JP2003534025A - Breath-cleaning wand system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A breath freshening wand (10) for removing Halitosis bacteria and bacterial by-products from a user's tongue includes a body (26) having a distal end (20) and a proximal end (16); A head (34) connected in conjunction with (26) and having an outer end face is included. At least one opening (42) in the head (34) is shaped to fluidly couple with the liquid source and direct the flow of liquid onto the tongue, and at least one tongue scraping formation is formed on the outer end face. It is positioned and shaped to interact with bacteria on the user's tongue. Each such tongue scraping formation is positioned in conjunction with at least one opening (42) on the tongue of the formation in combination with the release of liquid under pressure from the opening (42). Extermination of bacteria and their by-products from the tongue A replacement cartridge for supplying liquid to such a wand is also provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

This application is a part-pending application of US Application No. 08 / 824,502, filed March 26, 1997, entitled "Breathing Clean Wand", of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for removing Halitosis bacteria and bacterial by-products from the tongue of a user, and more particularly to a breath-cleaning wand that combines a tongue scraper with a liquid spout or wash system.

Conventionally, many oral cavity cleaners have been proposed for cleaning the oral cavity, particularly the area around the teeth. Prior art examples of such mouthwashes are disclosed in the following US patents:

US Pat. No. 5,558,518 Bab et al. 5,218,956 Handler et al. 5,127,831 Bab 4,979,504 Mills 4,973, 250 Milman 4,958,751 Curtis et al. 4,787. , 845 Valentine Also, many tongue scrapers have been proposed in the past, some examples of which are disclosed in the following US patents.

US Patent Applicant 5,569,278 Persad 5,217,475 Kuber 4,488,327 Snider However, rinsing or rinsing the tongue under pressure while scraping the tongue, Hali
No combination of a tongue scraper and mouthwash has been previously proposed that minimizes and reduces tosis (a condition commonly referred to as "bad breath").

[Journal of the American Dental As
Sociation (April 1996 issue) ”states that 2 out of 3 people in the United States have Ha
It is believed to be litosis.

Bad breath is usually caused by sulfur and other malodorous compounds released by bacteria on the surface of the tongue. It is known that 90% or more of halitosis depends on oral conditions. Without advanced periodontal disease or tooth decay, the most common cause of halitosis is bacteria.
This is in contrast to the general opinion that halitosis is due to systemic or gastrointestinal illnesses. In fact, these diseases account for only a small portion of bad breath.

One of the most common remedies for this condition is over-the-counter mouthwash, which temporarily masks the malodor but loses its effect after about 1 hour. Similarly, chewing gum, breath mint or mint candies do not attack sulfur-dependent bacteria.

As far as the treatment of Halitosis is concerned, dentists are Procter and G
Product name PERIDEX made by amble, Product name PERIOG made by Colgate
Chlorhexidine commercially available at UARD or product name TO manufactured by Colgate
Rinse or brush the tongue with an anti-gingivitis fluid such as Triclosan marketed at TAL. However, these antibacterial agents have a broad antibacterial spectrum and reduce the total number of bacteria but do not target those bacteria that produce sulfur compounds. Therefore,
These rinses are not totally effective, as some of the malodor producing compounds remain.

To combat oral bacteria, new types of antibacterial rinses have recently been used to chemically target sulfur compounds that cause halitosis. Typical of these rinses contain zinc or chlorine dioxide and have been tested by spraying or gargling into the mouth of the user. Simply spraying has little benefit and does not penetrate into the tongue's crevices, so you must rinse it several times a day for satisfactory results.

Regarding tongue scrapers, a drawback of conventional tongue scrapers is that they only partially remove the tongue coating, which is bacteria and its by-products. However, tongue scrapers do not remove all bacteria, especially those found in many of the deep crevices and wrinkles of the human tongue. Bacteria in such hidden areas are not removed by the tongue scraper or conventional rinses.

Moreover, many conventional tongue scrapers can sometimes cause a vomiting effect on the user, making them hesitant to use. For the above reasons, the sequential use of a tongue scraper and an antimicrobial spray does not substantially reduce Halitosis bacteria and bacterial by-products from the tongue crevices.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to physically disturb the bacteria on the tongue and effectively act on the liquid to remove or wash out the bacteria, which is Halito.
It is to provide an improved system of sis therapy.

Another object of the present invention is an improved treatment of Halitosis bacteria on the tongue using a combination of physical scraping of the tongue and at the same time directing and injecting pressurized fluid. It is to provide an exhaled breath cleaning device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exhaled breath cleaning device characterized by having a replaceable cartridge containing a therapeutic liquid.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The above-identified objects are directed, pressurized fluids for simultaneously combating or killing Halitosis bacteria, neutralizing bacteria on the tongue, and / or rinsing from the tongue. Is solved or overcome by the breath cleaning system of the present invention featuring a tongue scraping formation. The breath cleaning wand using the present invention includes at least one tongue scraping formation that is operated in close coordination with the opening to inject pressurized fluid to penetrate deep into the tongue. A treatment liquid exchange cartridge is also provided to allow for economical and efficient reuse of the breath cleaning wand.

In particular, the present invention provides a breath-cleaning wand for use in removing Halitosis bacteria from a user's tongue, including a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a head portion coupled to and interlocking with the body, An opening in at least one head shaped to direct the flow of liquid onto the tongue, which is fluidly interlockable with a liquid source, the shape being located on the head and engaging bacteria on the tongue of the user. At least 1
Includes individual tongue scraping formations. Each such formation is associated with at least one opening, such that movement on the tongue of the formation in combination with the release of liquid under pressure from the opening disinfects bacteria and bacterial by-products from the tongue. It is in a position to do. Also provided is a replacement cartridge for supplying liquid to such a wand.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for removing Halitosis bacteria from the surface of a user's tongue comprising perturbing the bacteria by physical contact while at the same time flushing the perturbed bacteria with a liquid from the tongue. I will provide a. If desired, energy may be used to help disturb and destroy the bacteria and bacterial by-products from the tongue.

Embodiments of the Invention FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a breath cleaning wand, generally designated 10, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As shown, the breath cleaning wand 10 includes a handle portion 12 having a plurality of spaced parallel ribs 14 for facilitating gripping of the handle portion 12. These ribs 14 are also shown in cross section in FIG. It is also conceivable to use other types of equivalent grip formations such as plaids, raised protrusions, and relatively soft plastic or rubber,
It is not limited to that.

The proximal end 16 of the breath-cleaning wand 10 is in the illustrated embodiment a breath-cleaning wand 1.
0 over the proximal end 16 and fitted over the distal end 20 of the hose 22 at the other end,
Alternatively, the coupling member 18 may be a fixed elastic body or rubber.

As shown, the hollow of the wand 10 is spring biased for withdrawal into the handle interior to force the flexible tubing 30 (not shown) into the hollow body portion 26 of the wand 10. A button member 24, adjusted to be pushed into the body portion 26, is located above or away from the handle portion 12.

In this way, the button member 24 acts as a valve or flow controller for the liquid flowing through the pipe. In addition, the button member 24 is a flexible pipe 3 without using a spring.
It is believed to be biased by the fluid pressure of the liquid within zero. In addition, the liquid is pipe 30
Would flow through the hollow body portion 26 without. In that case, the button member is modified to be a fluid controller valve.

It can be seen that the flexible tubing 30 is connected to the hose 22 in order to hermetically communicate the liquid between the two elements. This can be done by fixing the peripheral portion of the pipe 30 at the proximal end to the inner wall surface 32 (FIG. 3) of the hollow body portion 26 of the wand 10.

The proximal end 16 of the handle 12 faces a head 34 located at the distal or head end 36 of the wand 10. By applying pressure to the button member 24, the user of the wand 10 can adjust or stop dispensing of liquid from the head end 36 of the wand 10, as described below.

The preferably flared or flared proximal end 38 of the tubing 30 is a head end 36.
Is connected to the back surface 39 of the. As shown in FIG. 2A, the head 34 has an outer end surface 40 having an opening 42, generally designated 42, through which a wash flush liquid can be dispensed. The wall surface 32 defines a flow path and is in fluid communication with the opening 42. Preferably, the liquid is an antimicrobial rinse that targets molecules of the type that chemically produce Halitosis.

Typical of these rinses contain zinc or chlorine dioxide, whose components are not antibacterial, but neutralize malodorous compounds produced by the Halitosis bacteria. Also, the liquid is considered to be tap water, purified water, a mouthwash, a dental oral rinse, an anti-gingivitis rinse, or other liquid designed for improving oral hygiene and / or having antibacterial properties. .

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2A, generally designated 51, a ridge for scraping,
These tongue scraping formations, which are ribs or blades 51-53, are provided on the outer end surface 40 for scraping the user's tongue. Two rows of these three openings 54 and two openings 55 are located between the blade 53 and the proximal end 16 of the head 34, as shown in FIG. 2A.

Providing a different shape of the head 34, such as a generally square shape as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, an oval or elliptical shape as disclosed in FIGS. 11 and 13, a triangular, rectangular T-shape, etc. It will be appreciated that it is possible and that breath-cleaning wand 10 may resemble a safety razor, or may have other forms as needed for a particular application. An important feature of head 34 is that it has a relatively thin vertical shape in the direction shown in FIG.
This can minimize the user's vomiting reflex when the wand is moved backwards in the user's mouth to treat the back of the tongue.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the outer end surface 40 of the head 34 of the wand 10 is also shown.
Then, the cleaning opening and the scraping formation or blade 51 have various shapes. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2B, the outer end surface 40 has a first row of two cleaning openings 56, a second row having a first scraping blade 57, and three cleaning openings 58.
And a second row with a second scraping blade 59. Additionally or alternatively, blade 57 (including the extreme tongue contacting end) may be provided with two openings 60 and blade 59 with one opening 61. Yet another alternative is to have holes 60, 61 in the sidewall 50 of each blade 57, 59.
Can be provided.

FIG. 2C shows a first row of two cleaning openings 62 with two scraping blades 66, 68 below the two rows of openings and three cleaning openings 64. 6 shows another shape of the end face 40 including the second row. In addition, an outlet hole 69 may be provided through the head 34 above or below the scraping blades 66, 68 and the cleaning openings 62, 64, but is shown below the blade 68 in the figure.

Another shape of the end surface 40 is shown in FIG. 2D, with two in each of the first and second rows.
Included are scraping blades 71-74, three wash openings 75 in the third row and two wash openings 76 in the fourth row.

Finally, another shape of the end face 40 is shown in FIG. 2E, where three pairs of scraping blades 81
To 86, each pair generally including three V-shaped cleaning openings 88 between the first and second pairs of scraping blades 81-84, and a second and third blades 83-86. It is arranged in a V-shape having three cleaning openings 90 located between the third pair.

In any of the various tongue scraping formations 51 designated above with various reference numbers, the formations are supported on their own and are rigid enough to disinfect bacterial debris on the tongue without damaging the tongue. Is preferably provided. To meet the latter problem, the formation 51 preferably arcs along the tip that contacts the tongue. In some applications, the formation 51 has some flexibility so as to disinfect bacteria when the handle portion 12 is reciprocated with respect to the tongue so that a scrubbing action similar to the bristles of a toothbrush can be performed. Is desirable. Moreover, it flows through the openings 42, in particular the formations 57, 59.
The formation 51 may be sufficiently flexible to be moved or vibrated by the action of a pressurized liquid (best example of which is seen in FIG. 2B) through the openings 60, 61 located at.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handle portion 12 of the wand 10 on the outer surface 92 of the handle portion 12 having a hollow interior space 94 delimited by an inner wall surface 32 into which the tubing 30 is inserted. Six long grip ribs 14 are provided. Piping has opening 4
2, the pipe 30 is located outside the handle portion 12 and is in fluid communication with the head 34.
It can be attached to the. This alternative is shown in FIG. 1 as piping 30a (partially shown in shade).

FIG. 4 shows the connection between the proximal end 100 of the hose 22 and a liquid or drug solution source, such as a mouthwash pump. As shown, the hose 22 extends from the mouthwash 102 to a coupling member 18 that is connected to the proximal end 16 of the wand 10. Or Figure 1
The hose 22 may be connected to the external line 30a, as described above in connection with. Referring to FIG. 5, in some cases it may be desirable to use tap water as the liquid to be discharged through the opening 42. In that case, the hose 22 has at its proximal end 100 a removable sealing coupling member 104 over the normal sink faucet 106 or the jet end of the showerhead (for bath or shower). .

Referring to FIG. 6, a portable breath cleaning wand assembly 108 is shown that includes a wand 10 that is removably connected to a proximal end 100 of a hose 22 and is connected to the compression valve type pump 110 by a hose 22. There is. Hose 22 connected to valve
The valve 110, with or without, can be disconnected from the wand 10 and the valve can be refilled with a chemical or breath cleaning solution if desired. The compression valve 110 also serves as a storage container for a chemical liquid or breath cleaning liquid.

Referring to FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 6, the wand 10, the hose 22 and the hose 2
Another portable breath-cleaning wand assembly 120 is shown that includes a bellows-type bladder 122 connected to two proximal ends 100. The bellows type air bladder or pump 122 serving as a liquid pressurizing source is separated from the wand 10 with or without the hose 22 attached to refill the bellows type air bladder 122 with the chemical liquid or the breath cleaning liquid. Has become.

Both the valve 110 and the bladder 122 supply the pressurized liquid to the opening 42 by the manual compression operation of the user. In the breath-cleaning wand assembly 108, 120, the compressible valve 110 and bellows type bladder 122 are believed to be removably attached to the body 12 without the use of the hose 22 (see below with respect to FIG. 13). Further, since the flow rate control of the liquid is performed by manually pressurizing the valve 110 or the air bladder 122, the button member 24 is optional in the embodiments 108 and 120.

Yet another variation of breath cleaning wand 10 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 shows another shape of the end face 40, which is the lengthwise direction of the blade or rib 130, the cleaning opening 131 in the center of the arc and the two cleaning openings 132, 1 below the central opening 131.
An arcuate blade or rib 130 is provided, in which 33 rows are arcuate.

FIG. 9 shows another structure of the head 34. In this embodiment, at least one blade or rib 140 extends downwardly from the end surface 40 in an arcuate shape, such as a partial circle or a truncated cone with rounded corners. In the preferred embodiment, a partial arc is shown.

Referring to FIG. 10, another structure of the head 34 is shown. In this embodiment, there is generally a U-shaped arc having a reverse arc 152 in the center of the blade or rib 150.
At least one blade or rib of letter-shape extends downwardly from the end face 40;

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the wand 10 is designated at 160 and parts equivalent to the wand 10 are designated at the same reference numbers. One of the differences in wand 160 is the inclusion of ribs or blades 164 in at least one opening 166 (not shown) in head 162 in addition to rib 168 located at the distal end. Another feature of wand 160 is that proximal end 16 is provided with a receptacle 170 (not shown) that receives nozzle 172 of pressurized fluid cartridge 174. The nozzle 172 serves as a connector between the cartridge 174 and the handle portion 12.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 174 contains the liquid designated 176,
This liquid is the same as the liquid discharged through the opening 42 under pressure, as described above. This liquid 176 is preferably of the type that treats Halitosis bacteria, as described above in relation to zinc and chlorine dioxide rinses, although it is contemplated that other liquids, including water, may be included in the cartridge 174. .

Also, in a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 174 is a disposable aerosol type and dispenses liquid under pressure so that the nozzle 172 engages the receptacle 170 and is a known valve that opens when the nozzle is axially pressed. (Not shown in the figure). However, other obvious pressing techniques are also conceivable.

To secure the cartridge 174 to the proximal end 16, there is a somewhat flexible sleeve 178 that frictionally secures the cartridge or the proximal end between the handle portion 12 and the corresponding rigid axial collar 180 on the cartridge. Is provided. Further, since the cartridge 174 is removable and firmly fixed to the handle portion 12,
Other types of coupling accessories known to those skilled in the art may also be used, including, but not limited to, bayonet push-twist couplings. When attached to the handle portion 12, the cartridge 174 is in fluid communication with the flexible hose 30.

In use, when the user wants to dispense pressurized liquid from the opening 42 while manipulating the head 34 back and forth across the surface of the tongue, the button member 24 should be parallel and close to the long axis of the handle 12. It is triggered by pushing in the direction indicated by arrow 181 toward the end 16 which causes tubular actuator 182 to push nozzle 172.

The actuator is preferably incorporated into the button member 24, but other known shapes are also contemplated. As previously discussed, axially pushing the nozzle 172 opens an internal valve (not shown) in the cartridge, which allows the liquid to pass under pressure through the actuator 182 into the tubing 30 and ultimately out of the opening 42. To release. When a sufficient amount of liquid has been dispensed, the user releases the button member 24 and the button is spring biased back to its rest position (best seen in Figure 11).

When the liquid 176 of the cartridge 174 is emptied, the user simply pulls axially, turns the sleeve 178 down and uses a push / twist / pool action or other removal action to remove the cartridge, as is known. Remove from the handle portion 12 and reverse the removal operation to re-insert a new cartridge. It is understood that the wand 10 can be deformed to be compatible with the cartridge 174 by deforming the proximal end 16 and modifying the button member 24 to have an axial movement and tubular actuator 182.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of wand 10 is generally designated 184. Parts of wand 184 that correspond to similar parts of wands 10 and 160 (
(Partially shown for clarity) are designated with the same reference numbers. The principle difference between the wand 184 and the wand 160 is that the former is a liquid 176 before it is applied to the tongue.
Is provided with a cartridge 186 that is manually pressurized by the user. Thus, in various respects this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, with the difference that the cartridge or storage container 186 is attached to the handle portion or body 12.

Accordingly, the cartridge 186 includes a housing 188 having an inner wall 190 that maintains the supply of liquid 176. At the top of the housing 188, the cap 19
2 seals the housing and is provided with axons 194 having through holes 196. Similar to the wand 160, the proximal portion 16 of the handle portion 12 houses the axon 194 and a receptacle 170 for allowing liquid coupling of the through hole 196 and tubing 30.
Have. The piping 30 and axons 194 connect the cartridge 186 to the receptacle 170.
It is believed that they engage one another by a mating friction fit made by pushing axially therein.

To draw the liquid 176 from the cartridge housing or storage container 188, the wand 184 is provided with a pump mechanism, generally designated 197, similar to the conventional water gun or pump spray used in household cleaning solutions or insecticides. There is. Such devices are known, but generally a plunger or piston 19
8 and is biased by a spring 199 towards the outside of the flow path 200 through which the pumped liquid 176 flows. The flow path 200 is in liquid communication with the tubing 30 and the housing or storage container 188. In the preferred embodiment, the tubing 30 extends through the through hole 196 and into the housing 188.

A trigger 201 is attached to the piston 198 and pushes the piston in the cylinder 202 in the axial direction in opposition to the force of the spring. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the trigger 201 is located on the opposite side of the handle 12 from the button member 24 for ease of operation with the user's finger. A trigger cup 203 encloses the cylinder 202, holds a spring 199, and is preferably incorporated into the flow passage 200. A small amount of liquid 176 is pushed up from the inside of the pipe 30 to the outside of the opening 42 each time the trigger 201 is pushed in and reaches the position shown by the diagonal line in FIG. 13.

When the trigger 201 is released to the rest position shown by the solid line in FIG. 13, the spring 199 pushes the piston 198 in the cylinder 202 to the outside of the flow path 200, and a sealing fit between the piston and the cylinder 202 results. Create a vacuum. The force of this vacuum draws the next volume of liquid 176 from the housing 188 for the next firing or push of the trigger.

When the liquid 176 in the cartridge 184 is exhausted, the user can refill the cartridge through the axial through hole 196. A syringe or other fitting (not shown) that closely engages the through hole is preferably provided with a bulk reservoir of liquid 176 to facilitate refilling of the cartridge 184. However, it is contemplated that the cartridge 186 may be provided with another sealable refill cap, or the cap 192 may be removable and resealable.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of the wand 10 is illustrated, generally
It is specified by 04. Parts of wand 204 that correspond to similar parts of wands 10 and 160 are designated with the same numbers. An important feature of the wand 204 is that, instead of physically disturbing at least one tongue scraping formation 51, the wand 204 imparts acoustic energy to the liquid 176 and the antibacterial and cleaning action that the liquid has already done with the disturbance of the bacteria. I do.

In particular, the head 34 of the wand 204 is provided with an acoustic transducer 206 arranged in the head so that it communicates with the hollow body flow path 32, and acoustic energy is added directly to the flowing liquid 176. This energy is used to physically destroy and / or destroy the tongue bacteria, kill the bacteria if the antimicrobial solution 176 is used, and wash away the killed and loose bacteria from the tongue. In addition to the ultrasonic energy generated by the transducer 206, the wand 204 may be provided with at least one tongue scraping formation 51.

At the distal end 16, the wand 204 is equipped with a power source 208, such as a 9V battery, and the circuitry necessary to start the transducer 206, but such circuitry is known. The power source 208 is electrically connected to the transducer 206 by a wire passing through the handle portion 12 (not shown).

In addition, the wand 204 has a liquid storage container 210 attached to the distal end 16. An internal electric pump 212 (not shown), preferably powered by a power source 208, is preferably installed, while the storage vessel 210 holds a sufficient amount of liquid 176 to perform at least one tongue wash. It has various dimensions. Tubular conduit 2
The liquid 176 is pumped into the flow path 32 by 14 and, if necessary, into the pipe 30. In the preferred embodiment, the wand 204 is shaped so that the storage container 210 can be refilled through a port 216 with a tethered sealable cap 218. For this purpose, the processing liquid 176 is supplied in bulk. However, as with wands 10, 160 and 184, wand 204 also has a separate source of pressurized liquid 1.
02, 106, pressurizing cartridge 174 or manual pump liquid feeding cartridge 18
It may also be installed so that it is in direct liquid communication with 6.

Another feature of the wand 204 that is common to the wands 10, 160 and 184 is that the head 34 is attached to the head 36 of the handle portion 12 such that the outer end surface 40 is generally parallel to the upper surface 220 of the tongue 222. That is, they are connected together.

With this shape, the wand more efficiently removes tongue bacteria and reduces the user's vomiting reflex when moved backwards into the throat.

With reference to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a wand of the present invention is generally designated 224. Parts of wand 224 corresponding to wands 10, 160, 184 and 204 are designated with the same reference numbers. An important feature of the wand 224 is that it is connected to a source of pressurized liquid, preferably tap water, in the same manner as described in Figure 5 above, although other liquid sources are contemplated. The outstanding feature is that the treatment liquid 176 is drawn into the main stream of the pressurized liquid by siphoning. Thus, a more concentrated liquid 176 can be placed in the storage container, and when it is drawn into the main stream of fluid, an appropriate dilution of the liquid 176 for treating Halitosis bacteria as described above will occur.

In particular, the wand 224 has a body 226 connected at its proximal end 16 to the hose 22.
Is included. As mentioned above, the hose 22 is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized liquid such as tap water from the tap 106. Liquid from faucet 106 flows through coupling 18 and through hose 22 into either pipe 30 or internal passage 26 of body 226. An important feature of body 226 is that internal storage container 22 is preferably housed within the body.
8 and is configured to hold the feed liquid 176 in a concentrated form. The degree of enrichment and the actual degree of dilution of liquid 176 into the stream of pressurized liquid will vary with the application. The storage container 228 has a relatively narrow diameter nipple or tubular fitting 230 (not shown) through which the flow of pressurized liquid, i.e. siphoning, draws the liquid 176 into the passageway 26. As is known,
The ratio of concentrated liquid to pressurized liquid is adjusted by changing the diameter of fitting 230.

In a preferred embodiment, fitting 2 is provided to facilitate flow into passageway 26.
30 is located at the distal end of storage container 228, although other positions are possible. When the liquid 176 is exhausted, the body 226 is either discarded or refilled with an opening (
(Not shown). It is also conceivable to prepare the concentrated liquid in a separate disposable cartridge in a basic shape similar to the cartridge of Figures 12 and 13, but they are also in liquid communication with a pressurized source of fluid.

The operation of the wands 10, 160, 184, 204 and 224 is basically the same. When each wand is connected to a source of pressurized liquid 176, the flow controller or button member 24 is pressed to hold the liquid until the tongue scraping action begins. Next, head 3
The user positions the wand so that 4 is generally parallel to the upper surface 220 of the tongue 222 (best shown in FIG. 14).

When the user comes to this position, the user releases the button member 24, and the pipe 30 where the liquid is flexible is released.
Through the opening 42. In the case of the wands 160 and 184, the button member 24 and the trigger 201 are pressed down, and the pressurized liquid starts to flow. At the same time, the tongue scraping formation 51, or in the case of the wand 204, the wands 10, 160 such that the flow of acoustically energized liquid contacts the upper surface 220 of the tongue.
, 184, 204 and 224 are operated.

The user then reciprocates the wand over the surface of the tongue, thereby causing Halito
While physically disinfecting the sis bacteria, the flow of pressurized liquid 176 released through the openings 42 flushes the tongue of bacteria and bacterial by-products. further,
If the liquid 176 is an antibacterial agent, bacteria are also killed. The anti-odour agent neutralizes the sulfur compounds so that no malodor is generated therefrom.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the stream of liquid 176 is released near the operating position of the tongue scraping formation 51, so that the stream and formation cooperate in the removal of most Halitosis bacteria. . Also, the liquid 176 is
It is held on 0 for as long as possible, so that it does not flow down into the user's throat.
The formation 51 is preferably positioned relative to the opening 42.

The breath-cleaning wand system thus provides an apparatus and method for removing Halitosis bacteria and bacterial by-products from the user's tongue more completely than was possible with prior art devices. The combination of a pressurized liquid capable of removing bacteria and bacterial by-products from the tongue crevice and a tongue scraping formation,
This long recognized problem is resolved more effectively. Additional benefits are obtained if the liquid used with the wand is specifically designed to attack sulfur-producing bacteria that result in Halitosis.

While particular embodiments of the breath cleaning wand system of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from its broader features and the claims set forth below. Is understandable.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of a breath cleaning wand according to the teachings of the present invention.

2A-2E are front end views of various shapes or shapes of the front end surface of the breath cleaning wand shown in FIG. 1 in the direction shown along line 2-2 of FIG. It is drawn.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of an exhalation cleaning wand, depicted in the direction shown along line 3-3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view with a section cut from the proximal end of a breath cleaning wand to the distal end of a hose leading to an oral irrigation mechanism known as an oral irrigator.

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of a hose having one end connected to the proximal end of the wand and an end having an adapter for connecting to a faucet.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of the proximal end of a breath cleaning wand having its proximal end connected to the distal end of a hose that connects to a squeeze valve.

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of the proximal end of a breath cleaning wand coupled to the distal end of a hose and having a bellows-shaped bladder at its proximal end.

8 is a front end view of another shape of the end face of the head end of the breath cleaning wand, similar to the view shown in FIG. 2A thereof.

9 is a top elevational view of another embodiment of a head end similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but showing another form of scraping blade.

10 is a top elevational view of another embodiment of a head end similar to that shown in FIG. 9, but showing yet another form of scraping blade.

11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the breath cleaning wand of FIG. 1 showing a pressurized liquid containing cartridge hooked to the proximal end of the wand.

[Fig. 12]   FIG. 12 is a partial front perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG.

13 is a partial side elevational view of another embodiment of the breath cleaning wand of FIG. 1 showing a liquid containing cartridge having a manual pump for pressurization.

14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the breath cleaning wand of FIG. 1 showing an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic energy from a liquid to the tongue.

FIG. 15 utilizes a siphon structure for introducing concentrated liquid into a pressurized stream of water,
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the breath cleaning wand of FIG. 1.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), E A (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ , TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA , BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, G E, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS , JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, M N, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU , SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, Z W (72) Inventor Follie, Patrick F             Illinois, United States 60047-2780               Lake Zurich Eric Leh             # 100, 1214 F-term (reference) 4C060 MM03                 4C100 AC03 AC08 BB05 BC11 CA01                       DA20

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A breath-cleaning wand for removing Halitosis bacteria and bacterial by-products from a user's tongue, the body (26) having a distal end (20) and a proximal end (16); A head (34) operably connected to said head; said head (34) being in fluid communication with a liquid source and positioned to direct the liquid stream onto the tongue.
At least one opening (42) in 34); and at least one tongue scraping formation disposed on said head (34) and shaped to interact with bacteria and bacterial by-products on a user's tongue. (
51, 52, 53, 57) and at least one tongue scraping formation has at least one said opening (
42) in operative relation with the bacteria by the movement of the at least one tongue scraping formation on the tongue in combination with the injection of liquid under pressure from the at least one opening (42). And a breath-cleaning wand (10, 160, 184) characterized by removing bacterial by-products from the tongue. 2. Breath cleaning wand (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises liquid (174, 197) pressurizing means, said means being associated with said body (26). 3. The means for pressurizing the liquid comprises a storage container (188) and an outlet (200).
) And the outlet is in liquid communication with the head (34).
87) The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 2, further characterized by being 87).
. 4. The storage container (188) is disposable and the body (26) is
4. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 3 further characterized in that it is removably attached to the breathable wand (10). 5. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 1 further comprising a hose (22) in liquid communication with the body (26) and simultaneously connected to the faucet. 6. A storage container (228) associated with said body (26), wherein water flowing through said faucet siphons liquid from said storage container and said water / liquid mixture is said at least one. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 5, further comprising an opening (230) in fluid communication with the hose (22) so as to eject from the individual openings (42). 7. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 6 further comprising the storage container (228) removably attached to the body (26). 8. The body (26) is hollow as a flow path, and the head (3)
4) Fixed to said distal end (20) of said body (26), said flow path being further in fluid communication with at least one said opening (42). Breath Clean Wand (10). 9. On the surface of the user, said head (34) is positioned relative to said body (26) and has an outer end surface (40), which end surface is generally in balance with the surface of the tongue. The breath cleaning wand (10) according to claim 1, further characterized by:
). 10. The head (34) has a proximal end (16) and a distal end (20) and the opening (42) is at least one of the scraping formations (51).
) The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 1, further characterized by being located at least proximate to. 11. The at least one tongue scraping formation (51) is further attached to the head (34) and is of sufficient hardness to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue of the user. A breath cleansing wand (10) according to claim 1. 12. At least one tongue scraping formation comprises the head (
34. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 1 further characterized by being attached to a nozzle (34) and moved by liquid ejected from the at least one opening (42).
). 13. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 1 further characterized by a liquid source (174) engageable with the body (26) and in liquid communication with the head (34). 14. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 13, further characterized in that said liquid source (74) is removable from said body (26). 15. The liquid source is a cartridge (186) to which pressurized liquid is supplied.
15. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 14, further characterized by: 16. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 15, further comprising a flow controller (194) for controlling the flow of liquid from the cartridge (186). 17. The breath cleaning wand of claim 15 further characterized in that said liquid is a rinse liquid designed to chemically render sulfur and other malodorous molecules that produce Halitosis. 10). 18. The breath cleaning wand (10) of claim 1, further comprising a flow controller (24) for controlling the flow of liquid from at least one of the openings (42). ). 19. The valve (24) located on the body (26) of the flow controller.
A breath cleansing wand (10) according to claim 17, further characterized in that 20. At least 1 to promote bacterial tongue control
The method of claim 1, further comprising an acoustic transducer (206) connected to the wand to provide acoustic energy to a liquid stream ejected under pressure from one of the openings (42). Breath clean wand (10). 21. A breath-cleaning wand (10, 160) for combating Halitosis bacteria from the tongue of a user by a combination of physical agitation and pressurized liquid jetting.
, 184) for use with a wand having a body (26) having a distal end (20) and a proximal end (16); operably connected to the body (26), A head having an outer end surface (40) (
34); at least one opening (42) in said head (34) configured to fluidly connect a liquid source (176) and positioned to direct the liquid stream onto the tongue. );
And at least one tongue scraping formation (51) disposed on the outer end surface (40) and shaped to engage bacteria on a user's tongue, and at least one tongue scraping formation (51). ) Is placed in operable relation with at least one opening (42), and at least one said opening (42)
Bacteria are exterminated from the tongue by the movement of at least one tongue scraping formation on the tongue in combination with the injection of liquid under pressure from the cartridge (174, 186) to the liquid supply (176) A housing (188) having dimensions that include; a connector (172, 196) on the housing configured to place the housing in fluid communication with at least one opening (42) in the head (34); It has a shape to be placed under or kept under pressure, and has a pressurizing means (174, 197) for maintaining the liquid in a pressurized state. 22. The cartridge according to claim 21, further characterized in that said pressurizing means is a manual pump mechanism (197). 23. A method of removing Halitosis bacteria from the surface of the tongue of a user, characterized by disturbing the bacteria by physical contact and at the same time flushing the disturbed bacteria with a liquid from the tongue. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising performing the wash step to prevent liquid from being directed rearward toward the user's throat. 25. The method of claim 23, further characterized by imparting acoustic energy to the liquid to promote control of bacteria and bacterial byproducts from the tongue. 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the pressurized water flow and the liquid in a storage container such that the pressurized water flow siphons the liquid.