JP2003325231A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush which can be more easily manufactured than by using a biodegradable plastic and is decomposed and dissolved simply by discarding the toothbrush to a prescribed place for disposal. <P>SOLUTION: A brush body 2 of the toothbrush 1 is formed to a hollow sectional shape or solid sectional shape by natural vegetable fibers and a synthetic resin coating material having water-proofing and water repelling properties is coated or applied to approximately the entire outside surface of the brush body 2, by which approximately the entire outside surface of the brush body 2 is covered and protected with a protective film 10 of the synthetic resin coating material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toothbrush that can be disassembled and dissolved only by discarding it at a predetermined disposal place without the need to incinerate it.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as the toothbrush of the above example, for example, a biodegradable oral cleaning tool made of biodegradable plastic made by mixing a plurality of resin raw materials (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-1027).
No. 2) and a toothbrush main body that can be freely inserted into and taken out of the gripping portion, and when the toothbrush main body is housed in the gripping portion, the opening of the gripping portion is closed by a shutter (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-28748). ) There is.

[0003]

However, the former biodegradable oral cleaning tool is manufactured using a biodegradable plastic containing a plurality of resin raw materials in order to obtain strength suitable for tooth brushing. However, it is difficult to adjust and control the blending amount of the resin raw material, and the manufacturing cost increases. Moreover, it can be used many times for brushing teeth, but since various bacteria in the oral cavity, eating husks, etc. adhere to it, it must be washed or sterilized before and after use, and it is clean and hygienic. There is a problem that it takes time to maintain the state.

The latter toothbrush has a structure in which the toothbrush main body is taken in and out with respect to the holding portion in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the shutter. Therefore, in order to secure the strength or rigidity necessary for the taking in and out, for example, plastic or metal is used. Although such materials are used, they are materials that do not decompose even if they are buried in the soil, so the natural environment is often damaged, and it is difficult to secure a dumping site. In addition, it takes time and labor to pulverize or melt, incinerate, etc., and incinerates at a high temperature, resulting in high disposal cost.

In view of the above problems, the present invention can be manufactured more easily and easily than by using biodegradable plastics by forming the brush main body with natural plant fibers, and it can be simply disposed at a predetermined disposal location. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that is disassembled and dissolved in.

[0006]

The present invention is a toothbrush in which a large number of bristles are planted on the tip side of a brush body,
The brush main body is a toothbrush made of natural plant fiber.

The above-mentioned toothbrush can be composed of, for example, a toothbrush for cleaning teeth, an interdental brush for cleaning between teeth, and the like. Further, the brush main body can be formed (for example, hollow cross-section shape or solid cross-section shape) from natural plant fibers obtained from crops, seaweeds, and the like.

That is, a toothbrush formed of natural plant fibers is used for toothbrushing in the same manner as a commercially available toothbrush, and then the toothbrush used for one or several toothbrushing is discarded, so that cleaning and sterilization treatments are performed. You don't have to
A clean and hygienic unused toothbrush can be used each time. In addition, at the time of dumping, for example, water such as rain, drainage, and groundwater permeates the brush main body, and the brush main body is decomposed and dissolved, so that the dumped amount can be reduced.

As an embodiment, the outer surface of the brush main body is coated with a waterproof synthetic resin paint, or the outer surface of the brush main body is made of a waterproofing agent composed of a natural component (for example, paint or oil). By coating or impregnating with water, it is possible to prevent water such as tap water, saliva, mouthwash and the like from penetrating into the brush body at the time of brushing teeth, and water resistance and durability are improved. In addition, by forming the brush main body into a hollow cross-sectional shape that allows liquid to flow into the interior of the brush main body, moisture such as rain, drainage, groundwater, etc., may enter the inside of the brush main body at the time of dumping. It easily flows in, and the rate of decomposition and decay progresses faster. Further, by configuring the bristles planted on the tip side of the brush body with a natural material (for example, an animal or a plant), substantially the entire toothbrush is decomposed and dissolved, and is naturally reduced.

Further, the brush main body is composed of a brush portion having a large number of bristles planted thereon and a grip portion formed to have a size to accommodate the brush portion, and the brush portion is provided with the grip portion. Of the grip portion at the tip of the brush portion, and the retractable state is accommodated inside the opening portion that is open to the front end side and the extended state that projects forward from the opening portion. A lid may be provided that fits over the section. That is, at the time of brushing teeth, the brush main body is stretched to a length suitable for brushing teeth before use. When not needed, the brush portion is housed in the grip portion, and the opening portion of the grip portion is closed by the lid portion.

[0011]

According to the present invention, a toothbrush formed of natural vegetable fiber can be used for toothbrushing in the same manner as a commercially available toothbrush, and a used toothbrush is disposable, so that cleaning treatment and Since it is not necessary to perform sterilization or the like and an unused toothbrush is used each time, it is clean and hygienic, and is most suitable for cleaning the inside of the oral cavity.
Moreover, since it is formed of only a paper material, it can be manufactured more easily and easily than the conventional biodegradable oral cleaning tool. Moreover, since almost all of the toothbrush is decomposed and dissolved at the time of disposal, the natural environment of the disposal site is not impaired, the volume of the disposal product is reduced, and the disposal site can be secured and the disassembled disposal product can be handled easily.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show a disposable type toothbrush formed of a decomposable paper material. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the toothbrush 1 includes a brush main body 2 having a hollow cross-section formed of a decomposable paper material. A structure in which a grip portion 3 having a size and shape suitable for being gripped by hand and a brush portion 4 in which a large number of bristles 4a made of a natural material such as an animal or a plant are planted are integrally connected. is doing.

The brush main body 2 described above is formed, for example, by pressing a natural vegetable fiber and a paper material made of natural vegetable fiber with a mold, polymerizing a plurality of sheet-shaped paper materials, or a belt-shaped paper. The material is wound into a roll to form a hollow cross-section. Further, the brush body 2 may be formed to have a solid cross section.

Further, an opening 3a through which a fluid such as liquid or gas is allowed to flow in and out is opened at the rear end side of the grip portion 3,
A hollow portion 2a communicating with the opening 3a and allowing the inflow and outflow of liquids such as tap water, saliva, and mouthwash
Is formed to have a substantially inner total length from the front end side to the rear end side of the brush main body 2. Also, the inside of the brush portion 4 may be formed to have a hollow cross section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a synthetic resin paint having water repellency and water repellency is coated or applied on the substantially entire outer surface of the brush main body 2 substantially uniformly, so that the substantially entire outer surface of the brush main body 2 is covered. Are covered and protected by a protective film 10 of synthetic resin paint. Further, instead of a synthetic resin coating having waterproofness and water repellency, for example, a coating with a waterproofing agent containing a natural component extracted from plants or minerals as a main component or a composite component or impregnated with natural oil is used. May be.

When the above-mentioned toothbrush 1 is used for toothbrushing, it can be used for toothbrushing by gripping the grip portion 3 of the brush main body 2 by hand and can be used for toothbrushing in the same manner as a commercially available toothbrush. Since the toothbrush 1 used for toothbrushing is used as a disposable item, there is no need to perform cleaning treatment or sterilization treatment, and since the unused toothbrush 1 is used every time, it is clean and hygienic, and is ideal for cleaning the oral cavity. Is.

Further, since the brush main body 2 is formed only from the paper material made of natural plant fiber, it can be manufactured more easily and easily than the conventional biodegradable oral cleaning tool, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Can be planned. Moreover, since almost the entire toothbrush is disassembled and dissolved at the time of disposal, the natural environment of the disposal site is not impaired, the volume of the disposal product is reduced, and the disposal site can be secured and the disassembled disposal product can be handled easily. Since it is not necessary to incinerate, it is possible to reduce the disposal cost.

At the time of dumping, for example, rain or drainage,
Water such as groundwater flows into the hollow portion 2a of the brush main body 2 from the opening 3a of the grip portion 3, and the brush main body 2 is decomposed and decomposed from the inside as well. Therefore, the brush main body 2 is decomposed and decomposed from the outside. As compared with the method described above, the rate of progress of decomposition and decay is faster, and the time and period required for decomposition can be greatly shortened. Moreover, the used toothbrush 1 can be recycled by crushing or melting it, or can be incinerated as general waste.

Further, since substantially the entire outer surface of the brush main body 2 is covered with the protective film 10 made of synthetic resin paint having water repellency and water repellency, for example, tap water, saliva, mouthwash, etc., are moisturized when brushing teeth. Even if adheres to the outer surface of the brush main body 2, the permeation of water is blocked by the protective film 10 and the dissolution of the brush main body 2 is delayed.
It is possible to secure the strength that can withstand the use of several times or several times), and the durability is improved. Moreover, since the bristles 4a of the brush portion 4 are also made of a natural material, substantially the entire toothbrush 1 is decomposed or dissolved, and the natural environment can be protected.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show another embodiment of the toothbrush 1 in which a brush main body 2 having a hollow cross section formed of a decomposable paper material is provided so as to be expandable and contractable in the length direction. In the brush main body 2, the tip portion 5 in which the above-mentioned brush portion 4 is continuously provided, the intermediate portion 6, and the grip portion 7 are connected so as to be expandable and contractable in the length direction, and the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 are connected to each other. It is provided so as to be retractable in a contracted state in which it is accommodated inside the opening 7a of the grip 7 and in an expanded state in which it projects forward from the opening 7a, and is fitted into the front end side opening 7a of the grip 7. The lid 8 to be worn is detachably attached to the tip of the brush 4.

In the above-mentioned tip portion 5, the brush portion 4 in which a large number of natural bristles 4a are implanted is continuously provided on the front end side of the tip portion 5, and the opening portion 5b in which the inflow and outflow of the fluid is allowed is formed at the tip portion. Hollow part 5c which opens at the rear end side of 5 and communicates with the opening 5b
Is formed to have a substantially internal total length from the front end side to the rear end side of the front end portion 5.

Further, the rear end side of the front end portion 5 is inserted into and retractable from the hollow portion 6c of the intermediate portion 6 which will be described later, and the substantially annular projection 5d formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear end side is opened. 6a is locked to the inner peripheral edge of the opening 6a so as not to be pulled out, and the tip 5 is restricted to a state in which it projects forward by a predetermined length from the opening 6a of the intermediate portion 6, and at the vicinity of the opening 6a. The projecting state is held by the resistance applied when trying to get over the stepped portion 6e formed on the inner peripheral edge of the opening side.

The above-mentioned intermediate portion 6 has an opening portion 6a in which the leading end portion 5 in which the brush portion 4 is continuously provided is allowed to be taken in and out.
To the front end side of the intermediate part 6 to allow the fluid to flow in and out.
A hollow portion 6c communicating with a and 6b is formed over the substantially entire internal length from the front end side to the rear end side of the intermediate portion 6.

Further, the rear end side of the intermediate portion 6 is freely inserted into and removed from the accommodating portion 7c of the gripping portion 7, which will be described later, and the substantially annular projection 6d formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear end side is provided with the opening portion. The inner peripheral edge portion of the opening 7a is locked so that it cannot be pulled out, the intermediate portion 6 is restricted to a state in which it protrudes a predetermined length forward of the opening portion 7a of the grip portion 7, and the vicinity of the opening portion 7a. The stepped portion 7e formed on the inner peripheral edge portion on the opening side is held in the protruding state by the resistance applied when trying to get over the stepped portion 7e.

Further, as a restricting means in place of the stepped portions 6e, 7e, for example, like a telescopic fishing rod, a taper portion formed such that its diameter gradually decreases from the rear end side toward the front end side is brought into contact, The tip portion 5, the intermediate portion 6, and the grip portion 7 may be restricted or fixed in an extended state.

As shown in FIG. 9, the above-mentioned grip portion 7 is
An opening 7a is formed in the front end side of the grip portion 7 in which the leading end portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 in which the brush portions 4 are continuously provided are allowed to be taken in and out,
For example, a bottom portion 7b for preventing entry of foreign matter such as moisture or dust is formed on the rear end side of the grip portion 7, and substantially the entire front end portion 5 and intermediate portion 6 in which the brush portion 4 is provided are contracted. The accommodating portion 7c having a bottomed cylindrical shape that is allowed to be accommodated is communicated with the opening 7a and is formed to have a substantially internal total length from the front end side to the rear end side of the grip portion 7. Further, the rear end side of the grip portion 7 may be formed with an opening or a hole having a size that allows the inflow and outflow of the fluid.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the recesses 5e formed on the protrusion 5d of the tip portion 5 and the hollow portion 6c of the intermediate portion 6 are formed.
The projections 6e of the filament formed on the inner surface are movably locked in the length direction, and the recesses 6f formed on the projection 6d of the intermediate portion 6 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 7c of the grip portion 7 are formed. And the protruding portions 7f of the strips are locked so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction,
The brush section 4 is regulated in a state of being directed in a specific direction. Also,
As a method of substituting the convex portions 5e, 6e and the concave portions 6f, 7f, for example, a sectional shape suitable for restricting the tip portion 5, the intermediate portion 6, and the grip portion 7 in a state in which the brush portion 4 is directed in a specific direction (for example, It may be formed in a rectangular sectional shape, a polygonal sectional shape, or the like).

In addition, the substantially entire outer surface of the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 and the grip portion 7 constituting the brush main body 2 and the substantially outer surface of the lid portion 8 are covered with a protective film 10 having waterproofness and water repellency. And protected.

As shown in FIG. 8, the above-mentioned lid portion 8 is formed in a size and shape that substantially coincides with the opening portion 7a of the grip portion 7, and is a hole portion formed in the center portion on the tip side of the brush portion 4. 4b, which is substantially wedge-shaped when viewed from the side where it is inserted and fixed to 4b
Is formed in the central portion on the back surface side of the lid portion 8 so as to face the hole portion 4b. In addition, a belt-shaped pulling member 9 for pulling out the distal end portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 accommodated in the accommodating portion 7c of the grip portion 7 is tied to the stopper portion 8c protruding to the central portion on the front surface side of the lid portion 8. I have stopped.

The above-mentioned projection 8b is divided into a plurality of pieces in the axial direction (for example, divided into two), and a tightened state in which insertion is allowed in the hole portion 4b of the brush portion 4 and a retainer in the hole portion are prevented. It is formed so as to be elastically displaceable in a fixed expanded state.

The holes 4b and the projections 8b are pinched by the fingers of the pulling member 9 tied to the lid 8, and the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 where the brush portion 4 is continuously provided are held in the grip portion 7. Housing 7
The brush portion 4 and the lid portion 8 are separated from each other by a strength required for pulling in the pulling direction from c, and when the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 are pulled out by a predetermined length. It is locked.

Instead of the holes 4b and the protrusions 8b,
For example, it may be fixed with a magnet, a surface fastener, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like. Further, instead of the pulling member 9, for example, a grip portion for gripping or pinching with a finger, a gripping tool, or the like is provided,
A locking portion for locking a finger, a nail, a locking tool, or the like may be provided.

Further, on the opening-side inner peripheral edge portion of the grip portion 7 and the back-side outer peripheral edge portion of the lid portion 8, a convex portion 7d and a concave portion 8d which are engaged with each other are continuously provided along the opposing peripheral edge portion. They are formed or formed at predetermined intervals. That is, the convex portion 7d and the concave portion 8
The lid part 8 attached to the tip part 5 by locking d and each other
Is fitted and fixed to the opening 7a of the grip portion 7 to be closed, and the distal end portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 are held in a state of being accommodated in the accommodation portion 7c.

When the retractable toothbrush 1 described above is used, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pulling member 9 tied to the lid portion 8 is grasped and pulled by a finger to pull the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6. After pulling out from the accommodating portion 7c of the grip portion 7 to extend the brush main body 2 to a length suitable for brushing teeth, the lid portion 8 is separated from the brush portion 4 and used for brushing teeth.
It is possible to obtain substantially the same actions and effects as those of the above-described embodiment. Moreover, since the opening 7a of the grip portion 7 is closed by the lid portion 8, it is possible to reliably prevent foreign matter such as water and dust from entering the housing portion 7c or adhering to the brush portion 4. It is possible to maintain a clean and hygienic condition.

On the other hand, when it is unnecessary, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tip portion 5 and the intermediate portion 6 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 7c of the grip portion 7.
The lid 8 attached to the tip of the brush 4 is fitted and fixed in the opening 7a of the grip 7 to be closed, so that the size becomes compact and it is very convenient to carry and carry. Yes, you can carry it in your pocket or bag.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but the brush main body 2 described above is
For example, it may be provided so as to be expandable / contractible in a length of one step or two or more steps. Further, it is also possible to pull out and use only the tip portion 5 in which the brush portion 4 is continuously provided while the intermediate portion 6 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 7c of the grip portion 7.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toothbrush formed of a decomposable paper material.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing the internal structure of a toothbrush.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing a covering state of a protective film.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a stretched state of a toothbrush which is capable of expanding and contracting.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view showing an extended state of the toothbrush.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a contracted state and a stored state of the toothbrush.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional side view showing a contracted state and a stored state of the toothbrush.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a fitted state of the lid portion.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a housed state of the toothbrush with the lid removed.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing an engagement state of a tip portion, an intermediate portion, and a grip portion.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Toothbrush 2 ... Brush body 2a ... hollow part 3 ... Grip 4 ... Brush section 4a ... hair 5 ... Tip 5c ... Hollow part 6 ... Middle part 6c ... Hollow part 7 ... Grip 7a ... opening 7c ... accommodation section 8 ... Lid 10 ... Protective film

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A toothbrush formed by implanting a large number of bristles on the tip side of a brush body, wherein the brush body is formed of natural vegetable fibers. 2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the brush main body is coated with a synthetic resin paint having a waterproof property. 3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the brush body is coated or impregnated with a waterproofing agent composed of a natural component. 4. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the brush main body is formed in a hollow cross-sectional shape that allows liquid to flow into the brush main body. 5. The toothbrush according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the bristles planted on the tip side of the brush body are made of a natural material. 6. The brush main body comprises a brush portion having a large number of bristles planted thereon and a grip portion formed to have a size to accommodate the brush portion, and the brush portion has the grip portion. Of the grip portion at the tip of the brush portion, and the retractable state is accommodated inside the opening portion that is open to the front end side and the extended state that projects forward from the opening portion. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, further comprising a lid portion fitted to the portion.