WO2001026564A1 - Dispositif et procede de nettoyage de la langue - Google Patents

Dispositif et procede de nettoyage de la langue Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001026564A1
WO2001026564A1 PCT/GB2000/003896 GB0003896W WO0126564A1 WO 2001026564 A1 WO2001026564 A1 WO 2001026564A1 GB 0003896 W GB0003896 W GB 0003896W WO 0126564 A1 WO0126564 A1 WO 0126564A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blade
tongue
scraper blade
handle
liquid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/003896
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Shaun Calladine
Original Assignee
Shaun Calladine
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9924214.1A external-priority patent/GB9924214D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0001536A external-priority patent/GB0001536D0/en
Application filed by Shaun Calladine filed Critical Shaun Calladine
Priority to AU76759/00A priority Critical patent/AU7675900A/en
Publication of WO2001026564A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001026564A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/24—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers
    • A61B17/244—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers for cleaning of the tongue

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for the cleaning of a user's tongue, and to a method for improving the appearance of the tongue which utilises such a device.
  • Such material may become trapped between the papillae on the surface of the tongue and leads to the tongue taking on an unpleasant appearance. It may also lead to oral malodour.
  • a device for the cleaning of the surface of a user's tongue which device comprises a handle having mounted thereon a scraper blade, wherein the edge of the scraper blade which, in use, contacts the tongue is formed with a series of interruptions.
  • the device according to the invention is advantageous primarily in that it is more efficient that other known devices in cleaning the surface of the tongue, thereby improving the appearance of the tongue as well as reducing the likelihood of the user suffering from oral malodour.
  • the device is, in preferred embodiments, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. It is efficient in removing coatings from the tongue, and therefore may eliminate unpleasant tastes. Use of the device may also alleviate so-called dry mouth syndrome. Furthermore, use of the device may prevent the build up of bacteria and the like in the mouth and this may provide medical benefits, eg in reducing the occurrence of sore throats and other infections.
  • a series of interruptions is meant any arrangement in which two or more concavities, cut-outs or the like are provided in the operative edge of the scraper blade. That edge of the blade may therefore be formed with a series of notches, eg V- or U-shaped notches, or may be castellated, etc. In these arrangements, the edge of the blade comprises portions which, in use, contact the surface of the tongue, these portions being separated by the concavities which define channels through which liquid on the tongue may pass.
  • the operative edge of the scraper blade is formed with four or more, eg five, generally V-shaped notches which are separated by intermediate flats.
  • the size of the notches in relation to the overall width of the scraper blade may be such that the notches account for approximately one- half, say between 30% and 70%, of the overall width of the blade.
  • the width of the cut-outs would be approximately 2.5mm and the intermediate flats approximately 2mm, though it should be noted that these measurements serve only as a guide.
  • the width of the cut-outs is at least 1.5mm and is preferably 5mm or less; most preferably the cut-outs have a width of from 2mm to 4mm.
  • the number of flats in relation to the cut-outs would typically be six to five; again this is only a guide and may be modified if desired.
  • the cut-outs serve two purposes. Primarily, for the first few seconds of operation they serve to agitate the liquid or mouthwash solution to form a froth by the rapid passage of the liquid through the defined channels. For the remainder of operation they serve to allow the dislodged particles to flow through the channels to allow solubilisation by the previously created froth. This restricts the particles from being pushed back into the surface of the user's tongue and hence dramatically increases the speed at which it achieves the final result.
  • the flats serve to dislodge the particles from the surface of the user's tongue. This is achieved by the applied pressure from the rapid forward/backward movement of the blade. They also provide a comfortable interface between the blade and the surface of the tongue when used at the speed of operation with which the device is used.
  • the operative edge of the blade may be constituted by a number of spaced-apart components depending from a support member.
  • Such components may be, for instance, blade elements of rubber or similar material, or may even be groups of bristles, the blade elements or groups of bristles being separated by gaps which constitute the interruptions in the operative edge of the blade.
  • the width of the blade would be approximately 25mm. This is probably the optimum width to allow rapid cleaning of the main body of the tongue, without being too wide so as to catch on the taste buds located at each side of the posterior region.
  • the width of the blade may vary, eg from, say, 15mm to 35mm.
  • the blade thickness would be approximately 1mm though this measurement is again an indication only.
  • the blade height would be approximately 9mm. It may be of advantage to reduce the height, say down to about 5mm or 6mm. This would further reduce the risk of stimulating the gag reflex response when cleaning the posterior region of the tongue.
  • the blade is of a straight design.
  • the blade may be shaped to match the contours of the tongue, eg by curving it forwards or backwards or curving it upwards.
  • the currently preferred embodiment of the device has single blade, but more than one blade may be provided. For instance, two blades, or three, may be mounted one behind the other and this may increase the efficiency of the device.
  • the handle is preferably an elongate handle, the blade being mounted transversely at one end thereof.
  • This arrangement allows the user the best possible view of the tongue from which progress can be monitored and the device repositioned as necessary.
  • a further advantage is that the handle allows the device to be held by the thumb and two fingers. This gives the user the greatest dexterity in controlling the movement and direction of the blade at the speed of operation with which it is required. The forward/backward speed of operation is comparable to that of brushing one's teeth with a manual toothbrush.
  • the handle may be suitably shaped to facilitate gripping thereof by the user.
  • the overall length of the device may typically be between 100mm and 120mm. This allows adequate reach when cleaning the posterior region of the tongue.
  • the handle will typically house one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable, and a suitable mechanism may be provided to drive the blade in a reciprocating movement.
  • the device according to the invention may be manufactured in various ways. However, the device is preferably moulded, eg by injection moulding, in plastics material. Any suitable plastics material may used, the choice of material being readily apparent to those skilled in the field. In a preferred embodiment the device is produced as a single moulding which is light in weight and very easy to use.
  • a method for the cleaning of the tongue comprises scraping the upper surface of the tongue with the operative edge of a scraper blade of the device of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the device is applied to the tongue with a light pressure and rapidly scraped back and forth. This action leads to material adhering to the tongue being dislodged.
  • the method is facilitated by first introducing into the mouth a quantity of liquid. Such liquid is then drawn over the tongue by the rapid agitation of the device, liquid passing through the channels defined by the cut-outs, which further facilitates the cleansing process.
  • the liquid introduced into the mouth is a proprietary mouthwash or the like.
  • Such formulations typically comprise surfactants or foaming agents which result in the generation of a foam by agitation of the device. This further enhances solubilisation and removal of undesired material from the surface of the tongue.
  • the handle may house a quantity of liquid or mouthwash solution.
  • the liquid could be filled into device by any suitable means, eg through a removable cap at the tip of the handle.
  • the liquid may be dispersed, eg by squeezing the handle to force a quantity of liquid through a valve located inside the blade head and into fine tubes leading down to the blade tip. This would allow the liquid to be applied as necessary.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a currently preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1 of a second, slightly modified embodiment
  • Figure 3 is an end view of the device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a third embodiment
  • Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a fourth embodiment
  • Figure 7 is a side view of a fifth embodiment
  • Figure 8 is a side view of a sixth embodiment
  • Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a seventh embodiment.
  • Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1 of an eighth embodiment.
  • a first, currently preferred embodiment of a tongue scraper according to the invention is generally designated 1 and is formed as a unitary plastics moulding.
  • the device 1 comprises an elongate handle portion 2 and a scraper blade 3 mounted generally orthogonally to the handle portion 2, at one end thereof.
  • the lower edge of the scraper blade 3 is formed with a regular series of V-shaped notches 4.
  • the overall width W (see Figure 3) of the scraper blade 3 is approximately 25mm and the overall length of the device is approximately 100mm.
  • the scraper blade 3 has a depth H (see Figure 3) of approximately 9mm. It may be preferable for this to be reduced, eg to about 5mm or so.
  • the width C of the notches in the operative edge of the blade 3 is 2.5mm, and the width F of the intermediate flat regions is approximately 2mm.
  • the thickness D of the blade 3 near its operative edge is approximately 1 mm.
  • the user first introduces a small quantity of a proprietary mouthwash solution into his mouth. Then, holding the scraper 1 by the handle portion 2, he introduces the scraper 1 into his mouth and applies the lower edge of the scraper blade 3 with a light pressure to the surface of the tongue. The scraper 1 is then agitated rapidly back and forth along the upper surface of the tongue. This motion causes the mouthwash solution to form a foam which assists in solubilising and removing undesired material from the surface of the tongue.
  • the mouth may then be rinsed with water or further mouthwash solution. If necessary or desired the process may then be repeated with a further volume of mouthwash solution.
  • the blade 23 is mounted on a terminal portion 22a of the handle 22 which is angled downwards.
  • the embodiment shown in Figure 5 has a blade 53 which is of arcuate shape, while the blade 63 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 has a generally concave operative edge.
  • FIG 7 shows a further embodiment, in which a pair of blades 73,74 are mounted one behind the other.
  • three blades 83,84,85 are provided.
  • FIG 9 is of similar external appearance to that of Figure 1 save that the handle 92 is enlarged such that it acts as a reservoir for mouthwash solution or other liquid.
  • the liquid is introduced into the handle 92 through a filling cap 94 at the end of the handle 92, and can be dispensed from the handle 92 by squeezing thereof, which action forces the liquid through a valve (not visible in the drawing) and tubes (also not visible) passing through the terminal end of the handle 92 and the blade 93. These tubes open into the operative edge of the blade 93 allowing the liquid to be dispensed in use, as required.
  • the embodiment of Figure 10 has a handle 102 similar to the handle 2 of the first embodiment.
  • the "blade” 103 in this case, however, is constituted by groups of bristles with gaps 104 between them defined by bristles of shorter length.
  • the arrangement is such that the undersides of the groups of bristles constitute the operative edge of the "blade” 103, the gaps 104 between them defining channels through which, in use, liquid is drawn as for the embodiments described above.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (1) destiné à nettoyer la surface la langue d'un utilisateur, lequel dispositif comprend une poignée (2) et une lame racleuse (3). Le bord de la lame racleuse qui, en cours d'emploi, se trouve en contact avec la langue, est formé d'une série d'entailles (4) ou d'autres interruptions. Le bord de la lame (3) comprend par conséquent des parties qui, en cours d'emploi, se trouvent en contact avec la surface de la langue, ces parties étant séparées par les entailles (4) qui définissent des canaux à travers lesquels peut s'écouler le liquide présent sur la langue.
PCT/GB2000/003896 1999-10-14 2000-10-11 Dispositif et procede de nettoyage de la langue WO2001026564A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU76759/00A AU7675900A (en) 1999-10-14 2000-10-11 Tongue cleaning device and method

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9924214.1 1999-10-14
GBGB9924214.1A GB9924214D0 (en) 1999-10-14 1999-10-14 Tongue cleaning device and method
GB0001536A GB0001536D0 (en) 2000-01-25 2000-01-25 Tongue cleaning device and method
GB0001536.2 2000-01-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001026564A1 true WO2001026564A1 (fr) 2001-04-19

Family

ID=26243458

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/003896 WO2001026564A1 (fr) 1999-10-14 2000-10-11 Dispositif et procede de nettoyage de la langue

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7675900A (fr)
GB (1) GB2355202A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001026564A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006020698A1 (fr) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-23 Colgate-Palmolive Company Accessoire pour soins buccaux
US8322939B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2012-12-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
WO2017075097A1 (fr) * 2015-10-26 2017-05-04 Townsend Lori Accessoire de soins buccaux

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NZ517835A (en) 2002-03-15 2003-03-28 Murray Gordon Watkins A scraper with undulating edges complementary to corrugated roofing sheets
WO2010127406A1 (fr) * 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Skn Corp Pty Ltd Procédé et appareil d'exfoliation
US11116310B2 (en) 2015-10-26 2021-09-14 Lori Townsend Oral care implement

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR354236A (fr) * 1905-05-12 1905-10-02 Richard Kaufmann Instrument à nettoyer la langue
FR659404A (fr) * 1928-08-22 1929-06-28 Funke Ag Geb Nettoyeur de langue
US2574654A (en) * 1949-10-28 1951-11-13 Louie N Moore Tongue cleaner
DE29618012U1 (de) * 1996-10-17 1997-02-20 Alexander Martin Gerät zur Reinigung der Zunge
WO1998008458A2 (fr) * 1996-08-29 1998-03-05 Rimvydas Tveras Element d'essuyage pour dispositif d'hygiene buccale, essuie-vitre ou similaire
US5779475A (en) * 1997-02-11 1998-07-14 Patel; Deepty U. Tongue scraper

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2543999A (en) * 1948-09-03 1951-03-06 Joseph A Voss Tongue cleaner
US5217475A (en) * 1991-10-31 1993-06-08 Kuber Deepty U Tongue scrapers
US5226197A (en) * 1992-09-14 1993-07-13 Rachel Nack Tongue hygiene device
ES2191850T3 (es) * 1996-09-05 2003-09-16 One Drop Only Chemisch Pharmaz Dispositivo para la limpieza de la cavidad bucal.
US5766193A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-06-16 Millner; Don E. Tongue cleaner
US5779654A (en) * 1997-03-26 1998-07-14 Foley; Rita S. Clean breath wand
US5915433A (en) * 1997-11-10 1999-06-29 Hybler; Iva Combined toothbrush and tongue scraper with anti-slip bumps therebetween

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR354236A (fr) * 1905-05-12 1905-10-02 Richard Kaufmann Instrument à nettoyer la langue
FR659404A (fr) * 1928-08-22 1929-06-28 Funke Ag Geb Nettoyeur de langue
US2574654A (en) * 1949-10-28 1951-11-13 Louie N Moore Tongue cleaner
WO1998008458A2 (fr) * 1996-08-29 1998-03-05 Rimvydas Tveras Element d'essuyage pour dispositif d'hygiene buccale, essuie-vitre ou similaire
DE29618012U1 (de) * 1996-10-17 1997-02-20 Alexander Martin Gerät zur Reinigung der Zunge
US5779475A (en) * 1997-02-11 1998-07-14 Patel; Deepty U. Tongue scraper

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8322939B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2012-12-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US8556530B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2013-10-15 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US9066581B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2015-06-30 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
WO2006020698A1 (fr) * 2004-08-11 2006-02-23 Colgate-Palmolive Company Accessoire pour soins buccaux
WO2017075097A1 (fr) * 2015-10-26 2017-05-04 Townsend Lori Accessoire de soins buccaux

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0024822D0 (en) 2000-11-22
AU7675900A (en) 2001-04-23
GB2355202A (en) 2001-04-18

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