis and secondly towards the axis.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the head comprises a tapered tuft.
12. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
13. An electrically powered toothbrush comprising an elongate body comprising a proximal end for a user to hold, an intermediate portion, and a distal end configured with a cleaning head; in which the elongate body defines an insertion axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate body, and wherein the head is arranged at an acute angle to the insertion axis, and wherein the insertion axis comprises the route along which electrical power is supplied from at or adjacent the proximal end to the distal end of the elongate body.
14. A toothbrush according to claim 13 wherein the angle is 45 degrees.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A mouth cleaning device comprising: an elongate body comprising a proximal end for a user to hold, an intermediate portion, and a distal end configured with a cleaning head; in which the elongate body defines an insertion axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate body, the body having a first curvature away from the axis and a second curvature curved towards the axis; the body tapers towards the distal end, the head extends at an acute angle of 45 degrees to the insertion axis so as to have a plane of usage that is returned back along the insertion axis, allowing a user to reach periodontal pockets of the user's mouth; wherein the head includes a tapered socket allowing for maximal concentration of the bristles in relation to strength of attachment to the body, from which a plurality of bristles extend in the same plane, the bristles tapering or curving towards a point.2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the head comprises a plurality of bristles that are up to 10mm long.3. A device according to any of any of the preceding claims wherein the head provides bristles that have individually rounded ends.COC\I 4. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the intermediate portion deviates in at least one direction off the insertion axis wherein the body follows a non-linear axis from end to end.5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the head comprises a tapered tuft.6. A device as described in any of claims 1 to 5 that is electrically powered.7. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.