US2221363A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 12, 1940. R. c. SWEATT TOOTHBRUSH Filed Feb. 28, 1939 INVENTOR K035 7- c. swsarr. Z (ft/ 6L- ATTORN Y.

Patented Nov. 12, 1940 UNITED STATES TOOTHBRUSH Robert C. Sweatt, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Application February 28, 1939, Serial No. 258,925

. In Oanada May 25, 1938 1 Claim.

My invention relates to improvements in toothbrushes, the objects of which are to provide a holder with a detachable brushing element which can be replaced with a new one or sterilized as desired; to provide a device of such inherent flexibility that matter can be conveniently removed from the interspace between adjacent teeth, and which can be also effectively employed for massaging the gums without producing irritation or bleeding. A further object is to provide a brushing element in the form of a sack, which may, if desired, be partially filled with atooth powder prior to use, thus providing a continuous supply of cleansing material throughout the brushing process.

The invention consists essentially of a handle supporting a flexible head which is adapted to be fitted with a sack like brushing element and is provided with means for detachably securing the brushing element in position upon the head,

as will be more fully described in the following specification and shown in the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. l is a general view of the invention in preferred form fitted with its brushing elements.

Fig. 2 is a general view of the invention with the brushing elements removed.

In the drawing like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each figure.

The numeral I indicates a handle made of any suitable material, which is preferably provided intermediate its length with a knurled portion 2 to facilitate gripping the brush. Mounted at the extremities of the handle are brush element sup- 5 ports or cores 3 and 4 approximately the length of a toothbrush head. The core 3 is straight and the core 4 is suitably curved as shown, and both are preferably made of rubber. Both cores terminate in a chisel point 5 of suitable propor- 40 tions and are hardened at said points by a greater vulcanization or by fitting thereto a cap or tip 6 of a different material, such as stainless steel. The cores 3 and 4 are spirally wrapped with wire as at I and at the inner end of each core a groove 8 is formed. Adjacent the groove a pair of opposed spring clips 9 having gripping 5 tongues l0 are provided, which tongues are normally pressed into the groove to hold in position a brushing element or sack H. The brushing element is preferably made of fabric having a roughened outer surface. 10

As an extra precaution against bacteria accumulation on the cores 3 and 4, they may be covered with a sheath, not shown, of rubber, cellulose or other suitable germ proof material, which could be removed and disposed of after 15 using.

It will be obvious that the tip of the core may be varied in shape from the chisel point above described to any other desired form.

In use the straight end of the device is used 20 for cleaning the outside of the teeth and the curved end is used for cleaning the inside of the teeth, the pointed ends are used particularly for cleaning the crevices between adjacent teeth. After use the clips 9 are squeezed together to 25 withdraw the tongues from engaging the neck of the brushing elements II that they may be withdrawn from the cores and washed or otherwise disposed of.

What I claim as my invention is: 30 I A toothbrush comprising a handle and a head, said head consisting of a flexible member pointed at its free end and adapted to be covered with a sack-like brushing element, said handle having a spring tensioned clip adjacent the head for removably securing the sack-like brushing element in position, said flexible member being relatively closely wound with a wire spiral extending from the handle to the base of the pointed end.

ROBERT c. SWEATT.

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