JP2009000514A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toothbrush suited to toothbrushing in a public space, being held in a stable state on an actual toothbrushing and facilitating the adjustment of the state of the head of the toothbrush. <P>SOLUTION: This toothbrush 10 is provided with the head 12, a toothbrush body 15 having a handle 13 integrally formed with the head 12, and a brush part 16 consisting of a bristle bundle 11 implanted in the head 12, wherein the handle 13 has a grip part 30 which has a thumb contact face 31 formed in the front face side implanted with the bristle bundle 11 for coming into contact with a thumb F1 holding the toothbrush 10, and a back-side finger contact face 32 formed in the back face side for coming into contact with a finger facing the thumb F1. This toothbrush 10 has such a length of the handle 13 that the rear end of the handle 13 is accepted in the hand in a state where a user holds the grip part 30 for the toothbrushing with the fingers in contact with the thumb contact face 31 and the back-side finger contact face 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toothbrush.

  As a commonly used toothbrush, there is a toothbrush composed of a head in which a hair bundle is implanted and a handle portion formed integrally with the head (see Patent Document 1).

The toothbrush is gripped by a palm grip method in which the handle portion of the toothbrush is gripped with fingers and palms other than the thumb and a pen grip method in which the handle portion is held like a pencil. The length of the handle part of the toothbrush is longer than the width of the palm, so that those who brush their teeth can brush their teeth while holding the handle part firmly with one hand. It has become.
JP 2006-81760 A

  By the way, in recent years, awareness of valuing teeth and gums has increased. Along with this, an increasing number of people want to brush their teeth in places other than their homes, such as workplaces and restaurants.

  However, toothpaste is a private activity usually done in the bathroom of the home, and the bathroom in the workplace or restaurant is a public space that is used by an unspecified number of people at the same time. While there is a desire to do so, there is also a concern that if you actually brush your teeth in a public space, you will be worried that others will be unpleasant, and in fact you tend to hesitate to brush your teeth.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and is suitable for brushing in public spaces used simultaneously by an unspecified large number of people, such as workplaces and restrooms of restaurants, and when actually brushing teeth. Another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush that can hold the toothbrush in a stable state and can easily adjust the state of the head of the toothbrush.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem, and includes a toothbrush body having a head in which a hair bundle is implanted and a handle integrally formed with the head, and a hair bundle implanted in the head. A toothbrush provided with a brush portion, wherein the handle is formed on the front surface side where the bristles are implanted, and a thumb abutting surface on which a thumb holding the toothbrush abuts, and the front surface A gripping portion formed on the opposite back side and having a dorsal finger abutting surface against which a finger facing the thumb abuts, and the length of the handle is the thumb abutting surface for brushing teeth And a toothbrush having a length that allows a rear end of the handle to fit in a hand in a state where the finger is brought into contact with the dorsal finger contact surface and the holding portion is held.

  In the toothbrush according to the present invention, when the toothbrush is held, the rear end portion (the entire rear end side) of the handle is placed in the hand. That is, the rear end of the handle can be covered with a hand. When brushing teeth, the head of the toothbrush is in the mouth, so if the toothbrush according to the present invention is used, most parts of the toothbrush will be covered with the mouth and hands, preventing the toothbrush from being exposed to the outside world. . As described above, the toothbrush according to the present invention can be brushed in an inconspicuous state and is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing in a public space.

  In addition, since there is a thumb contact surface on the front side of the handle and a back finger contact surface on the back side, apply a thumb to the thumb contact surface, apply a middle finger or index finger to the back finger contact surface, By firmly sandwiching the handle, the toothbrush can be held in a stable state with only fingers. If it can be held in a stable state, it is easy to adjust the state of the head of the toothbrush at the time of actual tooth brushing, and the tooth brushing efficiency is improved.

  Hereinafter, the toothbrush which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  A toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a head portion and a toothbrush body having a handle integrally formed with the head, and a toothbrush having a brush portion made of a hair bundle planted in the head. The handle is formed on the front surface side where the bristles are implanted, the thumb contact surface on which the thumb holding the toothbrush is contacted, and the back surface opposite to the front surface, facing the thumb. The handle has a holding portion with a dorsal finger contact surface against which the finger is to be abutted, and the length of the handle contacts the thumb contact surface and the dorsal finger contact surface for brushing teeth. The toothbrush has a length that allows the rear end of the handle to fit in the hand while holding the holding portion.

  In such a toothbrush, when the toothbrush is held using the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, the entire rear end portion of the handle can be stored in the hand, and the toothbrush is covered with the hand covered. be able to. Therefore, if the toothbrush is used, tooth brushing can be performed in an inconspicuous state. Thus, the toothbrush is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing teeth in public spaces.

  Thus, the toothbrush according to the present invention is a conventional toothbrush, specifically, a palm grip type that holds the handle portion with the entire hand, or a pen grip type that holds the pencil as if holding it. The shape is completely different and the way it is held is completely different. Therefore, the toothbrush structure that can hold the toothbrush of the present invention in a stable state, particularly the structure of the handle portion, has been devised. The toothbrush according to the embodiment of the present invention has a front contact surface on the front side of the handle and a back finger contact surface on the back side. The toothbrush can be held in a stable state with only the finger by applying the middle finger or the index finger to the pin and pinching it firmly. If the toothbrush can be held stably with only the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, etc., the toothbrush head condition, that is, the hair of the head and the brush part of the head, can be obtained by swinging only the part of the hand beyond the wrist. It is possible to adjust the state such as the direction and position of the head and to reciprocate the head. That is, according to the toothbrush which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a toothbrush can be operated with a small movement of a hand and toothbrushing operation can be performed, and it can brush firmly. In addition, since the movement of the hand may be small, the hand is hard to get tired and the brushing efficiency is improved.

  In addition, since the toothbrush which concerns on embodiment of this invention has the structure which clamps a clamping part only with a finger and hold | maintains a toothbrush, although it can hold | maintain a toothbrush in a stable state, a brush part It is a structure that is difficult to press strongly against teeth. That is, it can be said that this toothbrush can more effectively prevent excessive force from being applied to the teeth and gums when brushing.

  The thumb contact surface and the dorsal finger contact surface are preferably surfaces on which the fingertips of the fingers that are in contact with the contact surfaces are in contact.

  With a structure that holds the toothbrush only with the fingertips, it is possible to perform finger operation more easily in addition to the operation of swinging the part beyond the wrist when actually brushing the teeth. Thus, it is possible to easily adjust the state of the toothbrush head and the direction of the brush portion. Here, the finger operation is to move the finger to operate the head state such as the direction of the toothbrush head or the brush portion. For example, each finger joint is bent or stretched or the finger is swung. By changing the relative positional relationship between the fingertip of the thumb and the fingertip of the index finger, middle finger, etc. in contact with the dorsal finger contact surface, the orientation and position of the toothbrush head and brush part can be manipulated. And to adjust. Thus, if the state of the head portion can be adjusted, a finer toothbrush operation can be performed when brushing teeth, and the brushing efficiency can be further improved.

  As the handle, the fingertip of the index finger is brought into contact with one side opposite to the index finger when the thumb is brought into contact with the thumb contact surface of the handle and the middle finger is brought into contact with the dorsal finger contact surface. It may be provided with an index finger contact portion that can be made to move.

  If there is an index finger contact portion, the toothbrush can be held using three fingers of the thumb, middle finger, and index finger, so that the toothbrush can be held in a more stable state. In addition, if the toothbrush can be held using these three fingers, a finer finger operation can be performed, and a finer toothbrush can be operated more easily. You can brush your teeth and improve your brushing efficiency.

  As the index finger contact portion, for example, a dorsal index finger contact surface located on one side of the dorsal finger contact surface on the back side of the handle, or an oblique head side of the dorsal contact surface A dorsal index finger contact surface located on the one side and the head side can be exemplified. In addition, as the index finger contact portion, for example, a head-side bulge provided on one edge of the handle, in other words, a head-side bulge that protrudes outward from one edge. Part. By adjusting the magnitude and direction of the force applied from the index finger to the index finger contact portion while the index finger is in contact with such an index finger contact portion, the state and direction of the toothbrush head and brush portion can be adjusted. The adjusting operation can be easily performed. In particular, if the index finger contact portion is a bulge-shaped portion such as the head side bulge portion, it is easy to adjust the magnitude and direction of the force applied from the index finger to the index finger contact portion. is there. Therefore, in this respect, it can be said that the bulging shape is more preferable as the shape of the index finger contact portion.

  The sandwiching part is preferably a plate-like member having a thumb contact surface on the front side and a back finger contact surface on the back side.

  In this way, if the sandwiching part is a plate-like member, when the sandwiching part is sandwiched between the thumb abutment surface and the dorsal finger abutment surface with the thumb and forefinger or middle finger, The orientation of the toothbrush head and brush portion relative to the hand (especially the thumb) is stabilized. Therefore, as the toothbrush of the present invention is used, the finer toothbrush can be operated more easily, the toothbrushing can be performed more firmly, and the toothbrushing efficiency is further improved. And if a clamping part is plate shape, compared with the case where it is not plate shape, such as cylindrical shape, a clamping part can be clamped more firmly and the stability of the toothbrush holding | maintenance by pinching of a finger improves more.

  Also, if the clamping part is plate-shaped, it is possible to easily adjust the orientation and position of the toothbrush head and brush part by finger operation while maintaining a state in which the clamping part is stably held by a finger. become. For example, it is assumed that the toothbrush is held by holding the holding part of the toothbrush with fingers. Here, if the clamping part is not a plate shape but a cylindrical shape, the orientation of the toothbrush head and the brush part can be easily changed by rotating the clamping part by performing a finger operation. However, when the orientation of the head or the like is changed in this way, the fingers sandwiching the clamping unit roll on the surface of the cylindrical clamping unit. Therefore, even if the pinching portion is initially held by the finger belly portion (finger palm portion), the pinching portion is likely to be pinched by a portion other than the finger belly after the orientation of the head or the like is changed. And if it will be in the state which hold | maintains a toothbrush by pinching | interposing a clamping part by parts other than the belly of a finger in this way, the stability of a toothbrush holding state will fall. In this regard, when the pinching portion is plate-shaped, if a finger operation is performed on a finger holding the pinching portion, the pinching portion does not rotate, and the finger operated by the finger does not touch the surface of the pinching portion, that is, the thumb contact surface or the back surface. It moves so that the surface of a side finger contact surface may shift | deviate. When the finger holding the holding part moves so as to deviate from the surface of the contact surface, the holding state is gradually changed while the holding part is held by the belly of the finger, and the head of the toothbrush and the brush The state such as the direction and position of the part changes. Thus, according to the toothbrush which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the direction and position of a head and a brush part of a toothbrush can be changed, maintaining the state which clamped the clamping part stably with the belly of the finger. Therefore, a finer toothbrush operation can be more easily performed in a stable state, and the brushing efficiency can be improved. The term “movement that deviates from the surface of the finger contact surface” as used herein refers to a case in which a deviation occurs between the pinching portion and the finger surface and the finger surface is deviated from the pinching portion surface. However, this includes the case where the position of the distal phalanx of the finger is shifted with respect to the surface of the holding portion, and the position of the center point of the pressure area of the finger is shifted with respect to the holding portion. Moreover, since the variation of finger operation will increase when a clamping part is plate shape, it can be said that finer operation is attained. That is, first, finger operation means, for example, the orientation and position of the toothbrush head and the brush part by changing the mutual positional relationship between the fingertips by bending and stretching each joint of the finger or swinging the finger. In the case where the holding part is plate-shaped, the fingertip is further moved by moving the fingertip so that the fingertip is shifted on the surface of the holding part. The operation can be performed.

  Further, the index finger contact portion may include an index finger contact surface located on the rear end side from the head side bulge portion. The index finger contact surface is preferably located between the thumb contact surface and the back finger contact surface and is a concave surface. If there is such an index finger contact surface, the corresponding finger can be brought into contact with the contact surface in a stable state. That is, when the finger is brought into contact with the concave surface, the index finger is held by the index finger contact surface, so that the toothbrush can be held in a stable state. In addition, if the index finger contact surface is a concave surface, the position of the center of the pressure area of the fingertip of the index finger relative to the index finger contact surface is moved, so that the state of the toothbrush head or brush portion is more It can be adjusted easily.

  The head-side bulging portion is formed at a position where the distance from the head-side bulging portion to the nipping portion-side end of the brush portion is shorter than the length from the tip of the index finger to the rear end position of the distal phalanx. It is preferable.

  With such a shape, the length of the toothbrush is short, and the index finger contact portion is located at a position close to the head of the toothbrush. In this way, if the distance between the index finger contact part and all the finger contact parts and the brush part of the toothbrush is short, the so-called short turn is more effective than the case where the distance is long. It can be applied quickly and accurately to the target, and it can be polished firmly and the efficiency of brushing can be improved.

  Next, the toothbrush of embodiment which concerns on this invention is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and a handle 13 in which hair bundles 11 are implanted, and a toothbrush body 15 in which these are integrally formed. A narrow neck 14 is provided between the head 12 and the handle 13, and the head 12 and the handle 13 are integrally formed via the neck 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the head 12 of the toothbrush 10 has a front surface 12F in which a plurality of hair bundles 11 are implanted and a back surface 12B on the opposite side. In other words, the head front surface 12 </ b> F is provided with a brush portion 16 including a plurality of hair bundles 11.

  The plurality of hair bundles 11 are straight hairs and are planted in a state of extending from the front surface 12F of the head 12 in substantially the same direction. Therefore, the end surface (tip surface) 16F of the brush portion 16 that is a set of the plurality of hair bundles 11 is formed only on the front surface 12F side of the head 12. When brushing teeth or gums with such a toothbrush 10, the end surface 16F of the brush portion 16 of the head 12 comes into contact with the teeth or gums. At this time, the front side 12F of the head 12 is directed toward the teeth and gums. In this state, when the head 12 is moved in a direction intersecting the bristle bundle 11 (for example, a direction orthogonal to the bristle bundle 11 such as the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush main body 15), the teeth and the toothbrush can be brushed.

  The handle 13 is made of a thin plate material 13 </ b> S, and includes a clamping unit 30 that is used when the toothbrush 10 is held by a finger. The clamping unit 30 includes a thumb tip contact portion (thumb contact surface) 31 that is the surface of the front surface side 13F of the handle 13, and a middle finger tip contact portion (back side contact surface) 32 that is the surface of the back side 13B. And an index finger tip contact surface (index finger contact surface; a part of the index finger contact portion) 33, which is located between the two finger tip contact portions 31 and 32.

  In the toothbrush 10 having such a configuration, the abdomen (finger palm side) of the fingertip of the thumb F1 is brought into contact with the thumbtip abutment part 31 and the abdomen of the fingertip of the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the middle fingertip abutment part 32. The thin plate material 13S portion of the handle 13 can be held by the two fingers of the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2 (see FIG. 2). That is, the thin plate material 13 </ b> S functions as a holder for the handle 13. Here, the fingertip refers to a portion corresponding to the distal phalanx of each finger and a portion closer to the tip of the finger than the portion.

  The index fingertip contact surface 33 is formed at the edge of the clamping part 30 (thin plate material 13S). More specifically, the thumb tip is brought into contact with the thumb tip abutting portion 31 on the front surface side of the clamping portion 30 and the middle finger tip is brought into contact with the middle finger tip abutting portion 32 on the back side to hold the clamping portion 30. An index finger contact surface 33 is formed on one edge of the thin plate that faces the index finger in this state. More specifically, the index fingertip abutment surface 33 is a thin plate material located on the ulna side edge F1s side (the middle finger radius side edge F2t side) of the thumb F1 abutted on the thumbtip abutment portion 31. It is formed at the edge of 13S. Further, it can be said that the index fingertip contact surface 33 is located between the thumbtip contact portion 31 and the middle fingertip contact portion 32 on the rear end side from the head-side bulging portion 51 described later.

  The index finger contact surface 33 has a concave shape. More specifically, the forefinger tip abutment surface 33 is a cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the handle 13 and having a concave cross section (AA ′ cross section) perpendicular to the extending direction of the hair bundle. It is a shape. That is, the contour shape in the front view shown in FIG. 1 (A) is a concave shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the surface of the forefinger tip contact surface 33 has a portion that is inclined downward toward the middle fingertip contact portion 32 (downward on the back side). In particular, the position of the rear end side of the forefinger abutment surface 33 of the index fingertip abutment surface 33 (in other words, the position on the palmar surface side of the distal phalanx of the index finger F3 and closer to the middle phalanx). It is preferable that the contact position is inclined. With such a shape, when the toothbrush 10 is held with a finger, it can be held in a more stable state.

  As described above, the toothbrush 10 according to the embodiment has a structure that can be held in a more stable state when held by the three fingers of the thumb F1, the index finger F3, and the middle finger F2. When the index finger F3 is applied to the index fingertip abutment surface 33 and the toothbrush 10 is held, the position of the index finger F3 (particularly the position in the longitudinal direction of the handle 13) is reliably determined, and the toothbrush 10 can be held in a more stable state.

  Note that the thumb tip abutting portion 31, the index finger tip abutting surface 33, and the middle finger tip abutting portion 32 of the clamping unit 30 are surfaces on which the finger tips of the thumb F1, the index finger F3, and the middle finger F2 abut. Then, these fingertip abutting portions and the abutting surfaces 31, 32, and 33 are the palm surface at the position of the distal phalanx of the corresponding finger or the surface on which the finger side surface between the finger palm surface and the finger back surface abuts. is there. In particular, the thumb tip contact portion 31, the index finger tip contact surface 33, and the middle finger tip contact portion 32 of the toothbrush 10 of the embodiment are applied to the palm surfaces at the positions of the thumb, the index finger, and the distal phalanx of the middle finger used for holding. It can be said that it is a touching surface. In this way, when holding the holding portion with fingers, if the holding portion 30 is held between the palm surfaces of all fingers, the contact area is larger than when the finger side surfaces are contacted, and thus a more stable state Can hold the toothbrush.

  Further, each contact portion and the contact surfaces 31, 32, 33 (that is, the clamping portion 30) are formed at positions where the distance L0 from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 is shorter than the length of the index finger F3. When the position of the clamping part 30 is such a position, when the toothbrush 10 is held by hand, the part from the rear end of the handle 13 to the clamping part 30 can be surely stored in the palm. You can brush your teeth with your palm covered. Therefore, the toothbrush 10 is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing teeth in public spaces.

  The length L1 of the index finger F3 can be defined as, for example, the length L1 from the distal end of the index finger F3 to the rear end position of the proximal phalanx (see FIG. 3A). And the position of the clamping part 30 is represented by the center position of the clamping part 30, for example. In the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment, the position of the clamping part 30 is represented by the most depressed position 33B having a concave shape.

  The depression here is a depression in the direction D2 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction D1 (see FIG. 1C) of the toothbrush body 15 of the toothbrush 10. Further, when the most depressed portion has a predetermined length, a position farthest from the rear end 13T of the handle 13 in the most depressed portion can be set as the position (center position) of the sandwiching portion 30. Various representations can be considered as the center position. A position corresponding to the position where the pressing force of the index finger F3 abutted against the index finger abutment surface 33 is the largest may be set as the center position. When the overall length of the handle 13 is shorter than the length L1 of the index finger F3, the clamping unit 30 is surely formed at a position where the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 is shorter than the length of the index finger F3. .

  It is more preferable that the holding portion 30 is formed at a position where the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 is shorter than the substantial length L2 of the index finger F3 (see FIG. 3A). Here, the substantial length L2 of the index finger F3 refers to the length from the tip of the index finger F3 to the base of the palm. If the clamping part 30 exists in such a position, the part of the rear end of the handle 13 from the clamping part 30 can be more reliably and easily accommodated in the palm. Considering this point, the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 of the sandwiching portion 30 is 80 mm or less, preferably 65 mm or less, and more preferably 50 mm or less. Further, in the clamping unit 30, the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 may be shorter than the length L3 from the front end of the index finger F3 to the rear end position of the middle phalanx. Considering this point, the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 of the sandwiching portion 30 is 40 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 20 mm or less.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 is about the length L4 from the front end of the index finger F3 to the rear end position of the distal phalanx, or more. If the length is shorter than this length, the rear end portion of the handle 13 from the holding portion 30 can be stored in the hand, but it is not easy to secure a sufficiently large holding portion 30. Considering this point, the distance from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 of the clamping part 30 is 10 mm or more, and preferably 15 mm or more.

  Further, the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment is held in a state where the tip of the index finger F3 is positioned near the tip of the handle 13 as shown in FIG. At this time, the length of the handle 13 is such that the rear end of the handle 13 is in a state in which the finger is brought into contact with the thumb contact surface 31 and the dorsal finger contact surface 32 to hold the clamping portion 30 in order to brush the teeth. It must be long enough to fit in your hand. That is, the length of the handle 13 is preferably equal to or shorter than the length L1 of the index finger F3. Here, the length of the handle 13 refers to the case where the forefinger tip contact surface 33 is present, and when there is a boundary such as a step at the end of the contact surface 33 on the head side, the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 is determined. When the head-side bulging portion 51 is part of the index finger contact portion, the head-side bulging portion 51 extends from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13. It can be said that it is the length to the position of the apex, and when there is the neck 14, it can be said that it is the length from the rear end position 13T of the handle 13 to the boundary position with the neck 14. That is, when the handle 13 is held by a finger, it can be said that the distance from the position where the tip of the finger is located to the rear end position 13T is the length of the handle 13. Therefore, when considering the length L1 of the adult index finger F3, the length of the handle 13 can be 100 mm or less, and 70 mm or less is better. In addition, the length of the handle 13 is preferably equal to or less than the length L3 from the tip of the index finger F3 to the rear end position of the middle phalanx in that the handle 13 is more securely received in the hand. Considering this point, the length of the handle 13 is preferably 60 mm or less, more preferably 55 mm or less, and further preferably 50 mm or less. On the other hand, since the human fingertip is dexterous, if the length of the handle 13 is about 10 mm, the human can hold the toothbrush. In this respect, the length of the handle 13 may be 10 mm or more, and preferably 20 mm or more. In addition, if the handle 13 is held in the state where the entire abdomen of the finger (or from the finger tip to the rear end position of the distal phalanx) is in close contact with the holding unit 30, the toothbrush 10 is held more firmly. be able to. Considering this point, the length of the handle 13 is preferably 25 mm or more, and more preferably 30 mm or more. In addition, in the case of considering for women or children, 45 mm or less or 40 mm or less may be preferable.

  In such a toothbrush, when the toothbrush 10 is held using the thumb F1, the index finger F3, and the middle finger F2, the entire portion from the sandwiching portion 30 to the rear end of the handle 13 can be held in the hand and is not noticeable. You can brush your teeth in the condition. Therefore, the toothbrush 10 is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing teeth in public spaces.

  A rear end side bulging portion 41 is formed at a position closer to the rear end side of the handle 13 than the position of the sandwiching portion 30. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the rear end side bulging portion 41 is formed on the rear end side of the index finger contact surface 33.

  The rear end side bulging portion 41 includes a middle phalanx bulging surface 41a capable of abutting the palmar surface (see FIG. 3) of the middle phalanx of the index finger F3, and the palm of the proximal phalanx. And a proximal position bulging surface 41b capable of contacting the surface. The proximal position bulging surface 41 b is a rear end surface formed at the position of the rear end of the handle 13.

  With such a rear end side bulging portion 41, the palmar surface at the position of the middle phalanx of the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the middle phalanx position bulging surface 41a, and the proximal phalange surface 41b is further in contact with the proximal phalanx. The toothbrush 10 can be held with the finger surface of the position in contact (see FIG. 2C). That is, since the toothbrush 10 can be held with the palm surface of the index finger F3 in a natural state and in close contact with the handle 13, the contact area with the handle of the index finger is increased, and the toothbrush 10 is held in a stable state. be able to. Such a holding state is reached when the toothbrush is held in a posture as shown in FIG. That is, the toothbrush can be held with the armpits folded and the elbows close to the body. Further, in such a holding state, when the toothbrush 10 is moved to the rear end side in the longitudinal direction of the handle 13, a state in which the index finger F3 is firmly in contact with the bulging portion on the rear end side is secured and stable. In the state, it can be moved to the rear end side in the longitudinal direction of the handle.

  Here, a portion on the rear end side with respect to the sandwiching portion 30 is referred to as a rear end portion of the handle 13. That is, the rear end side bulging portion 41 is the rear end portion referred to herein. Moreover, you may include the clamping part 30 in a part of rear-end part. Depending on the length of the handle and the position of the clamping part, a part or all of the clamping part 30 may be included in the rear end part.

  A head-side bulging portion (a part of the index finger contact portion) 51 is formed at a position closer to the head 12 of the handle 13 than the position of the sandwiching portion 30. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the head-side bulging portion 51 causes the thumb tip abutment portion 31 to abut the fingertip of the thumb F1 and the middle fingertip abutment portion 32 to the middle finger F2. Is formed at a position on one side opposite to the index finger F3 when the fingertip of the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the index finger F3. Further, it can be said that the head-side bulging portion 51 is formed at a position on the head 12 side of the index finger contact surface 33. If the head-side bulging portion 51 is present, the toothbrush can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude and direction of the force applied from the index finger F3 to the head-side bulging portion 51 while the index finger F3 is in contact with the head-side bulging portion 51. It is possible to easily perform an operation for adjusting the state such as the direction and position of the head and the brush portion.

  As in the present embodiment, the head-side bulging portion 51 is such that the neck distance Ln from the head-side bulging portion 51 to the clamping portion side end of the brush portion 16 is the distal phalange of the index finger F3 from the distal end F3a of the index finger F3. It is preferably formed at a position that is shorter than the length L4 to the rear end position (see FIG. 3A). At this time, the position of the head-side bulging portion 51 is determined based on the position of the most protruding vertex. The position of the head-side bulging portion 51 is preferably a position close to the head 12, but when it is next to the brush portion 16, when the head 12 is placed in the oral cavity for brushing, the head-side bulging portion 51 51 and thus the fingertip of the index finger F3 brought into contact with the head-side bulging portion 51 enters the oral cavity. Therefore, the position of the head side bulging portion 51 is preferably the rear end side of the brush portion 16. Specifically, considering the length L4, the neck distance Ln from the head-side bulging portion 51 to the clamping portion-side end of the brush portion 16 is 0 mm or more and 30 mm or less, preferably 25 mm or less, and preferably 20 mm or less. Is more preferable. In consideration of women and children, 15 mm or less is preferable, and 10 mm or less may be more preferable. Thus, when the position of the head-side bulging portion 51 is close to the head 12, particularly the brush portion 16 of the head 12, the state of the orientation and position of the head 12 and the brush portion 16 using the head-side bulging portion 51. When performing an operation of adjusting the image, a finer operation can be performed.

  The head-side bulging portion 51 includes a tip position bulging surface 51a that can abut the tip portion F3a (see FIG. 3B) of the index finger F3. That is, the head-side bulging portion 51 is formed to expand in the front-rear direction of the toothbrush 10. Here, the tip portion Fa (F3a) of the finger (index finger F3) can be said to be a portion closer to the tip side of the finger than the widest position Nw of the nail N (FIGS. 2B and 3B). For example, a portion including one or both of a position Fb (F3b) that protrudes most to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction of the finger and an intersection position Fc (F3c) between the axis of the distal phalanx of the finger and the distal surface of the finger It can also be said. By bringing the tip F3a of the index finger F3 into contact with the tip position bulging surface 51a, the entire palm surface (see FIG. 3) of the index finger F3 is brought into close contact with the handle 13 in a natural state, and the head side bulging portion 51 is touched. A force can be applied, and operations such as adjusting the orientation of the head 12 and the brush portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 can be performed, and the toothbrush can be held in a stable state.

  Next, a state where such a toothbrush 10 is held will be described.

  The toothbrush 10 of embodiment is hold | maintained in the state as shown, for example to FIG. 2 (A) (B).

  As shown in the figure, when the toothbrush 10 is held using the thumb F1, the index finger F3, and the middle finger F2, the entire portion from the sandwiching portion 30 to the rear end 13T of the handle 13 fits in the hand and is covered with the hand. become. Therefore, if the toothbrush 10 is used, toothbrushing can be performed in a state where the presence of the toothbrush 10 is inconspicuous. If the toothbrush 10 is not conspicuous, it is difficult for others to notice that the toothbrushing action is being performed. Thus, the toothbrush 10 of embodiment is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing in public space.

  The holding state will be described more specifically. The thumb F1 is brought into contact with the thumb tip abutting portion 31 of the clamping portion 30 of the handle 13 (see FIG. 1), and the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the middle fingertip of the holding portion 30 of the handle 13. It is made to contact | abut to the contact part 32, and is hold | maintained in the state which clamps the clamping part 30 of the handle | pattern 13. At this time, the fingertip surfaces or finger side surfaces of the fingertips (more specifically, the position of the distal phalanx) of the thumb F1 or the middle finger F2 are in contact with the fingertip contact portions 31 and 32.

  When the fingertips of the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2 are brought into contact with the thumbtip abutting portion 31 and the middle fingertip abutting portion 32 and the clamping portion 30 is clamped, the direction of the toothbrush head and the brush portion with respect to the position of the thumb is determined. In particular, when the sandwiching portion 30 is made of a plate-like member, the surfaces of the thumb tip contact portion 31 and the middle finger tip contact portion 32 have flat portions. The orientation of the head and brush part is stable and can be held firmly. In addition, even if it is not a plane part and what has a recessed part, it can clamp stably. If the handle 13 can be held in a sandwiched state, the holding state of the toothbrush 10 can be stabilized and the state of the head 12 of the toothbrush 10 can be finely adjusted. Therefore, tooth brushing efficiency is improved.

  And since it is the structure which clamps the clamping part 30 with the fingertip of thumb F1 or the middle finger F2, the characteristic of the fingertip that it can be made to move finely is the stable holding of the clamping part 30, the head 12 of the toothbrush 10, and the brush part 16. It can be used for the adjustment of the state of. In other words, the toothbrush 10 can be held in a stable state by pinching the pinching part 30 with a finger, but by further finely adjusting the state of the finger, the state in which the toothbrush 10 is stably held can be reliably maintained. be able to. Further, by performing the finger operation of the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2 holding the holding unit 30, the state of the toothbrush head 12 and the brush unit 16 can be easily adjusted.

  Then, after holding the holding part 30 between the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2, the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the index finger tip contact surface 33 or the head-side bulging part 51. By using the index finger F3, the toothbrush 10 can be held in a more stable state, and the direction of the head 12 of the toothbrush 10 can be finely adjusted. Specifically, by adjusting the position where the index finger F3 contacts the index finger tip contact surface 33 or the head-side bulging portion 51, or by adjusting the magnitude or direction of the force from the contact index finger F3, The direction and position of the head 12 and the brush portion 16 of the toothbrush 10 can be adjusted. The index fingertip contact surface 33 of the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment has a concave cross-sectional shape in the extending direction D1 (see FIG. 1A) of the handle 13, and therefore the fingertip (position of the distal phalanx) of the index finger F3. The fingertip of the index finger F3 is easily contacted in a stable state, the contact area between the index finger F3 and the handle 13 is wider, and the toothbrush 10 can be moved in a more stable state. Can be held. For example, when the toothbrush 10 is moved to the longitudinal head 12 side of the handle 13, the state in which the finger is firmly in contact with the head-side bulging portion 51 is ensured and the longitudinal head 12 of the handle 13 is stable. Can be moved to the side. Also, if the forefinger tip abutment surface 33 is concave, the movement of the finger is smaller when moving the abutment position of the forefinger F3 than in the case of a planar shape. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the state, such as the orientation and position of the toothbrush head 12 and the brush portion 16, with a smaller finger operation (smaller finger movement).

  Thus, in the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment, the orientation of the head 12 of the toothbrush 10 is easily finely adjusted by changing the positional relationship between the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2 and further by adjusting the force of the index finger F3. It is possible to make finer adjustments by combining both actions.

  And in the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment, the toothbrush 10 can also be hold | maintained in the following states.

  That is, the thumb F1 is brought into contact with the thumb tip abutting portion 31 of the clamping portion 30 of the handle 13 (see FIG. 1), the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the middle finger tip abutting portion 32, and the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the index finger tip. Further, the palm surface at the position of the middle phalanx of the index finger F3 can be brought into contact with the middle joint position bulging surface 41a of the rear end side bulging portion 41 in a state of being held in contact with the contact surface 33.

  When the palmar surface at the position of the middle phalanx of the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the middle node position bulging surface 41a, the palmar surface of the index finger F3 can be brought into close contact with the handle 13, so that the toothbrush 10 in a more stable state. Can be held.

  Furthermore, the palmar surface of the index finger F3 at the position of the proximal phalanx can be brought into contact with the proximal position bulging surface 41b of the rear end side bulging portion. When the palmar surface of the index finger F3 at the position of the proximal phalanx is brought into contact with the proximal position bulging surface 41b, the palmar surface of the index finger F3 can be more closely contacted with the handle 13, so that the toothbrush can be more stable. 10 can be held.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, when the proximal position bulging surface 41b is at a position including the rear end of the handle 13, the palm surface of the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the two side surfaces of the handle 13. Therefore, the toothbrush 10 can be held in a stable state. For example, the rear end of the handle 13 can be brought into contact with the index finger F3, and if held in such a state, the extending direction position of the handle 13 is stabilized, and the holding state of the toothbrush 10 is stabilized.

  Then, the thumb F1 is brought into contact with the thumb tip abutting portion 31 of the holding portion 30 of the handle 13 (see FIG. 1), the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the middle finger tip abutting portion 32, and the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the index finger tip. Further, the tip F3a of the index finger F3 can be brought into contact with the tip position bulging surface 51a of the head-side bulging portion 51 while being held in contact with the contact surface 33. When the tip portion F3a of the index finger F3 is brought into contact with the tip position bulging surface 51a of the head side bulging portion 51, it is more reliably prevented that the index finger F3 slides to the head side and a positional deviation occurs.

  Next, the operation of the toothbrush 10 will be described.

  In the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the toothbrush 10 can be held in a state where the armpits are laid sideways. That is, it is possible to brush the teeth with the elbows folded inward as compared to the posture in which the elbows are held by grasping the toothbrush by the palm grip method. The posture shown in FIG. 4 is a compact posture, and is an inconspicuous posture even when viewed from others. Therefore, the toothbrush 10 that can be held in such a posture is suitable as a toothbrush for brushing teeth in a public space. Moreover, the toothbrush holding state shown in FIG. 4 is an extremely easy state of the arm. Therefore, it is suitable as a posture for brushing teeth. In other words, the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment is a toothbrush that can realize toothbrushing in an easy state.

  On the other hand, when the toothbrush is gripped by the palm grip method, the side is opened as described above, and the posture is conspicuous when viewed from others. Therefore, it is not suitable as a toothbrush used for brushing teeth in public spaces. Moreover, since the elbow is raised, it is not an easy posture and is not suitable for brushing teeth easily.

  In addition, when the toothbrush is gripped by the pen grip method, the armpits are in a state of being squeezed, but when actually brushing the teeth, the elbow is placed inside and the posture is cramped. This posture is not an easy posture, and can be said to be unsuitable for brushing teeth.

  In the toothbrush holding state shown in FIG. 1, the toothbrush 10 can be swung in the swing direction D2 (that is, parallel to the tooth surface) by operating only a part of the fingertip. Further, by swinging the wrist, the toothbrush 10 can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction D1. Furthermore, as described above, according to the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment, the index finger F3 that changes the positional relationship between the thumb F1 and the middle finger F2 or contacts the index finger contact surface 33 or the head-side bulging portion 51. By adjusting the force, the direction of the head 12 of the toothbrush 10 can be easily finely adjusted. That is, if the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment is used, the toothbrush 10 can be operated with a small operation. If the movement is small, the brushing action is not noticeable, and it is also suitable as a toothbrush for brushing teeth in public spaces.

  On the other hand, in order to swing the toothbrush parallel to the tooth surface in a state where the toothbrush is gripped by the palm grip method or the pen grip method, it is necessary to move the entire arm, and a larger operation is required. . Such a large operation is a very conspicuous operation.

  If the toothbrush 10 can be operated with a small movement like the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment, the tooth brushing operation is not conspicuous. In addition, it is conceivable that people are standing next to each other in a workplace or a restroom of a restaurant. However, if the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment is used, the toothbrush can be held in a compact posture, and the toothbrush can be operated with a very small operation. 10 can be operated, so there is no inconvenience to the neighbors. Also in such a point, the toothbrush 10 of this embodiment is suitable as a toothbrush used for toothbrushing in a public space.

  Further, the toothbrush 10 that can be held in a stable state with good operability and can be operated with a small movement can be said to be suitable for fine cleaning of the surfaces of teeth and gums.

  In addition, as the toothbrush 10 which cleans a fine part of a tooth, there exists an interdental brush, for example, but an interdental brush is used by moving forward and backward in the state which put the brush part between teeth. That is, the brush is supported in a state of being sandwiched between teeth, and the brush operation only needs to move forward and backward, and fine operation is not necessary. Therefore, in the interdental brush, the shape of the handle does not become a problem, and the brush can be easily held in a stable state regardless of the shape.

  On the other hand, in a toothbrush having a brush portion in which the bristles are arranged in parallel, the brush portion is applied to the surface of the teeth and gums with an appropriate pressing force, and is moved up and down, left and right, and further rotated. Since it is necessary to operate, the toothbrush handle needs to be able to be held in a stable state. In this respect, since the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment can be held in a stable state with good operability, it can be operated with a small movement and can be said to be suitable for fine cleaning of the surfaces of teeth and gums.

  By the way, the purpose of brushing teeth in public spaces is not only to clean the entire oral cavity, but also to perform minimal care in a short time, as in the case of normal brushing. For example, it is a case where it is desired to remove only the adhering matter (for example, laver or leek) adhering to the surface of teeth or gums during a meal.

  In such a case, the toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment can brush the surfaces of teeth and gums, and can easily perform fine operations, so that deposits can be removed quickly and reliably. Can do.

  Moreover, the cleaning range when it is desired to perform minimum care is narrower than that of normal tooth brushing. As an example, a range that can be seen by others in a conversation with others can be cited. In this case, the cleaning range is only the front part of the mouth.

  The toothbrush 10 of the present embodiment has a short toothbrush body part, so it is difficult to reach the back of the oral cavity, but the front part of the mouth is cleaned quickly and reliably by performing fine operations. It can be said that it is a very suitable toothbrush.

  The invention of the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the surface of the index fingertip contact surface of the fingertip contact portion of the clamping portion is concave, but at least one of the thumbtip contact portion and the index fingertip contact portion or Both surfaces may be concave. In this way, if the plurality of fingertip abutting surfaces are formed in a concave shape, the holding state of the toothbrush becomes more stable and the toothbrushing efficiency is improved when the handle holding part of the handle is held between the fingers. In addition, if a plurality of fingertip contact surfaces are concave, when the finger operation is performed to adjust the orientation and position of the toothbrush head or brush part, the contact surface shape is flat even if the adjustment amount is the same. Compared to the shape case, the movement of the finger may be smaller.

  And various aspects can be considered as a concave shape. For example, when the cross section of the fingertip contact portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the handle of the toothbrush body and is orthogonal to the extending direction of the hair bundle, the cross section is a concave shape, and the toothbrush When a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle of the main body is viewed, there are a case where the cross-sectional shape of the fingertip contact portion is a concave shape and a case where both cross-sectional shapes are concave shapes.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the rear end side bulging portion is formed on the rear end side of the index finger tip contact surface, but at least one of the thumb tip contact portion and the index finger tip contact portion or You may form the rear end side bulging part also in both rear end sides. Thus, if the rear end side bulging portion is formed on the rear end side of the plurality of fingertip contact portions, the toothbrush can be held in a more stable state.

  As the rear end side bulging portion on the rear end side of the index finger tip contact surface, it is possible to contact the palm surface at the position of the middle phalanx of the index finger with which the finger tip contacts the index finger tip contact surface It may be provided with a middle node position bulging surface and a proximal node position bulging surface capable of contacting the palmar surface at the position of the proximal phalanx of the index finger. A middle position bulging surface capable of contacting the palmar surface at the middle phalanx of the index finger and a proximal position bulging surface capable of contacting the palmar surface at the position of the proximal phalanx of the index finger. When provided, the palm surface of the index finger can be brought into close contact with the handle in a natural state, and the toothbrush can be held in a more stable state.

  The proximal position bulging surface may be formed at a position including a rear end of the handle. With such a configuration, the toothbrush can be held in a state in which the rear end of the handle is brought into contact with the palmar surface at the proximal phalanx position of the index finger. That is, the toothbrush can be held in a state where the handle is wrapped by the palm surface of the index finger. If the toothbrush can be held in such a state, the holding state of the toothbrush is further stabilized. Further, by abutting the rear end of the handle against the palm or the like, an operation may be performed in which the toothbrush is made to perform a pipette movement with the rear end of the abutted handle as a fulcrum.

  In the above embodiment, the head-side bulging portion is formed on the head side of the index fingertip contact surface. Furthermore, at least one or both of the thumbtip contact portion and the index fingertip contact portion are provided. A head-side bulging portion may be formed on the head side. As described above, when the head-side bulging portion is formed on the head side of the plurality of fingertip abutting portions, the toothbrush can be held in a more stable state and the orientation and position of the toothbrush head and brush portion can be adjusted. Can be performed more easily.

(A) is a front view of the toothbrush of embodiment which concerns on this invention, (B) is a top view, (C) is sectional drawing about the BB 'surface shown by (A). It is. (A) is a front view which shows the state which hold | maintained the toothbrush, (B) is a top view which shows the state of (A), (C) is a front view which shows the holding state of another aspect. . (A) is a top view which shows a right hand, (B) is a side view which shows an index finger. It is a front view which shows the person of a state with a toothbrush.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... toothbrush, 11 ... hair bundle, 12 ... head, 13 ... handle,
13S ... Thin plate material, 14 ... Neck part, 15 ... Toothbrush body, 16 ... Brush part,
30 ... clamping part,
31 ... Thumb tip contact portion (thumb contact surface), 32 ... Middle finger tip contact portion (back side finger contact surface),
33: Index finger contact surface (index finger contact surface; part of the index finger contact portion),
33B ... the most depressed position,
41 ... rear end side bulging portion, 41a ... middle node position bulging surface, 41b ... base node position bulging surface,
51: Head side bulging portion (a part of the index finger contact portion), 51a ... Tip position bulging surface,
F1 ... thumb, F1s ... side edge of thumb on the ulna side,
F2 ... middle finger, F2t ... side edge of the middle finger on the rib side,
F3 ... index finger, F3a ... tip of index finger,
L0: Nipping distance from the rear end of the handle,
L1 ... Forefinger length,
L2 ... the actual length of the index finger,
L3: Length from the tip of the index finger to the position of the rear end of the middle phalanx,
L4: Length from the tip of the index finger to the rear end position of the distal phalanx,
Ln: Neck distance from the head side bulging part to the clamping part side end of the brush part

Claims (7)

A toothbrush comprising a toothbrush body having a head in which a hair bundle is implanted and a handle integrally formed with the head, and a brush portion comprising a hair bundle implanted in the head,
The handle is formed on the front surface side where the bristles are implanted, and is formed on a thumb contact surface on which the thumb holding the toothbrush is contacted, and on the back surface side opposite to the front surface, and faces the thumb. It has a pinching part that has a dorsal finger contact surface with which a finger contacts,
The length of the handle is such that the back end of the handle is in the hand while holding the clamping part by bringing the finger into contact with the thumb contact surface and the dorsal finger contact surface to brush the teeth. Toothbrush that is the length that fits in.   The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the thumb contact surface and the dorsal finger contact surface are surfaces on which fingertips of fingers that are in contact with the contact surfaces are contacted.   The handle abuts the fingertip of the index finger on one side opposite to the index finger when the thumb is brought into contact with the thumb contact surface of the handle and the middle finger is brought into contact with the dorsal finger contact surface. The toothbrush of Claim 1 or Claim 2 provided with the index finger contact part which can be made.   The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the clamping unit is a plate-like member having the thumb contact surface on the front side and the back finger contact surface on the back side.   The toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the index finger contact portion includes a head-side bulging portion provided on the one side of the handle.   The index finger contact portion includes an index finger contact surface located on a rear end side from the head-side bulge portion, and the index finger contact surface includes the thumb contact surface and the back finger contact surface. The toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein the toothbrush is a concave surface.   The head-side bulging portion is formed at a position where the distance from the head-side bulging portion to the end portion on the clamping portion side of the brush portion is shorter than the length from the tip of the index finger to the rear end position of the distal phalanx. The toothbrush according to claim 6.

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