TWM579963U - 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

Tooth cleaning tool with handle cover

The field of this creation is generally related to tooth cleaning tools, and more specifically, to a tooth cleaning tool having a housing for selectively housing at least one auxiliary cleaning tool, wherein the housing also serves One of the tools handle.

Tooth cleaning tools are used to remove food debris and / or accumulations from the surface of teeth or between teeth. Therefore, some known tooth cleaning tools include a toothbrush for cleaning the surface of teeth, and other known tooth cleaning tools include a tool for removing or loosening food debris (or other debris) between the teeth of a user. Dental floss and / or a dental scaler. In addition, at least some known dental cleaning tools include a cleaning instrument 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 cumbersome and complicated mechanical methods for masking the cleaning instrument when in the storage position. In addition, the cleaning instrument may be a separate component from the tooth cleaning tool, so that the cleaning instrument may be lost when deployed from the tooth cleaning tool.

Therefore, there is a need for a simple and cost-effective tooth cleaning tool having a cleaning instrument that can be moved between an unfolded position and a storage position in the tool, wherein the cleaning instrument is placed in a tank and the Part of the tooth cleaning tool is masked.

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 main body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The main body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; and a handle portion extending at the first end Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handlebar part contains a receptacle. 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 main body part so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receiving slot.

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 main body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The main body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; and a handle portion extending at the first end Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handle portion includes a receptacle, and a spine-like member extends into an interior of the receptacle. The spine-like member terminates 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 main body part so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receiving slot.

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 main body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The main body portion includes: a dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; and a handle portion extending at the first end Between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick component. The handle portion includes a receptacle, and a spine-like member extends into an interior of the receptacle. The spine-like member passes It is configured to separate the interior, so that a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot are defined 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 with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is selectively positioned in one of a storage position and an unfolded position in at least one of the first receiving slot and the second receiving slot between.

100‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

102‧‧‧Main body

104‧‧‧Vertical axis

106‧‧‧ the first end

108‧‧‧ the second end

110‧‧‧ Dental floss assembly

112‧‧‧Toothpick Parts

114‧‧‧Handle section

116‧‧‧ pointed

118‧‧‧ first arm

120‧‧‧ second arm

122‧‧‧ Clearance

124‧‧‧ Dental floss

126‧‧‧The first auxiliary cleaning tool

128‧‧‧first side

130‧‧‧Second auxiliary cleaning tool

132‧‧‧Second side

134‧‧‧container

136‧‧‧first pivot point

140‧‧‧First opening

142‧‧‧Second opening

144‧‧‧ sidewall

146‧‧‧Internal

148‧‧‧ opening

150‧‧‧ grasping protrusion

152‧‧‧Grasp the protrusion

154‧‧‧Spine

156‧‧‧First stop tab

158‧‧‧Second stop tab

160‧‧‧First rotation direction

162‧‧‧Second rotation direction

164‧‧‧The first tab groove

166‧‧‧Second projection groove

168‧‧‧ shrink opening

170‧‧‧ first tab groove

172‧‧‧Second tab groove

174‧‧‧ shrink opening

176‧‧‧Joint parts

178‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

180‧‧‧ spine

182‧‧‧First receiving slot

184‧‧‧Second receiving slot

186‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

188‧‧‧Main body

190‧‧‧ tank components

192‧‧‧First-order region

194‧‧‧second-order region

196‧‧‧Dent

198‧‧‧Slot

200‧‧‧Joint parts

202‧‧‧ the first side wall

204‧‧‧Second sidewall

206‧‧‧ bottom wall

208‧‧‧ Area with increased thickness

210‧‧‧ front opening

Open after 212‧‧‧

214‧‧‧Tooth cleaning tools

216‧‧‧Toothpick Parts

218‧‧‧ pointed

220‧‧‧ Part I

222‧‧‧Part Two

224‧‧‧Vertical axis

226‧‧‧ Tip

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suitable tooth cleaning tool of the present invention, the tooth cleaning tool having a handle portion defining a cover, 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; FIG. 2 is a top view of one of the tooth cleaning tools shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a tooth similar to FIG. 1 except that the first cleaning tool and the second cleaning tool are removed therefrom A perspective view of one of the cleaning tools; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1 with the first auxiliary cleaning tool in a deployed position and the second auxiliary cleaning tool in a storage position; FIG. 5 FIG. 1 is another perspective view of the tooth cleaning tool shown in FIG. 1 but having the second auxiliary cleaning tool in the deployed position and the first auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position; FIG. 6 is the first auxiliary of the tooth cleaning tool A side view of one of the cleaning tools; FIG. 7 is a side view of an auxiliary cleaning tool of a tooth cleaning tool; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another suitable tooth cleaning tool of the present invention, the tooth cleaning Defining a tool having a handle portion of the housing, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool, the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool in a storage position Medium; Figure 9 is a top view of one of the tooth cleaning tools shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of another suitable tooth cleaning tool of the present creation, the tooth cleaning tool having a handle portion defining a cover A groove, a first auxiliary cleaning tool and a second auxiliary cleaning tool, the first auxiliary cleaning tool and the second auxiliary cleaning tool are in a storage position, and the receiving groove is formed separately from the tooth cleaning tool; FIG. 11 is a diagram 10 is a perspective view of a tooth cleaning tool having a cuvette, a first auxiliary cleaning tool, a second auxiliary cleaning tool, and a cuvette removed from the tool; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the cuvettes shown in FIG. 11 Figure 13 is a perspective view of another suitable tooth cleaning tool of this creation, the tooth cleaning tool has a handle portion defining a cover, 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 one of the tooth cleaning tools shown in FIG. 13, and the second auxiliary cleaning tool is in a storage position And the second auxiliary cleaning tool is demonstrated by the phantom line in one of the deployed position; and a side view of one of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 13 shown in FIG. 15 of the system of FIG.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the dental floss assembly 110 includes a first arm 118 and a second arm 120 that extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis 104. The first arm 118 and the second arm 120 are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart a distance such that a gap 122 is defined therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental 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 remains tensioned across the gap 122 to facilitate removal or loosening of food debris or other debris when inserted between the teeth of a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the dental floss assembly 110 includes two strands of dental floss 124 in a substantially parallel relationship across the gap 122 between the first arm 118 and the second arm 120. It should be understood, however, that the dental floss assembly 110 may include more or fewer strands of dental floss 124 without departing from some aspects of this creation.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tooth cleaning tool 100 also includes at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the main body portion 102. More specifically, the tooth cleaning tool 100 shown in the drawing includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 coupled to a first side (indicated as a whole by 128) of the main body portion 102, and a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 coupled to the main body portion 102. A second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 on an opposite second side (indicated generally by 132). The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 may be any combination that enables the tooth cleaning tool 100 to function as described herein. Suitable for dental cleaning instruments. 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 member are made of nylon and are continuously spaced along a length and a circumference of the tool 130 so that a cylindrical toothbrush is defined at the end of the tool 130. Alternatively, the bristles of the bristle cleaning component are arranged in a series of rows, each row extending along the length of the tool 130 and spaced equidistantly 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 main body portion 102 so that they are selectively positioned in a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5). Between, as will be explained in further detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the handlebar portion 114 includes a receptacle 134 that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion (eg, 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 main body portion 102 at a first pivot point 136 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is coupled to the main 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 main body portion 102, and the second pivot point 138 is defined by a second one in the main body portion 102. The opening 142 is defined. As will be explained in further detail below, a portion of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and a portion of the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 may be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142, respectively, to facilitate the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the first The joining between the two auxiliary cleaning tools 130 and the rotation of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 relative to the main body portion 102 are facilitated.

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 of the container 134 in and out of at least one direction. For example, the side wall 144 is spaced from the main body portion 102, extends on both the first side 128 and the second side 132 of the main body portion 102, and is oriented such that an opening 148 is defined in the receiving groove 134. The opening 148 provides import and export. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 148 is provided to enter and exit the receptacle 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 a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2). The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are further manually rotated to selectively move the auxiliary cleaning tools from the storage position to the deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 5).

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

In addition, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, at least a portion (eg, the proximal end) of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is positioned outside the receiving tank 134 when in the storage position. Thus, a user of the dental cleaning tool 100 can grasp, rotate, and thus deploy at least one of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 from the storage position. When in the deployed position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, both the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 have a sufficient length such that they extend beyond the first end of the main body portion 102. 106. Therefore, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are not hindered by the dental floss assembly 110 or any other part of the tooth cleaning tool 100 when in use.

In a suitable embodiment, each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 includes a plurality of grasping protrusions 150 or bumps formed thereon. The plurality of grasping protrusions 150 facilitate a user to grasp the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, thereby enabling a user to unfold their respective auxiliary cleaning tools and self-expanding positions from the storage position. Place at least one auxiliary cleaning tool. In addition, the handle portion 114 includes a plurality of gripping protrusions 152 formed thereon. The plurality of grasping protrusions 152 on the handle portion 114 of the tooth cleaning tool 100 facilitates the user to grasp the tooth cleaning tool during use. In other suitable embodiments, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 include other suitable gripping features other than the gripping protrusions 150, 152. In yet other suitable embodiments, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and / or the handle portion 114 do not have any grips including the gripping protrusions 150, 152 seen in FIGS. 1-5 feature.

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

Referring again to FIG. 3, the main body portion 102 of the tooth cleaning tool 100 further includes a first stop tab 156 extending from the dental 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. Therefore, one first stopper tab 156 and one second stopper tab 158 are positioned on the first side 128 of the main body portion 102, and the other first stopper tab 156 and another second stopper tab 158 is positioned on the opposite second side 132 of the body portion. In use, the first stopper tab 156 defines at least one auxiliary cleaning tool (ie, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 or the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130) to rotate along a first rotation direction 160, and the second stopper projection 156 The sheet 158 defines 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 stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 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 unfolded position. More specifically, the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 are positioned so that the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are in the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the deployed position. (FIGS. 4 and 5) are aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the main body portion 102 in the middle. However, it is expected that the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 may be positioned such that the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are in the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and / or deployed In the position (FIGS. 4 and 5), it is not aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the main body portion 102.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 includes a first tab groove (indicated generally at 164) and a second tab groove (indicated generally at 166) defined therein. When the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the deployed position, the first tab groove 164 is configured to receive the first stop tab 156 on the first side 128 of the main body portion 102, and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 When in the stowed position, the second tab recess 166 is adapted to receive the second stop tab 158 on the first side 128 of the main body portion 102. In addition, the first protruding piece groove 164 and the second protruding piece groove 166 are shaped to engage the first stopper protrusion 156 and the second stopper protrusion 158 by a holding force. For example, each of the first tab recess 164 and the second tab recess 166 is sized and shaped so that the first stop tab 156 and the second stop tab 158 can be frictionally inserted into one of them, respectively. Shrink the opening 168. Therefore, the first protruding piece groove 164 and the second protruding piece groove 166 are respectively engaged with the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 by a holding force to maintain the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 in the storage. Position or expanded position.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 7, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 includes a first tab groove (indicated generally at 170) and a second tab groove (indicated generally at 172) defined therein. When the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the deployed position, the first tab groove 170 is configured to receive The first stopper tab 156 on the second side 132 of the main body portion 102 is received, and the second tab groove 172 is configured to receive the second stopper of the main body portion 102 when the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is in the storage position. The second stop tab 158 on the side 132. In addition, the first protruding piece groove 170 and the second protruding piece groove 172 are sized and shaped to engage the first stopper piece 156 and the second stopper piece 158 by a holding force, respectively. For example, each of the first tab groove 170 and the second tab groove 172 is sized and shaped so that the first stop tab 156 and the second stop tab 158 can be frictionally inserted into one of them, respectively. Shrink the opening 174. Therefore, the first protruding piece groove 170 and the second protruding piece groove 172 respectively engage the first stopper tab 156 and the second stopper tab 158 by a holding force to maintain the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 in the storage. Position or expanded position.

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 interval therebetween. Join. 6 and 7, each of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 includes an engaging member 176 extending therefrom. The joint member 176 can be inserted into the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 and is shaped to allow the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to rotate freely with respect to the main 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 adjacent to the second opening and disposed behind the second opening. Therefore, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 attached at the first opening 140 is longitudinally offset and behind the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 attached at the second opening 142.

8 and 9 illustrate another suitable embodiment of the 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. 1-5, and correspondingly the same element symbols are used to refer to the same elements of both the tooth cleaning tool 100 and the tooth cleaning tool 178.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the main body portion 102 further includes a spine-like member extending from the first end 106 of the main body portion 102, passing through the interior 146 of the groove 134, and extending longitudinally toward the second end 108. 180. As shown in FIG. 9, the spine-like member 180 extends toward the second end 108 such that the interior 146 of the receiving groove 134 is partitioned to define therein a first receiving groove 182 and a second receiving groove 182 on opposite sides of the main body portion 102. Receiving slot 184. The first receiving groove 182 is sized and shaped to receive the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 therein (when in the storage position), and the second receiving groove 184 is sized and shaped to receive the second auxiliary cleaning therein. Tool 130 (when in storage position).

10 to 12 illustrate another suitable embodiment of the tooth cleaning tool 186 of the present invention. The tooth cleaning tool 186 seen in Figs. 10 to 12 is substantially similar to the tooth cleaning tool 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 5 and the tooth cleaning tool 178 shown in Figs. Used to refer to the same elements of each tooth cleaning tool 100, 178, and 186.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tooth cleaning tool 186 includes one assembly of a plurality of components that are selectively coupled together to form the tooth cleaning tool. For example, the tooth cleaning tool 186 is formed of a main body portion (indicated generally by 188) and a plurality of components formed separately from the main body portion 188 and then selectively coupled to the main body portion 188. More specifically, the tooth cleaning tool 186 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, a second auxiliary cleaning tool 130, and a tank member (indicated as 190 as a whole) coupled to the main body portion 188. . The tank member 190 is similar to the tank 134 (shown in FIG. 1) in that the tank member 190 and the tank 134 have a similar size, shape, and profile, and the tank member 190 is also used when in the storage position. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool when one of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is covered and covered in the storage position. 具 130。 With 130. Therefore, the tips of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 are at least partially protected by the receiving tank member 190 when in the storage position.

Referring to FIG. 11, the main body portion 188 includes a handle portion 114 that is designed to mate with the cuff member 190 when the tooth cleaning tool 186 is formed. In the exemplary embodiment, the handlebar portion 114 includes a first step-like region (indicated generally at 192) and a second step-like region (indicated generally at 194) positioned behind the first step-like region 192. The first step-like region 192 and the second step-like region 194 define a dent in the bottom side of the main body portion 188 (indicated as a whole by 196). When the dental cleaning tool 186 is assembled, the dents 196 are sized to receive the tank member 190 therein. More specifically, the first step-shaped region 192 and the second step-shaped region 194 are spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially equal to a length of the longitudinal length of the tank member 190, so that the tank member 190 is positioned at the first position when coupled to the body portion 188 Between the step-like region 192 and the second step-like region 194. In addition, the first step-like region 192 and the second step-like region 194 are sized such that the recess 196 is recessed with respect to the bottom side of the main body portion 188 by a distance substantially equal to a thickness of the groove member 190. Thus, the cuvette member 190 is substantially flush with the bottom side of the main body portion 188 when coupled to the main body portion 188. The first step-like region 192 and the second step-like region 194 also abut the cuvette member 190 and facilitate the longitudinal movement of the defined cuvette member 190 relative to the main body portion 188.

In one embodiment, the tank member 190 is mated with the main body 188. For example, the main body portion 188 further includes at least one engaging groove 198 defined in the indentation 196 on the bottom side of the main body portion 188. Referring to FIG. 12, the tank member 190 includes at least one engagement member 200 designed to mate with at least one engagement groove 198 in the main body portion 188. More specifically, the tank member 190 includes a first sidewall 202, a second sidewall 204, and a bottom wall 206 extending between the first sidewall 202 and the second sidewall 204. The joining member 200 is formed on the bottom wall 206 and extends from the bottom wall 206. In addition, the engaging groove 198 and the engaging member 200 are adjusted so that the main body portion 188 and the receiving groove portion The pieces 190, when coupled together, are engaged by at least one of an interference fit or a snap fit. It should be understood that the body portion 188 and the cuvette component 190 may enable the tooth cleaning tool 186 to engage in any manner that functions as described herein. In addition, in an embodiment, the main body portion 188 includes a region 208 having an increased thickness that is defined longitudinally on the main body portion 188 between the first step-like region 192 and the second step-like region 194. The area 208 with increased thickness facilitates providing additional reinforcement to the main body portion 188 near the space evacuated by the engagement groove 198 and in the joint area between the main body portion 188 and the joint 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 such that a front opening 210 and a rear opening 212 are defined in the tank member 190. When the tank member 190 is coupled to the main body portion 188, the front opening 210 is sized so as to define a gap between the first side wall 202 and the first side 128 (shown in FIG. 10) of the main body portion 188, and such that A gap is defined between the second side wall 204 and the second side 132 (shown in FIG. 10) of the main body portion 188. The gaps allow the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 to be received in one of the tank members 190 when in the storage position. When the tank member 190 slides over the handle portion 114 of the main body portion 188, the rear opening 212 is sized to receive the main body portion 188 therethrough. In one embodiment, when the tank member 190 is coupled to the main body portion 188, the rear opening 212 is sized so that the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204 make the main body portion 188 abut with each other by an interference fit. Therefore, the inside of the tank member 190 is at least partially sealed from the rear direction, thereby facilitating the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 and the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 when the mask is in the storage position.

13 to 15 illustrate another suitable embodiment of the 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 correspondingly, the same component symbols are used to refer to the tooth cleaning tool 100 and the tooth cleaning The same elements of both tools 214.

In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIGS. 10 to 12, the tooth cleaning tool 214 includes a main body portion 102, a dental floss assembly 110 formed at the first end 106 of the main body portion 102, and a second A toothpick component (indicated generally at 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 such that the toothpick member 216 includes a pointed tip 218 at the second end 108 of the body portion. Further, the toothpick member 216 is oriented substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 of the main body portion 102. The toothpick component 216 is configured to facilitate removal or loosening of food debris 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 shown in the drawing includes a second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 coupled to the second side 132 of the main body portion 102 and a second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 coupled to the first side 128 of the main body portion 102. A first auxiliary cleaning tool 126. The second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 may be any suitable tooth cleaning instrument that enables the tooth cleaning tool 214 to function as described herein. In a suitable embodiment, the second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 is a bristle cleaning component, and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is an auxiliary toothpick component. The second auxiliary cleaning tool 130 and the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 are rotatable relative to the main body portion 102 so that they are selectively positioned between a storage position (FIG. 13) and a deployed position (FIG. 14).

Referring to FIG. 15, the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 includes a first portion 220 and a second portion 222. The first portion 220 is substantially coaxially aligned with one of the longitudinal axes 224 of the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126, and the second portion 222 is oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis 224. In addition, the second portion 222 has a tip 226 extending therefrom. The tip 226 is oriented substantially vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis 224, and When the first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is in the deployed position (FIG. 14), it is also oriented substantially vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis 104 of the main body portion 102. The first auxiliary cleaning tool 126 is configured to facilitate removal or loosening of food debris 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 may 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 from 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 that is also used as a cover for at least one auxiliary cleaning tool of the tooth cleaning tool. The handle includes a receptacle sized to receive the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool (when in a storage position) therein. The at least one auxiliary cleaning tool can rotate freely relative to a main body part of the tooth cleaning tool, so that it is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receiving slot. A stopper tab is formed on the main body portion, and the stopper tab engages at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to keep the auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position and the unfolded position. Therefore, the auxiliary cleaning tool is restricted from being unintentionally deployed from the storage position, or is restricted from being unintentionally stored from the deployment position. In addition, when in the storage position, the auxiliary cleaning tool is substantially flush with the handle, so that the use of one of the dental floss assemblies of the dental cleaning tool remains unhindered.

When introducing elements of this creation or its preferred embodiment (s), the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" mean that one or more of the elements are present By. The terms "including," "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 construction without departing from the scope of this creation, all the objects included in the above description and shown in the drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

This written description uses examples to describe the creation (including best practices) and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the creation (including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of this creation is defined by the scope of the new type of patent application, and may include other examples understood by those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the scope of the new patent application, provided that they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the scope of the new patent application, or their equivalents contain no substantial difference from the literal language of the scope of the new patent application, etc. Effective structural elements.

Claims (20)

A tooth cleaning tool includes: a main body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the main body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the main body portion includes: a A dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; and a handle portion extending between the dental floss assembly and the Between toothpick components, wherein the handle portion includes a receptacle; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the main body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the main body portion to enable the at least one auxiliary cleaning The tool is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the receptacle. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the container is shaped such that a tip of the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is covered by the container when in the storage position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a side wall oriented to define access to an interior of the receptacle from at least one direction. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 3, wherein an opening is defined in the tank, and wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable to be inserted into the interior of the tank through the opening. The tooth cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion further comprises: a first stopper tab configured to limit the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to move in a first direction; and a second stopper The tab is configured to limit the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool to move in a second direction. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 5, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool comprises: a first tab groove configured to receive the first stop when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the deployed position A protruding piece; and a second protruding piece groove configured to receive the second stopper protruding piece when the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in the storage position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 6, wherein the first and second tab grooves are adapted to engage the first and second stop tabs, respectively, by a retaining force. . The tooth cleaning tool according to claim 5, wherein the first stopper tab and the second stopper tab are positioned to position the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool in the storage position and the unfolded position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the first stopper tab and the second stopper tab are positioned such that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is in contact with the main body portion when in the stowed position and the extended position. The longitudinal axis is aligned. A tooth cleaning tool includes: a main body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the main body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the main body portion includes: a A dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; a handle portion extending between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick Between components, wherein the handlebar portion includes a receptacle; and a spine-like component that extends into an interior of the receptacle, wherein the spine-shaped component terminates in the interior; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool that Coupled to the main body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the main body portion so that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is selectively positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in the container. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the handle portion includes a plurality of grasping protrusions formed thereon. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a plurality of grasping protrusions formed thereon. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is coupled to the main body at a pivot point, and the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is rotatable around the pivot point. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein the main 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 side coupled to the main body portion. One of the first auxiliary cleaning tools, and one of the second auxiliary cleaning tools coupled to the second side of the main body portion. A tooth cleaning tool includes: a main body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning tool, the main body portion extending from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the main body portion includes: a A dental floss assembly formed at the first end of the main body portion; a toothpick component formed at the second end of the main body portion; a handle portion extending between the dental floss assembly and the toothpick Between components, wherein the handlebar portion includes a receptacle; and a spine-shaped component extending into an interior of the receptacle, wherein the spine-shaped component is configured to separate the interior so as to define within the interior A first receiving slot and a second receiving slot; and at least one auxiliary cleaning tool coupled to the main body portion, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool is movable relative to the main body portion to make the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool selective Ground is positioned between a storage position and an unfolded position in at least one of the first receiving slot and the second receiving slot. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the toothpick member extends arcuately with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion. The dental cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the dental floss assembly includes a first arm and a second arm extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool has a length such that the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool extends beyond the first end of the main body portion when in the deployed position. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool includes a bristle cleaning member. The tooth cleaning tool of claim 15, wherein the at least one auxiliary cleaning tool comprises an auxiliary toothpick component.