CA2341117C - Suction oral brush - Google Patents

Suction oral brush Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2341117C
CA2341117C CA002341117A CA2341117A CA2341117C CA 2341117 C CA2341117 C CA 2341117C CA 002341117 A CA002341117 A CA 002341117A CA 2341117 A CA2341117 A CA 2341117A CA 2341117 C CA2341117 C CA 2341117C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
suction
oral care
care device
bristles
head
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002341117A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2341117A1 (en
Inventor
Charles E. Young
Richard A. Rude
Paul H. Hanifl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sage Products LLC
Original Assignee
Sage Products LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sage Products LLC filed Critical Sage Products LLC
Publication of CA2341117A1 publication Critical patent/CA2341117A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2341117C publication Critical patent/CA2341117C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/06Saliva removers; Accessories therefor
    • A61C17/08Aspiration nozzles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Abstract

A suction oral care device with a head having opposite scrub elements. The scrub elements are dissimilar to one another one of the scrub elements comprising bristles and the other comprising a foam pad. A suction port communicates with each scrub element each suction port leading to a suction end of the device. A suction outlet separate from the suction ports also extends from the cleansing head. The suction ports and the suction outlet provide three separate locations for suctioning so that even if two become clogged, a third is available.

Description

SUCTION ORAL BRUSH
Background of the Invention This invention relates to oral care devices, and in particular to a suction oral brush configured for eliminating mucus or other liquids, and having a cleaning head with opposite dissimilar scrub elements.

As explained in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,094 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Oral swabs normally used for oncology treatments are well known. Such swabs can be simple swabs which are used and then discarded, or oral suction devices, such as the '094 patent.

While the '094 patent was a substantial improvement over known oral swabs, its utility is somewhat limited. Because its head has only a single type of cleansing element, traditional-type brushing of teeth and gums is not possible. Also, once the suction port becomes clogged during use, the swab must either be cleaned or discarded and replaced.
Its use has therefore been somewhat limited by its design.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a suction oral care device of greater utility, while still being disposable. The device has an elongated, hollow shaft having a suction end and a cleansing end. A head is located at the cleansing end, the head having opposite scrub elements. The scrub elements are dissimilar to one another, and a suction port communications with each scrub element. Each suction port leads to the suction end.
In accordance with another form of the invention, a further suction outlet, separate from the suction ports, is also located at the cleansing end. The suction outlet extends from an axial end of the head, between the two suction ports.

A suction control is located at the suction end. The suction control includes a suction regulation opening which is shaped to be manipulated by a thumb or a fmger.
One of the scrub elements at the head preferably comprises a series of bristles. A
center channel is provided through the bristles, separating the bristles into two clusters.
The suction port communicating with the bristles is located in the center channel.
Preferably, the center channel is aligned axially in relation to the shaft.

The other of the scrub elements preferably comprises a foam pad. The foam pad includes an orifice aligned with the suction port which communicates with the foam pad to provide a separate source of suction at the foam pad, as well.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction oral care device comprising: a) an elongated, hollow shaft having a suction end and a cleaning end; b) a head located at said cleaning end, said head having opposite scrub elements, at least one of said scrub elements comprising bristles; c) a suction port communicating with each scrub element, each suction port leading to said suction end, and d) a center channel through said bristles separating said bristles into two clusters, said port communicating with said bristles being located in said center channel.
Brief Description of the Drawing Figures The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of an example embodying the best mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational illustrated of the suction oral care device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the suction oral care device shown in Figure 1, slightly enlarged from that shown in Figure 1, and with the suction connection element omitted.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the suction oral care device of Figure 1, having the foam pad omitted from the head, and having the suction connection element omitted.

Figure 4, is a view similar to Figure 2, but with a portion of the head and stem of the device being in cross section to illustrate detail.
-2-Figure 5 is a bottom plan N iew (in relation to Figure 1) of the suction connection elenient of the suction oral care de~ ice illustrated in Figure 1. and FiLure 6 is an enlarged perspecti\ e~ ie~k of the foam pad forming part of the head of the suction oral care device.

Description of an Example Embodying the Best Niode of the Invention A disposable suction oral care device according to the im ention is sho n generall% at 10 in the dra,,% inLy tigures. The device 10 is composed of an elonaated. hollo%k shaft 1-2. ha% ina a suction end 14 and a cleansing end 16. The shaft 1~_' can be bent. as illustrated. for greater ease during use. or can be straight.

The cleansing end 16 includes an integral head 18 haxing, opposite flat sides.
Scrub elements are located on either of the flat sides. One of the scrub elements comprises a'~eries of bristles 20. The bristles 20 are separated into nk-o clusters as illustrated in Figure ?. leaving a center channel 22 for passage of liquid and semi-liquid material, as described in further detail belo-~s-. TThe bristles 20 can be installed in any conventional fashion. such as forming one side of the head 18 xt ith a series of bristle ca~ ities 24. as shown in Figure 4. in .Nhich the bristles 20 can be inserted. Other means ofaftixing the bristles 20 in the m o clusters ~~ill be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The side of the head 18 opposite from that of the bristles 20 carries a resilient scrub element in the form of a foam pad 26. The foam pad 26 adheres to the head 18 in any conventional fashion, and as shown in Figure 3. the side of the head 18 to which the foam pad 26 adheres can be roughened. with a waffle surface 28. in order to promote good adherence. The foam pad 26 may be ribbed on its working surface or otherw ise formed to promote scrubbing and aid in the remo~-al of saliva. mucus and other liquid and semi-liquid material during use of the
-3-suction oral care deN ice 10.

The shaft 12 is hollo~t throughout its length. A portion of the hollo%ti interior. in the form of a central channel 30. is shown in Figure 4. The central channel 30 is connected to an axiall% -extending suction chatutel 32 in the head 18. leading to a suction outlet 34 at the distal end of the head 18. The suction outlet 34 therefore is one source of suction that can be empio%ed %%hen usinL, the suction oral care device 10.

A first suction port 36 extends trans% ersel,~ from the suction channel 32.
and is located bemeen the txk-o clusters of bristles 20 in the channel 22. A second suction pon 38 extends transversely in the opposite direction from the suction channel 32. and is aligned %% ith an aperture 40 formed in the foam pad 26. The suction ports 36 and 38 therefore form two more suction sources which can be used ~~ hen the de\ice 10 is emplo%ed.

The suction end 14 includes a suction connection 42. The suction connectior:
42 is provided with a connector 44 xkhich has circumferential ribs shaped to engage a flexible plastic tube or the like (not illustrated ) ~%hen the suction oral care deNice 10 is connected to a source of suction. The suction connection 42 is hollo~% in its interior. and is in communication \k:th the central channel 30 of the shaft 12. The suction connection -32- also includes an opening 46 to its hollo%+ interior, the opening 46 being surrounded b~ a platforrn 48 shaped to be engaged b-, the tinp-er or thumb of a user of the suction oral care de% ice 10. Thus. the user can control the amount of suction experienced at the suction outlet 34 and suction ports 36 and 38 by appropriately covering all or a portion of the opening 46 in aAell-kno n manner.

The suction connection 42 can be an integral extension of the shaft 12, or can be. as illustrated, a separate unit .Nhich is fitted on the suction end 14. The means of iitting or connection can be conventional, and are therefore not described in greater detail.
-4-The suction oral care device 10 is used for mouth care. ith either the bristles 20 or the foam pad 26 being employed for cleansing. The channel 2? provides for good flo to the suction port 36. Because of the nature of sali% a. mucus and other relati,,ely viscous material which might he found in the oral cavit%, ho~tiever. after a penod of use. either or both of the suction ports 36 and 38 might become clogged. In that event, ho e%er. suction is still aNailable through the suction outlet 34. The suction oral care de% ice 10 is therefore highl%
ersatile. ha%ing mo scrub elements. the bristles 20 and the foam pad 1-6. %~ hich are dissimilar to one another. and %~ hich can be used for various tN pes of mouth care. Even %~ hen the suction port 36 between the bristles 20 and the suction port 38 through the foam pad 26 become clogged. the suction oral care device can be used as a suctioning deN ice bN appropriatelN suctioning through the suction channel 32.

One fornl of the invention has been illustrated in the dra%% ing tigures.
Various changes can be made to the invention ithout departing from the spirit thereof or scope of the follo%ti ing claims.
-5-

Claims (20)

What is Claimed is:
1. A suction oral care device comprising a. an elongated hollow shaft having a suction end and a cleansing end b. a head located at said cleansing end said head having opposite scrub elements said scrub elements being dissimilar to one another, and C. a suction port communicating with each scrub element, each suction port leading to said suction end.
2. The suction oral care device according to claim 1 including a suction outlet.
separate from said suction ports, at said cleansing head and leading to said suction end.
3. The suction oral care device according to claim 2 in which said suction outlet extends from an axial end of said head.
4. The suction oral care device according to claim 1 including a suction control located at said suction end.
5. The suction oral care device according to claim 4 in which said suction control includes a suction regulation opening.
6. The suction oral care device according to claim 5 in which said suction regulation opening is shaped to be manipulated by a thumb or finger.
7. The suction oral care device according to claim 1 in which one of said scrub elements comprises bristles.
8. The suction oral care device according to claim 7 including a center channel through said bristles separating said bristles into two clusters, said port communicating with said bristles being located in said center channel.
9. The suction oral care device according to claim 8 in which said center channel is aligned axially in relation to said shaft.
10. The suction oral care device according to claim 1 in which one of said scrub elements comprises a foam pad.
11. The suction oral care device according to claim 10 in which said foam pad includes an orifice aligned with said port communicating with said foam pad.
12. A suction oral care device, comprising a. an elongated, hollow shaft having a suction end and a cleansing end, b. a head located at said cleansing end, said head having opposite scrub elements, at least one of said scrub elements comprising bristles, c. a suction port communicating with each scrub element, each suction port leading to said suction end, and d. a center channel through said bristles separating said bristles into two clusters said port communicating with said bristles being located in said center channel.
13. The suction oral care device according to claim 12 including a suction outlet, separate from said suction ports at said cleansing head.
14. The suction oral care device according to claim 13 in which said suction outlet extends from an axial end of said head.
15. The suction oral care device according to claim 12 in which said center channel is aligned axially in relation to said shaft.
16. The suction oral care device according to claim 12 in which one of said scrub elements comprises a foam pad.
17. The suction oral care device according to claim 16 in which said foam pad includes an orifice aligned with said port communicating with said foam pad.
18. The suction oral care device according to claim 12 including a suction control located at said suction end.
19. The suction oral care device according to claim 18 in which said suction control includes a suction regulation opening.
20. The suction oral care device according to claim 19 in which said suction regulation opening is shaped to be manipulated by a thumb or finger.
CA002341117A 2000-07-19 2001-03-16 Suction oral brush Expired - Lifetime CA2341117C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/619,174 2000-07-19
US09/619,174 US6238213B1 (en) 2000-07-19 2000-07-19 Suction oral brush

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2341117A1 CA2341117A1 (en) 2002-01-19
CA2341117C true CA2341117C (en) 2008-02-05

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002341117A Expired - Lifetime CA2341117C (en) 2000-07-19 2001-03-16 Suction oral brush

Country Status (2)

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US (1) US6238213B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2341117C (en)

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US6699038B2 (en) * 1997-09-25 2004-03-02 Seagreen Holding Company Limited Toothbrushes
GB2381444B (en) * 2001-11-02 2005-12-14 Catherine Darrell Oral hygiene apparatus
US20040261207A1 (en) * 2002-11-09 2004-12-30 Gavney James A. Squeegee device and system
US20060068364A1 (en) * 2004-09-29 2006-03-30 Struck James T Methods and devices for the prevention and treatment of gingival recession
US20060260635A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Darlene Dabney Disposable toothbrush with internal toothpaste gel with mini breath freshener crystals, sponge tongue pad and dental floss dispenser assembly
US7823727B2 (en) 2005-06-29 2010-11-02 Sage Products, Inc. Patient check system
US8998806B2 (en) * 2006-05-01 2015-04-07 Njr Medical, Inc. Insertion aid for oral and nasal medical devices
US7845944B2 (en) * 2006-05-03 2010-12-07 Trademark Medical, Llc Oral suction swab
US8002545B2 (en) * 2007-07-30 2011-08-23 Viscomi Brian D Cure through laminate veneer applicator
US20090197220A1 (en) * 2008-02-06 2009-08-06 Chris Cindrich Oral cleaning device and method of use
WO2011084291A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2011-07-14 3M Innovative Properties Company Suction oral brush
US20110159456A1 (en) * 2009-12-30 2011-06-30 Cuevas Brian J Oral Care Suction Device With Suction Control Port Cover
US8715171B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2014-05-06 Njr Medical, Inc. Insertion aid device
GB2511815B (en) * 2013-03-14 2018-03-21 Intersurgical Ag Oral hygiene product
US10279111B2 (en) * 2013-05-29 2019-05-07 Terry Parks Jones Apparatus and kit for providing palliative care
USD745968S1 (en) 2014-01-20 2015-12-22 Intersurgical Ag Oral suction swab
WO2017190095A1 (en) 2016-04-29 2017-11-02 Sage Products, Llc Unit dose oral cleaning device and product dispensing system
US10206766B2 (en) 2016-08-04 2019-02-19 Airway Medix S.A. Toothbrush system for treating intubated patients
US10299978B2 (en) 2016-10-02 2019-05-28 Airway Medix S.A System, method and kit for oral care
EP3565436B1 (en) 2017-01-09 2021-09-01 Dignity Health Toothbrush
US11317708B2 (en) * 2017-04-10 2022-05-03 Sage Products, Llc Twist seal oral fluid delivery device
US10702638B2 (en) 2018-08-31 2020-07-07 Njr Medical, Inc. Tracheal and pharyngeal suction device
GB2599812B (en) * 2019-05-31 2023-11-08 Dignity Health Toothbrush with controlled suction and/or irrigation
CN117615734A (en) 2021-07-07 2024-02-27 奥若克伦有限公司 Toothbrush with disposable flusher
GB2613637A (en) * 2021-12-10 2023-06-14 Anne Harris Davies Rosalyn Mouth care device

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US4538631A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-09-03 Prince Mary F Oral hygiene instrument
US5151094A (en) * 1990-03-20 1992-09-29 Sage Products, Inc. Suction swab
US5463792A (en) * 1993-12-27 1995-11-07 Hogan; James E. Aspirating tooth brush
WO1998031297A2 (en) * 1997-01-21 1998-07-23 Boehm Bernd Oral hygiene appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6238213B1 (en) 2001-05-29
CA2341117A1 (en) 2002-01-19

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Effective date: 20210316