WO1990009122A1

WO1990009122A1 - Single-use, throw-away brushing device, in particular for teeth

Info

Publication number: WO1990009122A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Saury
Original assignee: Jacques Saury
Priority date: 1989-02-09
Filing date: 1990-01-02
Publication date: 1990-08-23
Also published as: ATE126980T1; CA2026988C; FR2642626B1; JPH03505054A; GR900100079A; PT90287B; IE74128B1; PT90287A; CA2026988A1; GR1001113B; DE69021971D1; PT93091B; YU26290A; IE900462L; EP0419587A1; IS3542A7; PT93091A; FR2642626A1; DD291920A5; NZ232464A

Abstract

A single-use, throw-away brushing device, in particular for teeth. The single-use, throw-away brush comprises a flexible holder for toothpaste or other treating product (1) constituted by a gripping handle having a non-flexible paste-dispensing cannula (4) extending therefrom, provided with an inner longitudinal opening (8) connected, on the one hand, to the holder (1) and, on the other hand, to a nozzle (5) fixed on the end by means of which the toothpaste is dispensed onto a silk bristle brush head (2) located on the cannula and covering its nozzle, said head being provided with a hole (6) coming into contact with the nozzle. The device is essentially characterized in that: the cannula according to the end facing the holder comprises a rigid disk-shaped collar whose diameter is larger than that of the cannula; the holder is composed of a tubular flexible sheath, fixed by one of its ends to the collar; the length of said holder, whose capacity is limited to a single dose, is such that it can be pressed completely between the user's thumb and index finger. By using his thumb and index finger, the user causes the front part of the flexible sheath constituting the holder to be brought against the inner surface of the collar (7), such that the cannula is blocked axially in relation to the holder; and the brush head is fixed to the end of the cannula and is set aside from the collar (7) and hence from the holder at an interval sufficient so that it may be inserted between the jaw extremities without the holder being placed in the user's mouth.

Description

BRUSHING DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR TEETH, FOR SINGLE USE, DISPOSABLE AFTER USE.

The present invention relates to a brushing device in particular for teeth with toothpaste reservoir, or other product, this device being for single use and disposable after use.

Already known from US Pat. No. 2,766,472, a toothbrush comprising a brushing head mounted on a dispensing cannula fixed to the threaded end of a toothpaste reservoir constituting a gripping handle, this reserve being of capacity adapted to receive several doses of toothpaste and consisting of a tube of commercial paste. The cannula is provided with an internal channel communicating on the one hand with a nozzle which it comprises at the end and on the other hand with the reserve of toothpaste.

The nozzle of the cannula is in relation to an orifice made in the brushing head and opening out at the level of the bristles of the head.

The dough tank is made of flexible material deformable by pressure.

By compression of the reservoir the user of the brush drives from the reservoir towards the bristles of the brush a certain quantity of toothpaste.

Due to the fact that the reservoir is made of flexible material and constitutes a grip handle, the brushing head, when brushing the teeth, cannot remain constantly in the axis of the reservoir. In other words, the brushing movement which the user impri¬ me to the reservoir is largely absorbed. by the deformation of this reservoir and cannot therefore be communicated correctly to the brushing head. This results in poor brushing of the teeth.

In addition, due to the fact that the reservoir deforms during brushing and must be constantly pressed by the user, several doses of paste during the same brushing are caused to be expelled from this reservoir.

In addition, after several use of the brush, a hard, or even impossible to extract pad is formed in the cannula by hardening and drying of the paste, subsequently preventing expulsion to the bristles of the brush, of the paste contained in The reservoir.

The cannulas of this type of brush are of reduced lengths and are completely covered by the brushing head. Because of this configuration, the reservoir is in the immediate vicinity of the brushing head and is caused to penetrate the mouth of the user and risks injuring the gums and / or the internal faces of the cheeks as well as the enamel of the teeth.

This risk is increased by the fact that the brush head and the reservoir cannot remain constantly in alignment.

In addition, since the reservoir has a notable section, its penetration into the mouth of the user is thereby limited. Thus it is difficult to reach with the brushing head the anterior regions of the jaws.

Because of these drawbacks, such toothbrushes have not had the expected commercial success.

For hygienic reasons, it appeared useful to a person skilled in the art to make disposable disposable toothbrushes. after use, each associated with a reserve of toothpaste arranged to contain only a single dose of toothpaste.

For the marketing of such toothbrushes to be effective it is necessary that their selling price is attractive and therefore that their manufacturing cost is as low as possible.

The toothbrush of the type comprising a cannula f.ixed by screwing to the end of a tube of dough constituting reservoir and grip handle and a brushing head mounted on the cannula also has the disadvantage of being a high cost. This disadvantage, added to those previously mentioned, has led those skilled in the art to produce disposable toothbrushes to seek other solutions.

Thus, it has previously been proposed toothbrushes with rigid grip handle, the brushing head linked to this handle comprises, above the bristles, a cavity into which a dose of toothpaste is introduced.

This cavity communicates with the bristle region of the brush via an orifice made in the thickness of the head and is covered by a flexible wall capable of being deformed by pressure in the cavity, in order to expel ^* the toothpaste towards the bristles of the brush.

It is best if the heads of the toothbrushes are as small as possible. The formation of a cavity in the brush to receive a dose of paste necessarily leads to an increase in the size of the brushing head. In addition, such brushes require the use of specific means for their realization. In addition, in this type of brush there is no provision for closing the orifice of the paste, so that the latter hardens on contact with the air contained in the sealed packaging of the brush.

It is therefore understandable that the toothbrushes for single use and disposable after use implemented previously still have a number of drawbacks.

The applicant has observed that the cost of manufacturing toothbrushes of the type of those comprising a paste reservoir constituting a grip handle can be reduced significantly.

The Applicant has also observed that the problem of maintaining the brush head and the cannula in the axis of the reservoir when brushing the teeth is largely solved if a short length reservoir is used or low capacity.

The present invention therefore relates to a brushing device for disposable single-use teeth after use, comprising a flexible reservoir of toothpaste or other product constituting grip handle extended by a rigid dispensing cannula, provided with an internal orifice, longitudinal, in relation on the one hand with the reservoir and on the other hand with a nozzle of the cannula which is covered by a brush head mounted on the cannula and provided with a hole opening into the region of the bristles and coming into relation with the nozzle of the cannula so that by pressure of the reservoir the dose of paste which it contains is expelled towards the bristles of the brush. According to the invention, such a brushing device, in particular for the teeth, is essentially characterized in that:

the cannula at its end opposite the reservoir includes a rigid, disc-shaped collar 7, the diameter of the collar being greater than the diameter of the cannula,

the reservoir is formed from a flexible tubular sheath fixed by one of its ends to the collar,

- the reservoir, the capacity of which is limited to a single dose, has a length such that it can be pressed entirely between the thumb and forefinger of the user's hand so that the user by his thumb and forefinger brings the front part of the flexible sheath constituting the reservoir against the internal face of the flange 7 so as to ensure the a blocageial blocking of the cannula relative to the reservoir,

- the cannula has a greater length than that of the reservoir,

- And the brush head is mounted on the end portion of the cannula and is moved away from the collar 7 and therefore from the reservoir by a sufficient interval so that it can be introduced to the ends of the jaws without the reservoir entering the user's mouth.

It is therefore understandable that thanks to these characteristics the brushing movement which the user prints on the toothpaste reservoir will be very little absorbed by the deformation of the latter.

In addition, due to the length of the cannula and the gap between the brush head and the collar of the cannula, the reservoir will not enter the mouth of the user. Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the description of a preferred embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- fig. 1 is a front view of a toothbrush according to the invention

- fig. 2 is a view in longitudinal section of a toothbrush according to the invention,

- fig. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views at the level of the brushing head of a first embodiment of the toothbrush.

- fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a toothbrush.

- fig. 6 is a sectional view of a protective capsule for the bristles of the head.

As shown, the brushing device, in particular for teeth, disposable, disposable after use, comprises a flexible reservoir 1 of toothpaste constituting grip handle extended axially by a rigid paste dispensing cannula 4, provided with a longitudinal internal orifice 8 in relation on the one hand with the reservoir 1 and on the other hand with a nozzle 5 made radially at the end of said cannula which is covered by a brush head 2 mounted on the cannula 4 and provided with a bore 6 opening into the bristle region 3 of the head 2 and coming into relation with the nozzle 5 of the cannula 4 so that by pressure from the reservoir the dose of paste which it contains is expelled towards the bristles of the brush. According to the preferred embodiment) the constituent elements of the toothbrush are made of synthetic material of any suitable type.

The cannula 4 at its end opposite the reservoir has a collar 7 in the form of a circular disc. This circular disc-shaped collar develops perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the caritile.

The diameter of the flange 7 is larger than that

_* *** from the cannula. As a purely indicative example, the diameter of the collar is equal to or close to two centimeters while the external diameter of the cannula is equal to or close to 0.6 centimeters.

The cannula 4 has a cross section in the form of a ring.

The reservoir is formed from a tubular sheath, for example cylindrical, flexible, tightly fixed by one of its ends to the flange 7 using "any suitable means and technique.

After filling with toothpaste, the other end of the sheath will be closed by bringing its lips together and welding them.

The capacity of the reservoir is such that the latter contains only a single dose of toothpaste.

For example, the capacity of the tank is between two and four cm - * - ^** .

In addition, the length of this reservoir is such that it can be fully pressed between the thumb and forefinger of the user's hand so that the user by his thumb and forefinger brings the front part of the sheath flexible constituting the reservoir against the internal face of the collar 7, this face internal being that which with the internal face of the sheath defines the volume of the reservoir.

In this way the thumb and index finger of the user by means of the sheath press against the flange 7.

The latter being intimately fixed to the cannula 4 or being integral with said cannula, the axial retention of the cannula is obtained relative to the reservoir and relative to the hand of the user.

Thus the brushing movement which the user imparts on the toothbrush is very little or not at all absorbed by the deformation of the reservoir.

In order to reinforce this result, a rigid lug 13 of suitable shape can be fixed to the collar 7 which develops in the tank, parallel to the axis of the said tank against which the user by pressing with his fingers will bring the sheath constituting the tank .

This tab may be integral with the collar 7 and may be fixed by one of its ends to the perimeter edge of said collar 7.

This tab 13 may advantageously be bent along an arc of circumference of increasing radius from its rooting zone at the flange to its distal end so as to follow the geometry of the reservoir 1.

The cannula 4 has a length greater than that of the reservoir 1 and the brushing head 2 is mounted on the end portion of the cannula, that is to say that located at a distance from the collar 7. The head 2 is spaced from the flange 7 and the reservoir 1 by a sufficient interval so that it can be introduced to the ends of the jaws without the reservoir entering the mouth of the user and constituting a discomfort.

The value of this interval is at least equal to or close to one and a half times the length of the head.

The terminal portion of the cannula occupies substantially one third of the length of the latter. As a purely indicative example, the value of this interval is at least equal to three centimeters and the length of the cannula is at least equal to four centimeters. Always for information only, the length of the head will not be more than two centimeters.

The brushing head 2 has, along its longitudinal axis, an internal cavity 10, blind in which the terminal portion of the cannula 4 is introduced, said terminal portion and said cavity having complementary shapes.

According to the preferred embodiment, the terminal portion of the cannula is formed by a narrowing of the said cannula, which makes it possible to reduce the section of the cavity 10 and consequently the thickness of the brushing head 2.

Still according to the preferred embodiment, the end of the cannula is closed, the nozzle 5 of the latter being formed radially near said end.

According to a preferred embodiment, the head has an external flat 9 in which the bristles are rooted.

The drilling 6 that the head comprises is made radially from the flat and opens into the internal cavity 10. The part of the head opposite to this flat may have an ergonomic shape to allow better penetration into the mouth.

In order to better distribute the toothpaste in the region of the bristles, several radial bores 6 made from the flat surface and opening into the internal cavity may be provided, these radial bores all coming into communication with the nozzle 5 of the cannula.

According to a first embodiment, the brushing head is mounted on the cannula with the possibility of displacement relative to the cannula and this between an initial position in which the nozzle of the cannula is closed and a final position in which the piercing 6 which it comprises, which opens into the region of the bristles by one of its ends, is by its other end, in communication with the nozzle 5 of the cannula 4 to allow the distribution of a dose of toothpaste in the bristles of the brush, dispensing operated by pressing the reservoir.

It is therefore understandable that when the head is disposed in its initial position, the cannula is closed and the product contained in the reservoir and the cannula cannot dry.

According to the preferred embodiment, the head cavity and the cannula are cylindrical in shape and the brush head is mounted on the cannula with the possibility of rotational movement.

Thus the drilling presented by the head and the nozzle of the cannula will move away from or approach each other by angular movement of the head. In the initial position, the nozzle 5 will be closed off by the surface of the internal cavity 10.

According to this embodiment, the head 2 is blocked in translation on the cannula.

According to a first embodiment, the translational locking of the head on the cannula is: effected by adhesion.

To this end, the head in the internal cavity may be provided with at least one projecting rib, this rib coming into pressure against the cylindrical face of the terminal portion of the cannula.

According to a first variant, this rib develops in the cavity 10 in the form of a helix.

According to another variant, the cavity has several regularly distributed ribs, each rib developing along the outline of a circle. - *

It should be noted that thanks to this or these ribs which come or come under pressure on the cannula, no untimely pivoting of the head is to be feared.

Thus the head, as long as the user has not brought it according to its final position, will remain according to its initial position.

According to a second embodiment, the translation of the head on the cannula is blocked by obstacle. For this purpose, there is provided a lug projecting from the surface of the cannula and a groove formed in the head cavity in which the throat engages the lug.

Preferably, between the head and the cannula and behind the nozzle is arranged an annular seal. For example, this seal can be mounted in a groove in the cannula.

According to another embodiment, this seal is advantageously constituted by one of the circular ribs.

According to the preferred embodiment, the head and the cannula may be provided with means for locating their position relative to one another.

By way of example, these locating means could be constituted by two indexes 11 and 12 formed respectively on the head and the cannula, these two indexes coming opposite one another for example when the head is placed according to the position of use of the brush, that is to say according to the final position.

In order to maintain the brush head 2 relative to the cannula either according to its initial position or according to its final position, locking members are provided consisting of an elastic element protruding fixedly to the external surface of the cannula and by two orifices practiced in the head cavity.

The elastic member enters one of these orifices when the head is arranged in its initial position and in the other orifice when the head is arranged in its final position.

We have previously described a toothbrush whose head is mounted on the cannula with the possibility of movement relative to the latter.

According to another embodiment, the brushing head is intimately fixed to the cannula and cannot move relative to the latter, both in translation and in rotation, or else is molded at the end of the cannula. A toothbrush according to the embodiments previously described is advantageously provided with a protective cap 14 covering the bristles of the brushing head and being clipped to the body of said head.

This capsule is advantageously provided with an internal pin 15 which, when the capsule is placed on the head, closes the bore 6 of the brushing head, in order to avoid drying of the product in the reservoir and the cannula and to guarantee the authenticity of the first and only use of the brushing device.

In the case where the brushing head is rigidly fixed to the cannula, the pin 15 may come to close off the nozzle 5 of the cannula.

Such an arrangement can also be applied to a brush head rotatably mounted on the cannula.

Also in the case where the brushing head is rigidly fixed to the cannula or else rotatably mounted on the cannula, a sealing membrane may be provided either for piercing the head or for the nozzle, always to avoid drying of the product before use of the brushing device.

This membrane may be perforated by the pin of the capsule when the latter is pressed towards the brushing head.

The brushing device, in particular for the teeth as described, may consist of the elements of a paste tube, comprising a cannula with a collar, the brushing head possibly being the closure plug of this tube. We immediately see the great advantage of such a configuration which greatly limits the cost of manufacturing such a brush. It should be noted that by the association of the obturation of the cannula ensuring the physiological characteristics of the toothpaste contained, the single use of the brushing device due to the presence of a single dose of toothpaste and the disposable appearance and therefore non-transferable from the brush after use, maximum hygiene is guaranteed, which will be reinforced by suitable and waterproof packaging.

It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all arrangements and all variants without departing from the scope of this patent.

Claims

Λ - • CLAIMS

1. Brushing device, in particular for teeth, disposable, disposable after use comprising a flexible reservoir (1) of toothpaste or other product constituting grip handle extended by a rigid cannula (4), paste dispenser, provided with '' a longitudinal internal orifice (Ô) eώr rellation on the one hand with the reservoir (1) and on the other hand with 'a nozzle (5) formed at the end by which the toothpaste is distributed to a brushing head (2) provided with bristles (3) mounted on the cannula covering its nozzle, the said head being provided with a bore (6) coming in relation to the nozzle, characterized in that:

the cannula at its end opposite the reservoir comprises a rigid disc-shaped collar (7), the diameter of the collar being greater than the diameter of the cannula,

the reservoir is formed from a flexible tubular sheath, fixed by one of its ends to the flange,

- the tank with a capacity limited to a single dose has a length such that it can be pressed ^• screen between the thumb and forefinger of the hand of the user so that 1'utilisateur by his thumb and index brings the ^* front part of the flexible sheath constituting the reservoir against the internal face of the flange (7) so as to ensure the axial blocking of the cannula relative to the reservoir. - the cannula has a greater length than that of the reservoir,

-and the brushing head is mounted on the end portion of the cannula and is moved away from the collar (7) and therefore from the reservoir by a sufficient interval so that it can be introduced to the ends of the jaws without the reservoir enters the user's mouth.

2. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the length of the cannula (4) is greater than that of the reservoir (2) that the value of the interval between the head (2) and the flange (7) is at least equal to one and a half times the length of the head and that the terminal portion of the cannula occupies substantially one third of the length of the latter.

3. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized by a rigid tab (13) fixed to the flange (7) developing in the tank parallel to the axis of said tank.

4. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the head is mounted on the cannula with the possibility of displacement relative to the latter between an initial position in which the nozzle of the cannula is closed and a final position in which the the bore (6) which it comprises, which opens into the region of the bristles by one of its ends, is by its other end, in communication with the nozzle (5) of the cannula (4) to allow the distribution of a dose of toothpaste in the bristles of the brush, which distribution is effected by pressing the reservoir.

5. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the nozzle (5) is formed in the end portion of the cannula radially with respect to said cannula.

6. Brushing device according to Revencation 1 characterized in that the head (2) covers the entire end portion of the cannula and has along its longitudinal axis a blind cavity (10) into which is inserted the end portion of the cannula.

7. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the head (2) has a flat (9) which are rooted the bristles (3).

8. Brushing device according to claims 1,6 and 7 characterized in that the bore (6) that comprises the head is formed from the flat (9) and opens into the internal cavity (10).

9. Brushing device according to claim 4 characterized in that the head is mounted on the cannula with the possibility of displacement in rotation, in the initial position of the head, the surface of the internal cavity (10) closing the nozzle (5 ).

10. Brushing device according to claims 4 and 9 characterized in that the head is locked in translation on the cannula.

11. Brushing device according to claim 10 characterized in that the locking in translation is effected by adhesion.

12. Brushing device according to claim 11 characterized in that the locking in translation by adhesion is effected by at least one protruding rib in the internal cavity, this rib coming into pressure against the cylindrical face of the terminal portion of the cannula.

13. Brushing device according to claim 10 characterized in that the locking in translation is effected by obstacle.

14. Brushing device according to claim 4 characterized in that the head (2) and the cannula (4) are provided with means for locating their position relative to each other.

15. Brushing device according to claim 1 characterized in that the brushing head is fixed in translation and in rotation on the cannula.

16. Brushing device according to claims 1,4 and 15 characterized in that it is provided with a capsule 14 of 19 protection covering the bristles (3) of the brushing head and clipping to the body of said head.

17. Brushing device according to claims 1, 4 and 15 and 16 characterized in that the capsule (14) is provided with an internal pin (15) which during the establishment of the capsule on the head is closed piercing the head.

18. Brushing device according to claimsl, 4, 15 and 16 characterized in that the piercing of the head and / or the nozzle is closed off by a membrane which can be pierced by the pin of the capsule when the latter is pressed in. the head.