U.S. patent application number 09/811599 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for device for removing tooth stain.
Invention is credited to Antler, Steven M..
Application Number | 20010024780 09/811599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27539229 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010024780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Antler, Steven M. |
September 27, 2001 |
Device for removing tooth stain
Abstract
A device for removing tooth stain comprises a handle; a first
tool disposed at one end of the handle; an extension removably
secured to the other end of the handle; a second tool disposed at
the other end of the handle; and a second cap removably enclosing
the second tool. The extension is hollow with an open end for being
removably secured to the one end as a first cap.
Inventors: |
Antler, Steven M.; (Darien,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHLESINGER, ARKWRIGHT & GARVEY LLP
300 South Eads Street
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
27539229 |
Appl. No.: |
09/811599 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60190102 |
Mar 20, 2000 |
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60197603 |
Apr 18, 2000 |
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60197939 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
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60251569 |
Dec 7, 2000 |
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60266483 |
Feb 6, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/142 ;
433/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 15/00 20130101;
A61C 3/00 20130101; A61C 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/142 ;
433/146 |
International
Class: |
A61C 003/06 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for removing tooth stain, comprising: a) a handle; b) a
first tool disposed at one end of said handle; c) an extension
removably secured to the other end of said handle; d) a second tool
disposed at the other end of said handle; e) a second cap removably
enclosing said second tool; and f) said extension is hollow with an
open end for being removably secured to said one end as a first
cap.
2. A device as in claim 1, wherein said first and second tools are
abrasive bodies.
3. A device as in claim 1, wherein said first and second tools
include interproximal brushes.
4. A device as in claim 1, wherein said first tool includes an
abrasive body and said second tool includes an interproximal
brush.
5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said first and second caps are
identical.
6. A device as in claim 2, wherein said abrasive bodies each is
made from rubber material and aluminum oxide abrasive particles
distributed throughout the rubber material mass.
7. A device as in claim 2, wherein said abrasive bodies are each
shaped as a cone with convex outer surface.
8. A device as in claim 3, wherein said interproximal brushes
include bristles made from monofilaments integrated with abrasive
particles.
9. A device as in claim 8, wherein said abrasive particles include
white aluminum oxide.
10. A device as in claim 8, wherein said abrasive particles have
sizes of about 4-27 microns.
11. A device as in claim 8, wherein said abrasive particles have
average particle size of about 10 microns.
12. A device as in claim 8, wherein said abrasive particles are
about 2%-10% by weight of said monofilaments.
13. A device as in claim 8, wherein said monofilaments are about
0.002"-0.004" in diameter.
14. A device as in claim 8, wherein said monofilament is Nylon
612.
15. A device as in claim 1, wherein: a) said handle includes a
middle portion; and b) said handle includes a plurality of grooves
disposed at said middle portion.
16. A device as in claim 1, wherein each of said first and second
caps includes opening opposite said open end.
17. A device for removing tooth stain, comprising: a) a handle; b)
a first tool disposed at one end of said handle; c) an extension
removably secured to the other end of said handle; d) said
extension is hollow with an open end for being removably secured to
said one end as a first cap; and e) said handle including a middle
portion and a plurality of grooves disposed at said middle
portion.
18. A device as in claim 17, wherein said first cap includes an
opening opposite said open end.
19. A device for removing tooth stain, comprising: a) a handle; b)
an interproximal brush disposed at one end of said handle, said
brush comprising a plurality of monofilaments integrated with
abrasive particles; c) an extension removably secured to the other
end of said handle; and d) said extension is hollow with an open
end for being removably secured to said one end as a first cap.
20. A device as in claim 19, wherein said abrasive particles have
sizes of about 4-27 microns.
21. A device as in claim 19, wherein said abrasive particles have
average particle size of about 10 microns.
22. A device as in claim 19, wherein said abrasive particles are
about 2%-10% by weight of said monofilaments.
23. A device as in claim 19, wherein said monofilaments are about
0.002"-0.004" in diameter.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a nonprovisional application claiming the priority
dates of provisional applications Ser. Nos. 60/190,102, filed Mar.
20, 2000; 60/197,603, filed Apr. 18, 2000; 60/197939, filed Apr.
17, 2000; 60/251,569, filed Dec. 7, 2000; and 60/266,483, filed
Feb. 6, 2001, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed generally to a device for
removing tooth stain and particularly to a portable device, similar
in size to a pen, employing an abrasive impregnated rubber tip
and/or an interproximal brush formulated to remove tooth stain.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
for removing tooth stain that is similar in size to a pen so as to
be portable and readily available for use.
[0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for removing tooth stain that is inconspicuous and does not
draw attention from others when in the closed position.
[0005] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a device for removing tooth stain that includes two
abrasive members with equal or different grades of abrasive
particles for providing a reserve or for tackling more stubborn
stain, respectively.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for removing tooth stain that includes an interproximal
brush, which may have abrasive particles.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for removing tooth stain that provides a convenient handle
that can be extended during use.
[0008] In summary, the present invention provides a device for
removing tooth stain, comprising a handle; a first tool disposed at
one end of the handle; an extension removably secured to the other
end of the handle; a second tool disposed at the other end of the
handle; and a second cap removably enclosing the second tool. The
extension is hollow with an open end for being removably secured to
the one end as a first cap.
[0009] The present invention also provides a device for removing
tooth stain, comprising a handle; a first tool disposed at one end
of the handle; and an extension removably secured to the other end
of the handle. The extension is hollow with an open end for being
removably secured to the one end as a first cap. The handle
includes a middle portion with a plurality of grooves.
[0010] The present invention further provides a device for removing
tooth stain, comprising a handle; an interproximal brush disposed
at one end of the handle; an extension removably secured to the
other end of the handle. The extension is hollow with an open end
for being removably secured to the one end as a first cap. The
brush comprises a plurality of monofilaments integrated with
abrasive particles.
[0011] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device made in accordance
with the present invention for removing tooth stain, shown in a
closed position.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, shown with
the caps removed to reveal the tools disposed at respective ends of
the device.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with one cap
removed and secured to the other cap.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of one end of
the device equipped with an interproximal brush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A device R for removing tooth stain made in accordance with
present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The device R may
be made from lightweight plastic materials or other suitable
materials. The device R is similar in size to a pen so as to be
portable and readily available for use.
[0019] The device R includes a longitudinal handle 2. At each end
of the handle is disposed an abrasive tool 4. Each tool 4 is
enclosed by a removable cap 6. Each cap 6 when secured to the
handle 2 extends approximately from the middle portion of the
handle 2 to beyond the tool 4, as best shown in FIG. 3. Either caps
6 is removably secured to the other cap in a straight-line manner
to provide an extension to the handle 2 for general ease of use, as
best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0020] The middle portion of the handle 2 includes an octagonal
projection 8 with a series of peripheral grooves 10 to
advantageously provide a comfortable and secure finger hold for the
user when the device is being used.
[0021] The tool 4 may be made from resilient material, such as
neoprene rubber impregnated with abrasive particles made from
aluminum oxide or other suitable materials. White aluminum oxide is
preferable; however, other abrasive or polishing particles may be
used. White aluminum oxide is a type of abrasive well known in the
industry. The abrasive particles are distributed throughout the
rubber mass. It is envisioned that one of the tools 4 may be made
with a grade of abrasive particles equal to, less than or greater
than the abrasive particles of the other tool. The tool 4 is
pointed and has a generally convex outer surface to aid in reaching
the irregular surfaces of one's teeth. It should be understood that
other suitable materials may be used for the tool 4.
[0022] Each cap 6 is a generally hollow cylindrical body with an
opening 12 adapted to friction-fit around the middle portion of the
handle 2. A plurality of circular grooves 14 advantageously provide
a non-slip finger hold for handling the cap. At an opposite end of
the cap 6 is a smaller diameter cylindrical projection 16 adapted
to fit inside the opening 12 in a friction-fit manner as a
convenient way of extending the handle 2 and for providing a
storage means for the cap. An opening 18 is disposed through the
projection 16 to act as a pressure relief when the cap is being
secured to the body 2. The opening 18 also allows moisture to
escape from within the cap.
[0023] The tool 4 is secured to a metal stem 20 which in turn is
secured to the handle 2. Other materials may be used for the stem
20.
[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, one or both of the
tools 4 may take the form of an interproximal brush 22, as best
shown in FIG. 6. The brush 22 comprises a plurality of bristles 24
attached to the stem 20 by conventional means. The bristles 24 are
made from monofilaments, such as nylon, either non-abrasive or with
abrasive particles, such as aluminum oxide. White aluminum oxide,
about 8-1200 grit, is preferable; however, other abrasive or
polishing particles may be used. White aluminum oxide is a type of
abrasive well known in the industry. The filament used is about 3
mil in diameter, although other sizes may be also suitable. The
abrasive particles are advantageously integrated into the filament
during manufacture of the filament by mixing the resin with the
particles prior to the extrusion process.
[0025] As an example, Nylon 612 resin is mixed with aluminum oxide
particles with average particle size of 10 microns, with a range of
4-27 microns. The abrasive particles preferably make up about
2%-10% by weight of the total mixture. The mixture is then extruded
in a conventional way to form a monofilament, 0.002"-0.004" in
diameter. It should be understood that some of the abrasive
particles will be disposed near the surface of the monofilament
after extrusion and, thereby be exposed. Nylon 612, available from
DuPont, is a polyamide with desirable characteristics for use in
making industrial brushes, paint brushes, etc.
[0026] In use, one of the caps 6 is removed to expose the tool 4.
The removed cap is secured to the other cap to extend the handle 2
for greater maneuverability and ease of use of the device, as shown
in FIG. 4. Using light pressure and a circular or back and forth
action, such as when using an eraser, the tool 4 is applied on the
stained areas of one's teeth. After use, the cap is replaced in its
closed position shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] Using light pressure and a gentle back and forth motion, the
brush 22 is generally applied in spaces between the teeth where
there are stains.
[0028] While this invention has been described as having preferred
design, it is understood that it is capable of further
modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the
principle of the invention and including such departures from the
present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in
the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to
the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the
invention or the limits of the appended claims.
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