TW201914545A - Dental cleaning tool with handle shield - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental cleaning tool includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the dental cleaning tool. The body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a floss assembly formed at the first end of the body portion, a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body portion, and a handle portion extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick member. The handle portion includes a receptacle. The tool further includes at least one secondary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one secondary cleaning tool is rotatable relative to the body portion for selectively positioning the at least one secondary cleaning tool between a stowed position, within the receptacle, and a deployed position.

Description

Teeth cleaning tool with handle shield

The field of the invention generally relates to tooth cleaning tools and more specifically, the field of the invention relates to a tooth cleaning tool having a shield for selectively incorporating at least one auxiliary cleaning tool therein, wherein the The cover also serves as one of the handles of the tool.

The tooth cleaning tool is used to remove residual and / or deposited food from the surface of the teeth or between the teeth. Therefore, some known tooth cleaning tools include a brush for cleaning the tooth surface, and other known tooth cleaning tools include for removing or loosening residual food (or other debris) caught between the user's teeth Dental floss and / or toothpick. Furthermore, at least some known tooth cleaning tools include a cleaning appliance that is movable between an extended position when in use and a storage position when stored in the tool. However, many known tooth cleaning tools implement bulky and complex mechanical components to protect the cleaning appliance when in the storage position. In addition, the cleaning appliance may be a separate component separate from the tooth cleaning tool, so that the cleaning tool may be lost when deployed from the tooth cleaning tool.

Thus, there is a need for a simple and cost-effective tooth cleaning tool having a cleaning appliance that can be moved between an unfolded position and a storage position within the tool, wherein the cleaning appliance is placed in a slot and is part of Protection.

In one aspect, a tooth cleaning tool is provided. The tool generally includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool. The body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the body portion; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body portion; and a handle portion extending at the Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handle part includes a receiving slot. The tool further includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is rotatable relative to the body portion to selectively position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receptacle.

In another aspect, a tooth cleaning tool is provided. The tool generally includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool. The body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the body portion; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body portion; and a handle portion extending at the Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handle portion includes a receiving slot, and a spine-shaped member extends inside one of the receiving slots. The spine-like member terminates within the interior. The tool further includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is rotatable relative to the body portion to selectively position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receptacle.

In yet another aspect, a tooth cleaning tool is provided. The tool generally includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool. The body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the body portion; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body portion; and a handle portion extending at the Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handle portion includes a receiving slot, and a spine-shaped member extends inside one of the receiving slots. The spinal member is configured to partition the interior to define a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove in the interior. The tool further includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is rotatable relative to the body portion to selectively position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in a storage position and an expanded position in at least one of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove between.

1 to 5 illustrate a suitable embodiment of a tooth cleaning tool (generally indicated as 100) of the present invention. As depicted herein, the tooth cleaning tool 100 includes a body portion (generally indicated as 102) that defines a longitudinal axis 104 of the tooth cleaning tool. The body portion 102 extends along a longitudinal axis 104 from a first end (generally indicated as 106) to a second end (generally indicated as 108). In addition, the body portion 102 includes a dental floss assembly (generally indicated as 110) formed at the first end 106 of the body portion 102, and a toothpick member (generally indicated) formed at the second end 108 of the body portion 102 Is 112) and a handle portion (generally indicated as 114) extending between the dental floss assembly 110 and the toothpick member 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the body portion 102 is tapered so that the toothpick member 112 includes a tip 116 at the second end 108 of the body portion 102. Furthermore, the toothpick member 112 extends arcuately with respect to the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102 between the handle portion 114 and the tip 116. The toothpick component 112 is configured to facilitate removal or release of residual food or other debris from hard-to-reach locations within the user's mouth (eg, between the user's teeth).

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the dental floss assembly 110 includes a first arm 118 and a second arm 120 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104. The first arm 118 and the second arm 120 are generally parallel to each other and separated by a distance to define a gap 122 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the tooth cleaning tool 100 includes a length of dental floss 124 that spans the gap 122 and is coupled between the first arm 118 and the second arm 120. In a suitable embodiment, the dental floss 124 is kept tensioned across the gap 122 to facilitate the removal or release of residual food or other debris when inserted between a user's teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental floss assembly 110 includes two dental flosses 124 that span the gap 122 between the first arm 118 and the second arm 120 in a generally parallel relationship with each other. However, it should be understood that the dental floss assembly 110 may include more or fewer dental floss 124 without departing from some aspects of the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tooth cleaning tool 100 also includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion 102. More specifically, the tooth cleaning tool 100 shown in the drawings includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 coupled to a first side (generally indicated as 128) of the body portion 102 and coupled to the body portion 102 A second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is disposed on the second side (generally indicated as 132). The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 may be any suitable tooth cleaning appliance that enables the tooth cleaning tool 100 to function as described herein. In a suitable embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is an auxiliary toothpick component, and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is a bristle cleaning component. In one embodiment, the bristles of the bristle cleaning component are made of nylon and are continuously spaced along a length of the tool 130 and a circumference such that a cylindrical brush is defined at the end of the tool 130. Alternatively, the bristles of the bristle cleaning member are arranged in a series of rows, each of which extends along the length of the tool 130 and is equally spaced from each other around the circumference of the tool 130. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can be rotated relative to the body portion 102 to be selectively positioned in a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and an expanded position (FIGS. 4 and 5) Between, as will be explained in further detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the handle portion 114 includes a receptacle 134 sized and shaped to receive at least a portion (eg, the distal end) of both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130. More specifically, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is coupled to the body portion 102 at a first pivot point 136 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is coupled to the body portion 102 at a second pivot point 138. Referring now to FIG. 3, the first pivot point 136 of the illustrated embodiment is defined by a first opening 140 in the body portion 102 and the second pivot point 138 is defined by a second opening 142 in the body portion 102. As will be explained in further detail below, a part of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and a part of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 respectively to promote the engagement between them and promote the first auxiliary The cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 rotate relative to the body portion 102.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the container 134 of the illustrated embodiment includes a side wall 144 that is oriented so as to define an interior 146 that enters and exits the container 134 from at least one direction. For example, the side wall 144 is spaced from the body portion 102, extends on both the first side 128 and the second side 132 of the body portion 102, and is oriented such that an opening 148 is defined in the receiving slot 134. The opening 148 provides an entrance to the container 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 148 provides access to the slot 134 from the top of the tooth cleaning tool 100. Both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can be manually rotated to be inserted into the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 through the opening 148 to assume the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 can be manually rotated to selectively move the auxiliary cleaning tool from the storage position to the deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5).

In a suitable embodiment, the receptacle 134 is enclosed to provide only access to the interior 146 through the opening 148. In addition, the container 134 is shaped so that when in the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2), the ends (or distal ends) of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are covered or protected by the container 134 . Thus, when in the storage position, the ends of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are at least partially protected.

Furthermore, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when in the storage position, at least a portion (eg, the proximal end) of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are positioned outside the receptacle 134. Thus, a user of one of the tooth cleaning tools 100 can grasp and rotate at least one of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and thus deploy the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool from the storage position At least one of 130. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when in the deployed position, both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 have a length sufficient for them to extend equally beyond the first end 106 of the body portion 102 . Thus, when in use, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are not obstructed by the dental floss assembly 110 or any other part of the tooth cleaning tool 100.

In a suitable embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 each include a plurality of gripping protrusions or protrusions 150 formed thereon. The plurality of gripping protrusions 150 facilitate a user to grasp the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to thereby enable a user to unfold the respective auxiliary cleaning tool from the storage position and store at least one auxiliary cleaning from the unfolding position tool. In addition, the handle portion 114 includes a plurality of grip protrusions 152 formed thereon. When in use, the plurality of gripping protrusions 152 on the handle portion 114 of the tooth cleaning tool 100 encourages the user to grasp the tooth cleaning tool. In other suitable embodiments, in addition to the gripping protrusions 150, 152, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 include other suitable gripping features. In other suitable embodiments, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 do not include any gripping features including the gripping protrusions 150, 152 seen in FIGS. 1-5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 102 of the tooth cleaning tool 100 further includes a spine member 154 extending longitudinally from the first end 106 through the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 to the second end 108 of the body portion 102 . As shown in FIG. 2, the spine-like member 154 tapers and terminates within the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 so that the interior portion is separated on the first side 128 and the second side 132 of the body portion 102. The spine member 154 provides rigidity to the body portion 102.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the body portion 102 of the tooth cleaning tool 100 further includes a first stop lug 156 extending from the dental floss assembly 110 and a second stop lug 158 extending from the handle portion 114, etc. Each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130. Therefore, a first stop lug 156 and a second stop lug 158 are located on the first side 128 of the body portion 102, and another first stop lug 156 and another second stop lug 158 Located on the opposite second side 132 of the body part. In use, the first stop lug 156 restricts rotation of at least one auxiliary cleaning tool (ie, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130) in a first rotation direction 160, and the second stop protrusion The ear 158 restricts at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to rotate in a second rotation direction 162 opposite to the first rotation direction 160. The arrows provided in FIG. 3 illustrate the first rotation direction 160 and the second rotation direction 162.

In addition, the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158 selectively engage at least one auxiliary cleaning tool and are positioned to position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position and the deployed position. More specifically, the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158 are positioned such that when in the stowed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5), the first assist The cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102. However, it is expected that the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158 may be positioned such that when in the stowed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and / or deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5), the first The auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are not aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 includes a first lug groove (generally indicated as 164) and a second lug groove (generally indicated as 166) defined therein. The first lug groove 164 is configured to receive the first stop lug 156 on the first side 128 of the body portion 102 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the deployed position, and the second lug groove 166 Adapted to receive the second stop lug 158 on the first side 128 of the body portion 102 when the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the storage position. In addition, the first lug groove 164 and the second lug groove 166 are shaped to use a holding force to engage the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158. For example, the first lug groove 164 and the second lug groove 166 each include a size and shape such that the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158 can be frictionally inserted into them, etc. One necked opening 168. Thus, the first lug groove 164 and the second lug groove 166 use a holding force to engage the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158, respectively, to maintain the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 in the storage position Or expand the location.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 7, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 includes a first lug groove (generally indicated as 170) and a second lug groove (generally indicated as 172) defined therein. The first lug groove 170 is configured to receive the first stop lug 156 on the second side 132 of the body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the deployed position, and the second lug groove 172 It is configured to receive the second stop lug 158 on the second side 132 of the body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the storage position. In addition, the first lug groove 170 and the second lug groove 172 are sized and shaped to use a holding force to engage the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158, respectively. For example, the first lug groove 170 and the second lug groove 172 each include a size and shape such that the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158 can be frictionally inserted into them, etc. One necked opening 174. Therefore, the first lug groove 170 and the second lug groove 172 use a holding force to engage the first stop lug 156 and the second stop lug 158, respectively, so that the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 maintains the storage position Or expand the location.

As described above, a portion of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 may be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 (both shown in FIG. 3) to promote the engagement between them. 6 and 7, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 each include an engaging member 176 extending therefrom. The engaging member 176 can be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 and shaped to enable the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to freely rotate relative to the body portion 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 140 is longitudinally offset relative to the second opening 142 and more specifically, the first opening of the illustrated embodiment is disposed adjacent to and behind the second opening. Therefore, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 attached at the first opening 140 is longitudinally offset and is located behind the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 attached at the second opening 142.

8 and 9 illustrate another suitable embodiment of a tooth cleaning tool 178 of the present invention. The tooth cleaning tool 178 is substantially similar to the tooth cleaning tool 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and therefore, the same element symbol is used to refer to the same element of both the tooth cleaning tools 100 and 178.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the body portion 102 further includes a spine member 180 extending longitudinally from the first end 106 through the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 to the second end 108 of the body portion 102 . As shown in FIG. 9, the spine member 180 extends toward the second end 108 such that the interior 146 of the receptacle 134 is separated to define therein a first receiving slot 182 and a first receiving slot on the opposite side of the body portion 102二 收 槽 184. The first receiving slot 182 is sized and shaped to receive the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 therein when in the storage position, and the second receiving slot 184 is sized and shaped to receive it when in the storage position The second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is received inside.

10 to 12 illustrate another suitable embodiment of a tooth cleaning tool 186 of the present invention. The tooth cleaning tools 186 seen in FIGS. 10 to 12 are substantially similar to the tooth cleaning tools 100 and 178 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8 to 9, so the same element symbols are used to refer to the cleaning of each tooth The same components of tools 100, 178 and 186.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tooth cleaning tool 186 is an assembly that includes multiple components that are selectively coupled together to form the tooth cleaning tool. For example, the tooth cleaning tool 186 is formed by a body portion (generally indicated as 188) and a plurality of components that are formed separately from the body portion 188 and then selectively coupled to the body portion 188. More specifically, the tooth cleaning tool 186 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, a second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and a receptacle component (generally indicated as 190) coupled to the body portion 188 ). The receptacle member 190 is similar to the receptacle 134 (as shown in FIG. 1) because the receptacle member 190 and the receptacle 134 have a similar size, shape, and contour, and when in the storage position, the receptacle member 190 also serves as One of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 covers and covers the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130. Thus, when in the storage position, the ends of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are at least partially protected by the receptacle member 190.

Referring to FIG. 11, the body portion 188 includes a handle portion 114 that is designed to cooperate with the receptacle member 190 when forming the tooth cleaning tool 186. In the exemplary embodiment, the handle portion 114 includes a first stepped region (generally indicated as 192) and a second stepped region (generally indicated as 194) positioned behind the first stepped region 192. The first stepped region 192 and the second stepped region 194 define one of the bottom sides of the body portion 188 (generally indicated as 196). The indentation 196 is sized to receive the receptacle member 190 therein when the tooth cleaning tool 186 is assembled. More specifically, the first stepped area 192 and the second stepped area 194 are spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the container part 190 so that the container part 190 is positioned in the first stepped region when coupled to the body portion 188 Between 192 and the second stepped region 194. In addition, the first stepped area 192 and the second stepped area 194 are sized such that the recess 196 is recessed relative to the bottom side of the body portion 188 substantially by a distance equal to the thickness of the groove member 190. Thus, the receptacle member 190 when coupled to the body portion 188 is substantially flush with the bottom side of the body portion 188. The first stepped area 192 and the second stepped area 194 also abut the receptacle member 190 and facilitate restricting the longitudinal movement of the receptacle member 190 relative to the body portion 188.

In one embodiment, the receptacle member 190 is cooperatively engaged with the body portion 188. For example, the body portion 188 further includes at least one engagement groove 198 defined in the depression 196 on the bottom side of the body portion 188. Referring to FIG. 12, the groove member 190 includes at least one engaging member 200 designed to cooperate with at least one engaging groove 198 in the body portion 188. More specifically, the container part 190 includes a first side wall 202, a second side wall 204, and a bottom wall 206 extending between the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204. The engaging member 200 is formed on the bottom wall 206 and extends from the bottom wall 206. In addition, the engagement groove 198 and the engagement member 200 are adapted so that the body portion 188 and the receptacle member 190 are engaged by at least one of an interference fit or a snap fit when coupled together. It should be appreciated that the body portion 188 and the receptacle member 190 can be joined in any manner that enables the tooth cleaning tool 186 to function as described herein. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the body portion 188 includes a region 208 of increased thickness having a first stepped region 192 and a second stepped region 194 longitudinally defined on the body portion 188. The increased thickness area 208 facilitates additional reinforcement of the body portion 188 in the vicinity of the space hollowed out by the engagement groove 198 and in the junction area between the body portion 188 and the engagement member 200.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204 are spaced apart from each other and are vertically oriented with respect to the bottom wall 206 so that a front opening 210 and a rear opening 212 are defined in the container part 190. The front opening 210 is sized such that when the receptacle member 190 is coupled to the body portion 188, a gap is defined between the first side wall 202 and the first side 128 of the body portion 188 (as shown in FIG. 10), and a gap Defined between the second side wall 204 and the second side 132 of the body portion 188 (as shown in FIG. 10). The gap enables the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to be received inside one of the receptacle members 190 when in the storage position. The rear opening 212 is sized to receive the body portion 188 therethrough when the receptacle member 190 slides on the handle portion 114 of the body portion 188. In one embodiment, the rear opening 212 is sized such that when the receptacle member 190 is coupled to the body portion 188, the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204 abut the body portion 188 with an interference fit. Thus, the interior of the receptacle member 190 is at least partially sealed from the rearward direction, thereby promoting the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to be protected when in the storage position.

13 to 15 illustrate another suitable embodiment of a tooth cleaning tool 214 of the present invention. The tooth cleaning tool 214 is substantially similar to the tooth cleaning tool 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and therefore, the same element symbol is used to refer to the same element of both the tooth cleaning tools 100 and 214.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 13-15, the tooth 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 formed in the body portion 102 A toothpick component (generally indicated as 216) at the end 108 and a handle portion 114 extending between the dental floss assembly 110 and the toothpick component 216. In the exemplary embodiment, the body portion 102 is tapered so that the toothpick member 216 includes a tip 218 at the second end 108 of the body portion. Also, the toothpick member 216 is oriented substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102. The toothpick component 216 is configured to facilitate removal or release of residual food or other debris from hard-to-reach locations within the user's mouth (eg, between the user's teeth).

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the tooth cleaning tool 214 also includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion 102. More specifically, the tooth cleaning tool 214 depicted in the drawings includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 coupled to the second side 132 of the body portion 102 and one coupled to the first side 128 of the body portion 102 Second auxiliary cleaning tool 218. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 may be any suitable tooth cleaning appliance that enables the tooth cleaning tool 214 to function as described herein. In a suitable embodiment, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is a bristle cleaning component, and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 is an auxiliary toothpick component. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 can be rotated relative to the body portion 102 to selectively position them between a storage position (FIG. 13) and an expanded position (FIG. 14).

15, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 includes a first part 220 and a second part 222. The first portion 220 is generally coaxially aligned with one of the longitudinal axes 224 of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218, and the second portion 222 is positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis 224. In addition, the second portion 222 has a tip 226 extending therefrom. The tip 226 is substantially vertically oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 224 and is also substantially vertically oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 104 of the body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 is in the deployed position (FIG. 14). The second auxiliary cleaning tool 218 is configured to facilitate removal or release of residual food or other debris from hard-to-reach locations within the user's mouth (eg, between the user's teeth).

The tooth cleaning tools 100, 178, 186, and / or 214 can be formed in any suitable manner and from any suitable material. For example, the tooth cleaning tools 100, 178, 186, and / or 214 may be formed of metal, wood, plastic, and / or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the tooth 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 tooth cleaning tool described herein includes a handle of a shield that also serves as at least one auxiliary cleaning tool of the tooth cleaning tool. The handle includes a receptacle that is sized to receive at least one auxiliary cleaning tool therein when in a storage position. At least one auxiliary cleaning tool is free to rotate relative to a body portion of the tooth cleaning tool, so that it is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receptacle. The stop lug is formed on the body portion, and the stop lug engages at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to keep the auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position and the deployed position. Thus, the auxiliary cleaning tool is restricted from unintentionally unfolding from the storage position or from being unintentionally stored from the unfolding position. Furthermore, when in the storage position, the auxiliary cleaning tool is substantially flush with the handle to use the dental floss assembly, one of the tooth cleaning tools, without hindrance.

When introducing elements of the present invention or preferred embodiment (s) thereof, the articles "a" and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Since various changes can be made to the above configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description and shown in the drawings are to be interpreted as intended to be shown but not limited.

[Embodiment] The present invention is described using examples including the best mode and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, which includes manufacturing and using any device or system and performing any incorporation method. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the patent application, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples have structural elements that are different from the text language of the patent application scope or equivalent structural elements that contain no substantial difference from the text language of the patent application scope, they are intended to be within the scope of the patent application scope.

100‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

102‧‧‧Body part

104‧‧‧longitudinal axis

106‧‧‧First

108‧‧‧The second end

110‧‧‧Dental floss assembly

112‧‧‧ toothpick parts

114‧‧‧handle part

116‧‧‧tip

118‧‧‧ First Arm

120‧‧‧Second arm

122‧‧‧Gap

124‧‧‧Dental floss

126‧‧‧The first auxiliary cleaning tool

128‧‧‧First side

130‧‧‧Second auxiliary cleaning tool / first auxiliary cleaning tool

132‧‧‧Second side

134‧‧‧slot

136‧‧‧First pivot point

138‧‧‧second pivot point

140‧‧‧First opening

142‧‧‧Second opening

144‧‧‧Sidewall

146‧‧‧Internal

148‧‧‧ opening

150‧‧‧ Grasp protrusion / bump

152‧‧‧ grip protrusion

154‧‧‧Spine-shaped parts

156‧‧‧First stop lug

158‧‧‧Second stop lug

160‧‧‧First direction of rotation

162‧‧‧Second rotation direction

164‧‧‧First lug groove

166‧‧‧Second lug groove

168‧‧‧Necked opening

170‧‧‧First lug groove

172‧‧‧Second lug groove

174‧‧‧Necked opening

176‧‧‧joining parts

178‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tool

180‧‧‧Spine-shaped parts

182‧‧‧First receiving slot

184‧‧‧Second receiving slot

186‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tool

188‧‧‧Body part

190‧‧‧slot parts

192‧‧‧First step area

194‧‧‧ Second step area

196‧‧‧Indentation

198‧‧‧slot

200‧‧‧joining parts

202‧‧‧First side wall

204‧‧‧Second side wall

206‧‧‧Bottom wall

208‧‧‧Region

210‧‧‧front opening

212‧‧‧Open back

214‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

216‧‧‧ toothpick parts

218‧‧‧tip / second auxiliary cleaning tool

220‧‧‧Part 1

222‧‧‧Part Two

224‧‧‧Longitudinal axis

226‧‧‧tip

1 is a perspective view of a tooth cleaning tool suitable for the present invention, the tooth cleaning tool having a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the The second auxiliary cleaning tool is in a storage position;

Figure 2 is a top view of one of the tooth cleaning tools shown in Figure 1;

3 is a perspective view of a tooth cleaning tool similar to FIG. 1 but with the first cleaning tool and the second cleaning tool removed therefrom;

4 is a perspective view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1 with the first auxiliary cleaning tool in an expanded position and the second auxiliary cleaning tool in a storage position;

5 is another perspective view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1 but with the second auxiliary cleaning tool in the deployed position and the first auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position;

6 is a side view of one of the first auxiliary cleaning tools for tooth cleaning tools;

7 is a side view of a second auxiliary cleaning tool for tooth cleaning tools;

8 is a perspective view of another tooth cleaning tool suitable for the present invention, the tooth cleaning tool having a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, the first auxiliary cleaning tool and The second auxiliary cleaning tool is in a storage position;

9 is a plan view of one of the tooth cleaning tools shown in FIG. 8;

10 is a perspective view of another suitable tooth cleaning tool of the present invention, the tooth cleaning tool having a receptacle with a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, the The first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are in a storage position, and the receiving slot is formed separately from the tooth cleaning tool;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 10 with a container, the first auxiliary cleaning tool, the second auxiliary cleaning tool, and the container have been disassembled from the tool;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one of the receptacles shown in Figure 11;

13 is a perspective view of another tooth cleaning tool suitable for the present invention, the tooth cleaning tool having a handle portion defining a shield, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, and the first auxiliary The cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are in a storage position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 13, the second auxiliary cleaning tool is in a storage position, and the second auxiliary cleaning tool is shown in an unfolded position with an imaginary line; and

15 is a side view of the second auxiliary cleaning tool shown in FIG.

Claims (20)

A tooth cleaning tool includes: a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the body portion includes: a tooth A thread assembly formed at the first end of the body part; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body part; and a handle part extending from the dental floss assembly and the toothpick Between parts, wherein the handle portion includes a receptacle; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the body portion to select the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool It is positioned between an accommodating position and an unfolding position in the container. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is shaped so that when in the storage position, one end of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is covered by the receptacle. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a side wall oriented to define access to the interior of the receptacle from at least one direction. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 3, wherein an opening is defined in the receptacle, and wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable to be inserted into the interior of the receptacle through the opening. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the body portion further includes: a first stop lug configured to limit movement of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in a first direction; and a second stop The lug is configured to restrict the movement of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in a second direction. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 5, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes: a first lug groove configured to receive the first stop when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the deployed position A lug; and a second lug groove configured to receive the second stop lug when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the storage position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 6, wherein the first lug groove and the second lug groove are adapted to use a retaining force to engage the first stop lug and the second stop lug, respectively . The tooth cleaning tool of claim 5, wherein the first stop lug and the second stop lug are positioned to position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position and the deployed position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the first stop lug and the second stop lug are positioned such that when in the stowed position and the deployed position, the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool and the body portion The longitudinal axis is aligned. A tooth cleaning tool includes: a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the body portion includes: a tooth A thread assembly formed at the first end of the body part; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body part; a handle part extending from the dental floss assembly and the toothpick member Between, where the handle portion includes a receptacle; and a spine-shaped member that extends inside an interior of the receptacle, where the spine-shaped member terminates in the interior; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool, which is coupled to The body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the body portion to selectively position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool between a storage position and an expanded position in the receptacle. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the handle portion includes a plurality of grip protrusions formed thereon. The tooth cleaning tool according to claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a plurality of gripping protrusions formed thereon. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is coupled to the body portion at a pivot point, and the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is rotatable about the pivot point. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the body portion includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes the first coupled to the body portion A first auxiliary cleaning tool on the side and a second auxiliary cleaning tool coupled on the second side of the body portion. A tooth cleaning tool includes: a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the body portion includes: a tooth A thread assembly formed at the first end of the body part; a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body part; a handle part extending from the dental floss assembly and the toothpick member Between, where the handle portion includes a receptacle; and a spine-shaped member that extends within an interior of the receptacle, wherein the spine-shaped member is configured to separate the interior such that a first receiving slot and a A second receiving slot is defined in the interior; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the body portion to selectively position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool Between a storage position and an expanded position in at least one of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the toothpick component extends arcuately with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the dental floss assembly includes a first arm and a second arm extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool has a length such that when in the deployed position, the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool extends beyond the first end of the body portion. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a bristle cleaning component. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes an auxiliary toothpick component.