US20080282487A1 - Disposable oral hygiene applicator - Google Patents
Disposable oral hygiene applicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080282487A1 US20080282487A1 US12/152,209 US15220908A US2008282487A1 US 20080282487 A1 US20080282487 A1 US 20080282487A1 US 15220908 A US15220908 A US 15220908A US 2008282487 A1 US2008282487 A1 US 2008282487A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- applicator
- bristles
- teeth
- fingertip
- oral hygiene
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000551 dentifrice Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229940034610 toothpaste Drugs 0.000 description 6
- 239000000606 toothpaste Substances 0.000 description 6
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Fluoride anion Chemical compound [F-] KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037123 dental health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003296 saliva Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000005201 scrubbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000352 storage cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000008377 tooth whitener Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/04—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware shaped as gloves or finger-stalls or other special holding ways, e.g. by the tongue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/01—Disposable brush
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1026—Gum massaging brush, i.e. specifically designed for massaging the gums
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to oral hygiene implements for cleaning the teeth, achieving interproximal access and massaging the gingival tissues in an oral cavity, and more particularly to a more accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator for this purpose which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted into the oral cavity with a greater sense of touch and applied omnidirectionally to sweep and clean the teeth, massage the gums, and to especially gain access to the interproximal areas.
- a toothbrush for this purpose having a long, rigid plastic handle, on one end of which is mounted a set of bristles in a linear array to which dentifrice is applied by the user.
- the Jacobs U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,113 discloses a dental health tool in the form of an oval strip that is adherable to the fingertip, nylon bristles being mounted on the strip. Deposited on the oval strip between the bristles is a dry dentifrice.
- the bristles come in pairs, each pair being formed by a filament that is folded into a loop that extends through the base strip and is held in place by a lock strand at the underside of the strip that goes through the loop.
- a disposable toothbrush in which the bristles are mounted on a flexible plastic base strip having an adhering coating thereon for attaching the base strip to a finger along its length, the bristles containing toothpaste.
- the British patent to Fishman 2,122,482 discloses an applicator of generally rectangular shape, dimensioned to adhere to a corresponding rectangular area of the index finger for the user, the applicator having bristles thereon to function as a brush.
- the Micciche U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,507 discloses an applicator having bristles in loop form clustered in a rectangular format, a charge of dentifrice being trapped therein.
- the Tunderman U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,509 shows a disposable device in the form of a thimble that slips over a finger, a polishing agent being adhered to the outer surface of the thimble which is rubbed over the surface of the teeth to remove food particles therefrom.
- Walker U.S. Pat. No. 2,076,681 shows a dental cleaning and massage device in the form of a rubber cot that slips over the finger and is provided with bristles.
- the disposable applicator is in thimble form that slips over the finger.
- a circular disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator with a pressure sensitive layer at its base is attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip and facilitates omnidirectional cleaning of the teeth and it features an improved crowned surface design for addressing the interproximal areas.
- the main object of this invention is to provide an accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip, whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth, massage the gums and to especially gain access to the all important interproximal areas and the gingival tissues to effect cleaning and the promoting of oral hygiene.
- an object of this invention is to provide an oral hygiene applicator adapted to cover the ball of the fingertip, the applicator being formed by a flexible base having anchored thereon a crowned array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles.
- a significant advantage of the invention is the crowned array of bristles, now cut and end-rounded, having its highest point at the center, which provides access to the interproximal areas of the teeth and serves as a significant improvement over previous designs. Regardless of the direction of the movement of the applicator with the respect to the teeth, interproximal areas and the gums, the applicator presents the same uniform domed surface.
- an object of the invention is to provide a highly compact package for a daily set of applicators, so that the package may be stored in the pocket, the wallet or in a carrying case and be readily available to be dispensed for use, preferably in a package of three applicators, to better serve as a reminder to the user to brush after each of the three main meals of the day and in fact to record this proper usage.
- the applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover, and conform to, the round ball of the fingertip which then gives an even more pronounced arcuate form to the already crowned bristle array to better address interproximal areas.
- Anchored on the base and projecting upward therefrom is a dense array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles arranged either individually or in tufts and a charge of dentifrice being entrapped on the bristles.
- adhered to the underside of the base is a carrier disc whose diameter exceeds that of the base and is permanently adhered to the aluminum foil of the supply package to facilitate removal of the applicator which is then able to be attached to the user's fingertip.
- FIG. 1 is a magnified top view of an oral hygiene applicator in accordance with the invention
- FIG. 2 is a magnified side view of the applicator with its domed top surface
- FIG. 3 is a much magnified side view of a row of cut, end-rounded bristles arranged in tufts and the dentifrice embedded therein;
- FIG. 4 illustrates the applicator attached to the ball of the fingertip
- FIG. 5 illustrates the omnidirectional movement characteristics of the applicator
- FIG. 6 illustrates in a magnified idealized view the ability of the arcuate formed bristles to access the interproximal areas of the teeth
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the supply package illustrating the three clear domed housings for the applicators
- FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section of the supply package illustrating the individual storage of the applicators in clear, sealed domes until they are ready to be used;
- FIG. 9 is the rear view of the supply package illustrating the peel-up corners that facilitate opening the sealed dome
- FIG. 10 is a view of the supply package imprinted to identify one applicator designated for each of the three meals of the day;
- FIG. 11 is a view of the protective slip case with the supply package therein.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrated in these figures is a single, oral hygiene applicator 10 in accordance with the invention.
- the applicator is disc-shaped so that it may be attached and conformed to the round ball of the user's fingertip.
- the diameter of the base 11 of the applicator is such that it covers the round ball of a typical fingertip and not the rest of the finger so as to allow for a greater degree of flexibility.
- the applicator is therefore effectively a disc and as such is easily applied to the fingertip without the need for orientation.
- Oral hygiene applicator 10 is constituted by a flexible circular base 11 fabricated of woven nylon or other synthetic plastic or natural fibers on which is anchored a dense array of upward-projecting bristles 12 .
- Each bristle 12 as seen in FIG. 3 in a highly magnified form shows the bristles 12 formed into a tuft.
- this three dimensional tuft is one preferred arrangement showing a cluster of straight filaments of nylon or similar material which are interwoven with base 11 .
- embedded in the bristles 12 is a dentifrice 13 applied or injected in an appropriate form and entrapped within the filaments that define the tuft.
- the dentifrice 13 may include plaque control, tooth whitener, fluoride, medication and other ingredients promoting oral hygiene. Because each applicator is stored in a sealed cell the dentifrice embedded in the applicator is maintained in a sterile and usable state for a prolonged period.
- a layer 11 A of a pressure-sensitive adhesive Coated on the underside of base 11 of the applicator is a layer 11 A of a pressure-sensitive adhesive whose composition is such that it is insoluble in water and non-reactive with saliva so that the applicator remains attached to the finger when in the mouth.
- the applicator 10 is adhered and conforms to the round ball of the fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped, and the bristles 12 thereon are in a dense circular array and it is free of corners and a bulky base or other discontinuities, it presents a uniform crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement.
- the applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown in FIG. 5 , for regardless of how the applicator is positioned with respect to the teeth, the interproximal areas and gums, its bristles are always properly oriented. As shown in FIG. 6 , optimum contact is made with the circular, domed array of bristles when applied to the teeth, especially to the interproximal areas between the teeth, and this provides the distinct advantage of this improved design.
- a carrier disc 14 adhered to the underside of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 11 A of the circular base 11 of the applicator, is a carrier disc 14 of a thin, flexible film of synthetic plastic material.
- the diameter of disc 14 is somewhat greater than that of circular base 11 and is permanently bonded to the foil backing sheet 17 as shown in FIG. 3 . This facilitates the removal of the applicator with its pressure sensitive adhesive layer from the carrier disc so the applicator then can be applied and conformed to the ball of the user's fingertip.
- Applicator 10 is adhered and conforms to the round ball of a fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped and the bristles are in a dense circular, domed array, the applicator is free of corners, a bulky base and other discontinuities and presents a crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement. The applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown in FIG. 5 , always presenting a uniform width and uniform contact for optimum coverage, and it then can be manipulated to sweep in any direction. It is a feature of this design improvement that the arcuate bristle array is always properly and uniformly oriented to the teeth and the interproximal areas.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the natural curvature of the base 11 that occurs when affixed to the ball of the finger and how this curvature enhances the crowning of the surface of the applicator 10 and its ability to affect the interproximal areas.
- the applicator since the applicator is attached to a finger that functions more effectively as a tactile sensory device and with more articulation, as contrasted to the stiff, unarticulated handle of a conventional toothbrush, the applicator may be applied to regions of the teeth and interproximal areas with a greater sense of thoroughness and with a more gentle touch to the gums.
- a finger has as its very nature a more immediate tactile sensitivity, hence, when the applicator is attached to the ball of the fingertip, the finger can apply more or less pressure as is necessary to effectively scrub the engaged dental surface and less pressure when applied to the more sensitive gingival tissues.
- a finger ball is “the padded rounded underside of a human finger . . . near the tip” (Webster's Third New International Dictionary).
- the dimensions of the circular base of an applicator in accordance with the invention are such as to cover this round ball and not the rest of the finger.
- an applicator having a diameter of approximately 5 ⁇ 8 of an inch (15.8 mm) to 3 ⁇ 4 of an inch (19.0 mm) will cover the typical rounded ball of a user's fingertip for the greatest percentile of the public.
- the fingertip being the most sensitive part of the finger, can manipulate easily the symmetry of the dental applicator attached to its ball to sweep over all the front, rear and top and bottom surfaces of the teeth in any direction better than the standard rectangular toothbrush or with an applicator having a non-circular shape and therefore lacking in omnidirectional characteristics.
- an applicator in accordance with the invention is not limited to those situations where the user lacks access to a regular toothbrush.
- the applicator by reason of its omnidirectional characteristics, its crowned top surface and the fact that the articulated, tactile-sensitive finger of the user serves as its handle, has distinct advantages, not the least of which is the convenience of being easily carried in pocket, purse, case and lunch box, the latter item of particular interest in promoting good oral hygiene for school age children.
- the labeling on the applicator supply package is marked with the three meals of the day, as shown in FIG. 10 , and serves to remind adults, and particularly children, of the proper oral hygiene regimen to be followed after each of the three main meals of the day.
- a compact supply package 15 in accordance with this invention is in a stick-of-gum format which serves to protectively store in sterile condition in individual cells three oral hygiene applicators 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1 .
- Enclosing the applicator in the individual cell is a circular dome 16 whose cylindrical height is slightly higher than that of the applicator.
- the domes 16 as seen in FIG. 8 are molded of a transparent, rigid plastic material. Bonded to the underside of the applicator carrier disc and the clear plastic film with its three domes is a rectangular sheet of aluminum foil 17 , which serves to seal the three domed cells and whose dimensions coincide with the clear plastic film with its three domes.
- the user turns the package over to face the foil side as seen in FIG. 9 , which contains perforations between the cells.
- a peel-up tab of foil 18 On the corners of each of the domed panels, there is a peel-up tab of foil 18 that has not been sealed to the clear plastic film and this tab can be lifted by the user to break the sterile seal, to peel back the aluminum foil 17 and to expose the applicator 10 .
- the user can then peel off the applicator 10 from its carrier disc 14 , which is permanently adhered to the foil back sheet, and apply it to the ball of the user's fingertip.
- This novel innovative supply package 15 in a stick-of-gum format as shown in FIG. 10 with a protective slip case 18 as shown in FIG. 11 can be conveniently stored in a pocket, wallet, purse, case, lunch box or backpack so that it is available wherever and whenever the user has the occasion to brush his teeth. And the array of three applicators is a distinct and constant reminder to brush after each of the three meals of the day and as one does so it records a successful adhering to the daily regimen of, and the promotion of, healthy oral hygiene.
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
A disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip whose finger then functions as a tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth, the interproximal areas and the gingival tissues, to clean the teeth and massage the gums. The applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover the round ball of the fingertip, the underside of the base having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Projecting upwardly therefrom is an array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles, arranged individually or as tufts, that form a miniature circular brush, its crowned face forming a significantly improved surface for better interproximal access, and a charge of dentifrice is adhered to the bristles. The applicator to be used is peeled and lifted from the aluminum foil backing of the supply package.
Description
- This application claims priority from Provisional Application U.S. 60/930,506 dated May 17, 2007.
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates generally to oral hygiene implements for cleaning the teeth, achieving interproximal access and massaging the gingival tissues in an oral cavity, and more particularly to a more accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator for this purpose which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted into the oral cavity with a greater sense of touch and applied omnidirectionally to sweep and clean the teeth, massage the gums, and to especially gain access to the interproximal areas.
- 2. Status of Prior Art
- To maintain proper oral hygiene, the teeth, and particularly their interproximal areas, must be cleaned at regular and frequent intervals and preferably after each meal. And to maintain the gums in healthy condition, the gums must be massaged and stimulated. To promote oral hygiene, it is customary to use a toothbrush for this purpose having a long, rigid plastic handle, on one end of which is mounted a set of bristles in a linear array to which dentifrice is applied by the user.
- When available, a conventional toothbrush is a satisfactory oral hygiene implement. However, there are many situations in public and private places away from home where a toothbrush and a dentifrice are not available. And while most people find it inconvenient to carry a toothbrush to work, and to a restaurant, and it is a common occurrence for travelers to forget to bring along their own toothbrush and toothpaste, one is advised not to neglect oral hygiene even for a day, particularly after meals.
- To make it possible for an individual to carry on his person an accessible, dispensable and highly compact toothbrush and also a dentifrice sufficient for a single application, the prior art discloses various oral hygiene implements suitable for this purpose.
- Thus the Jacobs U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,113, discloses a dental health tool in the form of an oval strip that is adherable to the fingertip, nylon bristles being mounted on the strip. Deposited on the oval strip between the bristles is a dry dentifrice. The bristles come in pairs, each pair being formed by a filament that is folded into a loop that extends through the base strip and is held in place by a lock strand at the underside of the strip that goes through the loop.
- In the MacDonald U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,102, a disposable toothbrush is disclosed in which the bristles are mounted on a flexible plastic base strip having an adhering coating thereon for attaching the base strip to a finger along its length, the bristles containing toothpaste.
- The British patent to Fishman 2,122,482, discloses an applicator of generally rectangular shape, dimensioned to adhere to a corresponding rectangular area of the index finger for the user, the applicator having bristles thereon to function as a brush.
- The Micciche U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,507, discloses an applicator having bristles in loop form clustered in a rectangular format, a charge of dentifrice being trapped therein.
- The Tunderman U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,509, shows a disposable device in the form of a thimble that slips over a finger, a polishing agent being adhered to the outer surface of the thimble which is rubbed over the surface of the teeth to remove food particles therefrom.
- Walker U.S. Pat. No. 2,076,681, shows a dental cleaning and massage device in the form of a rubber cot that slips over the finger and is provided with bristles.
- In the McCord U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,867, the disposable applicator is in thimble form that slips over the finger.
- In my own Porcelli U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,273, dated Oct. 21, 1997, a circular disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator with a pressure sensitive layer at its base is attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip and facilitates omnidirectional cleaning of the teeth and it features an improved crowned surface design for addressing the interproximal areas.
- In view of the foregoing, the main object of this invention is to provide an accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator which is adherable to the ball of the fingertip, whereby the user's finger then functions as a more tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted in the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to the teeth, massage the gums and to especially gain access to the all important interproximal areas and the gingival tissues to effect cleaning and the promoting of oral hygiene.
- More particularly, an object of this invention is to provide an oral hygiene applicator adapted to cover the ball of the fingertip, the applicator being formed by a flexible base having anchored thereon a crowned array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles.
- A significant advantage of the invention is the crowned array of bristles, now cut and end-rounded, having its highest point at the center, which provides access to the interproximal areas of the teeth and serves as a significant improvement over previous designs. Regardless of the direction of the movement of the applicator with the respect to the teeth, interproximal areas and the gums, the applicator presents the same uniform domed surface.
- Also an object of the invention is to provide a highly compact package for a daily set of applicators, so that the package may be stored in the pocket, the wallet or in a carrying case and be readily available to be dispensed for use, preferably in a package of three applicators, to better serve as a reminder to the user to brush after each of the three main meals of the day and in fact to record this proper usage.
- Briefly stated, these objects are attained in an accessible, dispensable, one-time use oral hygiene applicator attachable to the ball of the user's fingertip for maximum flexibility whose finger then functions as a tactile-sensitive, articulated handle by which the applicator may be inserted into the oral cavity and applied omnidirectionally to clean the teeth, massage the gingival tissues, and through an improved crowned design, better access the interproximal areas.
- The applicator includes a circular flexible base dimensioned to cover, and conform to, the round ball of the fingertip which then gives an even more pronounced arcuate form to the already crowned bristle array to better address interproximal areas. Anchored on the base and projecting upward therefrom is a dense array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles arranged either individually or in tufts and a charge of dentifrice being entrapped on the bristles. In one embodiment of the applicator adhered to the underside of the base is a carrier disc whose diameter exceeds that of the base and is permanently adhered to the aluminum foil of the supply package to facilitate removal of the applicator which is then able to be attached to the user's fingertip.
- For a better understanding of the invention, and the features thereof, reference is made to the detailed description thereof to be read in connection with the annexed drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a magnified top view of an oral hygiene applicator in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a magnified side view of the applicator with its domed top surface; -
FIG. 3 is a much magnified side view of a row of cut, end-rounded bristles arranged in tufts and the dentifrice embedded therein; -
FIG. 4 illustrates the applicator attached to the ball of the fingertip; -
FIG. 5 illustrates the omnidirectional movement characteristics of the applicator; -
FIG. 6 illustrates in a magnified idealized view the ability of the arcuate formed bristles to access the interproximal areas of the teeth; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the supply package illustrating the three clear domed housings for the applicators; -
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section of the supply package illustrating the individual storage of the applicators in clear, sealed domes until they are ready to be used; -
FIG. 9 is the rear view of the supply package illustrating the peel-up corners that facilitate opening the sealed dome; -
FIG. 10 is a view of the supply package imprinted to identify one applicator designated for each of the three meals of the day; -
FIG. 11 is a view of the protective slip case with the supply package therein. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , illustrated in these figures is a single,oral hygiene applicator 10 in accordance with the invention. The applicator is disc-shaped so that it may be attached and conformed to the round ball of the user's fingertip. The diameter of thebase 11 of the applicator is such that it covers the round ball of a typical fingertip and not the rest of the finger so as to allow for a greater degree of flexibility. The applicator is therefore effectively a disc and as such is easily applied to the fingertip without the need for orientation. -
Oral hygiene applicator 10 is constituted by a flexiblecircular base 11 fabricated of woven nylon or other synthetic plastic or natural fibers on which is anchored a dense array of upward-projectingbristles 12. Eachbristle 12 as seen inFIG. 3 in a highly magnified form shows thebristles 12 formed into a tuft. As shown here this three dimensional tuft is one preferred arrangement showing a cluster of straight filaments of nylon or similar material which are interwoven withbase 11. As shown inFIG. 3 , embedded in thebristles 12 is adentifrice 13 applied or injected in an appropriate form and entrapped within the filaments that define the tuft. - In practice, the
dentifrice 13 may include plaque control, tooth whitener, fluoride, medication and other ingredients promoting oral hygiene. Because each applicator is stored in a sealed cell the dentifrice embedded in the applicator is maintained in a sterile and usable state for a prolonged period. - Coated on the underside of
base 11 of the applicator is alayer 11A of a pressure-sensitive adhesive whose composition is such that it is insoluble in water and non-reactive with saliva so that the applicator remains attached to the finger when in the mouth. - The
applicator 10, as shown inFIG. 4 , is adhered and conforms to the round ball of the fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped, and thebristles 12 thereon are in a dense circular array and it is free of corners and a bulky base or other discontinuities, it presents a uniform crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement. The applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown inFIG. 5 , for regardless of how the applicator is positioned with respect to the teeth, the interproximal areas and gums, its bristles are always properly oriented. As shown inFIG. 6 , optimum contact is made with the circular, domed array of bristles when applied to the teeth, especially to the interproximal areas between the teeth, and this provides the distinct advantage of this improved design. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , adhered to the underside of the pressure sensitiveadhesive layer 11A of thecircular base 11 of the applicator, is acarrier disc 14 of a thin, flexible film of synthetic plastic material. The diameter ofdisc 14 is somewhat greater than that ofcircular base 11 and is permanently bonded to thefoil backing sheet 17 as shown inFIG. 3 . This facilitates the removal of the applicator with its pressure sensitive adhesive layer from the carrier disc so the applicator then can be applied and conformed to the ball of the user's fingertip. -
Applicator 10, as shown inFIG. 4 , is adhered and conforms to the round ball of a fingertip F of the user's finger. Because the applicator is disc-shaped and the bristles are in a dense circular, domed array, the applicator is free of corners, a bulky base and other discontinuities and presents a crowned surface regardless of its direction of movement. The applicator therefore functions as an omnidirectional brush, as shown inFIG. 5 , always presenting a uniform width and uniform contact for optimum coverage, and it then can be manipulated to sweep in any direction. It is a feature of this design improvement that the arcuate bristle array is always properly and uniformly oriented to the teeth and the interproximal areas.FIG. 6 illustrates the natural curvature of the base 11 that occurs when affixed to the ball of the finger and how this curvature enhances the crowning of the surface of theapplicator 10 and its ability to affect the interproximal areas. - Also, since the applicator is attached to a finger that functions more effectively as a tactile sensory device and with more articulation, as contrasted to the stiff, unarticulated handle of a conventional toothbrush, the applicator may be applied to regions of the teeth and interproximal areas with a greater sense of thoroughness and with a more gentle touch to the gums. A finger has as its very nature a more immediate tactile sensitivity, hence, when the applicator is attached to the ball of the fingertip, the finger can apply more or less pressure as is necessary to effectively scrub the engaged dental surface and less pressure when applied to the more sensitive gingival tissues.
- A finger ball is “the padded rounded underside of a human finger . . . near the tip” (Webster's Third New International Dictionary).
- The dimensions of the circular base of an applicator in accordance with the invention are such as to cover this round ball and not the rest of the finger. In practice, an applicator having a diameter of approximately ⅝ of an inch (15.8 mm) to ¾ of an inch (19.0 mm) will cover the typical rounded ball of a user's fingertip for the greatest percentile of the public. The fingertip, being the most sensitive part of the finger, can manipulate easily the symmetry of the dental applicator attached to its ball to sweep over all the front, rear and top and bottom surfaces of the teeth in any direction better than the standard rectangular toothbrush or with an applicator having a non-circular shape and therefore lacking in omnidirectional characteristics.
- The usefulness of an applicator in accordance with the invention is not limited to those situations where the user lacks access to a regular toothbrush. Indeed, the applicator, by reason of its omnidirectional characteristics, its crowned top surface and the fact that the articulated, tactile-sensitive finger of the user serves as its handle, has distinct advantages, not the least of which is the convenience of being easily carried in pocket, purse, case and lunch box, the latter item of particular interest in promoting good oral hygiene for school age children.
- On a conventional toothbrush a recommended motion for brushing the teeth takes into account the orientation of the bristles, so that for an effective scrubbing action, the brush should be manipulated to sweep over the surfaces of the teeth in both a straight path and a circular orbit. This is not difficult for an adult to carry out, but children have to be carefully taught how to manipulate a toothbrush. With an omnidirectional applicator without a cumbersome handle in accordance with the invention, a child may willingly adopt a proper approach to oral hygiene with this novel device, for there is no need to first apply toothpaste to the brush (another problem) since the proper amount of dentifrice is already applied and the child has no difficulty in putting a finger in his mouth, and in fact may enjoy doing so, for this is an action the child has practiced since infancy. And since children, and some adults, are known to apply excessive amounts of toothpaste to conventional toothbrushes, the applicator with its pre-applied toothpaste will result in a more economical and uniform use of toothpaste.
- After the teeth have been cleaned and the gums massaged, there is no need, as with a conventional toothbrush, to rinse the brush and put it back in the holder, sometimes the source of another problem, for all that needs to be done is to detach the applicator from the finger and to properly discard it. With a conventional toothbrush, it is important that the brush be maintained in a sterile condition but
applicator 10 is a one time use and a fresh sterile applicator is used each time. - The labeling on the applicator supply package is marked with the three meals of the day, as shown in
FIG. 10 , and serves to remind adults, and particularly children, of the proper oral hygiene regimen to be followed after each of the three main meals of the day. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , acompact supply package 15 in accordance with this invention is in a stick-of-gum format which serves to protectively store in sterile condition in individual cells threeoral hygiene applicators 10 of the type shown inFIG. 1 . Enclosing the applicator in the individual cell is acircular dome 16 whose cylindrical height is slightly higher than that of the applicator. Thedomes 16 as seen inFIG. 8 are molded of a transparent, rigid plastic material. Bonded to the underside of the applicator carrier disc and the clear plastic film with its three domes is a rectangular sheet ofaluminum foil 17, which serves to seal the three domed cells and whose dimensions coincide with the clear plastic film with its three domes. - To remove a selected
applicator 10 from its storage cell, the user turns the package over to face the foil side as seen inFIG. 9 , which contains perforations between the cells. On the corners of each of the domed panels, there is a peel-up tab offoil 18 that has not been sealed to the clear plastic film and this tab can be lifted by the user to break the sterile seal, to peel back thealuminum foil 17 and to expose theapplicator 10. The user can then peel off theapplicator 10 from itscarrier disc 14, which is permanently adhered to the foil back sheet, and apply it to the ball of the user's fingertip. - This novel
innovative supply package 15 in a stick-of-gum format as shown inFIG. 10 with aprotective slip case 18 as shown inFIG. 11 , can be conveniently stored in a pocket, wallet, purse, case, lunch box or backpack so that it is available wherever and whenever the user has the occasion to brush his teeth. And the array of three applicators is a distinct and constant reminder to brush after each of the three meals of the day and as one does so it records a successful adhering to the daily regimen of, and the promotion of, healthy oral hygiene.
Claims (5)
1. A disposable, dispensable oral hygiene applicator adherable to the ball of a fingertip of a user whose finger then functions as an articulated handle by which the applicator may then be swept in any direction over the teeth, interproximal areas and gingival tissues in the oral cavity of the user, said applicator comprising:
A. a circular base of flexible material having coated on its underside a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and having dimensions corresponding substantially to those of the round ball of the fingertip to which it is to be adhered and conformed; and
B. a circular array of soft, flexible, cut, end-rounded bristles anchored on the circular base and projecting upwardly and with a crowned top surface, to be highest at the center and therefore being an improvement to be especially adaptable for reaching into the interproximal areas.
2. An applicator as set forth in claim 1 , in which said base is flexible and is formed of woven nylon or other material and the upwardly projecting bristles therefrom are arranged individually or in tufts into a crowned circular array.
3. An applicator as set forth in claim 2 , further including a carrier disc of flexible material releasably adhered to the underside layer of the base of the applicator and having a larger diameter and this carrier disc is permanently adhered to the aluminum foil backing sheet of the supply package to facilitate the peeling of the applicator from the carrier disc.
4. An applicator as set forth in claim 1 further including a charge of a dentifrice embedded in the bristles of the brush whereby the dentifrice is released when the brush is moistened and pressed against the teeth.
5. An array of three applicators as set forth in claim 1 in a sealed supply package imprinted in accordance with the three meals of the day serving as both reminder and recorder of one's adherence to proper daily oral hygiene.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/152,209 US20080282487A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-13 | Disposable oral hygiene applicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US93050607P | 2007-05-17 | 2007-05-17 | |
US12/152,209 US20080282487A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-13 | Disposable oral hygiene applicator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080282487A1 true US20080282487A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
Family
ID=40026040
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/152,209 Abandoned US20080282487A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-13 | Disposable oral hygiene applicator |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080282487A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015049648A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-09 | Stellenbosch University | An oral hygiene instrument |
USD861981S1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Oval dentifrice patch |
USD861980S1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Oval dentifrice patch |
US11684142B2 (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2023-06-27 | Anne Ezell | Disposable toothbrush head |
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US4739532A (en) * | 1985-05-07 | 1988-04-26 | Hans Behrend | Bristle shaft bundle and bristle shaft equipment for the total subgingival cleansing of periodontal pockets, parodontal pocket edges and all dental surfaces |
US4847936A (en) * | 1988-01-04 | 1989-07-18 | Contour, Inc. | Toothbrush |
US5678273A (en) * | 1996-03-20 | 1997-10-21 | Porcelli; V. Lorenzo | Disposable oral hygiene applicator |
US20070151064A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2007-07-05 | O'connor Amanda L | Cleaning wipe comprising integral, shaped tab portions |
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2008
- 2008-05-13 US US12/152,209 patent/US20080282487A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4739532A (en) * | 1985-05-07 | 1988-04-26 | Hans Behrend | Bristle shaft bundle and bristle shaft equipment for the total subgingival cleansing of periodontal pockets, parodontal pocket edges and all dental surfaces |
US4847936A (en) * | 1988-01-04 | 1989-07-18 | Contour, Inc. | Toothbrush |
US5678273A (en) * | 1996-03-20 | 1997-10-21 | Porcelli; V. Lorenzo | Disposable oral hygiene applicator |
US20070151064A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2007-07-05 | O'connor Amanda L | Cleaning wipe comprising integral, shaped tab portions |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015049648A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-09 | Stellenbosch University | An oral hygiene instrument |
USD861981S1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Oval dentifrice patch |
USD861980S1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Oval dentifrice patch |
USD861983S1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Circular dentifrice patch |
USD861982S1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2019-10-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Oval dentifrice patch |
USD866854S1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2019-11-12 | The Procter & Gamble Comapny | Oval dentifrice patch |
USD866855S1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2019-11-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Circular dentifrice patch |
US11684142B2 (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2023-06-27 | Anne Ezell | Disposable toothbrush head |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |