JPS62292106A - Oral cavity hygienic system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to oral hygiene devices, and more particularly to a system of oral hygiene devices in various configurations designed for improved cleaning of the oral cavity of a wide range of individual patients.

It is desirable to remove as much bacterial plaque as possible from the interproximal space, under the free gingival margin and from the tooth surface by individual brushing of the deceased tooth. Bacteria in plaque, which causes erosion and deterioration of the gums, are caused by isolating the bacteria from their groups in the plaque form, i.e. by interfering with the plaque formed on the teeth and degrading said groups of bacteria. It has recently been found that the enzyme can be inactivated for up to 24 hours by inactivation. Therefore, it is recommended to brush the teeth with a rotational movement to reach below the free gingival margin, rather than a reciprocating movement parallel to the occlusal plane, and also to prevent erosion of the tooth structure due to reciprocating brushing by such a rotational movement. ing.

Currently available toothbrush structures do not promote the desired rotary brushing motion or provide a means to facilitate access to the interproximal spaces and free gingival margins, thus allowing brushing parallel to the occlusal plane. There is currently a need to provide a toothbrush that not only facilitates and facilitates the desired rotary brushing motion, but also provides a means for reaching interproximal spaces and below the free gingival margin.

Several proposals have been made to increase access to interproximal teeth and free gingival margins. Important among these are Ernest U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,
No. 871, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference. No. 4,209,871 discloses a toothbrush with a head that increases access to the teeth, but the characteristics of this brush head make it difficult to provide the brush in a wide range of configurations. It means.

Additionally, a successful home dental program requires the use of different toothbrush designs. For example, if a user brushes twice a day, the user uses a brush that maximizes cleaning of the gingival area in the morning, and a brush that maximizes cleaning of the interproximal area before bed. You may wish to use .

In some cases, the dentist may wish to prescribe the use of certain types of toothbrushes, such as those designed to treat dental complaints.

Although the primary function of toothbrushes is to clean, toothbrushes are perishable by their nature. Macroscopic and microscopic particles often remain between the bristles.

Similarly, especially during humid weather, the bristles often retain moisture corrosively at room temperature for long periods of time until the next time the toothbrush is used.

People are using various techniques to avoid corrosive situations. In addition to vigorously cleaning toothbrushes before and after use, people often use multiple toothbrushes, allowing for long downtime periods between uses of a particular toothbrush.

Septic conditions also discourage the use of toothbrushes in which large amounts of bristles are used. This is because such a large amount of bristles makes it difficult to keep the toothbrush head dry.

Various disposable toothbrushes have appeared in the prior art. Important among these is the Ginsburg invention, invented by one of the inventors of the present invention.
No. 4,227,275, which is incorporated herein by reference.

No. 4,227,276 discloses the use of a removable handle that can be reshaped by heating in hot water. This provides a partial solution to another problem in the prior art, namely the problem of customizing toothbrush handles for individual users.

Although certain shapes of tooth plan handles are more desirable, it is also desirable to provide certain or commercially available types of toothbrush handles with disposable brushes.

It would also be desirable to provide a toothbrush with a handle for a variety of user uses. For example, if a user wants to use a toothbrush when spending a night away from home, she may want to have the convenience of a botple. She may also desire to have the convenience of using a particular toothbrush head shape. If she is visiting an acquaintance who has an electric toothbrush handle, she has a handle that allows her to attach her toothbrush to that electric toothbrush handle under reasonably sterile conditions, if circumstances permit. You might wish for that.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,039 discloses various methods for brushing teeth and is incorporated herein by reference. These methods include various combinations of back and forth and vertical motions designed to effectively clean the teeth and provide circulation at the gingival margin. Similarly, electric brushes have been designed to provide a variety of brush motions, primarily to provide the brushing action recommended by dentists. These include vertical and horizontal movements, as well as vertical rolling movements and combinations of horizontal and rolling movements. Recently, short circular motions have received widespread satisfaction from dental professionals. These various motions are generally designed to be used with a single brush, usually having a simple rectangular or circular shape, with little regard for brush design refinement.

U.S. Patent No. 4, granted to collaborators on this invention.
No. 399,582 discloses a toothbrush system in which multiple disposable heads are inserted into a disposable stem. This system allows the head and stem design to be tailored to the individual patient's needs regarding mouth size, brushing comfort, and dental and periodontal needs.

A number of toothbrush designs are suggested in the above-mentioned patents, which use a handle with multiple removable heads to provide the user with a complete system of tooth management, thereby allowing the user to select specific brushes. There is no mention of an oral hygiene system that allows one to clean one's own teeth using a dental implant, remove debris between teeth using dental floss, and examine the teeth using a dental mirror.

The present invention provides an oral hygiene device that includes a removable head and a handle into which the removable head can be inserted. The removable head consists of a body portion with oral hygiene means and a male extension for retaining the removable head in the handle.

The removable head can include a toothbrush, a crevice brush, dental floss, a dental mirror, a denture brush or a gingival masher.

The present invention further provides for a disposable oral hygiene device having a handle and various removable heads each having a toothbrush, a crevice brush, a dental floss retainer, a dental mirror, a denture brush, and a gingival surge. provide the system.

The present invention further provides a disposable safety razor having a handle and a removable head that can be inserted into the handle with the safety razor.

According to the present invention, an oral hygiene device has a handle that is designed to best fit the user's hand and an oral hygiene means that can be inserted into the handle. Consists of a removable head. Various dental hygiene tools are mounted on the removable head, such as toothbrushes, gingival surges, dental floss retainers, crevice area brushes, dental mirrors, and denture brushes. Additionally, the safety razor can be positioned on a removable head to form a disposable razor.

To explain the drawings, FIG. 1A shows the front part 12 and the rear part 1.
4 shows a handle 10 of the invention consisting of three parts: 4 and a connecting part 16. The longitudinal axes of the front section 12 and rear section 14 are substantially parallel. The long axis of the connection 16 is about 3
It forms an angle of 0 to 50 degrees, preferably 35 to 45 degrees, most preferably 40 degrees. An opening or socket 20 is provided in the free end 18 of the front part 12 into which a removable head can be inserted. The front portion 12 constitutes approximately 30-40% of the total length of the handle, and the connecting portion 16 constitutes approximately 8-40% of the total length of the handle.
12%, and the rear portion 14 approximately 50-54%.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the front portion 12 has a generally square cross-sectional shape. The rear portion 14 has a generally oval cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 1C. Upper surface 22 and lower surface 2 of connection part 16
4 is knurled to form a platform for the thumb and fingers. Such burrs are shown in more detail in FIGS. 1D and 1E, with FIG. 1D being a top view and FIG. 1E being a bottom view. Of course, all edges of the handle are smoothed to prevent damage to the user. The cross-sectional area of the handle is 15mm
from a maximum at the free end 18 of the front section 12 to a minimum at the free end 18 of the front section 12.

Figure 1F shows the socket at the free end 18 of the front section 12) 20
shows the structure of Socket 20 has a tapered main opening 26 that connects to side openings 28. The walls 30,32 of the opening 26 have a maximum cross-sectional area at the free end 18 of the handle 10.
It is sloped to form a tapered opening as shown in FIG. Side openings 28 are provided primarily for engaging the protrusion or male extension of the removable head to provide secure retention of the removable portion. The length of the tapered opening 26 is about 10 to 1 of the total length of the handle.
It is 4%. As shown in FIG. 1E, the side opening 28 is located on the same side as the bottom surface 24 of the handle 10.

The handle of the present invention has a total length of approximately 13 to 1.5 cm (5 to 6 cm).
inch). That is, the rear portion 14 extends horizontally from the nozzle abutment 15 by approximately 7.6 am (3 inches) and at that point extends approximately 1° 30° at an approximately 40° angle.
5 inches) and again extends horizontally approximately 5 cm (2 inches), terminating at the free end 18 of the front section 12. The width of the handle varies from about 1.8 cm (0, finch) at the base 15 to about 0.8 cIIl (0,3 finch) at the free end 18.
The taper is up to 2 inches). The thickness or height of the handle also tapers from the abutment 15 to the free end 18. In this connection, the height starts from about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) and decreases to about 0.8 cm (0.32 inches). The contour of the handle is such that there are no sharp edges or protrusions that could injure the user's hands or mouth tissue, and that it is easy and comfortable to hold. The shape and dimensions are such that the handle is designed to fit an average adult or child's hand. Additionally, the shape of the handle is designed to provide adequate positioning for the thumb and fingers for easy access to the interproximal areas of the mouth and for easy control of oral hygiene. It will be readily appreciated that the size and specific angle of the handle produces a favorable torque that allows for best results for all attachments requiring pressure without bending the handle.

The removable head 33 used in conjunction with the handle described above is shown in FIG. 2A and consists of a body portion 34 (only one portion shown) and a male extension 36. The body portion 34 is provided with one of a variety of oral hygiene tools, such as a toothbrush, a dental floss holder, a dental mirror, a gingival surge, a denture brush, and a crevice area brush. Each of these means will be explained later.

Male extension 36, on the other hand, consists of a main portion 38 adjacent body portion 34 and an end portion 40 having a small cross-sectional area. A protrusion 42 is provided at the tip of the end portion 40. The small cross-sectional area of the end portion 40 ensures a wedge-shaped fit of the handle 10 into the socket 20. The protrusion 42 is the handle 10
The removable head 33 extends into the side opening 28 of the handle 10 to lock the removable head 33 to the handle 10. Of course, the head 33 can be removed from the handle 10 by pulling the head from the handle. The male extension 36 is thus shaped such that a tight fit between the head 33 and the handle 10 is achieved. The overall length of male extension 36 is approximately 0.66 inches. The thickness of the main body portion adjacent to the main body portion 34 is approximately 0.6 cm.
The thickness at the tip 44 of the end portion 40 is approximately 0.46 cm (0.18 inch).

As shown in FIG. 2B, the male extension 36 is tapered, i.e., the width of the male extension 36 is approximately zero near the body portion 34.
．． Starting at 50 cm (0.2 inch) and approx. 0.3 at tip 44
It has decreased to 8 cm (0.15 inches).

Next, various oral hygiene means provided on the body portion 34 of the removable head 33 will be described.

It will be appreciated that all removable heads are female shaped (with barbs) of the same construction as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In use, the removable head is inserted into the handle to form an oral hygiene device or safety razor.

FIG. 3A shows a removable head 46 consisting of a body portion 48 and a male extension 50. FIG. Body portion 48 is in the form of a generally flat rectangular plate with its longitudinal axis aligned with male extension 50 and handle 10. Five longitudinal rows of tufts are provided on the active or brush side of the body portion 48 to form a toothbrush. As shown in FIG. 3A, the inner three rows 52 of tufts have ten tufts or bundles of bristles in each row, while the two outer rows 54 of tufts have six tufts in each row. Because the inner rows 52 have more tassels per row than the outer rows 54, the tassels located at the ends of the inner rows extend symmetrically beyond the tassels of the outer rows.

The male extension 50 of head 46 is of the same construction as described in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The removable head in Figure 3A is the handle 1 in Figure MIA.
0 to form a toothbrush, which is used in a pine surge movement relative to the long axis of the tooth. The tufts are arranged along the long axis of the handle so that one arcb at a time is brushed on the cheek side of the teeth and on the tooth surface. A toothbrush so arranged is also considered an interproximal brush because of the arrangement of the tufts, which breaks up bacterial plaque in an effective manner. Due to the particular shape of the handle, the position of the thumb and fingers will always be approximately the same on a certain area of the handle.

Figure 3B shows another embodiment of a toothbrush placed on a removable head. In this embodiment, the bristles located near the center of the toothbrush are short in length to provide a curvilinear profile that matches the curve of the outer surface of the tooth when viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 3B, the length of the bristles at the outer end is approximately 1.28 cm.
(0.5 inches), and the length of the bristles in the central part is approximately 0.
．． 89-1.0 cm (0.35-0.4 inch). Of course, instead of the curved profile on the body portion 48, a toothbrush with all bristles of the same length and forming a flat profile could be provided.

FIG. 4 shows a removable head provided with a brush for cleaning the interproximal or interdental area. The head 56 consists of a body portion 58 and a male extension 60 similar to that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The body portion 58 is connected to a housing 62 from which a single large tuft 64 extends. In use, the head 56 is inserted into the handle 10 to form a brush specifically for cleaning the FjI interdental or interdental spaces. This brush is particularly effective in interproximal or groove areas that are deepened due to gum disease or misalignment of back teeth.

This brush is used in a rotating pine surge motion at right angles to the interdental spaces to break up and remove bacterial plaque.

The removable head of the present invention can also be formed with a dental mirror. In FIG. 5A, removable head 66 consists of a body portion 68 and a male extension 70. In FIG. A dental mirror 72 is provided on the body portion 68 and forms an angle β of approximately 30 degrees with the body portion 68 .

Mirror 72 has a size that allows it to be easily manipulated in the user's mouth. The structure of the male extension 70 is the second A.
and FIG. 3A. In use, the head 66 is inserted into the handle 10 to form a dental mirror that can be easily manipulated by the user to clearly view and manipulate his/her teeth. The angular position of mirror 72 allows the user to view the posterior portion of his or her teeth.

FIG. 6 shows a gingival pine surger mounted on a removable head of the present invention. The head 74 has a main body portion 76;
and a male extension 78 of the same construction as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The body portion 76 includes a housing 80 from which a gingiva surge 82 extends in the form of a conical tip.

Typically, the gingiva surge device 82 is formed from a rubber-like material.

7A and 7B illustrate a removable head 84 of a denture brush for use with handle 10. FIG. In this embodiment, the head 84 consists of front and rear sections 86 and 88 connected by a male extension 92 and a connecting section 90 .

Although the front body portion 86 is shown as a circle and the rear body portion 88 is shown as a rectangle, the general shape of these body portions is not critical. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a plurality of tassels 94 are disposed on the front body portion 86.

A tassel 96 is also provided on the rear body portion 88 on the opposite side from the tuft 94. The bristles on the front body portion 86 are longer than the bristles on the rear body portion 88. The front part 86 is for cleaning the inside of the full or partial denture, and the rear part 88 is for cleaning the outside of the denture. The tufts 94 of the front section 86 are arranged in a diamond shape as follows. Seven longitudinal rows of tassels are used. The middle row has 6 tassels. There is one row of five tassels on each side of the central row.

One row of four tassels is located outside each row of five tassels. The outermost row on each side has two tassels. The rear part 88 also has seven longitudinal rows of tassels, each row having five tassels.
It has individual tufts. The front 86 and rear 88 tassels may be of the same length. If desired, the tufts in the central portion of the brush may be shortened to form an arc (to match the curve of the teeth); the arc may be along the long or short axis of the removable head. Male extension 92 has the same structure as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The removable head can also be formed with a dental floss retainer for use with handle 10. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the head 98 is attached to the body portion 10.
0 and a male extension 102. The main body portion 100 is generally ■-shaped, and has two arms 10 spaced apart from each other.
4.

Each arm is provided with a slit 106 through which dental floss can be inserted. A disc 10 for securing dental floss to the main body portion 100, if desired.
8 may be formed. In this case, the dental floss is first wrapped around the disc 108 to secure one end of the dental floss.

Dental floss is then fed across the gap between the arms 104 through the slit 106 in one arm and then through the slit in the other arm.

Dental floss is then wrapped around the disc 108 to secure the free end of the toothpick. As shown in Figure 8B, an arm 10 is provided for easy application of the dental floss retainer.
4 may have a curved shape.

Male extension 102 is similar to that shown in Figures 2A and #2B.

23 - The handle of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with a removable head with a safety razor. Such a head is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Head 110 consists of a body portion 112 and a male extension 114. The front end of the body portion is connected to a safety razor 116. Any American safety razor can be used in conjunction with the removable head of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9B, body portion 112 forms an approximately 45 degree angle with male extension 114 to make shaving more comfortable.

A safety razor 110 is configured for insertion into the free end 18 of the handle 1°.

The handle and removable head of the present invention may be formed from any suitable material, such as nylon, polypropylene, etc. Conventional molding methods can be used to mold the handle and head, such as injection molding.

Typically, the handle as well as the removable head are of one-piece construction.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

#IJ1A is an elevational view of the handle of the present invention, and the first
Figure B is a right side view of the handle of Figure 1A, Figure 1C is a left side view of the handle of Figure 1A, Figure 1D is a top view of the handle of the present invention, and Figure 1E is a top view of the handle of the present invention. 1F is a bottom view of the handle of the invention, FIG. 1F shows the socket at the free end of the handle of the invention, FIG. 2A is an elevational view of the removable head of the invention, and FIG. 2B is FIG. 2A; 3A is a plan view of a removable head embodying a toothbrush, FIG. 3B is a side view of the head of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the head of FIG. 158 is a side view of a removable head embodying a brush for cleaning the groove area; FIG. 5A is a top view of a removable head embodying a dental speculum; FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the removable head embodying a gingival pine surger; FIG. 7A is a top view of the removable head embodying a denture brush; Figure 7B is a side view of the denture brush of Figure 7A, Figure 8A is a top view of a removable head embodying a dental floss retainer, and Figure 8B is a side view of the head of Figure 8A. 9A is a plan view of a removable head embodying a razor, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the head of FIG. 9A. 10: Handle; 20: Socket; 33, 46.56° 66.74, 84, 98, 110: Removable head; 36, 50, 60, 70.7B, 92, 102.11
4: Female extension part; 116: Safety razor procedure amendment (Ryu) September 4, 1986

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A removable head and a handle into which the head can be inserted, the removable head being located adjacent to a body portion comprising an oral hygiene means and the body portion. a male extension consisting of a main body portion and an end portion having a reduced cross-sectional area, the end portion having a protrusion at its distal end for retaining the removable head within a handle, the handle having a central portion; consisting of generally parallel front and rear sections connected by sections, the central section forming an angle of about 30 to 50 degrees with the front and rear sections, and the free end of the front section connecting the male extension of the head. with a socket for accepting the
The upper and lower surfaces of the central portion are knurled to form a platform for the thumb and fingers, the front and rear portions having approximately the same length, and the rear portion conforming to the user's hand. An oral hygiene device having a generally oblong cross-section, the handle having a cross-sectional area that decreases from rear to front. 2. The body portion is in the shape of a generally flat rectangular plate with a long axis aligned with the long axis of the handle, and the oral hygiene means includes five rows of parallel tufts arranged along the long axis of the rectangular plate. 2. The device of claim 1, comprising a toothbrush having a toothbrush having three central rows each having ten tufts and two outer rows each having six tassels. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the two outer rows of tassels are located near the center of the body portion. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the tassels have the same length. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the length of the tuft decreases to a minimum along the longitudinal axis of the plate and near the center of the toothbrush. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said oral hygiene means comprises a generally conical gum massager. 7. The oral hygiene means comprises a dental mirror, and the main body portion of the removable head is about 30 mm long with the attachment means.
Apparatus according to claim 1 for forming a degree angle. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said oral hygiene means comprises a toothbrush having tufts of bristles for cleaning the groove area. 9. The removable head has first and second body portions connected by a connecting portion, the first body portion being located between the connecting portion and the male extension and having the protrusion. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second body portion has a plurality of rows of tassels on the same surface as the projection, and the second body portion has a plurality of rows of tassels on the opposite surface of the projection. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said body portion of said removable head comprises two separate arms, each arm having a slit for passing dental floss. 11, consisting of generally parallel front and rear portions connected by a central portion, the central portion having a diameter of about 30 mm with the front and rear portions;
forming an angle of ~50 degrees, the free end of the front part being provided with a socket for receiving the male extension of the removable head with oral hygiene means, and the upper and lower surfaces of the central part being adapted to accommodate the thumb and other fingers. the front and rear portions have approximately the same length, the rear portions having a generally oval cross section to fit the user's hand, and the rear portions having a Handle for use in connection with an oral hygiene means, characterized in that it has a cross-sectional area that decreases to the front. 12. A disposable razor comprising a handle according to claim 11 and having a safety razor mounted on a removable head insertable into the handle. 13. comprising a handle according to claim 1 and a plurality of removable heads, each head comprising a body portion provided with an oral hygiene means and a main portion located adjacent to the body portion; a male extension comprising an end portion having a cross-sectional area, the end portion having a projection at the distal end for retaining the head within the handle; a toothbrush having the shape of a generally flat rectangular plate aligned with the long axis of the handle and having five parallel rows of tufts on one side located along the long axis of the rectangular plate; Each of the three rows has ten tufts and each of the two outer rows has six tufts; one removable head comprises a generally conical gum massager; one removable head has a generally conical gum massager; a removable head comprising a dental speculum and a body portion of the head forming an approximately 30 degree angle with the male extension, one removable head having a tuft of bristles for cleaning the groove area; a removable head having first and second body portions connected by a connecting portion, the first body portion connecting the trailing portion and the male extension. a removable head having a plurality of rows of tufts located between and on the same side of the projection, the second body portion having a plurality of rows of tufts on the opposite side of the projection; A disposable oral hygiene system characterized in that it has two separate arms, each arm having a slit for the passage of dental floss.