US20150182014A1 - Oral hygiene tool - Google Patents
Oral hygiene tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150182014A1 US20150182014A1 US14/305,549 US201414305549A US2015182014A1 US 20150182014 A1 US20150182014 A1 US 20150182014A1 US 201414305549 A US201414305549 A US 201414305549A US 2015182014 A1 US2015182014 A1 US 2015182014A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- elongate
- locking
- toothbrush
- connector body
- oral hygiene
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- A46B15/0081—Brushes with a scraper, e.g. tongue scraper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/24—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers
- A61B17/244—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for use in the oral cavity, larynx, bronchial passages or nose; Tongue scrapers for cleaning of the tongue
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to oral hygiene tools, and more particularly to a tool that includes both a toothbrush and a tongue scraper.
- Tongue scrapers and toothbrushes are common oral hygiene products.
- the prior art teaches a simple combination of the two tools; however, the resulting device is unwieldy and is either too short to use or too long to store.
- the present invention addresses those needs by providing a novel and efficient tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush.
- the prior art teaches toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, and the combination of tooth brushes and tongue scrapers.
- the prior art does not teach such a combination with a tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush, including a locking mechanism for locking the tongue scraper in either a collapsed configuration or an extended configuration.
- the present invention fulfills these needs and provides further advantages as described in the following summary.
- the present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
- the present invention provides an oral hygiene tool for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth.
- the oral hygiene tool has a tongue scraper with an elongate scraper body having an elongate upper edge forming a scraping surface for the tongue, and an elongate connector body having a first end and a second end, the elongate scraper body being connected to the first end transverse to the elongate connector body.
- the oral hygiene tool also includes a toothbrush with an elongate toothbrush body having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of brushes extending from the proximal end of the elongate toothbrush body.
- the elongate connector body of the tongue scraper is telescopingly engaged with the elongate toothbrush body of the toothbrush, so that the tongue scraper can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to the toothbrush.
- a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene tool having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide an oral hygiene tool with a tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush.
- a further objective is to provide an oral hygiene tool with a locking mechanism for locking the tongue scraper in either a collapsed configuration or an extended configuration.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oral hygiene tool in a collapsed configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in an extended configuration
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in a disengaged configuration
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a tongue scraper of the oral hygiene tool
- FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof
- FIG. 6 is a left elevational view thereof
- FIG. 7 is a right elevational view thereof
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof
- FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view thereof.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in the collapsed configuration, according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the tongue scraper having the elongate inner chamber;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool, illustrating the oral hygiene tool in a disengaged configuration.
- the above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an oral hygiene tool 10 for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth.
- the oral hygiene tool 10 combines a tongue scraper 20 and a toothbrush 40 that engage each other in an extendable, or telescoping, relationship.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool 10 in a collapsed configuration
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool 10 in an extended configuration
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool 10 in a disengaged configuration.
- the tongue scraper 20 includes an elongate scraper body 22 and an elongate connector body 28 .
- the elongate scraper body 22 extends laterally on either side of and generally traverse to the elongate connector body 28 , and includes an elongate upper edge 24 that is shaped for scraping the tongue.
- the elongate scraper body 22 is curved and has an upwardly extending wedge-shaped cross section that narrows to the elongate upper edge 24 .
- the elongate scraper body 22 may have an alternative structure with any shape known to one skilled in the art for scraping the tongue, and such alternatives should be considered within the scope of the present invention.
- the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 has a first end 30 and a second end 32 .
- the first end 30 is connected with the elongate scraper body 22 .
- the second end 32 extends outwardly for engaging the toothbrush 40 in a telescoping manner.
- the elongate connector body 28 is a post shaped as an elongate cuboid.
- the elongate connector body 28 may be a structure with any desired shape, e.g. a bar, rod, wedge, or other shape desired by one skilled in the art.
- the elongate connector body 28 may have a tapered section (not shown) where the elongate connector body 28 connects to the elongate scraper body 22 so as either not to obstruct, or reduce the obstruction of, the portion of the elongate scraper body 22 that is in contact with the tongue during use. While FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the elongate connector body 28 , those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments, and these alternative or equivalent are considered within the scope of the present invention.
- the toothbrush 40 has an elongate toothbrush body 42 which may be used as a handle for the toothbrush 40 , and which telescopically engages the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 .
- the elongate toothbrush body 42 may have a proximal end 44 , a distal end 46 , and brushes 48 extending from the proximal end 44 of the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- the proximal end 44 of the toothbrush 40 is the end of the toothbrush 40 which is inserted into the mouth during use.
- the elongate toothbrush body 42 may also include a plurality of raised sections 50 to aid in the grasping and use of the oral hygiene tool 10 , creating an ergonomically suitable handle.
- the presence of the raised sections 50 may create depressions which conform to functions described above, e.g. providing an ergonomic handle for use, or any other functions desired by one skilled in the art.
- the raised sections 50 and the depressions may be varied in shape and design to serve any function e.g. providing a gentle or comfortable surface, providing ridges to prevent slippage, providing features such as clasps or releases for storing the oral hygiene tool 10 , or any other features desired by one skilled in the art.
- the distal end 46 is the end of the elongate toothbrush body 42 which telescopically engages the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 .
- the distal end 46 includes an elongate inner chamber 60 shaped to receive the second end 32 of the elongate connector body 28 , via a chamber aperture 62 . The elongate connector body 28 and the elongate toothbrush body 42 may then telescopically engage each other.
- the telescoping construction of the present invention allows several configurations where the length of the oral hygiene tool 10 may be varied according to the needs of the user.
- the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 may be telescopingly engaged with the elongate toothbrush body 42 of the toothbrush 40 , so that the tongue scraper 20 can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to the toothbrush 40 .
- the telescoping of the tongue scraper 20 may be accomplished by a variety of means, e.g. interlocking bodies, tracks, extensions, or any methods desired by one skilled in the art.
- the elongate inner chamber 60 is within the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- the inner chamber may have the chamber aperture 62 at the distal end 46 for allowing the elongate connector body 28 to be inserted into the elongate inner chamber 60 .
- the elongate inner chamber 60 may be shaped to allow the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 to telescopically engage the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- the elongate inner chamber 60 may have any shape which allows the elongate connector body 28 to telescopically engage with the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- the elongate inner chamber 60 may extend any length longitudinally along the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- one definition of the collapsed configuration may be when the elongate inner chamber 60 is located within the elongate toothbrush body 42 and the elongate connector body 28 is substantially inside the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the elongate inner chamber 60 , those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments, and these alternative or equivalent are considered within the scope of the present invention.
- the telescoping construction of the oral hygiene tool 10 allows the extended configuration in addition to the collapsed configuration.
- one definition of the extended configuration may be when the elongate inner chamber 60 is located within the elongate toothbrush body 42 and the elongate connector body 28 is substantially, though not completely, outside the elongate toothbrush body 42 .
- the telescopic construction of the oral hygiene tool 10 may allow for the toothbrush 40 and the tongue scraper 20 to be physically separated, which may be defined as the disengaged configuration.
- the toothbrush 40 and/or the tongue scraper 20 may be used separately, if desired by a user.
- the act of disengagement is reversible, allowing the tongue scraper 20 and the toothbrush 40 to be reassembled. Reassembly may be done by inserting the second end 32 of the tongue scraper 20 through the chamber aperture 62 of the elongate inner chamber 60 , thereby re-engaging the tongue scraper 20 and the toothbrush 40 .
- the ability of the oral hygiene tool 10 to be connected together into a single tool which is compact in size enables the oral hygiene tool 10 to be easily transported, stored, and also used while travelling.
- the oral hygiene tool 10 may further include a locking mechanism 70 for locking the position of the tongue scraper 20 with respect to the toothbrush 40 .
- the locking mechanism 70 includes locking apertures 76 and 77 , and resilient arms 72 with locking prongs 74 which removably engage the locking apertures 76 and 77 for releasably locking the tongue scraper 20 with respect to the toothbrush 40 .
- first pair of locking apertures 76 located closest to the distal end 46 of the toothbrush 40
- second pair of locking apertures 77 located between the first pair of locking apertures 76 and the proximal end 44 of the toothbrush 40 .
- the first pair of locking apertures 76 are longitudinally separated and azimuthally aligned with the second pair of locking apertures 77 .
- the resilient arms 72 extend from the elongate connector body 28 , and is flexible enough to allow some movement of the resilient arm 72 , and in particular, allow a radial deflection which increases towards the second end 32 and which effectively narrows the effective diameter or area of the second end 32 .
- the resilient arm 72 may be constructed differently, e.g. a compressible arm (as opposed to a deflecting arm), or any other sort of resilient arm 72 desired by one skilled in the art.
- there is a pair of the resilient arms 72 each resilient arm 72 being opposite one another azimuthally on the elongate connector body 28 .
- the present embodiment may have a locking prong 74 extending radially from the resilient arm 72 .
- the locking prong 74 is a protrusion shaped to removably and lockingly engage the locking apertures 76 and 77 .
- the resilient arm 72 may be pressed away from the locking apertures 76 and 77 to disengage the locking mechanism 70 and allow the elongate connector body 28 to slide longitudinally relative to the connector body 28 .
- the locking arm is angled relative to the longitudinal axis such that when a longitudinal force is applied, there is an inward force on the resilient arms 72 . If the inward force on the resilient arm 72 is sufficient to deflect the resilient arm 72 inward at the location of the locking prong 74 , such that the locking prong 74 disengages from the locking apertures 76 and 77 , the locking mechanism 70 will becomes disengaged and allow the telescoping motion of the toothbrush 40 and the tongue scraper 20 .
- other means for engaging/disengaging may be used, e.g. releases, springs, catches, tracks, compression fittings, or any other means desired by one skilled in the art.
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the tongue scraper 20
- FIGS. 5-9 are rear, left, and right elevational views, and top and bottom views, of the tongue scraper 20 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a second embodiment of the oral hygiene tool 80 .
- the male/female relationship between the toothbrush and the tongue scraper may be reversed.
- the elongate connector body 28 of the tongue scraper 20 may include an elongate inner chamber 90 (that is similar to the chamber 60 of FIGS. 1-3 ), and the distal end 46 of the toothbrush 40 telescopically engages the elongate inner chamber 90 .
- the term “longitudinally” is taken to be the direction along an axis extending through the elongate connector body and the elongate toothbrush body.
- the longitudinal direction may then be defined by the direction of the telescoping motion of the elongate connector body and the elongate toothbrush body, described throughout the application.
- the term “azimuthally” is then the azimuthal or polar coordinate around the axis.
- the term “radially” is then the radial direction from the axis.
- the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.
- the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise.
- the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.
Abstract
An oral hygiene tool has a tongue scraper with an elongate scraper body having an elongate upper edge forming a scraping surface for the tongue, and an elongate connector body connected to the elongate scraper body. There oral hygiene tool also has a toothbrush with an elongate toothbrush body and a plurality of brushes. The elongate connector body of the tongue scraper is telescopingly engaged with the elongate toothbrush body of the toothbrush, so that the tongue scraper can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to the toothbrush.
Description
- This application for a utility patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/923,206, filed Jan. 2, 2014.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to oral hygiene tools, and more particularly to a tool that includes both a toothbrush and a tongue scraper.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Tongue scrapers and toothbrushes are common oral hygiene products. The prior art teaches a simple combination of the two tools; however, the resulting device is unwieldy and is either too short to use or too long to store. The present invention addresses those needs by providing a novel and efficient tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush.
- The prior art teaches toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, and the combination of tooth brushes and tongue scrapers. However, the prior art does not teach such a combination with a tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush, including a locking mechanism for locking the tongue scraper in either a collapsed configuration or an extended configuration. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further advantages as described in the following summary.
- The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
- The present invention provides an oral hygiene tool for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth. The oral hygiene tool has a tongue scraper with an elongate scraper body having an elongate upper edge forming a scraping surface for the tongue, and an elongate connector body having a first end and a second end, the elongate scraper body being connected to the first end transverse to the elongate connector body. The oral hygiene tool also includes a toothbrush with an elongate toothbrush body having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of brushes extending from the proximal end of the elongate toothbrush body. The elongate connector body of the tongue scraper is telescopingly engaged with the elongate toothbrush body of the toothbrush, so that the tongue scraper can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to the toothbrush.
- A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene tool having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide an oral hygiene tool with a tongue scraper that telescopically engages a toothbrush.
- A further objective is to provide an oral hygiene tool with a locking mechanism for locking the tongue scraper in either a collapsed configuration or an extended configuration.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oral hygiene tool in a collapsed configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in an extended configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in a disengaged configuration; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a tongue scraper of the oral hygiene tool; -
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof; -
FIG. 6 is a left elevational view thereof; -
FIG. 7 is a right elevational view thereof; -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof; -
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view thereof; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool in the collapsed configuration, according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the tongue scraper having the elongate inner chamber; and -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the oral hygiene tool, illustrating the oral hygiene tool in a disengaged configuration. - The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an
oral hygiene tool 10 for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth. Theoral hygiene tool 10 combines atongue scraper 20 and atoothbrush 40 that engage each other in an extendable, or telescoping, relationship. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of theoral hygiene tool 10 in a collapsed configuration,FIG. 2 is a perspective view of theoral hygiene tool 10 in an extended configuration, andFIG. 3 is a perspective view of theoral hygiene tool 10 in a disengaged configuration. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 , thetongue scraper 20 includes anelongate scraper body 22 and anelongate connector body 28. Theelongate scraper body 22 extends laterally on either side of and generally traverse to theelongate connector body 28, and includes an elongate upper edge 24 that is shaped for scraping the tongue. In the present embodiment, theelongate scraper body 22 is curved and has an upwardly extending wedge-shaped cross section that narrows to the elongate upper edge 24. In other embodiments, theelongate scraper body 22 may have an alternative structure with any shape known to one skilled in the art for scraping the tongue, and such alternatives should be considered within the scope of the present invention. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20 has afirst end 30 and asecond end 32. Thefirst end 30 is connected with theelongate scraper body 22. Thesecond end 32 extends outwardly for engaging thetoothbrush 40 in a telescoping manner. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 , theelongate connector body 28 is a post shaped as an elongate cuboid. In alternate embodiments theelongate connector body 28 may be a structure with any desired shape, e.g. a bar, rod, wedge, or other shape desired by one skilled in the art. In other embodiments, theelongate connector body 28 may have a tapered section (not shown) where theelongate connector body 28 connects to theelongate scraper body 22 so as either not to obstruct, or reduce the obstruction of, the portion of theelongate scraper body 22 that is in contact with the tongue during use. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of theelongate connector body 28, those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments, and these alternative or equivalent are considered within the scope of the present invention. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , thetoothbrush 40 has anelongate toothbrush body 42 which may be used as a handle for thetoothbrush 40, and which telescopically engages theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20. Theelongate toothbrush body 42 may have aproximal end 44, adistal end 46, andbrushes 48 extending from theproximal end 44 of theelongate toothbrush body 42. Theproximal end 44 of thetoothbrush 40 is the end of thetoothbrush 40 which is inserted into the mouth during use. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , theelongate toothbrush body 42 may also include a plurality of raisedsections 50 to aid in the grasping and use of theoral hygiene tool 10, creating an ergonomically suitable handle. The presence of theraised sections 50 may create depressions which conform to functions described above, e.g. providing an ergonomic handle for use, or any other functions desired by one skilled in the art. In alternate embodiments, theraised sections 50 and the depressions may be varied in shape and design to serve any function e.g. providing a gentle or comfortable surface, providing ridges to prevent slippage, providing features such as clasps or releases for storing theoral hygiene tool 10, or any other features desired by one skilled in the art. - The
distal end 46 is the end of theelongate toothbrush body 42 which telescopically engages theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 , thedistal end 46 includes an elongateinner chamber 60 shaped to receive thesecond end 32 of theelongate connector body 28, via achamber aperture 62. Theelongate connector body 28 and theelongate toothbrush body 42 may then telescopically engage each other. - The telescoping construction of the present invention allows several configurations where the length of the
oral hygiene tool 10 may be varied according to the needs of the user. In the present embodiment, shown inFIGS. 1-3 , theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20 may be telescopingly engaged with theelongate toothbrush body 42 of thetoothbrush 40, so that thetongue scraper 20 can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to thetoothbrush 40. In alternate embodiments, the telescoping of thetongue scraper 20 may be accomplished by a variety of means, e.g. interlocking bodies, tracks, extensions, or any methods desired by one skilled in the art. - As shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3 , the elongateinner chamber 60 is within theelongate toothbrush body 42. The inner chamber may have thechamber aperture 62 at thedistal end 46 for allowing theelongate connector body 28 to be inserted into the elongateinner chamber 60. The elongateinner chamber 60 may be shaped to allow theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20 to telescopically engage theelongate toothbrush body 42. - The elongate
inner chamber 60 may have any shape which allows theelongate connector body 28 to telescopically engage with theelongate toothbrush body 42. A square cross-sectional shape, as shown, prevents relative rotation, but in alternative embodiments other cross-sectional shapes may be used. The elongateinner chamber 60 may extend any length longitudinally along theelongate toothbrush body 42. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , one definition of the collapsed configuration may be when the elongateinner chamber 60 is located within theelongate toothbrush body 42 and theelongate connector body 28 is substantially inside theelongate toothbrush body 42. WhileFIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the elongateinner chamber 60, those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments, and these alternative or equivalent are considered within the scope of the present invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , the telescoping construction of theoral hygiene tool 10 allows the extended configuration in addition to the collapsed configuration. As shown inFIG. 2 , one definition of the extended configuration may be when the elongateinner chamber 60 is located within theelongate toothbrush body 42 and theelongate connector body 28 is substantially, though not completely, outside theelongate toothbrush body 42. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the telescopic construction of theoral hygiene tool 10 may allow for thetoothbrush 40 and thetongue scraper 20 to be physically separated, which may be defined as the disengaged configuration. In such a configuration, thetoothbrush 40 and/or thetongue scraper 20 may be used separately, if desired by a user. In one embodiment, the act of disengagement is reversible, allowing thetongue scraper 20 and thetoothbrush 40 to be reassembled. Reassembly may be done by inserting thesecond end 32 of thetongue scraper 20 through thechamber aperture 62 of the elongateinner chamber 60, thereby re-engaging thetongue scraper 20 and thetoothbrush 40. The ability of theoral hygiene tool 10 to be connected together into a single tool which is compact in size enables theoral hygiene tool 10 to be easily transported, stored, and also used while travelling. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theoral hygiene tool 10 may further include alocking mechanism 70 for locking the position of thetongue scraper 20 with respect to thetoothbrush 40. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3 , thelocking mechanism 70 includes lockingapertures resilient arms 72 with lockingprongs 74 which removably engage the lockingapertures tongue scraper 20 with respect to thetoothbrush 40. - In the present embodiment, there is a first pair of locking
apertures 76 located closest to thedistal end 46 of thetoothbrush 40, and a second pair of lockingapertures 77 located between the first pair of lockingapertures 76 and theproximal end 44 of thetoothbrush 40. The first pair of lockingapertures 76 are longitudinally separated and azimuthally aligned with the second pair of lockingapertures 77. When theelongate connector body 28 is positioned such that the first pair of lockingapertures 76 are engaged, theoral hygiene tool 10 is in the extended position. When theelongate connector body 28 is positioned such that the second pair of lockingaperture 77 are engaged, theoral hygiene tool 10 is in the collapsed position. WhileFIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the lockingaperture 76, those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments, and these alternative or equivalent are considered within the scope of the present invention. - The
resilient arms 72 extend from theelongate connector body 28, and is flexible enough to allow some movement of theresilient arm 72, and in particular, allow a radial deflection which increases towards thesecond end 32 and which effectively narrows the effective diameter or area of thesecond end 32. In alternate embodiments, theresilient arm 72 may be constructed differently, e.g. a compressible arm (as opposed to a deflecting arm), or any other sort ofresilient arm 72 desired by one skilled in the art. In the present embodiment, there is a pair of theresilient arms 72, eachresilient arm 72 being opposite one another azimuthally on theelongate connector body 28. In alternate embodiments, there may be any number of, and orientation of, theresilient arms 72 as desired by one skilled in the art. - The present embodiment may have a
locking prong 74 extending radially from theresilient arm 72. In the present embodiment, the lockingprong 74 is a protrusion shaped to removably and lockingly engage the lockingapertures - The
resilient arm 72 may be pressed away from the lockingapertures locking mechanism 70 and allow theelongate connector body 28 to slide longitudinally relative to theconnector body 28. In the present embodiment, the locking arm is angled relative to the longitudinal axis such that when a longitudinal force is applied, there is an inward force on theresilient arms 72. If the inward force on theresilient arm 72 is sufficient to deflect theresilient arm 72 inward at the location of the lockingprong 74, such that the lockingprong 74 disengages from the lockingapertures locking mechanism 70 will becomes disengaged and allow the telescoping motion of thetoothbrush 40 and thetongue scraper 20. In alternate embodiments, other means for engaging/disengaging may be used, e.g. releases, springs, catches, tracks, compression fittings, or any other means desired by one skilled in the art. -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of thetongue scraper 20, andFIGS. 5-9 are rear, left, and right elevational views, and top and bottom views, of thetongue scraper 20. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a second embodiment of theoral hygiene tool 80. In this embodiment, the male/female relationship between the toothbrush and the tongue scraper may be reversed. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 10-11 , theelongate connector body 28 of thetongue scraper 20 may include an elongate inner chamber 90 (that is similar to thechamber 60 ofFIGS. 1-3 ), and thedistal end 46 of thetoothbrush 40 telescopically engages the elongateinner chamber 90. - As used in this application, the term “longitudinally” is taken to be the direction along an axis extending through the elongate connector body and the elongate toothbrush body. The longitudinal direction may then be defined by the direction of the telescoping motion of the elongate connector body and the elongate toothbrush body, described throughout the application. The term “azimuthally” is then the azimuthal or polar coordinate around the axis. The term “radially” is then the radial direction from the axis.
- As used in this application, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.
Claims (8)
1. A oral hygiene tool for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth, the oral hygiene tool comprising:
a tongue scraper comprising:
an elongate scraper body having an elongate upper edge forming a scraping surface for the tongue; and
an elongate connector body having a first end and a second end, the elongate scraper body being connected to the first end transverse to the elongate connector body; and
a toothbrush comprising:
an elongate toothbrush body having a proximal end and a distal end; and
a plurality of brushes extending from the proximal end of the elongate toothbrush body;
the elongate connector body of the tongue scraper being telescopingly engaged with the elongate toothbrush body of the toothbrush, so that the tongue scraper can move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration relative to the toothbrush;
wherein either the elongate connector body or the elongate toothbrush body has an elongate inner chamber shaped to accept, via a chamber aperture, either the elongate connector body or the elongate toothbrush body that does not have the elongate inner chamber;
wherein the elongate connector body and the elongate toothbrush body slidingly telescopically engage each other;
further comprising a locking mechanism for removably locking the oral hygiene tool in the collapsed configuration or in the extended configuration;
at least one resilient arm extending from either the elongate connector body or the elongate toothbrush body;
a locking prong extending radially from the resilient arm;
a locking aperture extending radially through either the elongate connector body, or the elongate toothbrush body, to the elongate inner chamber;
wherein the locking aperture and the locking prong are shaped to removably engage each other, thereby preventing longitudinal motion of the elongate connector body relative to the connector body; and
wherein the resilient arm may be pressed away from the locking aperture to disengage the locking mechanism and allow the elongate connector body to slide longitudinally relative to the connector body.
2-4. (canceled)
5. The oral hygiene tool of claim 1 , wherein there are two locking apertures longitudinally spaced and azimuthally aligned on either the elongate connector body or the elongate toothbrush body.
6. The oral hygiene tool of claim 1 , further comprising:
two pairs of the locking apertures, wherein a first pair of locking apertures are longitudinally separated and azimuthally aligned with a second pair of locking apertures and the locking apertures of each pair of locking apertures are azimuthally opposite each other; and
a pair of resilient arms, each of the resilient arms azimuthally opposite each other and having the locking prong, such that each of the locking prongs may lockingly engage either the first pair of locking apertures or the second pair of locking apertures.
7. The oral hygiene tool of claim 1 , wherein the elongate scraper body is curved into a semi-circular shape.
8. The oral hygiene tool of claim 1 , the elongate toothbrush body further comprising a plurality of raised sections to aid in the grasping and use of the oral hygiene tool.
9. A oral hygiene tool for scraping a tongue and brushing teeth comprising:
a tongue scraper comprising:
an elongate scraper body having an elongate upper edge used as a scraping surface for the tongue; and
an elongate connector body having a first end and a second end, the first end connected transversely to the elongate scraper body;
a toothbrush comprising:
an elongate toothbrush body having a proximal end and a distal end;
an elongate inner chamber within the elongate toothbrush body having a chamber aperture at the distal end, wherein the elongate inner chamber is shaped to allow the elongate connector body of the tongue scraper to telescopically engage the elongate toothbrush body; and
a plurality of brushes extending from the proximal end of the elongate toothbrush body; and
further comprising a locking mechanism for removably locking the oral hygiene tool in the collapsed configuration or in the extended configuration, the locking mechanism comprising:
at least one resilient arm extending from the elongate connector body;
a locking prong extending radially from the resilient arm;
a locking aperture extending radially through the elongate toothbrush body to the elongate inner chamber;
wherein the locking aperture and the locking prong are shaped to removably engage each other, thereby preventing longitudinal motion of the elongate connector body relative to the connector body; and
wherein the resilient arm may be pressed away from the locking aperture to disengage the locking mechanism and allow the elongate connector body to slide longitudinally relative to the connector body
10. (canceled)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/305,549 US9055809B1 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2014-06-16 | Oral hygiene tool |
US14/492,812 US9232854B2 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2014-09-22 | Oral hygiene tool |
PCT/US2015/010058 WO2015103488A1 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2015-01-02 | Oral hygiene tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461923206P | 2014-01-02 | 2014-01-02 | |
US14/305,549 US9055809B1 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2014-06-16 | Oral hygiene tool |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/492,812 Continuation-In-Part US9232854B2 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2014-09-22 | Oral hygiene tool |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US9055809B1 US9055809B1 (en) | 2015-06-16 |
US20150182014A1 true US20150182014A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
Family
ID=53279752
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/305,549 Active US9055809B1 (en) | 2014-01-02 | 2014-06-16 | Oral hygiene tool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US9055809B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9485896B1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-11-08 | Timothy J. Gaffney | Weed and sweep tool |
WO2020102002A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-22 | Ladva Suresh Kurji | Oral hygiene tool |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD740941S1 (en) * | 2014-06-16 | 2015-10-13 | Suresh Kurji Ladva | Tongue scraper |
USD788306S1 (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2017-05-30 | Suresh Kurji Ladva | Oral hygiene tool |
US20170188696A1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2017-07-06 | Landmann Usa | Surface Cleaning Brush |
USD930365S1 (en) * | 2020-01-01 | 2021-09-14 | Suresh Kurji Ladva | Oral hygiene tool |
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US1495675A (en) * | 1923-10-26 | 1924-05-27 | Sydna T Colt | Dental instrument |
US2574654A (en) * | 1949-10-28 | 1951-11-13 | Louie N Moore | Tongue cleaner |
US4455704A (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1984-06-26 | Williams Robert L | Toothbrush and tongue cleaner |
US20090235474A1 (en) * | 2008-03-20 | 2009-09-24 | Jon Seigel | Combination toothbrush and tongue cleaner |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US1728956A (en) | 1927-09-21 | 1929-09-24 | Darmitzel William Fred | Combination toothbrush and tongue scraper |
US2651068A (en) | 1950-11-18 | 1953-09-08 | Min Tsubota | Conformable toothbrush and tongue scraper |
US5980541A (en) | 1996-11-12 | 1999-11-09 | Tenzer; Mihyang Nicole | Oral hygiene device |
USD508325S1 (en) | 2004-03-04 | 2005-08-16 | Tisu Designs Cc | Toothbrush including a tongue scraper |
USD515817S1 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2006-02-28 | Siemer Roelant L M | Combination toothbrush and tongue scraper |
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2014
- 2014-06-16 US US14/305,549 patent/US9055809B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US1495675A (en) * | 1923-10-26 | 1924-05-27 | Sydna T Colt | Dental instrument |
US2574654A (en) * | 1949-10-28 | 1951-11-13 | Louie N Moore | Tongue cleaner |
US4455704A (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1984-06-26 | Williams Robert L | Toothbrush and tongue cleaner |
US20090235474A1 (en) * | 2008-03-20 | 2009-09-24 | Jon Seigel | Combination toothbrush and tongue cleaner |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9485896B1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-11-08 | Timothy J. Gaffney | Weed and sweep tool |
WO2020102002A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-22 | Ladva Suresh Kurji | Oral hygiene tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9055809B1 (en) | 2015-06-16 |
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