JP3223613U - Dental cleaning tool with handle shield - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental cleaning tool that is simple and cost-effective is provided. A dental cleaning tool includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The body portion has a first end 106 and a second end 108 and extends between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a floss assembly 110 formed at the first end, a toothpick member 112 formed at the second end, and a handle portion 114 extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick member. The handle portion has a receiving portion 134. The dental cleaning tool further comprises at least one auxiliary cleaning tool (126 or 130) coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be rotatable and displaceable with respect to the main body so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a housing position located in the housing and a deployed position. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The field of the disclosure relates generally to dental cleaning tools, and more particularly to a dental cleaning tool that functions as a handle for the cleaning tool and has a shield for selectively receiving at least one auxiliary cleaning tool.

  Dental cleaning tools are used to remove food residue, plaque, etc. from the tooth surface or between teeth. For this reason, some known dental cleaning tools include a brush for cleaning the surface of the tooth, while other known dental cleaning tools can remove grime, plaque, etc., sandwiched between the user's teeth. Includes floss and / or picks for scraping. Furthermore, at least some known dental cleaning tools have an auxiliary cleaning tool that is displaceable between a deployed position during use and a stowed position during stowage. However, many known dental cleaning tools provide bulky and complex mechanical means to protect (shield) the auxiliary cleaning tool in the stowed position. In addition, the auxiliary cleaning tool can be a separate component that is separate from the dental cleaning tool and can be lost when deployed from the dental cleaning tool storage position.

  Therefore, a dental cleaning tool having an auxiliary cleaning tool that is displaceable between a deployed position and a storage position, wherein the auxiliary cleaning tool is received in the receiving slot at the storage position and shielded by a part of the dental cleaning tool. There is a need for simple, cost-effective dental cleaning tools.

  In one aspect, a dental cleaning tool is provided. The dental cleaning tool includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The body portion has a first end and a second end and extends between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis. The body includes a floss assembly formed at the first end, a toothpick portion formed at the second end, and a handle portion extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick portion. The handle portion has a receiving portion. The dental cleaning tool further comprises at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be rotatable and displaceable with respect to the main body so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a housing position located in the housing and a deployment position.

  In another aspect, another dental cleaning tool is provided. The dental cleaning tool includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The body portion has a first end and a second end and extends between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis. The body includes a floss assembly formed at the first end, a toothpick portion formed at the second end, and a handle portion extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick portion. The handle portion has a receiving portion and a spine portion extending therein. The spine portion terminates inside the housing. The dental cleaning tool further comprises at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be rotatable and displaceable with respect to the main body so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a housing position located in the housing and a deployment position.

  In yet another aspect, yet another dental cleaning tool is provided. The dental cleaning tool includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The body portion has a first end and a second end and extends between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis. The body includes a floss assembly formed at the first end, a toothpick portion formed at the second end, and a handle portion extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick portion. The handle portion has a receiving portion and a spine portion extending therein. The spine portion is configured to partition the interior of the receiving portion and define a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot. The dental cleaning tool further comprises at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The body may be selectively displaceable between a receiving position located in at least one of the first receiving slot and the second receiving slot and a deployed position. It is comprised so that rotation displacement is possible with respect to the part.

1 is a perspective view of one preferred dental cleaning tool of the present disclosure. FIG. The dental cleaning tool includes a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool, and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, wherein the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are located in the stowed position. Yes. It is a top view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the dental cleaning tool similar to FIG. 1, and shows a state where the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are removed from the dental cleaning tool. It is a perspective view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state where the first auxiliary cleaning tool is located at the unfolded position and the second auxiliary cleaning tool is located at the storage position. It is another perspective view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state where the second auxiliary cleaning tool is located at the unfolded position and the first auxiliary cleaning tool is located at the accommodation position. It is a side view of the 1st auxiliary cleaning tool of a dental cleaning tool. It is a side view of the 2nd auxiliary cleaning tool of a dental cleaning tool. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another suitable dental cleaning tool of the present disclosure. The dental cleaning tool includes a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool, and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, wherein the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are located in the stowed position. Yes. It is a top view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another suitable dental cleaning tool of the present disclosure. The dental cleaning tool includes a handle portion receiving portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool, and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, wherein the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are in the storage position. positioned. The container is formed separately from the dental cleaning tool. It is a disassembled perspective view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. 10, and shows the state which removed the accommodating part, the 1st auxiliary cleaning tool, and the 2nd auxiliary cleaning tool from the dental cleaning tool. It is a perspective view of the accommodating part shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another suitable dental cleaning tool of the present disclosure. The dental cleaning tool includes a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool, and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, wherein the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are located in the stowed position. Yes. FIG. 14 is a side view of the dental cleaning tool shown in FIG. 13, showing a state where the second auxiliary cleaning tool is located at the accommodation position and the second auxiliary cleaning tool (shown by a virtual line) is located at the deployed position. It is a side view of the 2nd auxiliary cleaning tool shown in FIG.

  1-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the dental cleaning tool 100 of the present disclosure. As shown, the dental cleaning tool 100 includes a body portion 102 that defines a longitudinal axis 104 of the cleaning tool. The body 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108 and extends from the first end 106 to the second end 108 along the longitudinal axis 104. In addition, the main body 102 includes a floss assembly 110 formed at the first end 106 of the main body 102, a toothpick member 112 formed at the second end 108 of the main body 102, a floss assembly 110 and And a handle portion 114 extending between the toothpick members 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the second end 108 of the body 102 is tapered such that the toothpick member 112 has a pointed tip 116. Furthermore, the toothpick member 112 extends between the handle portion 114 and the pointed tip 116 so as to be curved in an arc with respect to the longitudinal axis 104 of the main body 102. The toothpick member 112 is configured to make it easy to remove or scrape off eating residue, plaque, and the like from a place (for example, between the user's teeth) that is difficult to reach in the user's mouth.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the floss assembly 110 includes a first arm 118 and a second arm 120 that extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104. The first arm 118 and the second arm 120 are arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined interval so that a gap 122 is formed between both arms. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental cleaning tool 100 includes a predetermined length of floss 124 that spans between the first arm 118 and the second arm 120 across the gap 122. In one preferred embodiment, the floss 124 is held under tension across the gap 122 to facilitate removal and scraping of food and plaque when inserted between the user's teeth. ing. In the illustrated embodiment, the floss assembly 110 includes two flosses 124 that are substantially parallel to each other and spanned between the first arm 118 and the second arm 120 across the gap 122. It should be understood that the floss assembly 110 may include a greater or lesser number of floss 124 without departing from certain aspects of the present disclosure.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dental cleaning tool 100 further includes at least one secondary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion 102. More specifically, the dental cleaning tool 100 shown in the accompanying drawings includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 coupled to the first side 128 of the main body 102 and a first auxiliary tool opposite to the first side 128. A second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 coupled to the two side surfaces 132. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 may be any suitable dental cleaning tool that allows the dental cleaning tool 100 to function as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is an auxiliary toothpick member and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is a brush bristle cleaning member. In one embodiment, the bristles of the bristle cleaning member are made from nylon and are continuously spaced at predetermined intervals along the length and outer circumference of the tool 130 such that a cylindrical brush is formed at the end of the tool 130. Is arranged. Alternatively, the brush bristles of the brush bristle cleaning member are arranged so that each row extends along the length of the tool 130 and forms a plurality of rows spaced equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction of the tool 130. As will be described in detail later, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are selected between a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5). The main body 102 is configured to be rotatable so that it can be displaced.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the handle portion 114 is sized to receive at least a portion (eg, the distal end) of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and It includes a receptacle 134 formed into a shape. More specifically, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is coupled to the body portion 102 at the first pivot portion 136 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is coupled to the body portion at the second pivot portion 138. Coupled to portion 102. With reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot portion 136 is defined by a first opening 140 in the body portion 102 and the second pivot portion 138 is a second opening in the body portion 102. 142. As will be described in detail later, a portion of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and a portion of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 each facilitate the coupling between the tool and the body portion 102 and the body. In order to facilitate the rotation of the tool with respect to the portion 102, the tool is configured to be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142.

  With continued reference to FIG. 3, the receptacle 134 of the illustrated embodiment has a sidewall 144 that is oriented to limit access to the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 from at least one direction. For example, the side wall 144 is separated from the main body portion 102, extends to both the first side surface 128 and the second side surface 132 of the main body portion 102, and an opening 148 is formed in the housing portion 134. Oriented so that The opening 148 provides access to the interior 146 of the receptacle 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 148 provides access to the housing 134 from above the dental cleaning tool 100. Both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are manually rotated and inserted through the opening 148 into the interior 146 of the receiving portion 134 (see FIG. 1 and 2). Also, both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can be manually rotated to selectively displace from the stowed position to the deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5). it can.

  In one preferred embodiment, the containment 134 is enclosed such that access to its interior 146 is provided only through the opening 148. In addition, the receiving portion 134 is configured so that when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are located in the receiving position (FIGS. 1 and 2), the tip (or distal end) of the tool. ) Can be covered or protected (shielded). Thereby, the tips of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are at least partially protected when the tools are in the stowed position.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least a portion (eg, the proximal end) of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is located in the stowed position. In some cases, it is located outside the housing part 134. Thereby, the user of the dental cleaning tool 100 can be deployed from the accommodation position by holding and rotating at least one of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are configured such that the first end of the body 102 when the tools are in the deployed position. It is long enough to extend beyond 106. Accordingly, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are not prevented from being used by the floss assembly 110 or other parts of the dental cleaning tool 100 during use.

  In a preferred embodiment, each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 has a plurality of tool gripping protrusions (nabs) 150 formed on the surface thereof. The plurality of tool gripping protrusions 150 facilitates the user to grip the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 so that the user can remove each auxiliary cleaning tool from the stowed position. Displacement to the deployment position for deployment and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to be displaced from the deployment position to the storage position for storage. In addition, the handle portion 114 has a plurality of handle gripping protrusions 152 formed on the surface thereof. The plurality of gripping protrusions 152 on the handle portion 114 of the dental cleaning tool 100 facilitates a user to grip the dental cleaning tool 100 when the dental cleaning tool 100 is in use. In another preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 have other suitable gripping elements other than the gripping protrusions 150, 152. In yet another preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 include the gripping protrusions 150, 152 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Absent.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion 102 of the dental cleaning tool 100 extends from the first end portion 106 through the interior 146 of the housing portion 134 toward the second end portion 108 in the longitudinal direction (the spine member ( spine member) 154. As shown in FIG. 2, the spine member 154 is provided in the interior 146 of the housing portion 134 so as to partially partition the interior 146 of the housing portion 134 between the first side surface 128 and the second side surface 132 of the main body 102. It ends with a taper. The spine member 154 provides rigidity to the main body 102.

  Referring again to FIG. 3, the body 102 of the dental cleaning tool 100 extends from a floss assembly 110 for each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130. And a second stopper tab 158 extending from the handle portion 114. In this manner, one first stopper tab 156 and one second stopper tab 158 are arranged on the first side surface 128 of the main body 102, and the other first stopper tab 156 and the other second stopper tab 158 are the main body. It is arranged on the second side surface 132 of the part 102. In use, the first stopper tab 156 rotates the first at least one auxiliary cleaning tool (ie, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130) in the first rotation direction 160. The second stopper tab 158 limits the rotation of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the second rotation direction 162 opposite to the first rotation direction 160. The arrows shown in FIG. 3 indicate the first rotation direction 160 and the second rotation direction 162.

  In addition, the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 are arranged to selectively engage at least one auxiliary cleaning tool and position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the stowed and deployed positions. Has been. More specifically, the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 are arranged so that the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are in the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) or the deployed position (FIG. 1). 4 and 5), the tool is arranged to align with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102. The first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 have the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 accommodated (FIGS. 1 and 2) or deployed (FIGS. 4 and The tool may be positioned so that it is not aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102 when positioned in 5).

  Referring to FIG. 6, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 has a first tab groove 164 and a second tab groove 166 formed in the tool. The first tab groove 164 is configured to receive the first stopper tab 156 on the first side 128 of the body portion 102 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the deployed position. The second tab groove 166 is configured to receive a second stopper tab 158 on the first side 128 of the body portion 102 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the stowed position. In addition, the first tab groove 164 and the second tab groove 166 are formed in such a size and shape that can be engaged with the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 with a predetermined holding force. The For example, each of the first tab groove 164 and the second tab groove 166 is formed in a size and a shape capable of frictionally inserting the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 into the tab groove, respectively. It has a constricted opening 168. Accordingly, the first tab groove 164 and the second tab groove 166 have a holding force for maintaining the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 in the retracted position or the deployed position. Engage each.

  Similarly, referring to FIG. 7, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 has a first tab groove 170 and a second tab groove 172 formed in the tool. The first tab groove 170 is configured to receive the first stopper tab 156 on the second side 132 of the body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the deployed position. The second tab groove 172 is configured to receive a second stopper tab 158 on the second side 132 of the body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the stowed position. In addition, the first tab groove 170 and the second tab groove 172 are formed in a size and a shape that can be engaged with the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 with a predetermined holding force. The For example, the first tab groove 170 and the second tab groove 172 are each formed in a size and a shape that allow the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 to be frictionally inserted into the tab groove, respectively. It has a constricted opening 174. Accordingly, the first tab groove 170 and the second tab groove 172 have a holding force for maintaining the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 in the storage position or the deployed position. Engage each.

  As described above, a portion of the first supplemental cleaning tool 126 and the second supplemental cleaning tool 130 may include a first opening 140 to facilitate engagement between the tool and the body portion 102. And a second opening 142 (both shown in FIG. 3). 6 and 7, each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 has an engaging member 176 extending from the tool. The engaging member 176 can be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142, and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can freely move with respect to the main body 102. It is formed in a shape that allows it to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 140 is offset longitudinally with respect to the second opening 142. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 140 is adjacent to the second opening 142 and on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the second opening 142 (on the second end portion 108 side). Is arranged. As a result, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 attached to the first opening 140 is longitudinally rearward (second) with respect to the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 attached to the second opening 142. (End portion 108 side) is offset and disposed.

  8 and 9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the dental cleaning tool 178 of the present disclosure. The dental cleaning tool 178 is substantially the same as the dental cleaning tool 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements of the dental cleaning tool 178 as those of the dental cleaning tool 100.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the body portion 102 extends longitudinally from the first end 106 through the interior 146 of the receiving portion 134 toward the second end 108. 180 is further included. As shown in FIG. 9, the spine member 180 partitions the interior 146 of the receiving portion 134 so as to define a first receiving slot 182 and a second receiving slot 184 between the opposite side surfaces of the main body portion 102. , Extending toward the second end 108. The first receiving slot 182 is sized and shaped to receive the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 within the slot 182 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the stowed position. Has been. The second receiving slot 184 is sized and shaped to receive the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 within the slot 184 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the stowed position. Has been.

  10-12 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the dental cleaning tool 186 of the present disclosure. The dental cleaning tool 186 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is substantially the same as the dental cleaning tools 100 and 178 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8 to 9. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as the dental cleaning tools 100 and 178 in the dental cleaning tool 186.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, dental cleaning tool 186 is an assembly that includes a plurality of components that are selectively coupled to form a dental cleaning tool. For example, the dental cleaning tool 186 includes a main body 188 and a plurality of components that are formed separately from the main body 188 and are selectively coupled to the main body 188. More specifically, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a body portion 188, a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 coupled to the body portion 188, a second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and a containment. Member (receptacle member) 190. The housing member 190 has the same size, shape, and contour as the housing portion 134 (see FIG. 1). In addition, the storage member 190 serves as a shield that covers the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 when they are positioned at the storage position. Accordingly, the tips of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are at least partially protected by the storage member 190 when the tools are in the storage position.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the body portion 188 includes a handle portion 114 that is designed to receive a receiving member 190 when the dental cleaning tool 186 is assembled. In the exemplary embodiment, the handle portion 114 includes a first step region 192 and a second step region 194 disposed on the rear side (the second end portion 108 side) of the first step region 192. Including. The first step region 192 and the second step region 194 define an indent 196 on the lower surface of the body portion 188. The recessed portion 196 is formed in a size that can receive the housing member 190 when the dental cleaning tool 186 is assembled. More specifically, the first step region 192 and the second step region 194 are located between the first step region 192 and the second step region 194 when the housing member 190 is coupled to the main body 188. Are spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially equal to the length of the housing member 190 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the first step region 192 and the second step region 194 are formed in such a size that the recess thickness of the recessed portion 196 with respect to the lower surface of the main body portion 188 is substantially equal to the thickness of the housing member 190. Has been. Accordingly, the housing member 190 is substantially flush with the lower surface of the main body 188 when coupled to the main body 188. In addition, the first step region 192 and the second step region 194 also come into contact with the housing member 190 to help limit the longitudinal displacement of the housing member 190 relative to the main body 188.

  In one embodiment, the housing member 190 is fitted into the main body 188. For example, the body portion 188 further has at least one engagement slot 198 defined in the lower surface of the body portion 188 in the recess 196. Referring to FIG. 12, the receiving member 190 has at least one engaging member 200 that is formed to mate with at least one engaging slot 198 of the main body 188. More specifically, the housing member 190 includes a first side wall 202, a second side wall 204, and a bottom wall 206 extending between the both side walls. The engaging member 200 is formed on the bottom wall 206 and extends from the bottom wall 206. In addition, the engagement slot 198 and the engagement member 200 are configured such that the main body 188 and the housing member 190 are engaged with each other by at least one of an interference fit or a snap fit. It should be understood that the body 188 and the receiving member 190 can be engaged in any manner that allows the dental cleaning tool 186 to function as described herein. Further, in one embodiment, the body portion 188 includes a thickened region 208 defined in the body portion 188 between the first step region 192 and the second step region 194 in the longitudinal direction. The thickened region 208 can provide additional reinforcement for the region of the body portion 188 near the space formed by the engagement slot 198 and the region that engages the engagement member 200. .

  Referring again to FIG. 12, the first sidewall 202 and the second sidewall 204 are spaced apart from each other such that the receiving member 190 defines a front opening 210 and a rear opening 212, and Oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall 206. The front opening 210 defines a first gap between the first side wall 202 and the first side surface 128 (see FIG. 10) of the main body 188 when the housing member 190 is coupled to the main body 188. And a size such that a second gap is defined between the second side wall 204 and the second side surface 132 of the main body 188 (see FIG. 10). The first gap and the second gap allow the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to be accommodated in the accommodating member 190 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are located at the accommodating position. enable. The rear opening 212 is formed in a size that can receive the main body 188 when the receiving member 190 is slid onto the handle portion 114 of the main body 188. In one embodiment, the rear opening 212 allows the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204 to abut the main body 188 by tight fitting when the receiving member 190 is coupled to the main body 188. It is formed in a size that can be done. Thus, the interior of the receiving member 190 is at least partially sealed from the rear direction, thereby protecting the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 in the receiving position. can do.

  13-15 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the dental cleaning tool 214 of the present disclosure. This dental cleaning tool 214 is substantially the same as the dental cleaning tool 100 shown in FIGS. Therefore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element similar to the dental cleaning tool 100 in the dental cleaning tool 214. FIG.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, the dental cleaning tool 214 includes a body portion 102, a floss assembly 110 formed at the first end 106 of the body portion 102, and a second of the body portion 102. A toothpick member 216 formed at the end 108, and a handle portion 114 extending between the floss assembly 110 and the toothpick member 216. In the exemplary embodiment, the second end 108 of the body 102 is tapered such that the toothpick member 112 has a pointed tip 116. In addition, the toothpick member 216 is oriented to align substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102. The toothpick member 216 is configured to make it easy to remove or scrape off eating residue, plaque, and the like from a place that is difficult to reach in the user's oral cavity (for example, between the user's teeth).

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the dental cleaning tool 214 further includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion 102. More specifically, the dental cleaning tool 214 shown in the accompanying drawings is attached to the first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 coupled to the second side surface 132 of the main body 102 and the first side surface 128 of the main body 102. A second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 coupled. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 may be any suitable dental cleaning tool that allows the dental cleaning tool 100 to function as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is a bristle cleaning member and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 is an auxiliary toothpick member. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 can be selectively displaced between the storage position (FIG. 13) and the deployed position (FIG. 14). It is comprised so that rotation with respect to is possible.

  With reference to FIG. 15, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 includes a first portion 220 and a second portion 222. The first portion 220 is aligned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis 224 of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218, and the second portion 222 is oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis 224. In addition, the second portion 222 has a tip 226 extending from the portion 222. The tip 226 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 224. As such, the tip 226 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the body 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 is in the deployed position (FIG. 14). The second supplemental cleaning tool 218 is configured to facilitate removal or scraping of meals, plaque, etc. from places that are difficult to reach within the user's mouth (eg, between the user's teeth). Yes.

  The dental cleaning tools 100, 178, 186, and / or 214 may be formed from any suitable method and any suitable material. For example, the dental cleaning tools 100, 178, 186, and / or 214 can be formed from metal, wood, plastic, and / or any combination thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the dental cleaning tools 100, 178, 186, and / or 214 are molded or otherwise formed from an elastic synthetic material such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal.

  The dental cleaning tool described herein includes a handle that also functions as a shield for the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool. The handle includes a receptacle sized to receive the tool when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the stowed position. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be freely rotatable and displaceable with respect to the main body portion of the dental cleaning tool so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between the storage position in the storage portion and the deployed position. ing. A stopper tab is formed on the main body. The stopper tab engages with at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to hold the tool in the stowed or deployed position. Therefore, the rotational displacement of the auxiliary cleaning tool is limited by the stopper tab so that the auxiliary cleaning tool is not unintentionally displaced from the accommodation position and deployed, and the auxiliary cleaning tool is not intentionally displaced from the deployment position and accommodated in the accommodation position. The In addition, the auxiliary cleaning tool is substantially flush with the handle so as not to interfere with the use of the dental cleaning tool floss assembly when in the stowed position.

  When introducing elements of the present disclosure or preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “the”, and “said” have one or more elements. Is meant to mean that. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Intended.

  Since various modifications can be made to the above configuration without departing from the scope of the claims of this application, all matters included in the above description are illustrative and are not meant to be limiting. Should be interpreted.

  This specification explains the contents of the present disclosure including the best mode (best mode) by using an example, and implements the present disclosure by a person skilled in the art (including creation of an arbitrary device or system). It is possible to do. The scope of the claims of the present disclosure is specified by the description of the claims, and may include other embodiments conceivable by those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments include components that do not differ from the language of each claim, or equivalent components that do not substantially differ from the language of each claim. It is within the technical scope specified in the claims.

Claims (20)

Dental cleaning tool,
A body defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis The body portion extending between the portions; and
At least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion;
The main body is
A floss assembly formed at the first end;
A handle portion extending from the floss assembly and having a receiving portion,
The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be displaceable with respect to the main body so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a housing position located in the housing and a deployed position. Dental cleaning tool characterized by.   The said accommodating part is formed in the shape which can cover the front-end | tip of this tool, when the said at least 1 supplementary cleaning tool is located in the said accommodation position, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Dental cleaning tool.   The dental cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion has a side wall oriented to restrict access to the inside of the receiving portion from at least one direction. An opening is formed in the housing part,
The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be displaceable so that the tool can be inserted into the interior of the receiving portion through the opening. Dental cleaning tool as described. The main body is
A first stopper tab configured to limit displacement of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in a first direction;
The dental cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising: a second stopper tab configured to limit displacement of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in a second direction. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool comprises:
A first tab groove configured to receive the first stopper tab when the tool is in the deployed position;
The dental cleaning tool of claim 5, further comprising: a second tab groove configured to receive the second stopper tab when the tool is in the stowed position.   The first tab groove and the second tab groove are configured to engage with the first stopper tab and the second stopper tab with a predetermined holding force, respectively. The dental cleaning tool according to 6.   6. The first stopper tab and the second stopper tab are arranged to position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the stowed position or the deployed position, respectively. Dental cleaning tool.   The first stopper tab and the second stopper tab align the tool with the longitudinal axis of the body when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the stowed or deployed position. The dental cleaning tool according to claim 8, wherein the dental cleaning tool is arranged so as to be allowed to move. Dental cleaning tool,
A body defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis The body portion extending between the portions; and
At least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion;
The main body is
A floss assembly formed at the first end;
A handle portion extending from the floss assembly and having a receiving portion;
A spine member extending into the housing and terminating in the interior,
The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is configured to be displaceable with respect to the main body so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a housing position located in the housing and a deployed position. Dental cleaning tool characterized by.   The dental cleaning tool according to claim 10, wherein the handle portion has a plurality of handle gripping protrusions formed on a surface thereof.   The dental cleaning tool according to claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool has a plurality of tool gripping protrusions formed on a surface thereof.   The dental cleaning according to claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is coupled to the main body at a pivot portion and is configured to be rotatable about the pivot portion. Tools. The main body has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface,
The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the first side and a second auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the second side. The dental cleaning tool according to claim 10. Dental cleaning tool,
A body defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis The body portion extending between the portions; and
At least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion;
The main body is
A floss assembly formed at the first end;
A handle portion extending from the floss assembly and having a receiving portion;
A spine member extending into the housing and configured to partition the interior and define a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot;
The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can be selectively displaced between a deployed position located within at least one of the first receiving slot and the second receiving slot and a deployed position. Thus, the dental cleaning tool is configured to be displaceable with respect to the main body.   The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool has a length such that it extends beyond the first end of the body when the tool is in the deployed position, and a brush bristle cleaning member is provided. The dental cleaning tool according to claim 15, comprising:   16. The dental cleaning tool according to claim 15, wherein the floss assembly has a first arm and a second arm extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.   16. The length of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is such that it extends beyond the first end of the body when the tool is in a deployed position. Dental cleaning tool described in 1.   The dental cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a bristle cleaning member.   The dental cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes an auxiliary toothpick member.

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