U.S. patent application number 14/571150 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-16 for oral care implement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cyrus Shokoohi. Invention is credited to Cyrus Shokoohi.
Application Number | 20160166051 14/571150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56109956 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160166051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shokoohi; Cyrus |
June 16, 2016 |
Oral Care Implement
Abstract
The present invention relates to an oral care implement
comprising a handle and a head, the head having a plurality of
microfiber elements coupled to a first surface of the head with
each microfiber element of the plurality of elements comprising a
body section, wherein and the body section projecting from the
first surface of the head and the body section having a shape for
expanding the surface area of each microfiber element.
Inventors: |
Shokoohi; Cyrus; (Marietta,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shokoohi; Cyrus |
Marietta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56109956 |
Appl. No.: |
14/571150 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46D
1/0207 20130101; A46B 3/04 20130101; A46D 3/00 20130101; A46D 1/006
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A46D 3/00 20060101 A46D003/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. A head of an oral care implement, wherein the head comprises:
At least one cleansing element, connected to a base of the head,
wherein the cleansing element comprises: A first element, wherein a
first end of the first element is coupled to the base of the head;
A plurality of microfiber element, wherein a first end of the
plurality of microfiber element is coupled to a second end of the
first element and a second end of the plurality of microfiber
element is enabled to contact with user teeth wherein the first
element provides rigidity and stability to the plurality of
microfiber element for preventing the scattering of plurality of
microfiber element, while cleansing the user teeth, and enables the
second end of the plurality of microfiber element to penetrate in
the space between the teeth efficiently.
22. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
base of the head is made up of at least one of elastomers,
polypropylene, SAN and ABS.
23. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
base of the head comprises the plurality of holes so as to enable
the coupling of the first end of the first element.
24. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
first element of the cleansing element is made up of at least one
of thermoplastic elastomers, plastic, natural polyisoprene,
4-polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene and polybutadiene.
25. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
plurality of microfiber element of the cleansing element is made up
of at least one of polyester, polyamides such as nylon, kevlar,
nomex, trogamide, conjugation of polyester, polyamide and
polypropylene.
26. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
base of the head is coupled to the first end of the first element
by at least one of the bonding agent adhesive, glue, epoxy and
binder using at least one method inserted, tagged, stapled,
vulcanized or moulded together using pressure, temperature,
chemistry or combination of these.
27. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
plurality of microfiber element is coupled to the first element by
at least one of the bonding agent adhesive, glue, epoxy and binder
using at least one of the method mounted, attached, bonded,
inserted, tagged, stapled, vulcanized or moulded together.
28. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
shape of the first end of the plurality of microfiber element is
different from the shape of the second end of the plurality of
microfiber element, wherein the shape of the first end of the
plurality of microfiber element is at least one of cylinder, cube,
sphere, square and the shape of the second end of the plurality of
microfiber element is at least one of cylinder, cube, sphere,
triangular prism, hexagonal prism, dome and square.
29. The head of the oral care implement of claim 21, wherein the
first element enables the second end of the second element to
penetrate deeper in the space between the teeth efficiently.
30. The method of assembling components of a head of an oral care
implement, the method comprises: Coupling a first end of a first
element to a base of the head; Coupling a first end of plurality of
microfiber element to a second end of the first element, thereby
enabling the second end of the plurality of microfiber element to
contact user teeth; Wherein the first element provides rigidity and
stability to the plurality of microfiber element for preventing the
scattering of plurality of microfiber element, while cleansing the
user teeth, and enables the second end of the plurality of
microfiber element to penetrate in the space between the teeth
efficiently.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the base of the head is made up
of at least one of elastomers, polypropylene, SAN and ABS.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the base of the head comprises
the plurality of holes so as to enable the coupling of the first
end of the first element.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the first element of the
cleansing element is made up of at least one of thermoplastic
elastomers, plastic, natural polyisoprene, 4-polyisoprene,
synthetic polyisoprene and polybutadiene.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of microfiber
element of the cleansing element is made up of at least one of
polyester, polyamides such as nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide,
conjugation of polyester, polyamide and polypropylene.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein the base of the head is coupled
to the first end of the first element by at least one of the
bonding agent adhesive, glue, epoxy and binder using at least one
method inserted, tagged, stapled, vulcanized or moulded together
using pressure, temperature, chemistry or combination of these.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of microfiber
element is coupled to the first element by at least one of the
bonding agent adhesive, glue, epoxy and binder using at least one
of the method mounted, attached, bonded, inserted, tagged, stapled,
vulcanized or moulded together.
37. The method of claim 30 wherein the shape of the first end of
the plurality of microfiber element is different from the shape of
the second end of the plurality of microfiber element, wherein the
shape of the first end of the plurality of microfiber element is at
least one of cylinder, cube, sphere, square and the shape of the
second end of the plurality of microfiber element is at least one
of cylinder, cube, sphere, triangular prism, hexagonal prism, dome
and square.
38. The method of claim 30, wherein the first element enables the
second end of the second element to penetrate deeper in the space
between the teeth efficiently.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an oral care implement and
method of preparation thereof. More specifically, the present
invention is directed to certain novel implements and methods for
enhancing dental cleaning, including the ability to remove
microbial presence from the oral environment and the ability to
deliver pharmaceutical or other agents for topical or local
administration to enhance cleaning.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Deposits of microbial organisms upon the teeth are commonly
referred to as dental plaque. Dental plaque can give rise to dental
caries, the localized destruction of the tissues of the tooth by
acid produced from the bacterial degradation of fermentable sugar,
and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic
periodontitis.
[0003] Conventionally, oral care implements (e.g., toothbrushes)
are used to reduce plaque accumulation around the teeth; however,
brushing does not eliminated dental plaque in its entirety. The
conventional toothbrush as described above has drawbacks in that it
relocates deposits of microbial organisms on the teeth instead of
removing them. Although some of the relocated deposits of microbial
organisms will be removed from the oral cavity after rinsing, a
portion of those microbial organisms remain on the teeth after each
brushing event. That is because the elastomeric bristles of the
conventional toothbrush lack an absorption mechanism for lifting
off deposits of microbial organisms from the teeth completely.
[0004] The remaining deposits of microbial organisms will gradually
cause plaque buildup and tooth decay in the future. Therefore, a
need exists for an oral care implement to include absorption and
wiping features for removing majority of deposits of microbial
organisms from the teeth, hence eliminating among other things any
risk of tooth enamel abrasion or gums recess.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to an oral care implement
comprising a handle and a head. The head has a plurality of
microfiber elements coupled to the first surface of the head. Each
microfiber element of the plurality of elements comprise a body
section, wherein the body section has two portions--the first
portion projects from the first surface of the head and the second
portion is coupled to the first. Overall, the body section portion
has a shape for expanding the surface area of each microfiber
element.
[0006] Alternatively, the oral care implement may comprise a handle
and a head. Here, the head will have a plurality of microfiber
elements coupled to it. Each microfiber element of the plurality of
microfiber elements will comprise a body section, wherein the body
has a microfiber fabric and a stem element, wherein the stem
element is coupled to the head to maintain the body section
projecting from the head and the microfiber fabric covers the stem
element for the majority. The plurality of microfiber elements will
thus be distributed for the majority of at least one surface side
of the head.
[0007] The oral care implement can be produced by first preparing
an oral care implement comprised of a head and a handle, with the
head, containing a plurality of microfiber elements, coupled to the
handle. Next, prepare each microfiber element to by assembling a
body section, wherein the body section has a first portion and a
second portion coupled to it. Lastly, couple the distal portion of
the body section to the side of the head to maintain the body
section in a projected position and shape the second portion in a
shape for expanding the surface area of each microfiber
element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The following drawings illustrates exemplary embodiments;
however, they are helpful in illustrating objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention, because the present invention
will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dental
care implement.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a close up view of the head of the dental care
implement.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dental
care implement.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a close up view of the head of the dental care
implement of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dental
care implement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In FIGS. 1-2, an oral care implement 10 for oral hygiene is
shown. The oral care implement 10 includes a handle 12, a head 14
for cleaning the oral cavity. In particular, the oral care
implement 10 would be used for cleaning the teeth and soft tissue
in the oral cavity. While the oral care implement 10 is shown and
described as an example of an oral care implement, it will be
understood that other implements usable in the oral cavity are
contemplated, such as toothpicks, tongue cleaners, etc.
[0015] Handle 12 enables a user to readily grip and manipulate the
oral care implement 10, and may be formed of many different shapes
and constructions including, but not limited to elastomers,
polypropylene, SAN, ABS, or even paper products such as typical
lollipop stick. While the head is normally widened relative to a
neck of the handle, it could in some constructions simply be a
continuous extension or narrowing of the handle.
[0016] Head 14 has a first surface 16 and a second surface (not
shown). The first surface 16 supports a plurality of microfiber
elements 18. The second surface may be configured on the opposite
side of the first surface 16 and may include a flat surface or it
may include a cleaning member such a tongue cleaner, toothpick,
etc. (not shown).
[0017] The plurality of the microfiber elements 18 in connection
with the head 14 would be used for removing microbial presence on
the teeth and massaging the user's gums. The plurality of
microfiber elements 18 is distributed on the first surface 16
leaving an empty ledge 19 (see FIG. 2) around the first surface 16.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, an oral care implement 100
may include the plurality of microfiber elements 118 distributed
over the first surface 116 leaving no edge around the first surface
16.
[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the head 14 may be formed of
many different shapes and constructions, including but not limited
to elastomers, polypropylene, SAN, ABS, or even paper products such
as typical lollipop stick a flat. In some embodiments, however, the
head 14 may be one of electric, spinning, and/or sonic heads, or it
may be a head having all or some of the aforementioned features. In
those embodiments, the vibration from said heads may accentuate the
efficacy of the microfiber elements 18 when in contact with the
teeth.
[0019] Furthermore, each microfiber element 18' of the plurality of
microfiber elements 18 includes a body section 20. As seen on FIG.
2, the body section 20 includes a proximal end 32 adjacent the
first surface 16, and the distal end 34. The body section also
interfaces with the first surface 16 at the proximal end 32,
thereby allowing the body section 20 to project from the first
surface 16.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the body section 20 has a first shape
and a second shape. The first shape is formed adjacent the proximal
end 32, while the second shape is formed adjacent the distal end
34. In the present embodiment, the body section forms a bullet like
shape comprising a cylindrical portion near the proximal end 32,
which transitions into a dome portion near the distal end 34.
Aforementioned shape is exemplary and other shapes such as
cylinder, cube, cuboid, cone, sphere, triangular prism, dome,
square and triangular based prism, hexagonal prism, or a
combination thereof may be adapted while preparing the shape of the
body section 20. Furthermore, the body sections may be configured
in various sizes, dimensions, geometry, and placement in relation
to the head.
[0021] The height of the body section 20 may adapted to be shorter
than the bristles of the conventional toothbrushes. For example,
the height of the body section 20 may be less than one inch. Said
height would be helpful in placing the oral care implement 10 in
the mouth more comfortably.
[0022] The body section 20 of the present embodiment includes at
least two portions. A first portion 22 and a second portion 24. The
first portion 22 may be a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. For
instance, the first portion 22 may be a stem element. The stem
element may be a stem made of elastomer, potentially thermosets
requiring vulcanization, but may also be thermoplastic elastomer,
plastic, natural polyisoprene, 4-polyisoprene natural rubber,
synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadien, etc. The stem may be
flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, rigid or any suitable
material. Besides, the stem can be non-treated or treated with
fluoride, flavors, and minerals, organics, or artificial
antibacterial agents. Furthermore, the stems can be configured in
various sizes, dimensions, and shapes. In some embodiments, the
stem may be coupled with the first surface 16, such that the first
surface 16 receives a portion of the stem element into a plurality
of holes (not shown) defined on the first surface 16.
[0023] For instance, the first surface 16 may include 10-50 holes.
These holes would receive the stems therein. Further, a bonding
agent such as adhesive, glue, epoxy, binder, etc. may be used to
affix said stems to the first surface 16. In some embodiments, the
stem may be bonded, inserted, tagged, stapled, vulcanized, or
molded together with the head 14 using temperature, pressure,
chemistry or a combination of these to effect the shaping of the
head in combination with the stems.
[0024] Besides, the second portion 24 of the body section 20 may be
a microfiber fabric. The microfiber fabric may be used to be placed
in contact with teeth's periodontal surfaces and other oral cavity
structures and surfaces. The microfiber fabric may be polyesters,
polyamides such as nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide, or a
conjugation of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. As shown in
FIGS. 1-2, the first portion may be coupled with the first portion
to cover only a portion of the first portion. For example, the
microfiber fabric may be placed over, inserted into, integrated
with it, or attached to the first portion.
[0025] The second portion 24 may be vulcanized to, inserted into,
stapled to, or mechanically or chemically attached to the first
portion. Alternatively, the second portion 24 may form a shell over
the first portion. Furthermore, the second portion 24 may be
configured in various sizes, dimensions, and placements in relation
to the first portion. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4,
however, a larger second portion 24 (e.g., microfiber fabric) may
be used to cover the first portion 22 for the majority.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first portion 22 (e.g., the
stem) may be eliminated, and the second portion 24 may be directly
coupled to the head 14. For instance, the second portion 24, made
of microfiber fabric, may be mounted, attached, bonded, inserted,
tagged, stapled, or vulcanized, or molded together with the head
14. As aforementioned, the body section 20 is a microfiber fabric
body directly coupled to the head 14.
[0026] The microfiber fabric also may be impregnated with
artificial flavors such as mint, vanilla, mineral, and artificial
or organic anti-microbial agents such as silver particles that have
been reduced in size. The physical properties of microfiber allow
for surface protection as germs are prevented from transferring
from one surface to another. Because germs are held inside the
length of microfiber, cross contamination is not an issue. In the
present invention, the microfiber fabrics provide a large
microfiber surface for removing microbial deposits from the teeth,
thereby allowing more germs to be lifted off when contacting the
teeth. In other words, the shape of each microfiber fabric may be
configured to expand the microfiber surface area of each microfiber
element that encounters the teeth.
[0027] Furthermore, as discussed above, the second portion 24 and
the first portion 22 may be integrally coupled. For example, the
second portion may be attached to the first portion using a bonding
agent, such as adhesive, epoxy, glue, etc. These portions may be
inserted into each other or affixed to each other, allowing the
body section be projected outwardly in relation to the first
surface 16. However, in some embodiments, the microfiber elements
18 may be titled in relation to the first surface 16, or a
combination of titled and upright microfiber elements 18 may be
utilized in the oral care implement as well.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, in operation, the oral care
implement 10 can be manufactured by including on the head 14, which
is coupled to a handle 12, a plurality of microfiber elements 18.
Furthermore, each microfiber element 18' may be prepared to include
a body section 20. The body section 20 may also include a first
portion 22 and a second portion 24.
[0029] In addition, the production of the oral care implement 10
includes coupling the first and second portions 22, 24 using an
adhesive agent as discussed above. The production also includes
preparing the first portion 22 to be a stem element, and second
portion 24 to be a microfiber fabric. The process of preparing the
oral care implement further includes coupling the proximal end 32
of the body section 20 to the first surface 16 of the head 14 to
maintain the body section 20 in a projected arrangement with
respect to the first surface 16. In addition, the production of
oral car implement 10 includes shaping the second portion 24 for
expanding the microfiber surface area of each microfiber element
18'.
[0030] Lastly, the production of the oral care implement 10 further
includes impregnating the second portion 24 with an agent selected
from a group consisting of anti-microbial, flavor, and fluoride, or
a combination thereof.
[0031] It is noted that the embodiments of the oral care implement
described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is of course
subject to many different variations in structure, design,
application and methodology. Because many varying and different
embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive
concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be
made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the
descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that
the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in
a limiting sense.
* * * * *