US20110290273A1 - Tooth Care Implement - Google Patents
Tooth Care Implement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110290273A1 US20110290273A1 US13/056,622 US200913056622A US2011290273A1 US 20110290273 A1 US20110290273 A1 US 20110290273A1 US 200913056622 A US200913056622 A US 200913056622A US 2011290273 A1 US2011290273 A1 US 2011290273A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- handle unit
- tooth care
- tooth
- care implement
- 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
Images
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
- A46B5/0083—Mechanical joint allowing adjustment in at least one plane
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
- A46B15/0059—Brushes with a comb
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
- A46B15/0069—Brushes fitted with a interdental devices, e.g. toothpick
- A46B15/0071—Toothbrushes with flossing arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
- A46B15/0069—Brushes fitted with a interdental devices, e.g. toothpick
- A46B15/0073—Brushes with an arrangement for using the floss
-
- 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
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a tooth care implement and in particular to a combination tooth care implement that contains more than one tooth care attachment, such as, but not limited thereto a toothbrush head and a dental floss head.
- Toothbrushes are provided in many different designs and configurations.
- the other common daily dental care implement includes dental floss which is usually available wound on a reel.
- Disposable dental floss brackets are also available which comprises a Y-shaped bracket having a length of dental floss taught between the free ends of the bracket.
- Combination toothbrushes are known that include a tooth brush head and a handle having an internal compartment for storing a reel of dental floss.
- not all users prefer the reeled version of dental floss. Therefore, there is still a need in the art for an improved combination tooth care implement.
- the invention provides a tooth care implement comprising
- the arm is pivotally coupled with the handle unit at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the arm, such that the arm can pivot easily between the first and second positions.
- the arm is releasably coupled with the handle unit.
- the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, such as for example, but not limited thereto, a pin or a screw arrangement or a resiliently deformable snap fit and release coupling.
- the handle unit defines a cavity for accommodating the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto, such that said portion of the arm is recessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unit thereby concealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other tooth care attachment is in a ready to use position. Since the tooth care attachment concealed in such a manner does not interfere with the function of the other tooth attachment at the other end of the arm, such an arrangement dispenses with the need to remove the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other attachment is in use. Thus, the two tooth care attachments can remain attached to the arm at all times during regular use and the user does not have to detach and re-attach the attachment for each use save for replacing worn attachments as necessary.
- the shaft portion of the handle unit comprises a pair of prongs each prong having a free end, the cavity being defined as the space between a pair of opposing inner faces of the pair of prongs.
- the arm is preferably pivotally mounted between free ends of the prongs, such that in the first and second positions one portion of the arm containing the unemployed tooth care attachment is accommodated in the space between the prongs and the other portion of the arm with the other tooth care attachment extends away from the free ends of the prongs in the ready to use position.
- the fastening means between the arm and the prongs comprises an axle about which the arm can pivot.
- the axle is inserted through suitably sized and shaped bores formed through each prong and the arm.
- An example of a suitable axle, but not limited thereto, is any one of a screw, pin or rod.
- the fastening means comprises a pair of pins provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm, the pins being engageable with corresponding through bores formed in the prongs.
- the pins could be integrally formed with the arm, thus forming projecting members on opposing outer faces of the arm.
- a slot is formed between the interior of the through bore and outer surface of a prong transversely in relation to the bore, thereby defining a pair of resiliently deformable flaps, such that the pin or projecting members of the arm can access the through bore laterally through the slot.
- a suitable cap is preferably provided for placing over a free end of each pin for securing the pin in engagement with the corresponding prong.
- the fastening means comprises a pair of projecting members provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm.
- the projecting members are integrally formed with the arm.
- a U-shaped channel is formed at the free end of each prong, wherein the projecting members pass through the opening of the U-shaped channel to seat into the base of the U-shaped channel.
- a tapered member is preferably formed on each of the opposing inner faces of each prong extending from the free end of each prong towards the grippable base portion such that the distance between the opposing inner faces of the prongs diminishes from the free end of each prong to the grippable base portion.
- the arm and tapered member are complimentary shaped such that the projecting members are unable to seat correctly within the U-shaped channel unless the arm and prongs are in correct alignment.
- the tapered member resiliently engages with a portion of the arm thereby locking the arm in position with respect to the handle unit.
- the fastening means comprises a key member provided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm.
- Each key member is preferably engageable with a corresponding slot formed in a rotating receiver rotatably mounted in a seat defined at the free end of each prong.
- Another slot is formed extending between the seat of the receiver and outer surface of the prong such that when the slot of the receiver is aligned with the slot in the prong, the key can be engaged with the slot of the receiver by passing it through the second slot.
- the keys are located on the arm in such orientation that when the keys engage with the aligned slots in the prongs and in the receiver, the arm is positioned with respect to the handle unit in a third position, intermediate the first and second positions of the arm.
- the slots of the receiver misalign with the slots of the prongs and thereby secure the arm in the engagement with the prongs in any position of the arm with respect to the prongs, other than the intermediate position of the arm.
- the handle unit comprises a lock means configured for releasably locking the arm in the first or the second position with respect to the handle unit.
- the locking means comprises a catch arrangement configured for releasably fastening the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit.
- the catch arrangement comprises a snap fit and release mechanism comprising a resiliently deformable member formed on each of the inner opposing faces of the prongs such that when the arm enters the cavity the two resiliently deformable members deform and resiliently engage the arm thereby locking the arm with respect to the handle unit.
- each of the first and second ends of the arm comprises a means for releasably engaging with a tooth care attachment thereby enabling a user to replace the tooth care attachment when desired.
- the handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments.
- a holder means is provided in the internal chamber, the holder means being configured for holding the one or more of tooth care attachments.
- the holder means comprises a rack shaft extending along the internal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positions for holding tooth care attachments.
- the grippable base portion of the handle unit comprises a tubular wall and the internal chamber is defined by the tubular wall.
- the grippable base portion and the shaft portion of the handle unit are releasably engageable to form the handle unit.
- the engagement and release of the grippable base portion and the shaft can be achieved in many ways apparent to those skilled in the art, such as for example a thread or a resiliently deformable snap fit and release coupling.
- the shaft portion comprises a rack shaft attached thereto, such that when the shaft portion and the grippable base portion are engaged, the rack shaft enters the internal chamber through an open end of the grippable base portion and the open end is blocked by the body of the shaft portion.
- the grippable base portion comprises an open end remote from the shaft portion.
- the rack shaft comprises a removable insert that enters the internal chamber through the open end of the grippable base portion thereby closing the grippable base portion.
- the tooth care attachment at the first end of the arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment at the second end of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head.
- the dental floss head is preferably a single use head which comprises a bracket member having a length of dental floss taught thereon. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited to the combination of the tooth brush head and the dental floss head. Indeed, a combination of any tooth care attachments, of different or the same type is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
- the above described arrangement provides a combination tooth care implement that has more than one tooth care attachment, preferably, but not limited thereto, of a different type, and which provides the user with the convenience of having the two attachments readily available at all times without the need to detach and re-attach the different attachments.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a combination tooth care implement according to the invention, comprising a tooth brush attachment and a dental floss head attachment;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the tooth care implement of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth care implement of the invention.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively rear and side elevations of a shaft portion of the handle unit of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a modification of the shaft portion of FIGS. 5 and 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a section of a shaft portion of FIGS. 5 to 7 showing a rack shaft holding a plurality of tooth care attachments;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a grippable base portion of a handle unit of FIG. 4 ;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of modifications of the rack shaft of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modification of the grippable base portion of FIG. 9 ;
- FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective views of variations of fastening means for coupling a rotating arm of the tooth care implement of the invention to the handle unit thereof;
- FIG. 16 is a rear elevation of a further embodiment of a combination tooth care implement according to the invention.
- FIG. 16 a is an exploded perspective view of a handle unit and removable insert of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 wherein the arm portion is out of alignment with the shaft portion;
- FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 wherein the arm portion is in alignment with the shaft portion;
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 when out of alignment.
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16 when in alignment.
- a tooth care implement of the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 1 .
- the tooth care implement 1 comprises a handle unit 2 (see also FIG. 4 ) which comprises a grippable base portion 3 and a shaft portion 4 extending from the grippable base portion 3 .
- the grippable base portion 3 and the shaft portion 4 are releasably engageable.
- the shaft portion 4 comprises a pair of prongs 5 , each prong 5 having a free end 5 a .
- a cavity 6 is defined between inner opposing faces 5 b of the prongs 5 .
- An arm 7 is pivotally releasably engaged with the free ends 5 a of the prongs 5 .
- the arm 7 has first and second ends 7 a , 7 b and is engaged with the prongs 5 at a point intermediate the ends 7 a , 7 b .
- a tooth care attachment is mounted at each end 7 a , 7 b.
- the tooth care attachment mounted at the first end 7 a comprises a toothbrush head 8
- the tooth care attachment mounted at the second end 7 b of the arm 7 comprises a dental floss head 9
- the dental floss head 9 is a single-use head and comprises a bracket member 9 a having a length of dental floss 9 b taught thereacross (see FIG. 8 ).
- the arm 7 is engaged with the prongs 5 such that the arm 7 can be rotated between first and second positions with respect to the handle unit 2 .
- a portion of the arm 7 containing the tooth brush head 8 extends away from the free ends 5 a of the prongs 5 and from the handle unit 2 .
- the portion of the arm 7 on the other side of the rotation axis of the arm 7 and containing the dental floss head 9 is accommodated in the cavity 6 between the prongs 5 .
- the tooth brush head 8 is in a ready to use mode, and the dental floss head 9 is concealed within the cavity 6 .
- a portion of the arm 7 containing the dental floss head 9 extends away from the free ends 5 a of the prongs 5 and from the handle unit 2 whilst the tooth brush head 8 and the relevant portion of the arm 7 are concealed within the cavity 6 .
- the cavity 6 is sized and shaped for concealing the unemployed arm portion together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto in a manner that the concealed attachment does not interfere with the function of the other tooth attachment at the other end of the arm 7 .
- This arrangement eliminates the need to remove the unemployed tooth care attachment in order to use the other tooth care attachment so that the two tooth care attachments remain attached to the arm 7 at all times during regular use.
- the handle unit 2 comprises a snap fit and release lock 10 for releasably locking the arm 7 in the first or the second position with respect to the handle unit 2 .
- the snap fit and release lock 10 comprises a resiliently deformable lip 11 formed on each the inner opposing inner faces 5 b of the prongs 5 for engaging the arm 7 .
- the lips 11 resiliently deform under the external force applied to the arm 7 so that the arm 7 is caught between the lips 11 .
- the resilient force of the lips 11 acting on the arm 7 is sufficient to retain the arm 7 in place during the use of the other tooth care attachment. In order to move the arm 7 into the second position, continued application of an external force to the arm 7 deforms the lips 11 and releases the arm 7 .
- the grippable base portion 3 of the handle unit 2 comprises a tubular wall which defines an internal chamber 12 and an open end 12 a .
- the shaft portion 4 comprises a rack shaft 14 extending from a base portion 4 a of the shaft portion 4 .
- the rack shaft 14 enters the internal chamber 12 and the open end 12 a of the internal chamber is blocked by the base portion 4 a of the shaft portion 4 .
- the rack shaft 14 comprises a plurality of positions in the form of recesses 14 a for holding a plurality of dental floss heads 9 .
- FIG. 8 shows a modification of the rack 14 which has the recesses 14 a formed along one side of the shaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in the recesses such that the bracket 9 and the floss 9 a surround the rack shaft 14 .
- FIG. 10 shows another modification of the rack 14 which has the recesses 14 a are formed in a staggered manner along two opposing sides of the shaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in the recesses 14 a in the same manner as in FIG. 8 .
- the rack shaft is attached to the base portion 4 a at a location offset from the centre of the base portion 4 a .
- the recesses 14 a are formed along one side of the shaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in the recesses 14 a such that the dental floss heads 9 extend laterally from the shaft 14 in alignment with the base portion 4 a.
- the grippable base portion 3 comprises a tubular wall defining an inner chamber 120 with an open end 120 b remote from the shaft portion 4 .
- a removable insert 100 comprising a rack shaft 140 is housed in the inner chamber 120 .
- the base 100 b of the removable insert 100 closes the open end 120 b of the inner chamber 120 .
- the rack shaft 140 comprises a plurality of positions in the form of recesses for holding a plurality of dental floss heads. It is also understood that the various modifications made to the rack shaft 14 apply equally to rack shaft 140 .
- the engagement and release of the grippable base portion 3 and the shaft portion 4 is achieved via mating threads on the grippable base portion 3 and the shaft portion 4 .
- the grippable base portion 4 comprises resiliently deformable mugs 15 for releasably engaging with corresponding recesses 16 formed in the base portion 4 a of the shaft portion 4 .
- means for engagement and release of the removable insert 100 from the grippable base portion 3 could also be achieved using but not limited to either of these methods.
- FIGS. 13 to 22 show modification of fastening means for rotatably coupling the arm 7 with the prongs 5 .
- a screw 17 is inserted through suitably sized and shaped bores 18 formed through each prong 5 and the arm 7 .
- FIG. 14 shows a pair of pins 19 provided at a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm 7 .
- the pins 19 are engageable with corresponding through bores 20 formed in the prongs 5 .
- a slot 21 is formed between the interior of the through bore 20 and outer surface of a prong 5 transversely in relation to the bore 20 , such that the pin 19 of the arm 7 can access the through bore 20 laterally through the slot 21 .
- a suitable cap (not shown) is provided for placing over a free end of each pin 19 for securing the pin 19 in engagement with the corresponding prong 5 .
- the fastening means comprises a key member 22 provided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm 7 .
- Each key member 22 engages with a corresponding slot 23 formed in a rotating receiver 24 rotatably mounted at the free end 5 a of each prong 5 in a seat 25 defined by the material of the prong 5 .
- Another slot 26 is formed extending between the seat 25 and outer surface of the prong 5 .
- the keys 22 are mounted on the arm 7 in a transverse orientation with respect to the arm such that when the keys 22 engage with the aligned slots 23 and 26 , the arm 7 is positioned with respect to the handle unit 2 in a third position as shown in FIG. 15 , intermediate the first and second positions of the arm 7 .
- the slots 23 of the receiver 24 misalign with the slots 26 of the prongs 5 and thereby secure the arm 7 in the engagement with the prongs 5 in any position of the arm 7 with respect to the prongs 5 , other than the intermediate position of the arm 7 .
- the fastening means for coupling the arm 7 with the prongs 5 comprises a pair of projecting members 30 provided on each of the opposing outer faces of the arm 7 intermediate the first and second ends 7 a and 7 b .
- Each of projecting members 30 seat into a U-shaped channel 31 provided on the free end 5 a of each prong 5 .
- a tapered member 32 is formed on each of the opposing inner faces 5 b of prongs 5 extending towards the grippable base portion 3 of the handle unit 2 such that the distance between the opposing inner faces 5 b of prongs 5 diminishes from the free end 5 a of each prong towards the grippable base portion 3 of the handle unit 2 .
- the tapered member 32 extends around U-shaped channel 31 such that the tapered member also forms a U-shaped channel.
- the width of arm 7 increases from each end 7 a and 7 b to a maximum width at the portion 7 c of the arm intermediate each end 7 a and 7 b where the projecting members 30 are positioned.
- the width of the intermediate portion 7 c prevents the arm 7 from fully entering the U-shaped channel 31 unless in the correct alignment.
- FIGS. 20 , 21 and 22 there is shown arm 7 being brought into engagement with handle portion 2 .
- Projecting members 30 are engaged in U-shaped channel 31 .
- the intermediate portion 7 c abuts tapered lip 32 a as the distance between the opposing inner faces 5 b of prongs 5 diminishes. This prevents projecting members 30 from moving further into the U-shaped channel 31 as shown in FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 22 there is shown arm 7 correctly aligned whereby the intermediate portion 7 c inserts between the arms 32 a of tapered member 32 surrounding the U-shaped channel 31 thus allowing projecting members 30 to fully seat at the base of the U-shaped channel 31 (as shown in FIG. 18 ).
- the resilient force of the tapered member acting on the arm 7 provides a pressure fit that is sufficient to retain the arm 7 in place during the use of the other tooth care attachment.
- the brush head 8 and the dental floss head 9 are releasably engaged with the arm 7 via a fastening means. This enables a user to replace the tooth care attachment as desired.
Abstract
A combination tooth care implement comprising a handle unit and a pivoting arm having first and second ends at which respective ends a tooth brush head and a single-use dental floss head are releasably mounted. The arm can be pivoted between first and second positions with respect to the handle unit. In the first position, a portion of the arm containing the tooth brush head extends away from the handle such that the implement can be used as a toothbrush, and the remaining portion containing the dental floss head is concealed in a cavity provided in the handle unit such that the dental floss head does not interfere with the function of the tooth brush. In the second position, the arm is pivoted such that the tooth brush head and the dental floss head switch positions and the implement can be used as a dental floss. A lock means is provided for locking the arm in the first or second position with respect to the handle.
Description
- This application claims priority and is entitled to the filing date of Great Britain patent application Ser. No. 0813766.3 filed Jul. 28, 2008, and entitled “A Tooth Care Implement.” The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a tooth care implement and in particular to a combination tooth care implement that contains more than one tooth care attachment, such as, but not limited thereto a toothbrush head and a dental floss head.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Numerous dental care implements are known in the art, the most common being a toothbrush. Toothbrushes are provided in many different designs and configurations. The other common daily dental care implement includes dental floss which is usually available wound on a reel. Disposable dental floss brackets are also available which comprises a Y-shaped bracket having a length of dental floss taught between the free ends of the bracket. In recent years, many other dental care implements have been designed and made available on the market. Using and keeping various tooth care implements separately is awkward and inconvenient for many users. Combination toothbrushes are known that include a tooth brush head and a handle having an internal compartment for storing a reel of dental floss. However, not all users prefer the reeled version of dental floss. Therefore, there is still a need in the art for an improved combination tooth care implement.
- It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning that it may be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components. Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributed with as broad an interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when the terms ‘comprised’ and/or ‘comprising’ are used.
- Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a combination tooth care implement that alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art.
- Accordingly, the invention provides a tooth care implement comprising
-
- a handle unit comprising a grippable base portion and shaft portion extending therefrom, the shaft portion having a free end remote from the grippable base portion; and
- an arm having first and second ends, and a tooth care attachment mounted at each end; the arm being pivotally coupled with the handle unit adjacent the free end of the shaft portion such that the arm can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the shaft portion of the handle unit, such that
- in the first position a portion of the arm containing the first tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the handle unit such that the first tooth care attachment can be used, and the remaining portion containing the second tooth care attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit; and
- in the second position a portion of the arm containing the second tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the handle unit such that the second tooth care attachment can be used, and the remaining portion containing the first tooth care attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit.
- In a preferred modification the arm is pivotally coupled with the handle unit at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the arm, such that the arm can pivot easily between the first and second positions.
- Preferably, the arm is releasably coupled with the handle unit.
- In one arrangement, the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, such as for example, but not limited thereto, a pin or a screw arrangement or a resiliently deformable snap fit and release coupling.
- In one embodiment, the handle unit defines a cavity for accommodating the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto, such that said portion of the arm is recessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unit thereby concealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other tooth care attachment is in a ready to use position. Since the tooth care attachment concealed in such a manner does not interfere with the function of the other tooth attachment at the other end of the arm, such an arrangement dispenses with the need to remove the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other attachment is in use. Thus, the two tooth care attachments can remain attached to the arm at all times during regular use and the user does not have to detach and re-attach the attachment for each use save for replacing worn attachments as necessary.
- In one embodiment, the shaft portion of the handle unit comprises a pair of prongs each prong having a free end, the cavity being defined as the space between a pair of opposing inner faces of the pair of prongs. The arm is preferably pivotally mounted between free ends of the prongs, such that in the first and second positions one portion of the arm containing the unemployed tooth care attachment is accommodated in the space between the prongs and the other portion of the arm with the other tooth care attachment extends away from the free ends of the prongs in the ready to use position.
- In one modification, the fastening means between the arm and the prongs comprises an axle about which the arm can pivot. Conveniently the axle is inserted through suitably sized and shaped bores formed through each prong and the arm. An example of a suitable axle, but not limited thereto, is any one of a screw, pin or rod.
- In a further modification, the fastening means comprises a pair of pins provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm, the pins being engageable with corresponding through bores formed in the prongs. Optionally the pins could be integrally formed with the arm, thus forming projecting members on opposing outer faces of the arm. Preferably, a slot is formed between the interior of the through bore and outer surface of a prong transversely in relation to the bore, thereby defining a pair of resiliently deformable flaps, such that the pin or projecting members of the arm can access the through bore laterally through the slot. A suitable cap is preferably provided for placing over a free end of each pin for securing the pin in engagement with the corresponding prong.
- In a still further modification, the fastening means comprises a pair of projecting members provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm. Optionally the projecting members are integrally formed with the arm. Preferably a U-shaped channel is formed at the free end of each prong, wherein the projecting members pass through the opening of the U-shaped channel to seat into the base of the U-shaped channel. A tapered member is preferably formed on each of the opposing inner faces of each prong extending from the free end of each prong towards the grippable base portion such that the distance between the opposing inner faces of the prongs diminishes from the free end of each prong to the grippable base portion. Conveniently in this arrangement, the arm and tapered member are complimentary shaped such that the projecting members are unable to seat correctly within the U-shaped channel unless the arm and prongs are in correct alignment. In this arrangement, when the arm and prongs are in correct alignment the tapered member resiliently engages with a portion of the arm thereby locking the arm in position with respect to the handle unit.
- In yet another modification, the fastening means comprises a key member provided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm. Each key member is preferably engageable with a corresponding slot formed in a rotating receiver rotatably mounted in a seat defined at the free end of each prong. Another slot is formed extending between the seat of the receiver and outer surface of the prong such that when the slot of the receiver is aligned with the slot in the prong, the key can be engaged with the slot of the receiver by passing it through the second slot. Ideally, the keys are located on the arm in such orientation that when the keys engage with the aligned slots in the prongs and in the receiver, the arm is positioned with respect to the handle unit in a third position, intermediate the first and second positions of the arm. On rotation of the arm from this intermediate position towards the first or the second position, the slots of the receiver misalign with the slots of the prongs and thereby secure the arm in the engagement with the prongs in any position of the arm with respect to the prongs, other than the intermediate position of the arm.
- In a most preferred embodiment, the handle unit comprises a lock means configured for releasably locking the arm in the first or the second position with respect to the handle unit.
- In one arrangement, the locking means comprises a catch arrangement configured for releasably fastening the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit.
- In one variation, the catch arrangement comprises a snap fit and release mechanism comprising a resiliently deformable member formed on each of the inner opposing faces of the prongs such that when the arm enters the cavity the two resiliently deformable members deform and resiliently engage the arm thereby locking the arm with respect to the handle unit.
- In another variation the catch arrangement is formed at the point of attachment of the arm to the handle unit. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other releasable lock arrangements are possible within the scope of the present invention for releasably locking the arm in the first or second positions with respect to the handle unit. Ideally, each of the first and second ends of the arm comprises a means for releasably engaging with a tooth care attachment thereby enabling a user to replace the tooth care attachment when desired.
- In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments.
- More preferably, a holder means is provided in the internal chamber, the holder means being configured for holding the one or more of tooth care attachments.
- Preferably, the holder means comprises a rack shaft extending along the internal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positions for holding tooth care attachments.
- In one modification, the grippable base portion of the handle unit comprises a tubular wall and the internal chamber is defined by the tubular wall.
- In a further arrangement, the grippable base portion and the shaft portion of the handle unit are releasably engageable to form the handle unit. The engagement and release of the grippable base portion and the shaft can be achieved in many ways apparent to those skilled in the art, such as for example a thread or a resiliently deformable snap fit and release coupling.
- In another arrangement, the shaft portion comprises a rack shaft attached thereto, such that when the shaft portion and the grippable base portion are engaged, the rack shaft enters the internal chamber through an open end of the grippable base portion and the open end is blocked by the body of the shaft portion.
- In a further arrangement the grippable base portion comprises an open end remote from the shaft portion. In this arrangement the rack shaft comprises a removable insert that enters the internal chamber through the open end of the grippable base portion thereby closing the grippable base portion.
- In a preferred embodiment, the tooth care attachment at the first end of the arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment at the second end of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head. The dental floss head is preferably a single use head which comprises a bracket member having a length of dental floss taught thereon. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited to the combination of the tooth brush head and the dental floss head. Indeed, a combination of any tooth care attachments, of different or the same type is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
- The above described arrangement provides a combination tooth care implement that has more than one tooth care attachment, preferably, but not limited thereto, of a different type, and which provides the user with the convenience of having the two attachments readily available at all times without the need to detach and re-attach the different attachments.
- The invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only, embodiments of a tooth care implement according to the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a combination tooth care implement according to the invention, comprising a tooth brush attachment and a dental floss head attachment; -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the tooth care implement ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth care implement of the invention; -
FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively rear and side elevations of a shaft portion of the handle unit ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a modification of the shaft portion ofFIGS. 5 and 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a section of a shaft portion ofFIGS. 5 to 7 showing a rack shaft holding a plurality of tooth care attachments; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a grippable base portion of a handle unit ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of modifications of the rack shaft ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modification of the grippable base portion ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective views of variations of fastening means for coupling a rotating arm of the tooth care implement of the invention to the handle unit thereof; -
FIG. 16 is a rear elevation of a further embodiment of a combination tooth care implement according to the invention; -
FIG. 16 a is an exploded perspective view of a handle unit and removable insert of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 wherein the arm portion is out of alignment with the shaft portion; -
FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 wherein the arm portion is in alignment with the shaft portion; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 when out of alignment; and -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the tooth care implement ofFIG. 16 when in alignment. - Referring initially to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , a tooth care implement of the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The tooth care implement 1 comprises a handle unit 2 (see alsoFIG. 4 ) which comprises agrippable base portion 3 and ashaft portion 4 extending from thegrippable base portion 3. Thegrippable base portion 3 and theshaft portion 4 are releasably engageable. Theshaft portion 4 comprises a pair ofprongs 5, eachprong 5 having afree end 5 a. Acavity 6 is defined between inner opposingfaces 5 b of theprongs 5. - An
arm 7 is pivotally releasably engaged with the free ends 5 a of theprongs 5. Thearm 7 has first and second ends 7 a, 7 b and is engaged with theprongs 5 at a point intermediate theends end - In the presently described embodiment, the tooth care attachment mounted at the
first end 7 a comprises atoothbrush head 8, and the tooth care attachment mounted at thesecond end 7 b of thearm 7 comprises adental floss head 9. Thedental floss head 9 is a single-use head and comprises abracket member 9 a having a length ofdental floss 9 b taught thereacross (seeFIG. 8 ). - The
arm 7 is engaged with theprongs 5 such that thearm 7 can be rotated between first and second positions with respect to thehandle unit 2. As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3 in a first position a portion of thearm 7 containing thetooth brush head 8 extends away from the free ends 5 a of theprongs 5 and from thehandle unit 2. At the same time, the portion of thearm 7 on the other side of the rotation axis of thearm 7 and containing thedental floss head 9 is accommodated in thecavity 6 between theprongs 5. In this position, thetooth brush head 8 is in a ready to use mode, and thedental floss head 9 is concealed within thecavity 6. Likewise, in a second position (not shown) a portion of thearm 7 containing thedental floss head 9 extends away from the free ends 5 a of theprongs 5 and from thehandle unit 2 whilst thetooth brush head 8 and the relevant portion of thearm 7 are concealed within thecavity 6. Thecavity 6 is sized and shaped for concealing the unemployed arm portion together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto in a manner that the concealed attachment does not interfere with the function of the other tooth attachment at the other end of thearm 7. This arrangement eliminates the need to remove the unemployed tooth care attachment in order to use the other tooth care attachment so that the two tooth care attachments remain attached to thearm 7 at all times during regular use. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 to 7 , thehandle unit 2 comprises a snap fit andrelease lock 10 for releasably locking thearm 7 in the first or the second position with respect to thehandle unit 2. The snap fit andrelease lock 10 comprises a resilientlydeformable lip 11 formed on each the inner opposinginner faces 5 b of theprongs 5 for engaging thearm 7. When thearm 7 enters thecavity 6, thelips 11 resiliently deform under the external force applied to thearm 7 so that thearm 7 is caught between thelips 11. The resilient force of thelips 11 acting on thearm 7 is sufficient to retain thearm 7 in place during the use of the other tooth care attachment. In order to move thearm 7 into the second position, continued application of an external force to thearm 7 deforms thelips 11 and releases thearm 7. - As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 12 , thegrippable base portion 3 of thehandle unit 2 comprises a tubular wall which defines aninternal chamber 12 and anopen end 12 a. As shown inFIGS. 8 , 10 and 11, theshaft portion 4 comprises arack shaft 14 extending from abase portion 4 a of theshaft portion 4. When theshaft portion 4 and thegrippable base portion 3 are engaged, therack shaft 14 enters theinternal chamber 12 and theopen end 12 a of the internal chamber is blocked by thebase portion 4 a of theshaft portion 4. Therack shaft 14 comprises a plurality of positions in the form ofrecesses 14 a for holding a plurality of dental floss heads 9.FIG. 8 shows a modification of therack 14 which has therecesses 14 a formed along one side of theshaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in the recesses such that thebracket 9 and thefloss 9 a surround therack shaft 14.FIG. 10 shows another modification of therack 14 which has therecesses 14 a are formed in a staggered manner along two opposing sides of theshaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in therecesses 14 a in the same manner as inFIG. 8 . In the modification of therack shaft 14 shown inFIG. 11 , the rack shaft is attached to thebase portion 4 a at a location offset from the centre of thebase portion 4 a. Therecesses 14 a are formed along one side of theshaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in therecesses 14 a such that the dental floss heads 9 extend laterally from theshaft 14 in alignment with thebase portion 4 a. - In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIGS. 16 and 16 a, thegrippable base portion 3 comprises a tubular wall defining aninner chamber 120 with anopen end 120 b remote from theshaft portion 4. Aremovable insert 100 comprising arack shaft 140 is housed in theinner chamber 120. The base 100 b of theremovable insert 100 closes theopen end 120 b of theinner chamber 120. It is understood that therack shaft 140 comprises a plurality of positions in the form of recesses for holding a plurality of dental floss heads. It is also understood that the various modifications made to therack shaft 14 apply equally to rackshaft 140. - As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 the engagement and release of thegrippable base portion 3 and theshaft portion 4 is achieved via mating threads on thegrippable base portion 3 and theshaft portion 4. In the modification shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 , thegrippable base portion 4 comprises resilientlydeformable mugs 15 for releasably engaging withcorresponding recesses 16 formed in thebase portion 4 a of theshaft portion 4. Although not shown, it is understood that means for engagement and release of theremovable insert 100 from thegrippable base portion 3 could also be achieved using but not limited to either of these methods. -
FIGS. 13 to 22 show modification of fastening means for rotatably coupling thearm 7 with theprongs 5. - In the modification of
FIG. 13 , ascrew 17 is inserted through suitably sized and shapedbores 18 formed through eachprong 5 and thearm 7. -
FIG. 14 shows a pair ofpins 19 provided at a pair of opposing outer faces of thearm 7. Thepins 19 are engageable with corresponding throughbores 20 formed in theprongs 5. Aslot 21 is formed between the interior of the throughbore 20 and outer surface of aprong 5 transversely in relation to thebore 20, such that thepin 19 of thearm 7 can access the throughbore 20 laterally through theslot 21. A suitable cap (not shown) is provided for placing over a free end of eachpin 19 for securing thepin 19 in engagement with thecorresponding prong 5. - In the modification of
FIG. 15 , the fastening means comprises akey member 22 provided at each of the opposing outer faces of thearm 7. Eachkey member 22 engages with acorresponding slot 23 formed in a rotatingreceiver 24 rotatably mounted at thefree end 5 a of eachprong 5 in aseat 25 defined by the material of theprong 5. Anotherslot 26 is formed extending between theseat 25 and outer surface of theprong 5. When theslot 23 of thereceiver 24 is aligned with theslot 26 in theprong 5, the key 22 can pass through theslot 26 into theslot 25 of thereceiver 24. Thekeys 22 are mounted on thearm 7 in a transverse orientation with respect to the arm such that when thekeys 22 engage with the alignedslots arm 7 is positioned with respect to thehandle unit 2 in a third position as shown inFIG. 15 , intermediate the first and second positions of thearm 7. On rotation of thearm 7 from this intermediate position towards the first or the second position, theslots 23 of thereceiver 24 misalign with theslots 26 of theprongs 5 and thereby secure thearm 7 in the engagement with theprongs 5 in any position of thearm 7 with respect to theprongs 5, other than the intermediate position of thearm 7. - In a further modification shown in
FIGS. 16 to 22 the fastening means for coupling thearm 7 with theprongs 5 comprises a pair of projectingmembers 30 provided on each of the opposing outer faces of thearm 7 intermediate the first and second ends 7 a and 7 b. Each of projectingmembers 30 seat into aU-shaped channel 31 provided on thefree end 5 a of eachprong 5. A taperedmember 32 is formed on each of the opposinginner faces 5 b ofprongs 5 extending towards thegrippable base portion 3 of thehandle unit 2 such that the distance between the opposinginner faces 5 b ofprongs 5 diminishes from thefree end 5 a of each prong towards thegrippable base portion 3 of thehandle unit 2. The taperedmember 32 extends aroundU-shaped channel 31 such that the tapered member also forms a U-shaped channel. The width ofarm 7 increases from eachend end members 30 are positioned. The width of the intermediate portion 7 c prevents thearm 7 from fully entering theU-shaped channel 31 unless in the correct alignment. - Referring specifically to
FIGS. 20 , 21 and 22 there is shownarm 7 being brought into engagement withhandle portion 2. Projectingmembers 30 are engaged inU-shaped channel 31. Whenarm 7 is incorrectly aligned, the intermediate portion 7 c abuts taperedlip 32 a as the distance between the opposinginner faces 5 b ofprongs 5 diminishes. This prevents projectingmembers 30 from moving further into theU-shaped channel 31 as shown inFIG. 21 . Referring now toFIG. 22 , there is shownarm 7 correctly aligned whereby the intermediate portion 7 c inserts between thearms 32 a of taperedmember 32 surrounding theU-shaped channel 31 thus allowing projectingmembers 30 to fully seat at the base of the U-shaped channel 31 (as shown inFIG. 18 ). The resilient force of the tapered member acting on thearm 7 provides a pressure fit that is sufficient to retain thearm 7 in place during the use of the other tooth care attachment. - Although not shown from the drawings, the
brush head 8 and thedental floss head 9 are releasably engaged with thearm 7 via a fastening means. This enables a user to replace the tooth care attachment as desired. - It will be understood that the preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed by way of example and that other modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (26)
1. A tooth care implement comprising:
a handle unit comprising a grippable base portion and shaft portion extending therefrom, the shaft portion having a free end remote from the grippable base portion; and
an arm having first and second ends, and a tooth care attachment mounted at each end; the arm being pivotally coupled with the handle unit adjacent the free end of the shaft portion such that the arm can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the shaft portion of the handle unit, such that
in the first position a portion of the arm containing the first tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the handle unit such that the first tooth care attachment can be used, and the remaining portion containing the second tooth care attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit; and
in the second position a portion of the arm containing the second tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the handle unit such that the second tooth care attachment can be used, and the remaining portion containing the first tooth care attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit.
2. (canceled)
3. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is pivotally coupled with the handle unit at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the arm, such that the arm can pivot between the first and second positions.
4. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the handle unit defines a cavity for accommodating the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto, such that said portion of the arm is recessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unit thereby concealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other tooth care attachment is in a ready to use position.
5. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the shaft portion of the handle unit comprises a pair of prongs, each prong having a free end, wherein the space between a pair of opposing inner faces of the pair of prongs defines a cavity for accommodating the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto, such that said portion of the arm is recessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unit thereby concealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other tooth care attachment is in a ready to use position.
6. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the handle unit comprises a lock means configured for releasably locking the arm in the first or the second position with respect to the handle unit.
7. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit.
8. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is coupled with a pair of prongs provided on the shaft portion of the handle unit via interengageable fastening means, the fastening means comprising an axle selected from any one of a screw, pin or rod, which is inserted through suitably sized and shaped bores formed through each prong and the arm.
9. (canceled)
10. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, the fastening means comprising a pair of pins provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm, the pins being engageable with corresponding through bores formed in a pair of prongs provided on the shaft portion of the handle unit, wherein a slot is formed between the interior of the through bore and outer surface of a prong transversely in relation to the bore, thereby defining a pair of resiliently deformable flaps, such that the pin of the arm can access the through bore laterally through the slot, and wherein a cap is provided for placing over a free end of each pin for securing the pin in engagement with the corresponding prong.
11. The tooth_care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, the fastening means comprising a pair of projecting members provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm, wherein the projecting members seat at the base of a U-shaped channel formed at the free end of each prong, wherein a tapered member is formed on each of the opposing inner faces of each prong extending from the free end of each prong towards the grippable base portion such that the distance between the opposing inner faces of the prongs diminishes from the free end of each prong to the grippable base portion, wherein the arm and tapered member are complimentary shaped such that the projecting members seat correctly at the base of U-shaped channel when the arm and prongs are in correct alignment.
12. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, the fastening means comprising a key member provided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm, wherein each key member is engageable with a corresponding slot formed in a rotating receiver rotatably mounted in a seat defined at the free end of each prong, wherein another slot is formed extending between the seat of the receiver and outer surface of the prong such that when the slot of the receiver is aligned with the slot in the prong, the key can be engaged with the slot of the receiver by passing it through the second slot, wherein the keys are located on the arm in such orientation that when the keys engage with the aligned slots in the prongs and in the receiver, the arm is positioned with respect to the handle unit in a third position, intermediate the first and second positions of the arm, and wherein on rotation of the arm from this intermediate position towards the first or the second position, the slots of the receiver misalign with the slots of the prongs and thereby secure the arm in the engagement with the prongs in any position of the arm with respect to the prongs, other than the intermediate position of the arm.
13. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is releasably secured to the handle unit via lock means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, the lock means comprising a catch arrangement configured for releasably fastening the portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit.
14. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is releasably secured to the handle unit via lock means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, the lock means comprising a catch arrangement in the form of a snap fit and release mechanism comprising a resiliently deformable member formed on each of the inner opposing faces of a pair of prongs provided on the shaft portion of the handle unit such that when the arm enters the cavity the two resiliently deformable members deform and resiliently engage the arm thereby locking the arm with respect to the handle unit.
15. (canceled)
16. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments.
17. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the grippable base portion of the handle unit comprises a tubular wall and an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments is defined by the tubular wall.
18. (canceled)
19. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments comprising a rack shaft extending along the internal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positions for holding tooth care attachments.
20. (canceled)
21. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments comprising a rack shaft extending along the internal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positions for holding tooth care attachments, the rack shaft comprising a removable insert.
22. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the arm is releasably coupled with the handle unit.
23. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second ends of the arm comprises a means for releasably engaging with a tooth care attachment.
24. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the tooth care attachment at the first end of the arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment at the second end of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head.
25. The tooth care implement of claim 1 , wherein the tooth care attachment at the first end of the arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment at the second end of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head, the dental floss head comprising a bracket member having a length of dental floss taught thereacross.
26. (canceled)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0813766A GB2467511B (en) | 2008-07-28 | 2008-07-28 | A tooth care implement |
GB0813766.3 | 2008-07-28 | ||
PCT/EP2009/059616 WO2010012668A1 (en) | 2008-07-28 | 2009-07-24 | A tooth care implement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110290273A1 true US20110290273A1 (en) | 2011-12-01 |
Family
ID=39747042
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/056,622 Abandoned US20110290273A1 (en) | 2008-07-28 | 2009-07-24 | Tooth Care Implement |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110290273A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2341796A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2011528966A (en) |
CN (1) | CN102159116A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2737363A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2467511B (en) |
IE (1) | IES20090581A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010012668A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150265041A1 (en) * | 2012-10-18 | 2015-09-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2494928B (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2013-10-09 | Rashid Zlaoui | Oral hygiene apparatus |
KR200478338Y1 (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2015-09-22 | (주)아모레퍼시픽 | Rotatable dual toothbrush |
KR200477193Y1 (en) * | 2014-02-10 | 2015-05-18 | (주)아모레퍼시픽 | dual tooth brush having a toothbrush head capable of rotation up and down |
CN109394355A (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2019-03-01 | 佛山科学技术学院 | A kind of cement plugger of replaceable work head |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5423427A (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-06-13 | Brown; Janice M. | Dental travel pack |
GB2284542A (en) * | 1993-12-13 | 1995-06-14 | Boon Su Chan | A double headed toothbrush |
DE10055930A1 (en) * | 2000-11-10 | 2002-05-23 | Geyer Bruno Werkzeugbau | Manual tooth brush has handle and head, sideways protruding bristles, pivot link detachable and self locking by means of arrangement of catches. |
US20040187887A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Beckman Nancy Ruth | Disposable angled toothbrush, periodontal aid and floosing device |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2464674A1 (en) * | 1979-09-10 | 1981-03-20 | Meyer Alain | Tooth-brush with two heads - has tooth and gum cleaning heads on extremities of two handles of different lengths joined by pivotal axle |
EP0095511A1 (en) * | 1982-05-27 | 1983-12-07 | Dr. Hinz Labor, Fachlaboratorium für Kieferorthopädie GmbH | Device for the care of the teeth |
US5097852A (en) * | 1991-09-09 | 1992-03-24 | Wu Tzung I | Dental sanitary appliance |
US5581838A (en) * | 1995-04-07 | 1996-12-10 | Rocco; Anthony C. | Articulating toothbrush assembly |
US6039050A (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 2000-03-21 | Goldenberg; Eugene | Disposable toothbrush and flossing device |
-
2008
- 2008-07-28 GB GB0813766A patent/GB2467511B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-07-24 WO PCT/EP2009/059616 patent/WO2010012668A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-07-24 IE IE20090581A patent/IES20090581A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-07-24 CN CN2009801367335A patent/CN102159116A/en active Pending
- 2009-07-24 JP JP2011520443A patent/JP2011528966A/en active Pending
- 2009-07-24 CA CA2737363A patent/CA2737363A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-07-24 EP EP09781082A patent/EP2341796A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-07-24 US US13/056,622 patent/US20110290273A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2284542A (en) * | 1993-12-13 | 1995-06-14 | Boon Su Chan | A double headed toothbrush |
US5423427A (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-06-13 | Brown; Janice M. | Dental travel pack |
DE10055930A1 (en) * | 2000-11-10 | 2002-05-23 | Geyer Bruno Werkzeugbau | Manual tooth brush has handle and head, sideways protruding bristles, pivot link detachable and self locking by means of arrangement of catches. |
US20040187887A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Beckman Nancy Ruth | Disposable angled toothbrush, periodontal aid and floosing device |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150265041A1 (en) * | 2012-10-18 | 2015-09-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2011528966A (en) | 2011-12-01 |
GB0813766D0 (en) | 2008-09-03 |
GB2467511B (en) | 2011-01-19 |
GB2467511A (en) | 2010-08-04 |
IES20090581A2 (en) | 2010-03-03 |
CN102159116A (en) | 2011-08-17 |
WO2010012668A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 |
EP2341796A1 (en) | 2011-07-13 |
CA2737363A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110290273A1 (en) | Tooth Care Implement | |
US4780923A (en) | Interproximal brush device having hinged brush retainer cap | |
US7752701B2 (en) | Cleaning device for golf equipment | |
US8176925B2 (en) | Dental floss tool device and method | |
US20070044815A1 (en) | Swivel flosser system | |
US8025068B2 (en) | Flossing and oral hygiene tool | |
US20130276814A1 (en) | Toothpick with floss | |
US8074319B2 (en) | Foldable toothbrush | |
AU2008358066B2 (en) | Oral hygiene device with floss storage capability | |
RU188261U1 (en) | DENTAL CLEANING TOOL WITH KOZYRKI ON THE HANDLE | |
IES85557Y1 (en) | A tooth care implement | |
IE20090581U1 (en) | A tooth care implement | |
US10932557B2 (en) | Dental cleaning tool with handle shield | |
JP2002177186A (en) | Mop grip tool with handle | |
KR100608457B1 (en) | Private box | |
US5755415A (en) | Razor holder | |
KR200401045Y1 (en) | interdental brush assembly | |
CN217772562U (en) | Angle adjusting type tooth picking structure of dental floss rod and electric dental floss rod | |
CA1288206C (en) | Interproximal brush device having hinged brush retainer cap | |
CN109512535B (en) | Oral cleaning tool with integrated protective cover | |
JP3223613U (en) | Dental cleaning tool with handle shield | |
KR200239414Y1 (en) | Interdental brush | |
TW201834587A (en) | An improved structure of Interdental brush | |
JP2001061553A (en) | Cleaning brush |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |