GB2551399A

GB2551399A - A toothbrush

Info

Publication number: GB2551399A
Application number: GB1610669.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: O'connor Fiona
Original assignee: National College of Art and Design NCAD
Current assignee: National College of Art and Design NCAD
Priority date: 2016-06-17
Filing date: 2016-06-17
Publication date: 2017-12-20
Also published as: GB201610669D0

Abstract

A toothbrush 1, suitable for cleaning the bite surface and both sides of a tooth simultaneously, comprises an elongated handle section 3 and a head section (2, figure 1), wherein the head section comprises a substantially circular bristle block body 6 with bristles 7 extending substantially perpendicular from either surface of the block body 6. The bristles 7 extend from the block body 6 forming a substantially inverted U shape (figure 9) with short straight bristles (9, figure 9) extending from the centre and longer bristles (14, figure 9) extending around the outer edges of the block body 6. The ends of the longer bristles extending around the outer edges comprise angled distal ends. In use, the longer bristles clean around the outer surfaces of the tooth (15, figure 9), with the shorter bristles cleaning the bite surface.

Description

“A toothbrush”

Introduction

The present invention relates to toothbrushes and, in particular, an easy to handle and use toothbrush.

It is well known that proper dental hygiene is not a simple matter and requires manipulating a toothbrush head into proper orientations to access all of the tooth surfaces requiring brushing. Many simply lack the desire to invest the required effort, or the awareness of what proper brushing requires, and/or the time and the patience.

These problems are compounded if the user has a physical or mental disability, is infirm or has an arm or hand-related injury.

The present invention provides a toothbrush which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of toothbrushes heretofore provided.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a toothbrush for cleaning the bite surface and both sides of a tooth simultaneously comprising; an elongated handle section; and a head section, wherein the head section comprises a substantially circular bristle block body with bristles extending substantially perpendicular from either surface of the block body.

In one embodiment of the invention the bristles extend from the block body forming a substantially inverted U shape with short straight bristles extending from the centre and longer bristles extending around the outer edges of the block body.

In one embodiment of the invention the distal ends of the longer bristles extending around the outer edges comprise angled distal ends.

In one embodiment of the invention the head section is detachably connected to the handle section. Preferably the head section is detachably connected to the handle section using a snap fit mechanism. Most preferably the detachment means between the head and handle sections comprises a safety mechanism.

In one embodiment of the invention the head section comprises a receiving aperture for receiving an elongate flexible docking shank extending from the distal end of the handle section. Preferably the docking shank comprises an indent for engaging and securing the docking shank with the receiving aperture.

In one embodiment of the invention the detachment means between the head and handle sections comprises a safety mechanism.

In one embodiment of the invention the bristles are manufactured from a nylon material.

In another embodiment of the invention the handle section comprises arms for better grip.

In one embodiment of the invention the handle section comprises a rounded bulbous shape. Preferably the handle section comprises an easy to grip material.

According to the invention there is provided a method of cleaning the bite surface and both sides of a tooth simultaneously comprising the steps of; inserting the head section of the toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim into a user’s mouth; placing the block body between the upper and lower teeth; and closing the mouth and biting or pressing down on the block body pushing the inner bristles down on the bite surface and the outer bristles outwardly down the sides of a tooth on both the upper and lower gums.

Most preferably the bite surface and both sides of a tooth on both the upper and lower jaw are cleaned simultaneously when the user bites down on the block body of the head section.

Brief Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Fig. 1 is a view from the front of the toothbrush according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view from the front of a toothbrush according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of a toothbrush according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the head section of a toothbrush according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a view of the handle section of a toothbrush according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 5 with the head section detached; and

Fig. 9 are views showing the movement of the bristles on the head section of the toothbrush according to the invention on biting showing (a) initial contact of the bristles with a tooth, (b) when biting down pressure is put on the head section and (c) the bristles in full contact with the top and sides of the tooth.

Detailed description

The present invention provides a new and improved toothbrush for simultaneously brushing multiple sides of teeth and gums.

Dental care and hygiene is an essential part of daily life. Decomposing food about teeth can be removed by the proper use of a toothbrush to the extent that the bristles can be forced into the spaces containing it. With good dental hygiene, one can greatly reduce the risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce ones risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health. Some health problems that may be linked to poor oral health are diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease and cancer.

Most toothbrushes use mechanical energy by which the material is broken up and dislodged by the digging action of the ends of the bristles when the brush is held firmly against the place to be cleaned and is moved back and forth, or from side to side, by several short strokes, so as to force the bristles into the pits, grooves and spaces as far as their diameter will allow them to go.

For many people such as people with a physical or mental disability, people who are infirm or have an arm or hand-related injury or for many children with special care needs, while they have the ability to brush their teeth most toothbrushes are not designed to interact with the user. For many the mechanical energy required to clean teeth using conventional toothbrushes can be very hard if not impossible to perform. There is very little dental equipment designed for children with special needs.

The present invention provides a toothbrush which works with the abilities of the user. The present invention provides a toothbrush which incorporates biting rather than mechanical action into the brushing experience. In the case of a child with special care biting works with the child not against them.

By creating something that works through biting the toothbrush is working with the abilities of the user in a way other currently available toothbrushes do not provide. The toothbrush of the present invention incorporates biting into the daily routine of brushing ones teeth.

The present invention provides a toothbrush 1 having a head section 2 and a handle section 3. The handle section 3 is ergonomically shaped. The handle section 3 has a generally palm-sized, rounded oblong shape and is sized to be easily grasped in the palm of the user’s hand. The shape is optimised for those who have difficulty with gripping and grasping items. The handle 3 may have feet 4 so that the toothbrush 1 stands upright independently. The handle 3 may have arms 8 for ease of grip as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The arms provide additional support for the user when gripping and holding the toothbrush. The arms may be removable. By adding supports on the side of the toothbrush such as arms the toothbrush is more accessible and gives users especially children with special needs more independence in their daily routine. The head section 2 and handle section 3 may form one unitary piece.

Sometimes children especially those with special care needs may be fearful and become stressed at the thought of brushing teeth. The toothbrush of the present invention may be designed to resemble a toy to take away some of the fear and anxiety associated with brushing teeth.

The head section 2 may be detachable from the handle section 3 for ease of cleaning and replacement of the head section 2. A safety mechanism is incorporated into the detachment of the head section 2 from the handle section 3. This ensures the toothbrush 1 is childproof and that the head section 2 is not easily or accidentally removed. A bend and click mechanism is used to detach the head from the handle section. A docking shank 10 engages and connects with a receiving aperture in the head section 2. The docking shank 10 has an indent or groove 10a that allows the shank 10 to be removed from the receiving aperture in the head section 2 by bending the shank 10 at a 45degree angle (Fig. 7). The simple snap mechanism works by force. The docking shank 10 may comprise an internal steel rod for strength. Any other suitable quick release means with a safety mechanism may also be used to attach the head section to the handle.

In another embodiment of the invention (Fig. 8) the head section 2 may be attached to the handle section 3 using another type of mating snap fit engagement. The head section 2 has a U shaped receiving opening 12 into which a complementary docking shank 13 on the top of the handle section 3 is pushed thereby interlocking the head section 2 with the handle section 3. To detach the head section 2 from the handle section 3 the two components are pulled apart.

The head section 2 has a substantially circular bristle block body 6 with bristles 7 extending substantially perpendicular from both the upper and lower surface of the block body 6 so that teeth on both the upper and lower jaw may be cleaned when the user bites down on the head section 2.

The bristles 7 extend from the surface of the block body 6 forming a substantially inverted U shape with short straight bristles 9 extending from the centre of the block body 6 and longer bristles 14 extending from around the outer edges of the block body 6 (Fig. 6). The distal ends of the longer bristles 14 have bevelled or angled ends. When the head section 2 is placed in the mouth and the user bites down on the block body 6 the longer outer bristles spread outwardly down along the side of the upper and lower teeth cleaning the sides of the teeth 15 and the gums 16 as shown more clearly in Fig. 7.

The toothbrush works by using curved bristles to get into the space where plaque 17 rests between the gum line 16 and the tooth 15. By applying pressure to the curved bristles 14 they naturally spring backwards surrounding the tooth 15. Pressure is applied to the bristles 7 by the tooth 15 as the user bites down on the head section causing the bristles to buckle. The pressure causes the bristles to brush down along the side of the tooth allowing the longer outer bristles 14 to get in between the tooth and gums.

The bristles are preferably manufactured from a nylon material. Nylon has been shown to work best and is cost efficient. Nylon bristles naturally spring back into place. Any other suitable material may be used.

The diameter of the bristles will vary between toothbrushes providing for soft, medium and hard brushes. The thicker the bristle the harder and more aggressive it will be. For a soft brush the bristles will have a diameter of approximately 0.02mm.

The size of the bristles ensures they are thin enough to brush the plaque 16 out of the small spaces on the surface of the tooth 14. It's important for the bristles to be curved to a point to ensure that children with Down syndrome for example can use the toothbrush. Children with Down's syndrome have naturally enlarged tongues making it difficult for toothbrushes to clean the inside of the child's teeth without manually moving their tongue to one side. By making the area where pressure is applied the centre of the tooth this allows the bristles to go underneath the tongue and brush the inside of their teeth.

The toothbrush of the present invention enables a user to become as self-sufficient as possible in the execution of a necessary daily chore such as teeth cleaning which many able bodied people take for granted.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

1. A toothbrush for cleaning the bite surface and both sides of a tooth simultaneously comprising; an elongated handle section; and a head section, wherein the head section comprises a substantially circular bristle block body with bristles extending substantially perpendicular from either surface of the block body.

2. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bristles extend from the block body forming a substantially inverted U shape with short straight bristles extending from the centre and longer bristles extending around the outer edges of the block body.

3. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 and 2 wherein the ends of the longer bristles extending around the outer edges comprise angled distal ends.

4. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the head section is detachably connected to the handle section.

5. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4 wherein the head section is detachably connected to the handle section using a snap fit mechanism.

6. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the detachment means between the head and handle sections comprises a safety mechanism.

7. A toothbrush as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the head section comprises a receiving aperture for receiving an elongate flexible docking shank extending from the distal end of the handle section.

8. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 7 wherein the docking shank comprises an indent for engaging and securing the docking shank with the receiving aperture.

9. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bristles are manufactured from a nylon material.

10. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle section comprises arms for better grip.

11. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle section comprises a rounded bulbous shape.

12. A toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle section comprises an easy to grip material.

13. A method of cleaning the bite surface and sides of a tooth simultaneously comprising the steps of; inserting the head section of the toothbrush as claimed in any preceding claim into a user’s mouth; placing the block body between the upper and lower teeth; and closing the mouth and biting or pressing down on the block body pushing the inner bristles down on the bite surface and the outer bristles outwardly down the sides of the tooth on both the upper and lower gums.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the bite surface and both sides of a tooth on both the upper and lower jaw are cleaned simultaneously when the user bites down on the block body of the head section.

15. A toothbrush substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.