CA2249614A1 - Toothbrush with bendable head for implementing the bass brushing technique - Google Patents
Toothbrush with bendable head for implementing the bass brushing technique Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2249614A1 CA2249614A1 CA002249614A CA2249614A CA2249614A1 CA 2249614 A1 CA2249614 A1 CA 2249614A1 CA 002249614 A CA002249614 A CA 002249614A CA 2249614 A CA2249614 A CA 2249614A CA 2249614 A1 CA2249614 A1 CA 2249614A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- toothbrush
- head
- stem
- teeth
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 241000628997 Flos Species 0.000 claims description 20
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 206010003246 arthritis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVZZPLDJERFENQ-NKTUOASPSA-N bassianolide Chemical compound CC(C)C[C@@H]1N(C)C(=O)[C@@H](C(C)C)OC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)N(C)C(=O)[C@@H](C(C)C)OC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)N(C)C(=O)[C@@H](C(C)C)OC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)N(C)C(=O)[C@@H](C(C)C)OC1=O QVZZPLDJERFENQ-NKTUOASPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000021152 breakfast Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007103 stamina Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
- A46B5/0075—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being adjustable and stable during use
- A46B5/0079—Adjustable and stable shaft or handle, e.g. generally in one piece
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D44/00—Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
- A45D44/18—Receptacles for hair brushes or tooth brushes as travelling equipment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
- A46B5/0075—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being adjustable and stable during use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C15/00—Devices for cleaning between the teeth
- A61C15/04—Dental floss; Floss holders
- A61C15/046—Flossing tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C15/00—Devices for cleaning between the teeth
- A61C15/04—Dental floss; Floss holders
- A61C15/046—Flossing tools
- A61C15/048—Flossing tools with heads removable from handle, e.g. interchangeable heads
Abstract
This invention is an ergonomic toothbrush (10) having an oversized handle (20), a shapeable stem (16), interchangeable, flexible and shapeable heads (12) of different sizes, bristle arrangements (14), and geometrical configurations. The handle (20) is cylindrical so as to readily fit in the palm of one's hand while having at least one flattened portion against which the thumb and fingertips may be rested. The handle (20) is attached to a rotatable disk (22) which may be selectively set in a variety of positions about the longitudinal axis of the handle (20). Head (12) is bendable and shapeable so that the user of the toothbrush (10) may adjust the shape or curvature of the head (12) to conform to the contour of specific dental surfaces. When a stem (16) with a head (12) is attached to the rotatable disk (22), the user of the toothbrush may bend the head and/or stem, and also set the orientation of the bristles on the head such that they are at 45 degrees relative to the surface of the teeth, while the flat portions of the handle are generally parallel to the surface of the teeth so that the Bass brushing technique may be implemented while moving the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes so that all teeth may be effectively reached and brushed.
Description
Wo 97/35498 - PCT/US97/04980 TOOTHBRUSH VVITH BENDABLE HEAD
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE BASS BRUSHING TECHNIQUE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to toothbrushes and more particularly is directed to a toothbrush with interchangeable, bendable heads which may be flexed and/or rotated 10 about the axis of the handle so that the head of the toothbrush is positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gurns.
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE BASS BRUSHING TECHNIQUE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to toothbrushes and more particularly is directed to a toothbrush with interchangeable, bendable heads which may be flexed and/or rotated 10 about the axis of the handle so that the head of the toothbrush is positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gurns.
2. Description of the Prior Art The Bass technique of brushing teeth is widely recommPn~ied by the American Dental ~soci~tion for removal of plaque which accl~m~ tçs on the surface of the teeth 15 and in the sulcus, i.e., the tooth surface which is hidden by the gums. Basically, this technique involves holding a standard toothbrush at about a 45~ angle relative to the surface of the teeth such that a portion of the bristles clean the teeth while another portion of the bristles clean the gurns as the toothbrush is moved back and forth in short strokes.
Implçmentation of this technique with a standard toothbrush requires that the user of the 20 toothbrush rotate his or her wrist at about a 45~ angle while at the sarne time using the short back and forth strokes required by the Bass technique on both the front and back sll~çes of the teeth, both the top and bottom sets. Holding ones wrist in this u~
position while brushing for the time period recommçn-lP~ by dental professionals can be quite tiring particularly for children and individuals with arthritis. Often these individuals 25 do not have the necessary manual dexterity or stamina to effectively practice the Bass brushing technique. Therefore, a need exists for a toothbrush which facilitates use of the Bass brushing technique while not imposing lmnPce~ry burdens on the user of the toothbrush such as hand and wrist fatigue which discourage proper brushing technique and encourage reversion to less effective brushing techniques. Thus, there is a need for a toothbrush which allows one to easily implement the Bass brushing technique. It is to the 5 provision of such a toothbrush that the present invention is primarily directed.
Another short coming of standard toothbrushes relates to failure of the toothbrush user to follow dental professionals' l~co...~n~n-l~tion that the toothbrush bristles be completely dried between uses. This recomm~n~ on is at odds with the .econllllendation that brushing take place after each meal, particularly if only one 10 toothbrush is used. For example, if one eats breakfast at about eight o'clock and brushes his or her teeth thereafter, it is unlikely that the toothbrush bristles will be dry by one o'clock or so after he or she has had lunch unless the toothbrush is stored at an elevated temperature or a specific drying means is lltili7P~l Thus, there is a need for a system of oral hygiene which permits one to utilize a toothbrush wherein the bristles are dried 15 between subsequent uses.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a toothbrush for easily impl~nn~nting the Bass brushing technique. The tootllbl.lsll has a generally cylindrical handle which is oversized to ~nh~n~e manual dexterity and to make gripping of the handle more co,.lfol~ble for the 20 user. The generally cylindrical handle has a fl~t~en~d portion along its length against which the thumb and fingertips may be rested so as to firmly hold the handle at a fixed angle while brushing. Conn~cted to the handle is a rotation means to which a variety of interchangeable stems may be conn~cte~, all of which have a head of a dir~relll size, bristle arrangement, or geometrical configuration. The rotation means is adapted so that WO 97/354g8 . PCI'tUS97/04980 it may be selectively positioned at one o~ a plurality of locations about the longit~ in~l axis of the handle. With such an arrangement, the Bass brushing technique may be implemented by ~tt~ching a stem with a pref~.~d head shape to the rotation means and adjusting the rotation means so that the bristles are aligned at a 45~ angle relative to the 5 surface of the teeth while the flat portion of the handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth. A ~ignifiç~nt achievement of the present invention is provided by multiple raised sections or grips on.both the flat portion and the generally cylindrical portions of the handle which permit the user of the toothbrush to brush all dental surfaces while m~int~ining the same grip on the handle and simply adjusting the rotational angle of the 10 head. In addition, the stem and head are bendable so that they may be repositioned to obtain the most effective ~lignmPnt and brushing angles for the particular user of the toothbrush.
Optionally, the head connected to the stem may be replaced with a dental floss holding device for storing dental floss and for mounting a length of dental floss thereon 15 allo~,ving one to floss the areas between teeth. Also, the handle of the toothbrush may be formed of a rubberized material which is slightly depressed when force is applied thereto so as to reduce hand and wrist fatigue when brushing. A ventil~tt?~ storage cont~in~r for drying toothbrush bristles in a protected environrnent may also be provided.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a 20 construction which facilitates implem~nt~tion of the Bass brushing technique.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having h~ changeable heads so that heads having a variety of sizes, shapes, bristle arrangements and geometrical configurations may be used.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush which may be converted for use as a device for flossing.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a handle which is ergonomically designP~ to reduce wrist and hand fatigue while brushing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene system S allowing for interchangeable toothbrush heads of different configurations which, when used over a period of time, insure that all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned during brushing.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene system which allows for adequate drying of toothbrush bristles between subsequent uses.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a complete oral care system that includes means for flossing teeth.
These objects, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apl)a.enl to one skilled in the art when the following ~et~ d description of the p.ef~ ,d embodiment is read in conjunction with the al,~e.lded 15 drawings in which like reference numerals clesign~te like parts throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front view of the oral hygiene system of the present invention including toothbrush handle, hllelcha~lgeable heads, dental floss holder, and a ,olefelled storage and 20 drying container.
Figs. 2a is a front view of the toothbrush of the present invention demonstrating a standard head orientation.
Figs 2b - 2c are front views of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a showing the head rotated 45 degrees from the position depicted in Fig. 2a.
.
Fig. 2d is a front view of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a with the head replaced with a plefe.l~,d embodiment of the dental floss holder of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a ~1enlo~ g various static positions in which the stem may be placed.
Fig. 4 is a front view of the handle of the toothbrush depicted in Fig. 2a.
Figs. Sa - 5e are front views of p~r;;.led ~tt~hment~ for the toothbrush handle depicted in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6a is a front view of a p~ ..ed embodiment of the bendable toothbrush head of the present invention.
Figs. 6b and 6c are side views of the bendable toothbrush head depicted in Fig.
6a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a toothbrush for impl~ g the method of brushing teeth which is leco----n~ ed by the .Ampric~n Dental Association (ADA), i.e., the Bass brushing technique. This technique has been shown to be most err;;-;~ive in removing plaque and food particles from the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of teeth as well as the gingival margin. The technique involves holding a toothbrush at ~plo~ .ately a forty-five (45) degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth with about half the bristles touching the teeth and the other half touching the gums while gently moving the toothbrush back and forth in short (half-a-tooth-wide) strokes.
Rçferring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the colllplete oral care system of the present invention mounted in a llcli~s~a~ lt storage coll~ ~. 30 having a plurality of ape,lu~ (not shown) therein for ventil~tion The storage container 30 provides a convenient means of drying toothbrush bristles and guards against bacterial W097/354g8 6 - PCT/USg7/04g80 co.-t~ t ;on which frequently occurs when a toothbrush is simply placed on a countertop. The base of the storage container 30 may be provided with apl)lop~iately shaped notches (not shown) and shelves 32 to accommodate the bottom portions of the various components of the oral care system.
The oral care system includes a padded handle 20 which has a larger ~iiztmeter than the standard, commercially available toothbrush which makes the handle 20 more comfortable and easier to use because less force is required to stably hold the handle 20.
Also, the larger handle 20 requires less rotational turning about the longit~linztl axis of the handle 20 than is required by a smaller handle to achieve the same result. The handle 20 is generally cylindrical in shape having a cross section which is predominantly circular (about one inch in diameter) except for a generally flat portion defined by a chord of the circular cross section of the handle. As better shown in Fig. 3, the generally flat portion extends along almost the entire length of the handle 20 and provides a convenient surface against which one's thumb and fingeTtips may be placed while brushing. The handle 20 is preferably formed of a "squeezable" material which deflects slightly when a gripping force is applied. Such a construction makes the toothbrush 10 more comfortable to hold and thelGrolG easier to use. Optionally, the toothbrush of the present invention may be formed with a flat portion and grips on both the front and back (not shown) of the handle to aid in more firmly grasping the handle, particularly when the handle is wet. In the "double-sided" configuration one is enabled to implement the Bass brushing technique in all quadrants of the mouth while m~intztining the same grip on the handle. The grips 34 may be arranged either vertically or horizontally as depicted in Fig. 3. The provision of multiple raised sections or grips 34 on both the front and back of the handle 20 perrnit the user of the toothbrush 10 to brush all dental surfaces while mA;-,t~it~ g the same grip on P~ ~97/D4~8 0 ~; 1 ~ JUL~
the handle 20 by simply a~ ling the rpt~tion~l angle of the head 12 to a 45 degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gums.
,~tt~qc.ll~ to the top portion of the handle 10 is a ro~ting disk 22 which is ~le~iEr ~
to detachably receive various ~ l,.,.P~ having teeth cl~A~ g ;...~ ; such as a toothbrush head or dental floss holder formed at the end of a support stem. The ro~Lil.g disk preferably has a fixed portion which is secured to the handle 20 and a rotating portion ~le~igr~ to be turned 360 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that in one position, a stem 16 may be placed in the rotating disk so that the plane defined by the tips of the tufts of bristles 14 on the head 12is generally parallel to the flat portion of the handle. The fixed portion 21 of rotating disk 22 is defined by the upper p., ;.~ftel surface of handle 10, and the rotating portion 23 of rotating disk 22 is defined by the bottom ~.;...cte,~ contact surface of stem 16 when stem 16 and handle 10 are ~ap~ed together. That is, stem 16 rotates against rotating disk 22. In the ~l~r~ d embodiment, the head 12 may be rotated in 45 degree incFements. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other angular incl~.l,cnts may be utilized while still pr~ g implem~nt~tio~ of the Bass brushing technique. For eY~mple 1 degree or 15 degree inc,ci...cnts may be used. With such an arrangement, the toothbrush head 12 can easily be used to carry out the Bass brushing technique by rotating the head 12 so that the bristles 14 are at about a 45 degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth.
As shown in Fig. 37 the stem 16 of the toothbrush 10 of the present invention is bendable so that the stem 16 and head 12 can be positioned at any fixed position CA 02249614 1998-09-22~
" ~ 17-JUL~P
necec~ , to reach areas of the mouth w~ch are otherwise difficult to reach with a standard toothbrush. To achieve this purpose, the stem 16 may be provided with a centTally located wire 18 of a size and ~ ss sufficient to tll:~;tlls~ the head 12 and stem 16 configuration selc.;ted by the user of the toothbrush 10 while at the same time withct~n-ling the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing. The stem 16 is co~ cle~l to the handle 20 by snapping the stem 16 in place on the rotating disk 22 .~
A~O ~ET
8 ~ s g;~~~980 preferably with small flexible projectipns on the bottom of the stem eYt~nrling through a~ro~;ately sized a~ll~es formed in the rotating portion of the lot~ g disk 22. The, flexible projections are ~lim~n~ion~d to snugly fit within the al)~,.lu.~,s so that the stem is removably secured to the handle when the stem and handle are snal~ped together. One or more circular in~t~tion~ 36 are provided at the base of eàch stem 16 to assist in gripping the stem when it is being cQl~nP~,(e~ to the handle 20 via the rotating disk 22.When a sufficient amount of hand force is applied to rotate the stem, the flexible projections are forced from the present ap."lure location, and the stem is allowed to rotate until the flexible projectionC snap into the next ap~ , thereby locking the stem in the next angular position relative to the handle. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the position of the a~ t or the flexible projections and the nurnber of apertures or flexible projections may be varied to achieve a multitude of desired angular position~ It is also clear to those skilled in the art that a variety of snapping means having projections and J a~c.lules may be utilized for the aforementioned filnctiQn For example, the common a~e,lule/projection comleclillg means as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,072,477 or the well known convex half-sphere projection/concave half-sphere aperture connecting means can be used.
As shown in Figs. Sb - 5e, the toothbrush 10 of the present invention incllldes a plurality of det~rll~ble stems 16 with heads 12 of di~lent sizes and shapes cont~ining rows with tufts of bristles 14 variously arranged. In particular, Fig. Sc shows a large oval-shaped head, Fig. Sd shows a small oval-shaped head, Fig. 5e shows a generally rectangular 13 ~ET
~ 8~ CT/US ~7/Q4980 ~t; t 7 -JllL ~108 head, and Fig. Sb shows a generally rec,tangular shaped head v~L~,~h~ the tip to of the head is more narrow than the base of the head in the shape of a l~ ed tri~ngle In the p.cfe,~ d embotlimpnt~ three of the head designs shown have soft bristles while a fourth toothbrush head has hard bristles which are especially effective for occlusals. When the fealules of the mllltiple head arrangements are combined with the flexible pocitioning capabilities of the stem 16, one obtains a toothbrush 10 which can be adapted to utilize practically all of the head designs and stem angles which are l~co.. P-nded and used by the various toothbrush m~mlf~ctllrers.
As shown in Fig. 5a, the present invention also i~çhlcles a tubular stem 28 to which a generally U-shaped dental floss holder 26 is a~t~rhP~l The tubular stem 28 of the dental floss holder 26 is tubular in construction so as to acco...-..o~ate a roll of dental floss therein.
A dental floss cutter 38 is ~tt~rhP~ to or formed in the side of the tubular stem 28. The tubular stem 28 is att~chP~ to the handle 20 in the same manner as described above with respect to att~chmP-nt of the stems 16 which h ,ave toothbrush heads 12 with bristles 14.
Use of the toothbrush 10 of the present invention by a right-handed person will A~t~ED 5~
WO 97/3S498 PCr/US97/04980 now be described. First, the stem 16 having the desired toothbrush head 12 is att~r-h~ to the rotating disk 22 on top of the handle 20 . For this purpose, the stem 16 may include a plurality of small projections or bars on its bottom portion which are shaped to fit into a plurality of grooves formed in the rotation means so that the stem 16 is locked in place by 5 inserting the bars into the grooves and rotating the stem 16 until the stem is locked in place. Next the stem 16 is flexed and formed to the preferred lateral displ~rt?mPnt relative to the flat portion of the handle. The toothbrush 10 is then moved into a horizontal position in front of the mouth with the head 12 on the left (bristles 14 facing the mouth) and the handle 20 on the right (flat portion facing mouth). The thumb should 10 be positioned on the flat portion of the handle with the fingers curled around the stem 16.
Some of the fingertips may also be positioned on the flat portion of the handle.
To brush the outside surface of the teeth in the upper left quadrant of the mouth, the stem 16 and head 12 are rotated 45 degrees upward (Fig. 2c). The toothbrush 10 is now in position to hl.ple.nent the Bass brushing technique by applying too~lpaslt: to the 15 bristles 14, placing the bristles of the toothbrush against the teeth and gums and using short back and forth strokes as described above. To brush the outside surface of the teeth in the upper right quadrant of the mouth, the same grip is .. .~ ecl on the handle 20 of the toothbrush. However, the stem 16 and head 12 are rotated so that they are positioned at an upwardly inclin~d 45 degree angle relative to the outside surface of the teeth (Fig.
20 2b). When brushing these teeth, the toothbrush is still in a ho~ al position in front of the mouth except that the head 12 is now on the right (bristles 14 facing the mouth) and the handle 20 on the left (flat portion facing away from the mouth). Thus, the Bass brushing technique is impleTn~llt~d while using conventional brushing methods without having to contort and angle the hand and wrist into an unnatural position to achieve WO 97/35498 PCT/USg7/04980 proper positioning of the head of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle relative to the front and back surfaces of the teeth. Of course, the dental floss holder 26 may be ~tt~rh~d to the handle 20 and the teeth flossed in a conventional manner (Fig. 2d~.
In another embodiment of the present invention the stem is only rotatable from a 5 forward facing position defined herein as zero degrees to one of two possible positions, namely forty-five degrees to the left and forty-five degrees to the right (i.e, +45~).
Implementation of the Bass Technique using this embodiment of the present invention is carried out as follows:
A. Grip toothbrush handle normally with thumb on grips and brush lower 10 occh-~lc.
B. Flip toothbrush completely over and brush upper occlusals.
C. While m~ g same grip rotate stem to far right and brush outer top left quadrant and inner top right quadrant.
D. Again, m~int~in same grip and rotate stem to far left and brush inner top 15 left quadrant and outer top right quadrant.
E. Simply flip brush completely over and brush outer bottom left quadrant and inner bottom right qu~lr~nt F. While ...~ t;.il~ g same grip, rotate stem to far left and brush outer bottom right quadrant and inner bottom left quadrant.
G. Simply bend stem at any time during brushing for hlcleased colllfoll and to brush hard-to-reach s~ ces.
These instructions only require three very simple (but exact) stem rotations throughout the entire brushing procedure. Because the handle is "double-sided," it enables the user to m~int~in the same grip throughout the entire mouth. This drastically W O 97/35498 . PCT~US97/04980 increases manual dexterity (i.e., effectiveness) and enables the user to be con~i~tent in brushing. The double-sided handle also enables the user to brush all areas of the mouth in the usual or y~ d order which aids in compli~nre and simplicity while using the same natural grip. Furthermore, the double-sided design and three simple rotations not S only enables the user to brush normally and naturally but, in addition, drastically increases manual dexterity and comfort. The 45~ stem rotation ~r~tic~lly ~llgm~nt~ a user's underst~nf~ing of and implernent~tion of the Bass Technique. The instructions for use are simple, requiring only three rotations, and are ~lecign~ to follow the normal p~ rn~ and brushing habits of the average user which is illlyOl~t to implem~nt~tion of 10 and compliance with the Bass Technique.
With all toothbrushes (even electric toothbrushes) one has to flip the toothbrush over to go from brushing the upper teeth to brushing the lower teeth which, like the toothbrush of the present invention, is normal and natural to all users. However, in order to achieve a 45~ angle relative to all dental sl~ ces, one must co~ ly change his or 15 her grip (losing dexterity) or, co~ lly torque the handle and one's hand and wrist to very unnatural grips and positions. Hence, effective brushing using the Bass Technique in all areas of the mouth has been virtually impossible prior to the present invention.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, Fig. 6a - 6c show an elong~tP~l toothbrush head 12 which is bendable so that the user of the toothbrush may 20 adjust the shape or curvature of the head to COI~ 111 to the contour of specific dental surfaces. For example, the head may be bent forward as shown in Fig. 6c to impart a concave curvature to the bristles 14 mounted in the head so that the bristles more efficiently interact with variations in the convex shape of an individual tooth or the general convex arrangement of one's teeth in the mouth. To facilitate the flexibility of CA 022496l4 l998-09-22 the head while at the same time ~ g sufficient structural integrity to with~f~n~l the forces applied to the head during brushing, the head may be formed of rubber with a flexible wire 40 and/or hinges 42 which, along with a flexible substrate 44 to which the tufts of bristles are anchored, are imbedded within the rubber head. As shown in Fig. 6a.
S the head preferably has an elongated oval design which enables the user of the toothbrush to effectively brush larger areas of the mouth more quickly and effectively. Because the head is longer than the standard toothbrush and is bendable so as to conform to the curvature of one's mouth, effectiveness in brushing is dr~m~tir~lly increased.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to yl~ir~ d 10 embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that these emborlim~nt~ are for illustrative purposes and should not be consL"led as limitations on the scope of the invention. Many modifications are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the embo.l;...~ ctr~t~rl but by the claims appended hereto and their legal equivalents.
Implçmentation of this technique with a standard toothbrush requires that the user of the 20 toothbrush rotate his or her wrist at about a 45~ angle while at the sarne time using the short back and forth strokes required by the Bass technique on both the front and back sll~çes of the teeth, both the top and bottom sets. Holding ones wrist in this u~
position while brushing for the time period recommçn-lP~ by dental professionals can be quite tiring particularly for children and individuals with arthritis. Often these individuals 25 do not have the necessary manual dexterity or stamina to effectively practice the Bass brushing technique. Therefore, a need exists for a toothbrush which facilitates use of the Bass brushing technique while not imposing lmnPce~ry burdens on the user of the toothbrush such as hand and wrist fatigue which discourage proper brushing technique and encourage reversion to less effective brushing techniques. Thus, there is a need for a toothbrush which allows one to easily implement the Bass brushing technique. It is to the 5 provision of such a toothbrush that the present invention is primarily directed.
Another short coming of standard toothbrushes relates to failure of the toothbrush user to follow dental professionals' l~co...~n~n-l~tion that the toothbrush bristles be completely dried between uses. This recomm~n~ on is at odds with the .econllllendation that brushing take place after each meal, particularly if only one 10 toothbrush is used. For example, if one eats breakfast at about eight o'clock and brushes his or her teeth thereafter, it is unlikely that the toothbrush bristles will be dry by one o'clock or so after he or she has had lunch unless the toothbrush is stored at an elevated temperature or a specific drying means is lltili7P~l Thus, there is a need for a system of oral hygiene which permits one to utilize a toothbrush wherein the bristles are dried 15 between subsequent uses.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a toothbrush for easily impl~nn~nting the Bass brushing technique. The tootllbl.lsll has a generally cylindrical handle which is oversized to ~nh~n~e manual dexterity and to make gripping of the handle more co,.lfol~ble for the 20 user. The generally cylindrical handle has a fl~t~en~d portion along its length against which the thumb and fingertips may be rested so as to firmly hold the handle at a fixed angle while brushing. Conn~cted to the handle is a rotation means to which a variety of interchangeable stems may be conn~cte~, all of which have a head of a dir~relll size, bristle arrangement, or geometrical configuration. The rotation means is adapted so that WO 97/354g8 . PCI'tUS97/04980 it may be selectively positioned at one o~ a plurality of locations about the longit~ in~l axis of the handle. With such an arrangement, the Bass brushing technique may be implemented by ~tt~ching a stem with a pref~.~d head shape to the rotation means and adjusting the rotation means so that the bristles are aligned at a 45~ angle relative to the 5 surface of the teeth while the flat portion of the handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth. A ~ignifiç~nt achievement of the present invention is provided by multiple raised sections or grips on.both the flat portion and the generally cylindrical portions of the handle which permit the user of the toothbrush to brush all dental surfaces while m~int~ining the same grip on the handle and simply adjusting the rotational angle of the 10 head. In addition, the stem and head are bendable so that they may be repositioned to obtain the most effective ~lignmPnt and brushing angles for the particular user of the toothbrush.
Optionally, the head connected to the stem may be replaced with a dental floss holding device for storing dental floss and for mounting a length of dental floss thereon 15 allo~,ving one to floss the areas between teeth. Also, the handle of the toothbrush may be formed of a rubberized material which is slightly depressed when force is applied thereto so as to reduce hand and wrist fatigue when brushing. A ventil~tt?~ storage cont~in~r for drying toothbrush bristles in a protected environrnent may also be provided.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a 20 construction which facilitates implem~nt~tion of the Bass brushing technique.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having h~ changeable heads so that heads having a variety of sizes, shapes, bristle arrangements and geometrical configurations may be used.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush which may be converted for use as a device for flossing.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a handle which is ergonomically designP~ to reduce wrist and hand fatigue while brushing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene system S allowing for interchangeable toothbrush heads of different configurations which, when used over a period of time, insure that all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned during brushing.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene system which allows for adequate drying of toothbrush bristles between subsequent uses.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a complete oral care system that includes means for flossing teeth.
These objects, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apl)a.enl to one skilled in the art when the following ~et~ d description of the p.ef~ ,d embodiment is read in conjunction with the al,~e.lded 15 drawings in which like reference numerals clesign~te like parts throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front view of the oral hygiene system of the present invention including toothbrush handle, hllelcha~lgeable heads, dental floss holder, and a ,olefelled storage and 20 drying container.
Figs. 2a is a front view of the toothbrush of the present invention demonstrating a standard head orientation.
Figs 2b - 2c are front views of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a showing the head rotated 45 degrees from the position depicted in Fig. 2a.
.
Fig. 2d is a front view of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a with the head replaced with a plefe.l~,d embodiment of the dental floss holder of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush of Fig. 2a ~1enlo~ g various static positions in which the stem may be placed.
Fig. 4 is a front view of the handle of the toothbrush depicted in Fig. 2a.
Figs. Sa - 5e are front views of p~r;;.led ~tt~hment~ for the toothbrush handle depicted in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6a is a front view of a p~ ..ed embodiment of the bendable toothbrush head of the present invention.
Figs. 6b and 6c are side views of the bendable toothbrush head depicted in Fig.
6a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a toothbrush for impl~ g the method of brushing teeth which is leco----n~ ed by the .Ampric~n Dental Association (ADA), i.e., the Bass brushing technique. This technique has been shown to be most err;;-;~ive in removing plaque and food particles from the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of teeth as well as the gingival margin. The technique involves holding a toothbrush at ~plo~ .ately a forty-five (45) degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth with about half the bristles touching the teeth and the other half touching the gums while gently moving the toothbrush back and forth in short (half-a-tooth-wide) strokes.
Rçferring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the colllplete oral care system of the present invention mounted in a llcli~s~a~ lt storage coll~ ~. 30 having a plurality of ape,lu~ (not shown) therein for ventil~tion The storage container 30 provides a convenient means of drying toothbrush bristles and guards against bacterial W097/354g8 6 - PCT/USg7/04g80 co.-t~ t ;on which frequently occurs when a toothbrush is simply placed on a countertop. The base of the storage container 30 may be provided with apl)lop~iately shaped notches (not shown) and shelves 32 to accommodate the bottom portions of the various components of the oral care system.
The oral care system includes a padded handle 20 which has a larger ~iiztmeter than the standard, commercially available toothbrush which makes the handle 20 more comfortable and easier to use because less force is required to stably hold the handle 20.
Also, the larger handle 20 requires less rotational turning about the longit~linztl axis of the handle 20 than is required by a smaller handle to achieve the same result. The handle 20 is generally cylindrical in shape having a cross section which is predominantly circular (about one inch in diameter) except for a generally flat portion defined by a chord of the circular cross section of the handle. As better shown in Fig. 3, the generally flat portion extends along almost the entire length of the handle 20 and provides a convenient surface against which one's thumb and fingeTtips may be placed while brushing. The handle 20 is preferably formed of a "squeezable" material which deflects slightly when a gripping force is applied. Such a construction makes the toothbrush 10 more comfortable to hold and thelGrolG easier to use. Optionally, the toothbrush of the present invention may be formed with a flat portion and grips on both the front and back (not shown) of the handle to aid in more firmly grasping the handle, particularly when the handle is wet. In the "double-sided" configuration one is enabled to implement the Bass brushing technique in all quadrants of the mouth while m~intztining the same grip on the handle. The grips 34 may be arranged either vertically or horizontally as depicted in Fig. 3. The provision of multiple raised sections or grips 34 on both the front and back of the handle 20 perrnit the user of the toothbrush 10 to brush all dental surfaces while mA;-,t~it~ g the same grip on P~ ~97/D4~8 0 ~; 1 ~ JUL~
the handle 20 by simply a~ ling the rpt~tion~l angle of the head 12 to a 45 degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gums.
,~tt~qc.ll~ to the top portion of the handle 10 is a ro~ting disk 22 which is ~le~iEr ~
to detachably receive various ~ l,.,.P~ having teeth cl~A~ g ;...~ ; such as a toothbrush head or dental floss holder formed at the end of a support stem. The ro~Lil.g disk preferably has a fixed portion which is secured to the handle 20 and a rotating portion ~le~igr~ to be turned 360 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that in one position, a stem 16 may be placed in the rotating disk so that the plane defined by the tips of the tufts of bristles 14 on the head 12is generally parallel to the flat portion of the handle. The fixed portion 21 of rotating disk 22 is defined by the upper p., ;.~ftel surface of handle 10, and the rotating portion 23 of rotating disk 22 is defined by the bottom ~.;...cte,~ contact surface of stem 16 when stem 16 and handle 10 are ~ap~ed together. That is, stem 16 rotates against rotating disk 22. In the ~l~r~ d embodiment, the head 12 may be rotated in 45 degree incFements. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other angular incl~.l,cnts may be utilized while still pr~ g implem~nt~tio~ of the Bass brushing technique. For eY~mple 1 degree or 15 degree inc,ci...cnts may be used. With such an arrangement, the toothbrush head 12 can easily be used to carry out the Bass brushing technique by rotating the head 12 so that the bristles 14 are at about a 45 degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth.
As shown in Fig. 37 the stem 16 of the toothbrush 10 of the present invention is bendable so that the stem 16 and head 12 can be positioned at any fixed position CA 02249614 1998-09-22~
" ~ 17-JUL~P
necec~ , to reach areas of the mouth w~ch are otherwise difficult to reach with a standard toothbrush. To achieve this purpose, the stem 16 may be provided with a centTally located wire 18 of a size and ~ ss sufficient to tll:~;tlls~ the head 12 and stem 16 configuration selc.;ted by the user of the toothbrush 10 while at the same time withct~n-ling the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing. The stem 16 is co~ cle~l to the handle 20 by snapping the stem 16 in place on the rotating disk 22 .~
A~O ~ET
8 ~ s g;~~~980 preferably with small flexible projectipns on the bottom of the stem eYt~nrling through a~ro~;ately sized a~ll~es formed in the rotating portion of the lot~ g disk 22. The, flexible projections are ~lim~n~ion~d to snugly fit within the al)~,.lu.~,s so that the stem is removably secured to the handle when the stem and handle are snal~ped together. One or more circular in~t~tion~ 36 are provided at the base of eàch stem 16 to assist in gripping the stem when it is being cQl~nP~,(e~ to the handle 20 via the rotating disk 22.When a sufficient amount of hand force is applied to rotate the stem, the flexible projections are forced from the present ap."lure location, and the stem is allowed to rotate until the flexible projectionC snap into the next ap~ , thereby locking the stem in the next angular position relative to the handle. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the position of the a~ t or the flexible projections and the nurnber of apertures or flexible projections may be varied to achieve a multitude of desired angular position~ It is also clear to those skilled in the art that a variety of snapping means having projections and J a~c.lules may be utilized for the aforementioned filnctiQn For example, the common a~e,lule/projection comleclillg means as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,072,477 or the well known convex half-sphere projection/concave half-sphere aperture connecting means can be used.
As shown in Figs. Sb - 5e, the toothbrush 10 of the present invention incllldes a plurality of det~rll~ble stems 16 with heads 12 of di~lent sizes and shapes cont~ining rows with tufts of bristles 14 variously arranged. In particular, Fig. Sc shows a large oval-shaped head, Fig. Sd shows a small oval-shaped head, Fig. 5e shows a generally rectangular 13 ~ET
~ 8~ CT/US ~7/Q4980 ~t; t 7 -JllL ~108 head, and Fig. Sb shows a generally rec,tangular shaped head v~L~,~h~ the tip to of the head is more narrow than the base of the head in the shape of a l~ ed tri~ngle In the p.cfe,~ d embotlimpnt~ three of the head designs shown have soft bristles while a fourth toothbrush head has hard bristles which are especially effective for occlusals. When the fealules of the mllltiple head arrangements are combined with the flexible pocitioning capabilities of the stem 16, one obtains a toothbrush 10 which can be adapted to utilize practically all of the head designs and stem angles which are l~co.. P-nded and used by the various toothbrush m~mlf~ctllrers.
As shown in Fig. 5a, the present invention also i~çhlcles a tubular stem 28 to which a generally U-shaped dental floss holder 26 is a~t~rhP~l The tubular stem 28 of the dental floss holder 26 is tubular in construction so as to acco...-..o~ate a roll of dental floss therein.
A dental floss cutter 38 is ~tt~rhP~ to or formed in the side of the tubular stem 28. The tubular stem 28 is att~chP~ to the handle 20 in the same manner as described above with respect to att~chmP-nt of the stems 16 which h ,ave toothbrush heads 12 with bristles 14.
Use of the toothbrush 10 of the present invention by a right-handed person will A~t~ED 5~
WO 97/3S498 PCr/US97/04980 now be described. First, the stem 16 having the desired toothbrush head 12 is att~r-h~ to the rotating disk 22 on top of the handle 20 . For this purpose, the stem 16 may include a plurality of small projections or bars on its bottom portion which are shaped to fit into a plurality of grooves formed in the rotation means so that the stem 16 is locked in place by 5 inserting the bars into the grooves and rotating the stem 16 until the stem is locked in place. Next the stem 16 is flexed and formed to the preferred lateral displ~rt?mPnt relative to the flat portion of the handle. The toothbrush 10 is then moved into a horizontal position in front of the mouth with the head 12 on the left (bristles 14 facing the mouth) and the handle 20 on the right (flat portion facing mouth). The thumb should 10 be positioned on the flat portion of the handle with the fingers curled around the stem 16.
Some of the fingertips may also be positioned on the flat portion of the handle.
To brush the outside surface of the teeth in the upper left quadrant of the mouth, the stem 16 and head 12 are rotated 45 degrees upward (Fig. 2c). The toothbrush 10 is now in position to hl.ple.nent the Bass brushing technique by applying too~lpaslt: to the 15 bristles 14, placing the bristles of the toothbrush against the teeth and gums and using short back and forth strokes as described above. To brush the outside surface of the teeth in the upper right quadrant of the mouth, the same grip is .. .~ ecl on the handle 20 of the toothbrush. However, the stem 16 and head 12 are rotated so that they are positioned at an upwardly inclin~d 45 degree angle relative to the outside surface of the teeth (Fig.
20 2b). When brushing these teeth, the toothbrush is still in a ho~ al position in front of the mouth except that the head 12 is now on the right (bristles 14 facing the mouth) and the handle 20 on the left (flat portion facing away from the mouth). Thus, the Bass brushing technique is impleTn~llt~d while using conventional brushing methods without having to contort and angle the hand and wrist into an unnatural position to achieve WO 97/35498 PCT/USg7/04980 proper positioning of the head of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle relative to the front and back surfaces of the teeth. Of course, the dental floss holder 26 may be ~tt~rh~d to the handle 20 and the teeth flossed in a conventional manner (Fig. 2d~.
In another embodiment of the present invention the stem is only rotatable from a 5 forward facing position defined herein as zero degrees to one of two possible positions, namely forty-five degrees to the left and forty-five degrees to the right (i.e, +45~).
Implementation of the Bass Technique using this embodiment of the present invention is carried out as follows:
A. Grip toothbrush handle normally with thumb on grips and brush lower 10 occh-~lc.
B. Flip toothbrush completely over and brush upper occlusals.
C. While m~ g same grip rotate stem to far right and brush outer top left quadrant and inner top right quadrant.
D. Again, m~int~in same grip and rotate stem to far left and brush inner top 15 left quadrant and outer top right quadrant.
E. Simply flip brush completely over and brush outer bottom left quadrant and inner bottom right qu~lr~nt F. While ...~ t;.il~ g same grip, rotate stem to far left and brush outer bottom right quadrant and inner bottom left quadrant.
G. Simply bend stem at any time during brushing for hlcleased colllfoll and to brush hard-to-reach s~ ces.
These instructions only require three very simple (but exact) stem rotations throughout the entire brushing procedure. Because the handle is "double-sided," it enables the user to m~int~in the same grip throughout the entire mouth. This drastically W O 97/35498 . PCT~US97/04980 increases manual dexterity (i.e., effectiveness) and enables the user to be con~i~tent in brushing. The double-sided handle also enables the user to brush all areas of the mouth in the usual or y~ d order which aids in compli~nre and simplicity while using the same natural grip. Furthermore, the double-sided design and three simple rotations not S only enables the user to brush normally and naturally but, in addition, drastically increases manual dexterity and comfort. The 45~ stem rotation ~r~tic~lly ~llgm~nt~ a user's underst~nf~ing of and implernent~tion of the Bass Technique. The instructions for use are simple, requiring only three rotations, and are ~lecign~ to follow the normal p~ rn~ and brushing habits of the average user which is illlyOl~t to implem~nt~tion of 10 and compliance with the Bass Technique.
With all toothbrushes (even electric toothbrushes) one has to flip the toothbrush over to go from brushing the upper teeth to brushing the lower teeth which, like the toothbrush of the present invention, is normal and natural to all users. However, in order to achieve a 45~ angle relative to all dental sl~ ces, one must co~ ly change his or 15 her grip (losing dexterity) or, co~ lly torque the handle and one's hand and wrist to very unnatural grips and positions. Hence, effective brushing using the Bass Technique in all areas of the mouth has been virtually impossible prior to the present invention.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, Fig. 6a - 6c show an elong~tP~l toothbrush head 12 which is bendable so that the user of the toothbrush may 20 adjust the shape or curvature of the head to COI~ 111 to the contour of specific dental surfaces. For example, the head may be bent forward as shown in Fig. 6c to impart a concave curvature to the bristles 14 mounted in the head so that the bristles more efficiently interact with variations in the convex shape of an individual tooth or the general convex arrangement of one's teeth in the mouth. To facilitate the flexibility of CA 022496l4 l998-09-22 the head while at the same time ~ g sufficient structural integrity to with~f~n~l the forces applied to the head during brushing, the head may be formed of rubber with a flexible wire 40 and/or hinges 42 which, along with a flexible substrate 44 to which the tufts of bristles are anchored, are imbedded within the rubber head. As shown in Fig. 6a.
S the head preferably has an elongated oval design which enables the user of the toothbrush to effectively brush larger areas of the mouth more quickly and effectively. Because the head is longer than the standard toothbrush and is bendable so as to conform to the curvature of one's mouth, effectiveness in brushing is dr~m~tir~lly increased.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to yl~ir~ d 10 embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that these emborlim~nt~ are for illustrative purposes and should not be consL"led as limitations on the scope of the invention. Many modifications are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the embo.l;...~ ctr~t~rl but by the claims appended hereto and their legal equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A toothbrush with a bendable head for brushing teeth and gums, said toothbrush comprising:
a generally cylindrical handle, having a longitudinal axis and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting at least one finger and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips;
rotation means attached to said handle for releasably attaching said handle to a stem, and for selectively positioning said stem at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle;
wherein said stem is connected to said rotation means, said stem comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stem relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle; and an elongated, rubber head connected to said stem and having a front portion with a plurality of tufts of bristles anchored to a flexible substrate embedded within said rubber head, said front portion being arranged so that in one of said plurality of locations of said rotation means the bristles of the head are at about a forty-five degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gums when said flat portion of said handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth whereby the Bass technique of brushing teeth and gums is implemented by the user of the toothbrush by moving the toothbrush in short strokes against the surface of the teeth and gums in a conventional manner.
a generally cylindrical handle, having a longitudinal axis and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting at least one finger and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips;
rotation means attached to said handle for releasably attaching said handle to a stem, and for selectively positioning said stem at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle;
wherein said stem is connected to said rotation means, said stem comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stem relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle; and an elongated, rubber head connected to said stem and having a front portion with a plurality of tufts of bristles anchored to a flexible substrate embedded within said rubber head, said front portion being arranged so that in one of said plurality of locations of said rotation means the bristles of the head are at about a forty-five degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gums when said flat portion of said handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth whereby the Bass technique of brushing teeth and gums is implemented by the user of the toothbrush by moving the toothbrush in short strokes against the surface of the teeth and gums in a conventional manner.
2. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a wire embedded within said rubber head to permit modification of the curvature of the head relative to the surface of the teeth when brushing.
3. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a bendable wire embedded within said head to permit modification of the curvature of the head relative to the surface of the teeth when brushing.
4. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 3, wherein said head is an elongated, rubber head.
5. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 4, wherein said wires include a plurality of hinges spaced along the length of said wires.
6. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 1 wherein said handle has a plurality of raised sections attached to the front and back portions defining grips.
7. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 6 wherein said generally cylindrical handle is about one inch in diameter.
8. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 6 wherein said rotation means may be selectively positioned in about 45 degree increments.
9. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 8 wherein said head is generally rectangular in shape.
10. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 8 wherein said head is generally oval in shape.
11. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 8 wherein said head is generally triangular in shape.
12. The toothbrush as recited in Claim 2 wherein said stem may be selectively positioned at an incline relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle.
13. A dental flosser, comprising:
a generally cylindrical handle having a top portion, central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips;
rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk;
a tubular stem attached to said rotation means for receiving a roll of dental floss; and a generally U-shaped dental floss holder attached to said tubular stem.
a generally cylindrical handle having a top portion, central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips;
rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk;
a tubular stem attached to said rotation means for receiving a roll of dental floss; and a generally U-shaped dental floss holder attached to said tubular stem.
14. The dental flosser as recited in Claim 13 wherein said tubular stem has a dental floss cutter attached thereto.
15. The dental flosser as recited in Claim 14 wherein said dental floss cutter is formed integral with said tubular stem.
16. An oral hygiene system, comprising:
a generally cylindrical handle having a top portion, a central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for a thumb and fingertips, wherein said handle is formed of a deformable material which is slightly depressed when a gripping force is applied thereto, said circular portion and said flat portion having a plurality of raised sections attached thereto defining grips;
rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk;
a plurality of stems which may be detachably connected to said rotation means, said stems comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stems relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said stems having heads of different shapes and bristles arrangements connected thereto, and said stems comprising a bendable wire centrally located in said stems of a size and stiffness sufficient to maintain the head and stem configuration selected by the user while at the same time sustaining the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing; and a dental floss holder having a tubular stem for detachable connection to said rotation means.
a generally cylindrical handle having a top portion, a central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for a thumb and fingertips, wherein said handle is formed of a deformable material which is slightly depressed when a gripping force is applied thereto, said circular portion and said flat portion having a plurality of raised sections attached thereto defining grips;
rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk;
a plurality of stems which may be detachably connected to said rotation means, said stems comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stems relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein said stems having heads of different shapes and bristles arrangements connected thereto, and said stems comprising a bendable wire centrally located in said stems of a size and stiffness sufficient to maintain the head and stem configuration selected by the user while at the same time sustaining the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing; and a dental floss holder having a tubular stem for detachable connection to said rotation means.
17. The oral hygiene system as recited in Claim 16 wherein each of said heads have a front portion with a plurality of tuffs of bristles anchored therein, said front portion being arranged so that in one of said plurality of locations of said rotation means the bristles of the head are at about a 45 degree angle relative to the surface of the teeth and gums when said flat portion of said handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth whereby the Bass technique of brushing teeth and gums is implemented by the user of the oral hygiene system by moving the bristles in short strokes against the surface of the teeth in a conventional manner.
18. The oral hygiene system as recited in Claim 17 further comprising an enclosed storage container having a plurality of apertures therein for ventilation and means for receiving said handle, said stems, and said dental floss holder.
19. The oral hygiene system as recited in Claim 18 wherein said storage container is formed of a transparent material.
20. An oral hygiene system, comprising:
a generally cylindrical handle, having a top portion, a central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips, wherein said handle is formed of a deformable material which is slightly depressed when a gripping force is applied thereto, said circular portion and said flat portion having a plurality of raised sections attached thereto defining grips, and wherein said generally cylindrical handle is about one inch in diameter rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk, wherein said rotation means may be selectively positioned in about 45 degree increments;
a plurality of stems which may be detachably connected to said rotation means, said stems comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stems relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein each of said stems having heads of different shapes and bristles arrangements connected thereto, and said stems comprise a bendable wire centrally located in said stems of a size and stiffness sufficient to maintain the head and stem configuration selected by the user while at the same time sustaining the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing;
a dental floss holder having a tubular stem for detachable connection to said rotation means; and a generally U-shaped dental floss holder attached to said tubular stem.
a generally cylindrical handle, having a top portion, a central portion, a bottom portion, a longitudinal axis, and a cross-section defined by a circular portion for supporting one or more fingers and a flat portion for supporting a thumb and fingertips, wherein said handle is formed of a deformable material which is slightly depressed when a gripping force is applied thereto, said circular portion and said flat portion having a plurality of raised sections attached thereto defining grips, and wherein said generally cylindrical handle is about one inch in diameter rotation means attached to the top portion of said handle which may be selectively positioned at one of a plurality of locations about the longitudinal of said handle, wherein said rotation means comprises a rotating disk, wherein said rotation means may be selectively positioned in about 45 degree increments;
a plurality of stems which may be detachably connected to said rotation means, said stems comprising means for laterally adjusting the position of said stems relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle, wherein each of said stems having heads of different shapes and bristles arrangements connected thereto, and said stems comprise a bendable wire centrally located in said stems of a size and stiffness sufficient to maintain the head and stem configuration selected by the user while at the same time sustaining the forces applied to the head and stem during brushing;
a dental floss holder having a tubular stem for detachable connection to said rotation means; and a generally U-shaped dental floss holder attached to said tubular stem.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/622,697 | 1996-03-26 | ||
| US08/622,697 US5749381A (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1996-03-26 | Toothbrush for implementing the bass brushing technique |
| US08/684,292 US5850659A (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1996-07-18 | Toothbrush with bendable head |
| US08/684,292 | 1996-07-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2249614A1 true CA2249614A1 (en) | 1997-10-02 |
Family
ID=27089259
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002249614A Abandoned CA2249614A1 (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1997-03-26 | Toothbrush with bendable head for implementing the bass brushing technique |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5850659A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0955828A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000507464A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2591497A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2249614A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997035498A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9912923D0 (en) * | 1999-06-03 | 1999-08-04 | Unilever Plc | Electric brush |
| US6345406B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2002-02-12 | William A. Dodd | Oral healthcare system having interchangeable, disposable heads |
| US6357073B1 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2002-03-19 | Choy Heung Yue | Toothbrush |
| US6679642B1 (en) | 2002-07-15 | 2004-01-20 | John B. Dillingham | Toothbrush with reservoir |
| US6749088B1 (en) * | 2003-02-10 | 2004-06-15 | Michael Holevas | Toothbrush with integrated winding key |
| US8448285B2 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2013-05-28 | Loops, Llc | Toothbrush and methods of making and using same |
| WO2006038058A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-04-13 | Sylvain-Victor Nahum | Cleaning instrument for dental and oral hygiene |
| US20060168744A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Butler Clarence P | Electric toothbrush for implementing the bass brushing technique |
| CN101636096B (en) | 2007-02-02 | 2012-10-17 | 吉列公司 | Oral hygiene implements having flexible elements, and methods of making the same |
| US7617828B1 (en) * | 2007-04-05 | 2009-11-17 | Sinha Navin K | Toiletries travel kit |
| EP2581455A3 (en) | 2008-01-17 | 2013-07-10 | Suregene LLC | Genetic markers of mental illness |
| US7954196B1 (en) | 2008-03-14 | 2011-06-07 | Michele Rene Nault-Richter | Mini multitask brush |
| US20090241984A1 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2009-10-01 | Wall William J | Flossing Dental Tool for Use with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance |
| JP5251265B2 (en) * | 2008-06-02 | 2013-07-31 | オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 | electric toothbrush |
| US20100132731A1 (en) | 2008-12-01 | 2010-06-03 | Matthew Waitesmith | Ergonomic Cosmetic Brush |
| JP5526825B2 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2014-06-18 | オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 | Oral care device |
| US20120042478A1 (en) * | 2010-08-17 | 2012-02-23 | Kelly Daniel Bridges | Adjustable Handle |
| US8561248B2 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2013-10-22 | King Saud University | Flexible, ergonomic toothbrush with replaceable bristles |
| US9718594B2 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2017-08-01 | The Gillette Company Llc | Oral care instrument and package therefore |
| USD770095S1 (en) | 2013-08-13 | 2016-10-25 | William J. Wall | Flossing tool head |
| GB201418851D0 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2014-12-03 | White Sissons Design | A new dental brush |
| US20170105517A1 (en) * | 2015-10-19 | 2017-04-20 | Dimitriy Petrov | Disposable toothbrush and flossing device |
| EP3932364B1 (en) * | 2016-06-05 | 2023-09-06 | Xing Zhou | Multifunctional visual oral cavity cleaner |
| SE545123C2 (en) * | 2021-07-06 | 2023-04-11 | Tepe Munhygienprodukter Ab | Dividable dental care product and kit of parts |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US490831A (en) * | 1893-01-31 | Heinrich lxhers | ||
| US1702042A (en) * | 1928-01-27 | 1929-02-12 | Doskow Samuel | Toothbrush |
| US2003243A (en) * | 1933-07-29 | 1935-05-28 | Ann Watson | Toothbrush |
| US2016153A (en) * | 1934-05-01 | 1935-10-01 | Earl J Mcwhirter | Toothbrush |
| US2418344A (en) * | 1945-01-12 | 1947-04-01 | Abraham A Goldberg | Toothbrush |
| US2962033A (en) * | 1958-04-15 | 1960-11-29 | Barmar Products Corp | Dental-floss holder |
| US3081783A (en) * | 1960-11-08 | 1963-03-19 | Miller Jack | Sectional fountain type toothbrush |
| US4508125A (en) * | 1982-10-20 | 1985-04-02 | Loubier Robert J | Dental floss applicator |
| US4829621A (en) * | 1986-07-09 | 1989-05-16 | Phenegar John S | Toothbrush |
| US4875248A (en) * | 1988-03-23 | 1989-10-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Adjustable toothbrush |
| AU582098B3 (en) * | 1988-11-04 | 1989-02-10 | Robert Martin McCusker | Toothbrush with deformable handle |
| US4991249A (en) * | 1989-02-09 | 1991-02-12 | Suroff Leonard W | Ultrasonic toothbrush |
| DE9000747U1 (en) * | 1990-01-24 | 1990-07-12 | Pai, Chung-Jen, Pan Chiao City, Taipeh, Tw | |
| US5127415A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1992-07-07 | Roberto Preciutti | Multi-purpose dental applicator |
| US5010906A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1991-04-30 | Roberto Preciutti | Multi-purpose dental applicator |
| US5095924A (en) * | 1991-08-12 | 1992-03-17 | John Stanfield | Personal toiletry case |
| JPH06165712A (en) * | 1992-11-30 | 1994-06-14 | Kazuko Imasaka | Tooth brush |
| US5406965A (en) * | 1993-07-19 | 1995-04-18 | Levine; Steven K. | Device and method for dental flossing |
| US5694658A (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 1997-12-09 | Natural Sparkle Im/Ex Co. Ltd. | Flexible toothbrush |
-
1996
- 1996-07-18 US US08/684,292 patent/US5850659A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-03-26 AU AU25914/97A patent/AU2591497A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-03-26 EP EP97917647A patent/EP0955828A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-03-26 CA CA002249614A patent/CA2249614A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-03-26 WO PCT/US1997/004980 patent/WO1997035498A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-03-26 JP JP9534622A patent/JP2000507464A/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2000507464A (en) | 2000-06-20 |
| AU2591497A (en) | 1997-10-17 |
| US5850659A (en) | 1998-12-22 |
| EP0955828A1 (en) | 1999-11-17 |
| WO1997035498A1 (en) | 1997-10-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |