U.S. patent application number 12/531754 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for mouth cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Heekyoung Jo.
Application Number | 20100146724 12/531754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39766399 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100146724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jo; Heekyoung |
June 17, 2010 |
MOUTH CLEANING DEVICE
Abstract
Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other cleaning
devices for contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks,
and orthodontic appliance in an oral cavity. Certain embodiments
provide a mouth cleaning device. The device includes a handle
portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an
oral cavity. The device also includes a cleaning head portion
including a core and a plurality of cleaning elements extending
radially around the core, the core attached to the handle
portion.
Inventors: |
Jo; Heekyoung; (Deerfield,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39766399 |
Appl. No.: |
12/531754 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 18, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/57363 |
371 Date: |
February 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60895683 |
Mar 19, 2007 |
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60895669 |
Mar 19, 2007 |
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60911899 |
Apr 15, 2007 |
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60911901 |
Apr 15, 2007 |
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60979405 |
Oct 12, 2007 |
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60987409 |
Nov 13, 2007 |
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60987410 |
Nov 13, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0069 20130101;
A46B 3/18 20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B 15/0055 20130101;
A46B 9/045 20130101; A46B 5/06 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 7/04 20130101; A46B 5/0079 20130101; A46B 5/0075 20130101;
A46B 5/0012 20130101; A46B 2200/108 20130101; A46B 9/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Claims
1. A mouth cleaning device, said device comprising: a handle
portion for maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral
cavity; and a cleaning head portion attached to the handle portion,
wherein said cleaning head includes a first cleaning element having
a rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned
cleaning projections; a second cleaning element having a rigid
central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning
projections, wherein said cleaning head is positioned so that said
cleaning projections of said first and second cleaning elements
contact both a cheek location on the user's cheek, and a portion of
at least one of the user's teeth or gums proximal to said teeth
location to allow a user to clean both cheek and at least one of
teeth or gums at the same time.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning element is
substantially parallel to said second cleaning element.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning element is
joined to said second cleaning.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said first cleaning element is
joined to said second cleaning element by an additional cleaning
element positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of
said first cleaning element and said second cleaning element.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning head is positioned
so that said cleaning projections of said first and second cleaning
elements contact both a tongue location on the user's tongue and a
portion of at least one of the user's teeth or gums proximal to
said tongue location to allow a user to clean both tongue and at
least one of teeth or gums at the same time.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion is
arranged at an angle to the handle portion.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning projections have a
plurality of lengths.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning projections oriented
toward the users teeth or gums are shorter than the cleaning
projections oriented toward the user's cheek.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cleaning
projections comprise bristles at least in part.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning elements are of a
plurality of lengths.
11. A toothbrush comprising: an elongated handle; and a cleaning
head connected to a said handle, wherein said cleaning head
includes: a first cleaning element having a first rigid central
core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections,
wherein said first rigid central core is oriented substantially
parallel to said elongated handle; and a second cleaning element
having a second rigid central core and a plurality of radially
positioned cleaning projections, wherein said second rigid central
core is oriented relative to said first rigid central core at an
angle other than parallel and in contact with said first cleaning
element.
12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first central core is
oriented substantially perpendicularly to said second central
core.
13. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first central core is
connected to said second central core by the central core of a
third cleaning element having a plurality of cleaning
projections.
14. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first cleaning element
and said second cleaning elements are different portions of a
single cleaning element strucutre.
15. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said plurality of cleaning
projections bristles at least in part.
16. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first cleaning element
is different length from said second cleaning element.
17. The toothbrush of claim 13, wherein said first, second, and
third cleaning elements are configured is substantially a
U-shape.
18. An oral cleaning device, the device comprising: a handle; a
cleaning head connected to said handle, wherein said cleaning head
includes: a first cleaning element having a first substantially
rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning
projections, wherein said substantially rigid central core is
oriented substantially parallel to said elongated handle; a second
cleaning element having a second substantially rigid central core
and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections,
wherein said second substantially rigid central core is oriented
substantially parallel to said first cleaning element; and a third
cleaning element having a third substantially rigid central core
and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections,
wherein said third substantially rigid central core extends between
said first cleaning element and said second cleaning element at a
point distal from said handle.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein said cleaning projections have
a plurality of lengths.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein said cleaning projections
comprise bristles at least in part.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/987,410, filed on Nov. 13, 2007; No.
60/911,899, filed on Apr. 15, 2007; No. 60/895,683, filed on Mar.
19, 2007; No. 60/895,669, filed on Mar. 19, 2007; No. 60/987,409,
filed on Nov. 13, 2007, 60/979,405, filed on Oct. 12, 2007; and No.
60/911,901, filed on Apr. 15, 2007, each of which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to design and use of
a tooth and gum cleaning device. More particularly, the present
invention relates to design and use of improved toothbrush devices
for cleaning teeth, gums, and/or orthodontic appliances.
BACKGROUND
[0003] People without fixed orthodontic appliances may find
conventional toothbrushes adequate in removing plaque. However,
orthodontic patients with fixed devices, such as braces, face
unique challenges in the removal of plaque around these devices and
the surrounding teeth and gingiva or gums. It is not uncommon for
the level of plaque removal in these types of patients to be
unacceptable, as the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances
prevents conventional toothbrushes from reaching areas around and
under the devices where plaque accumulates. A great deal of manual
dexterity is therefore required on the part of the patient to
properly remove plaque using a conventional toothbrush. The
consequences of improper dental care may include various forms of
tooth decay. Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush that can
remove plaque that is inaccessible or difficult to reach with a
conventional toothbrush in the home or within a dental care
practitioner's office.
[0004] Further, different areas of the mouth involve different
types of cleaning. Different tooth and gum locations in the mouth,
such as mesial (e.g., situated toward the middle of the front of
the jaw along the curve of the dental arch), distal (e.g., situated
farthest from the middle and front of the jaw, as with a tooth or
tooth surface), proximal (e.g., a surface of a tooth facing a
centerline of the palate), interproximal (e.g., between the
proximal surfaces of adjoining teeth), interdental (e.g., of or
relating to the relationship between the proximal surfaces of teeth
of the same arch), etc., can benefit from different brush
configurations. Gingiva or gums are divided into marginal (e.g.,
surrounding a tooth), attached, and interdental areas, each
involving different exposure and access considerations.
[0005] Current interdental brushes are specialized devices designed
only to clean between teeth by pushing a flat protrusion between
the teeth in an action similar to flossing. Interdental brushes may
be inserted when orthodontal devices are in place on the teeth.
However, such interdental brushes are only somewhat effective in
cleaning and do not reach all areas of teeth and gums.
Additionally, such brushes fail to clean around and in the
orthodontal devices. Conventional proximal brushes attempt to clean
outward tooth surfaces and are rendered less effective by the
presence of orthodontic appliances, such as dental braces, which
deflect or push aside bristles, thus preventing or at least
reducing cleaning in and around the orthodontic appliance and
affected tooth and gum areas.
[0006] Luposello U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,708 discloses one known
toothbrush for use in cleaning an orthodontic appliance that
includes a head having a plurality of upwardly extending bristles.
Two elongate brush members perpendicularly overlie the plurality of
bristles. Both of the elongate brush members include an unattached
end for insertion between orthodontic wires and an opposing end
that is connected to a handle of the toothbrush. Luposello does not
disclose any upwardly extending bristles that display
omnidirectional cleaning capabilities, nor are any of the upwardly
extending bristles combined with horizontally or vertically
extending omnidirectional cleaning members in the same cleaning
plane.
[0007] Massetti U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,463 discloses another known
toothbrush that comprises a handle with a cleaning portion on one
end thereof. The cleaning portion includes opposing side members
having one or more swabs extending transversely therebetween. The
swab members are rotatable and include a plurality of bristles
extending therefrom. Massetti describes such rotatable swabs and
does not contemplate utilizing non-rotatable cleaning elements.
Rotatable cleaning elements slip on the surface to be cleaned, such
as a tooth or orthodontic appliance surface. Rotating tends to bend
the bristles, rather than keeping them relatively straight. Bent
bristles do not reach pockets between teeth for thorough cleaning.
Additionally, rotating bristles form a curve around the tooth
rather than effectively contacting and cleaning the tooth and
surrounding tissue/spaces. Further, the rigid side members holding
the swabs with transversely extending bristles are not as effective
in orienting the bristles between the teeth, gingiva, and
orthodontic appliances, as toothbrushes with more resilient, i.e.,
elastically deformable, holding elements are.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other
cleaning devices for contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, cheeks,
tongue, and orthodontic appliances in an oral cavity.
[0009] Certain embodiments provide a mouth cleaning device. The
device includes a handle portion for holding and maneuvering the
mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity. The device also includes a
cleaning head portion attached to the handle portion and including
two parallel legs each having a plurality of cleaning elements
projecting multi-directionally from the leg.
[0010] Certain embodiments provide a toothbrush for cleaning an
oral cavity and associated orthodontic appliances. The toothbrush
includes an elongated handle. The toothbrush also includes a
cleaning head connected to and extending from one end of the
handle. The cleaning head includes a plurality of cleaning elements
extending from a core of the cleaning head to form a plurality of
substantially circular arrangements around the core. The cleaning
head is arranged to provide a plurality of lengths of the core at
angles to one another. Each length includes cleaning elements for
cleaning of different areas of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic
appliances in the oral cavity.
[0011] Certain embodiments provide an oral and orthodontic
appliance cleaning device. The device includes a handle. The device
also includes a brushing head including a core and a plurality of
bristles extending radially from the core to form a plurality of
substantially circular bristle patterns around the core. The
plurality of bristles is arranged to contact and assist in cleaning
of teeth, tissue, and orthodontic appliances in an oral cavity
through manipulation of the handle to guide the brushing head. The
brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth to contact tissue and
tooth surface behind posterior teeth in an oral cavity as well as
clean with respect to the orthodontic appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like part throughout
the drawings. The embodiments shown in the drawings are presented
for purposes of illustration only. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and features shown in the attached drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an example of an oral cavity including distal
areas of posterior teeth and mesial and distal areas of an
edentulous portion of the oral cavity.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary mesial-distal cleaners
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate positioning of a mesial-distal
cleaner with respect to areas of an oral cavity in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates adjusting or angling of a neck portion of
a cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary mouth cleaning device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 depict different view of a mouth cleaning
device head in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 shows various applications of a mouth cleaning
device to clean teeth and gums in an oral cavity in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of a mouth cleaning
device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates alternative configurations of a mouth
cleaning device in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 depict mouth cleaning device tip
configurations according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 17 a variety of neck configurations according to
certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates a mouth cleaning device including two
parallel, unconnected legs in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22 show a plurality of views of a
toothbrush including a wire twist brush loop added to a
conventional toothbrush in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate positioning and access to
different tooth and gum areas of a mouth by a toothbrush with wire
twist brush loop added to a conventional toothbrush in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 26 illustrates examples of wire twist brush loop shapes
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 27 shows a removably attachable wire twist brush loop
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate various attachments of a
wire twist brush loop to a toothbrush body in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 31 illustrates a plurality of wire twist brush loop
configurations according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 32 illustrates modified toothbrush body accepting a
wire twist brush loop according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 33 shows examples of a wire twist brush loop structure
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 illustrate exemplary wire twist
brushes added to the body of toothbrushes and positioned with
respect to the body in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 39 illustrates a removable mechanism for attaching a
wire twist brush to a toothbrush body in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 40 illustrates embedded ends of a wire twist brush in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 41 illustrates an example of an auxiliary tooth
cleaning device attached to a toothbrush in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary oral cavity cleaning device
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 43 shows exemplary variations in head and bristle
design according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 44 depicts variations of a tip of a cleaning head in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend in
a cleaning head according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 46 demonstrates variations in a neck of an oral cavity
cleaning device according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 47 shows examples of bends in a head and neck according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 48 illustrates an orientation of exemplary brushes in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 49 shows some examples of brush cross-sections in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Certain embodiments provide tooth, orthodontic appliance,
gingival (gum), tongue, and/or cheek cleaning devices. Certain
embodiments provide an oral cleaning device including a plurality
of bristles arranged to contact surfaces of teeth and gums as well
as going around and under braces or other orthodontic appliances
rather than being deflected away from the orthodontic appliances.
Non-rotating cleaning elements are better suited to cleaning teeth,
gingiva, other oral tissue (e.g., tongue and cheek), and
orthodontic appliances at least in part because the cleaning
elements do not slip on the surface to be cleaned. Certain
embodiments provide cleaning devices for reaching teeth, gums,
tongue, cheek, and orthodontic appliances in proximal,
interproximal, interdental, and/or other areas. Cleaning elements
may be used to clean teeth, tongue, cheek, and gums, as well as
reaching between, inside, and/or around wires, undercuts, and/or
other areas of orthodontic appliances (such as dental braces), for
example.
[0046] A cleaning device can be constructed to include a cleaning
portion or head and a handle. The head and handle can be connected
by a neck, for example. In certain embodiments, the cleaning device
handle and head are formed using conventional injection molding
techniques. In certain embodiments, a cleaning device may be
fabricated from multiple components. Bristles and/or other cleaning
elements may be attached to the head by gluing, tying, stapling,
thermoforming, fusion, welding, etc. Cleaning elements, head, and
handle may also be jointly formed using a single- or multiple-step
injection molding process, for example.
[0047] In certain embodiments, bristles and/or other cleaning
elements in the device head may be formed from wire strands,
microfibers, thermoplastic material, such as a co-polymer or
synthetic polymer (e.g., nylon or polyester), and the like.
Thickness and/or length of bristles and/or other cleaning elements
may be varied based on desired oral contact area, cleaning
abrasiveness, and/or other criterion, for example. In various
embodiments, a number of cleaning elements, such as primary,
secondary, and/or omnidirectional cleaning elements, may be
provided.
[0048] In certain embodiments, brushing or cleaning elements, such
as bristles, contact areas around and under orthodontic appliances,
such as dental braces, rather than being deflected away from the
braces. In certain embodiments, bristles reach around and/or behind
teeth to access and clean hard-to-reach portions of teeth, tongue,
cheeks, and gums in the mouth to clean plaque and other debris. The
brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth to contact tissue and
tooth surface behind posterior teeth, for example, in an oral
cavity as well as clean with respect to the orthodontic
appliance.
[0049] In a variety of configurations, many of which are described
below, cleaning elements formed in a head portion may be arranged
in a substantially or approximately curved arc or angled U- or
V-shape formed by a core/neck around which bristles radially extend
to form substantially circular cleaning elements. The core/neck is
attached or affixed to the handle. The cleaning head may be
implemented at a variety of angles. The cleaning head may lie in
the same plane as the handle portion of the device and/or may be
positioned in a different plane (e.g., extending upward and outward
at a certain angle from the handle). In certain embodiments, angles
may be introduced into the head to provide cleaning elements within
multiple planes in the head portion. For example, a proximal
portion of the head may be positioned in substantially the same
plane as the head portion while a distal portion of the head angles
upward to a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the distal
portion of the head.
[0050] Certain embodiments describing variations in oral cleaning
device design and use will be provided in more detail below.
[0051] Mesial-Distal Cleaner
[0052] Posterior teeth (teeth located in the back of the mouth) and
related gums, as well as mesial and/or distal areas of the
edentulous (i.e., toothless or tooth-free) section of the mouth,
are very hard to clean and are therefore prone to contract
periodontal disease. With commonly available tooth brushes, even
using different bristle heights and various angles of bristle
projection, it is challenging to clean these areas of the mouth.
Current interdental brushes and conventional toothbrushes are
designed in such a way that it is not efficient to clean these
problem areas. Certain embodiments provide a Mesial-Distal Cleaner
designed to improve cleaning the distal area of the end tooth of
the dentition (i.e., the arrangement of teeth in the mouth) as well
as the mesial and distal areas of the edentulous section. For
purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 provides an example of distal
areas of the posterior teeth, and mesial and distal areas of a
toothless or edentulous portion of a mouth.
[0053] A Mesial-Distal Cleaner 200 includes a head 210, a neck 220,
and a handle 230. The head 210 includes a core with bristles
projecting multi-directionally, such as but not limited to a
twisted wire brush, a cylinder brush or other similarly shaped
device made of a plastic or rubbery material having bristles or
similar cleaning elements extending from a core in a substantially
circular pattern, for example. FIG. 2 shows some examples of the
mesial-distal cleaner device in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the device 200 has a
section of the head 210 that is perpendicular to the long axis of
the handle 230 (indicated as "A" in FIG. 2). Section A of the head
210 is used to clean the mesial and distal areas described above
(as shown, for example, in FIG. 3). The head 210 also includes a
section (labeled "B" in FIG. 2), which helps to reduce contact
between the teeth and the core and which can be used to clean the
lingual area of the front teeth (e.g., the tooth area close to the
tongue, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 5, the
device 200 reaches the distal surfaces of a tooth, gum tissue near
the distal surface of the tooth, and between the gum tissue and the
distal surface of the tooth. The device 200 can also be used to
clean a surface of the tongue and/or cheeks. FIG. 6 demonstrates
that the neck portion 210 of the cleaner device 200 can be bent by
a user to facilitate access to difficult areas of teeth and gums
and to make brushing more comfortable.
[0054] In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 230 of
the cleaning device 200 and uses both sections A and B of the head
210 to reach and clean varying areas of the teeth and gums.
Bristles in the head 210 also allow for contact with teeth to clean
surfaces of posterior teeth and tissue behind them, for example.
The configuration of the bristles extending radially around a core
of the head 210 and a distribution of the head 210 as shown in
sections A and B helps to facilitate such cleaning for the benefit
of the user.
[0055] Mouth Cleaning Device
[0056] Certain embodiments provide a variation on a mouth cleaning
device. A Mouth Cleaning Device (MCD) 700 includes a head 710, a
neck 720, and a handle 730. The head 710 includes a core with
bristles projecting multi-directionally, such as but not limited to
a wire brush. The wire brush can be replaced with a cylinder brush
or other similar shaped device made of a rubbery or plastic
material, for example.
[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary MCD 700 with a head 710, a
neck 720, and a handle 730. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 depict different
views of the head 710 illustrated from viewpoint a in FIG. 7,
viewpoint b in FIG. 8, and viewpoint c in FIG. 10. FIGS. 8, 9, and
10 show various examples of MCD 700 configurations. The bristle
lengths can be uniform or variable to facilitate a better access to
areas between teeth, around the braces, and between teeth and gums,
for example. The wire brush can be bent such that the bristles can
approach the tooth surfaces, areas between the teeth, and gums more
easily. FIG. 11 shows various applications of the MCD 700 to clean
teeth and gums, for example.
[0058] The neck 720 connects the bristle portion or head 710 to the
handle 730. FIG. 12 demonstrates that two ends of the wire brush
can be joined together before the brush head 710 is embedded into
the handle 730. FIG. 13 shows that two ends of the wire brush can
be embedded separately into the handle 730. FIG. 14 illustrates a
device 700 configuration wherein only one end 720 of the wire brush
710 is embedded into the handle 730, and the other end can
accommodate other tooth cleaning devices. In FIG. 15, an
interproximal toothbrush 740 is configured into the tip of the
loose end of the MCD 700 with shorter bristles. The interproximal
toothbrush portion 740 can be made of thinner wire and/or bristles
with different stiffness and/or lengths, for example. Examples of
other accessory cleaning devices are shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17
demonstrates that the neck 720 can be straight, curved or bent to
connect the head 710 to the handle 730 in various dimensions. The
length of the neck 720 can vary and it can appear as an extension
of the handle 730, for example. The handle 730 can be straight or
curved for ease of use as seen in commercially available
toothbrushes. FIG. 18 illustrates a variation of the MCD 700
wherein the two parallel wire legs 712, 714 do not connect at the
tip.
[0059] In certain embodiments, the head 710 and/or neck 720 can be
adjusted or bent by a user to achieve the comfort and/or efficiency
of his or her choosing. The wire portion of the head 710 can
include plastic shields and/or other coating to reduce discomfort
and/or to protect teeth or soft tissue in the event of contact, for
example.
[0060] In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 730 and
manipulates the head 710 in an oral cavity to access teeth, tongue,
cheeks, and/or gums using the plurality of bristles extending along
the length of the head 710. The configuration of the head 710
allows the user to access and clean interproximal areas of the
teeth, gums, and cheek, as well as other areas of the oral cavity
including in and around orthodontic appliances.
[0061] Wire Twist Brush Loop Toothbrush
[0062] In certain embodiments, a bendable Wire Twist Brush (WTB)
loop is added to a commercially available toothbrush to allow
better and easier access to an inside arch of the upper and lower
anterior teeth and the back of the most posterior teeth.
[0063] In certain embodiments, a WTB loop 1910 can be attached to a
toothbrush head 1920 as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. A three
dimensional drawing is shown in FIG. 21. As indicated in FIG. 19,
the loop 1910 may be configured to move and be adjustable in a
variety of positions with respect to the brush head 1920 in order
to contact desired areas in the mouth.
[0064] In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be bent easily
with finger pressure. Depending on the position of the WTB loop
1910, it can access specific areas of the mouth more easily. For
example, as shown in FIG. 22, the WTB loop 1910 allows typical
brushing using the head 1920 without interference from the loop
1910. As positioned in FIG. 23, the WTB loop 1910 can access an
inside arch of the upper and lower anterior teeth. In FIG. 24, the
WTB loop 1910 is positioned to access a back surface of the most
posterior teeth. As shown in FIG. 25, bristles of the WTB loop 1910
can be positioned to access inside corners between the teeth.
[0065] Thus, depending on the preference and manual dexterity of
the user, the position of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted at
varying angles.
[0066] In certain embodiments, the shape of the WTB loop 1910 can
be altered three dimensionally with finger pressure to enhance
cleaning and contact in the mouth based on user preference.
Examples are shown in FIG. 26.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the bendable WTB loop 1910 can be
removable from its position on the toothbrush head 1920. As an
example, in FIG. 27, tips 1930 of the loop 1910 can include an
attachment or male portion and the brush body 1920 can include one
or more receptacle or female portions 1940 to accept the loop tips
1930. The female part(s) 1940 may be adjustable, for example, to
accept the tips 1930 of the loop 1910.
[0068] Female parts 1940 can be placed anywhere on the brush body
1920. The female or receptacle parts can be designed in such a way
that the position of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted and locked
in a desired position.
[0069] In order to be used with a commercially available toothbrush
without a receptacle or attachment point, the WTB loop 1910 can be
shaped, for example, as shown in FIG. 28. An exemplary method of
assembly is shown in FIG. 29. Two ends 1930 of the device 1910 can
be used to fasten the device 1910 securely to the plastic body
1920. The loose ends 1930 are bent close to the plastic body 1910
to avoid interfering with regular brushing.
[0070] In certain embodiments, tips 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 can
be embedded securely in the brush body 1920 to prevent the loop
1910 from coming out despite being bent back and forth for usage
and storage. Examples of shapes of the tips 1930 of the WTB loop
1910 to enhance anchorage in the body 1920 are shown in FIG.
30.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be used
independently without being combined with a commercially available
toothbrush (see, e.g., FIG. 31). More than one WTB loop 1910 can be
used with a handle 1920, such as a wire brush loop in a plastic
handle.
[0072] As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 32, the body or handle
1920 of a toothbrush 1900 can be modified to accept the ends 1930
of the WTB loop 1910 in order to locate the WTB loop 1910 in
different areas of the brush 1900.
[0073] In certain embodiments, a variety of similar devices (e.g.,
a core with laterally projecting spurs having uniform and/or
variable lengths) can be substituted for the WTB loop 1910.
Flexibility can be built into the material for the loop itself
and/or in the assembly structure. Examples are shown in FIG.
33.
[0074] In operation, for example, both the loop 1910 and the
toothbrush head 1920 can be used to clean areas of the mouth. A
user can position the loop 1910 with respect to the head 1920 to
access back surfaces of posterior teeth, as well as inside arches
of the upper and lower anterior teeth. The wire brush loop 1910 can
be used in conjunction with the brushing head 1920 to clean teeth,
gums, tongue, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances through various
positioning and movement.
[0075] Teeth Cleaning Device
[0076] In certain embodiments, a Wire Twist Brush (WTB) 3410 may be
added to the body 3420 of a commercially available toothbrush 3400
as shown in FIG. 34. When not in use, the WTB 3410 can be tucked or
bent down and held near the brush body 3420 under a hook 3450
(indicated, for example, by position A in FIG. 34 and also shown in
FIG. 35). A user may take out the brush 3410 when the brush 3410 is
to be used (indicated, for example, by B position in FIG. 34).
[0077] The hook 3450, under which the WTB 3410 can be positioned,
may be formed of a solid material such as a metal or plastic (such
as the same material as the plastic body of the toothbrush).
Examples of the hook 3450 are shown in FIG. 36.
[0078] In certain embodiments, the WTB 3410 can be positioned
anywhere on the brush body 3420. Some examples are provided in FIG.
37.
[0079] In certain embodiments, the brush body 3420 (e.g., a plastic
brush body or handle) can be modified slightly to lower a profile
of the WTB 3410 and/or to prevent the WTB 3410 from interfering
with typical brushing with body bristles when the WTB 3410 is not
being used. As examples, FIG. 38 illustrates a first embodiment
wherein the WTB 3410 is positioned in a recess or depression 3460
in the body 3420 and a second embodiment wherein the WTB 3410 is
positioned behind a protrusion 3470 of the body 3420.
[0080] In certain embodiments, an attachment mechanism to attach
the WTB 3410 to the body 3420 can be fixed and/or removable. In a
fixed mechanism, a bristle-less end of the WTB 3410 is embedded in
the toothbrush body 3420. In a removable mechanism, the WTB 3410
can be attached to the body 3420 via male/female connection (see,
e.g., FIG. 39). Other removable fastening mechanisms can be
used.
[0081] In certain alternative embodiments, an embedded end 3430 of
the WTB 3410 (without bristle) is anchored in the body 3410
mechanically so that the end 3430 is secure when the WTB 3410 is
being bent back and forth. Examples are shown in FIG. 40.
[0082] In certain embodiments, other types of auxiliary tooth
cleaning device can be attached to a commercially available
toothbrush in a manner as explained above. An example is shown in
FIG. 41.
[0083] In operation, for example, bristles on the brush body 3420
may be used to clean teeth, gums, and other areas in an oral
cavity. The WTB 3410 can be positioned to additionally clean
between and around teeth, orthodontic appliances, tongue, cheeks,
etc., in the user's mouth. Thus, the body bristles and wire brush
compliment each other to provide a thorough cleaning.
[0084] Oral Cavity Cleaning Device
[0085] Certain embodiments provide an Oral Cavity Cleaning Device
(OCCD) including a head, a neck and a handle.
[0086] FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary OCCD 4200 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The OCCD 4200 includes
a head 4210, a neck 4220, and a handle 4230. The head 4210 can be
made of a core with bristles projecting multi-directionally from
the core.
[0087] FIG. 43 illustrates variations of the head 4210 and bristle
design. For example, the head 4210 can be a twist wire brush, a
cylinder brush, or similarly-shaped device made of a rubbery
material. The core can be non-bendable or can be bendable for users
to adjust the shape of the device.
[0088] FIG. 44 depicts variations of the tip 4215 of the head 4210.
For example, the tip 4215 can include a plastic cap at the end of
the head 4210. The tip 4215 can include additional bristles
continuing along and around the head 4210, for example. The tip
4215 can include a different material from the material used in the
bristles 4217 to provide a different contact surface and cleaning
structure from the primary bristles 4217 in the head 4210, for
example.
[0089] FIG. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend
that can be incorporated in the head 4210 to facilitate cleaning.
The neck 4220 connects the head 4210 to the handle 4230. In certain
embodiments, the neck 4220 can be bendable and slightly flexible.
FIG. 46 demonstrates variation of the neck 4220. The head 4210 and
neck 4220 of the OCCD 4200 can be bent by a user to achieve comfort
and/or efficiency of the user's choosing. Examples of some bends
are shown in FIG. 47.
[0090] In certain embodiments, the handle 4230 can be straight or
curved for the ease of the user, as seen in commercially available
toothbrushes.
[0091] In certain embodiments, the wire portion of the head 4210
can include plastic shields or coating to reduce discomfort and/or
to protect teeth or soft tissue from contact by the wire, for
example.
[0092] In operation, the OCCD 4200 can be used to clean various
areas of an oral cavity, including but not limited to the
interdental areas. Unlike available interdental brushes, the OCCD
4200 covers more areas than a single interdental area (see, for
example, the brush and tooth illustrations in FIG. 45). The OCCD
4200 can also cover various parts of the oral cavity such as cheek
tissue, teeth, and gum simultaneously.
[0093] When the OCCD 4200 is compared to a conventional toothbrush
that has a plastic head with vertically projecting bristles on only
one side of the head, the OCCD's built-in flexibility from a
twisted wire head helps minimize damage to the teeth, such as
cervical abrasion of the teeth.
[0094] Multi-Stiffness Brush
[0095] Certain embodiments provide a multi-stiffness brush. The
brush includes a core and projections from the core that extend
multi-directionally from the core. Examples include but are not
limited to a twisted wire brush. Bristles (or projections) can be
cut selectively in such a way that the brush provides surfaces with
different degrees of flexibility and stiffness of the bristles.
FIG. 48 illustrates a brush 4800 having a core 4810 and bristles
4815 extending from the core 4810 in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 48 demonstrates an orientation of the brush 4800. FIG. 49
shows some examples of brush cross-sections to demonstrate varying
lengths, thicknesses, and orientations. The brush, for example, can
be used to clean different parts of the oral cavity such as teeth,
tongue, cheek, palate, and gum more efficiently because it has
different stiffness, length, etc., built-in.
[0096] In certain embodiments, a multi-length/multi-stiffness brush
can be applied to one or more of the embodiments discussed
above.
[0097] Examples shown herein are provided only to illustrate and
explain certain embodiments of the present invention. There can be
other ways to accomplish the same goal that fall within the scope
of the present invention, and examples shown are not meant to limit
the devices and methods to realize the invention.
[0098] As a further example, one or more of the embodiments
described below may be implemented separately and/or in combination
to provide a cleaning device for a mouth including teeth, gums,
tongue, cheek, and orthodontic appliance. Several design
alternatives are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/559,265, filed on Nov. 13, 2006, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0099] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to explain the principals of the invention and
its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to the formation of a
variety of oral cleaning devices. Certain features of the
embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated as
described herein; however, many modifications, substitutions,
changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art.
Additionally, while several device components and relationships
between device components have been described in detail, it is
contemplated by those of skill in the art that several of the
described components and/or embodiments may be combined and/or used
apart from other components and/or embodiments, and/or that
additional features and/or relationships between features may be
established and still be in accordance with the claimed subject
matter. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims
are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall
within the true spirit of the embodiments of the claimed subject
matter.
* * * * *