WO2004084759A2

WO2004084759A2 - Dental cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2004084759A2
Application number: PCT/GB2004/000992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hatib Donald Taylor
Original assignee: Hatib Donald Taylor
Priority date: 2003-03-24
Filing date: 2004-03-09
Publication date: 2004-10-07
Also published as: WO2004084759A3

Abstract

A cartridge (1) for releasable engagement with a dental cleaning device (5) comprises a dental cleaning tool (3) and holding means (2a, 2b) for holding the dental cleaning tool (3). The holding means (2a, 2b) have resilient engagement means (4) for engaging the dental cleaning device (5).

Description

Dental Cleaning Device

The present invention relates to a dental cleaning device and to a cartridge therefor.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

In conventional dental cleaning devices, such as dental floss dispensers, a length of dental floss protrudes through a hole in a closed container. A user of the dental floss can pull that length of floss until a desired amount of floss has been pulled through the hole in the container. It is then usual for the user to tear that amount of dental floss from the remaining floss. The floss torn away from the container can then be used to floss the teeth by dragging the floss in and out between the teeth to be flossed. Such dental floss dispensers can be difficult to manipulate, particularly if the user has a disability which affects the hand. Furthermore, the flossing procedure is itself difficult to carry out.

A dental flossing device which seeks to overcome the problems associated with traditional dental floss containers is shaped as a two-pronged fork and has a handle for the user to hold. A length of dental floss is extended between the prongs of the fork. In use, the user simply pushes the two-pronged fork in and out between the teeth to be flossed. There is no need for the user to pull off and manipulate a length of dental floss prior to use. Furthermore, it is relatively easy to pull the fork in and out between the teeth due to the presence of the handle. However, due to hygiene considerations, it is necessary to use a different two-pronged fork for each flossing session. The two- pronged forks are, therefore, intended to be disposable. This leads to relatively high cost, since each user needs a large number of forks. A reusable two-pronged fork with replaceable floss is also known. For example, replacement lengths of floss can be threaded onto the two-pronged fork. However, such devices are difficult to manipulate, particularly if the user has a disability which affects the hand.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

The invention provides a cartridge for a dental cleaning device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 18 and a dental cleaning device as claimed in Claim 19 and Claim 24. The invention further provides a cartridge dispenser as claimed in Claim 25 and Claim 31.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement means are resilient and preferably, made of a resilient material.

A gap may be provided in the holding means in order to allow deformation of the holding means. The gap preferably extends longitudinally along substantially all of the length of the holding means.

The engagement means may be in the form of a projection or a cavity. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding means comprises a displacement member for displacing any body that prevents engagement of the cartridge with the dental cleaning device.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of a dental cleaning device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of part of the cartridge of Figure 1 in engagement with the dental cleaning device of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the cartridge of Figure 1 in engagement with the dental cleaning device of Figure 2;

Figures 5a and 5b are side views of a first cartridge in accordance with the invention displacing a second cartridge in accordance with the invention from engagement with the dental cleaning device of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side view of a cartridge dispenser in accordance with the invention, and

Figure 7 is a front view of the cartridge dispenser of Figure 6.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

In Figure 1, a cartridge 1 comprises a pair of holding means 2a and 2b. Each holding means 2a, 2b is attached to one end of a dental cleaning tool in the form of a length of dental floss 3; attachment of the dental floss to the holding means 2a, 2b can be achieved by means of adhesive, by threading the dental floss through holes (not shown) in the holding means 2a, 2b or by any other suitable method. The attachment of the dental floss can alternatively be carried out during the manufacture of the holding means 2a, 2b, for example, in a moulding process. The dental floss 3 should be suspended between the holding means 2a and 2b so that it is relatively taut, in order to ensure optimum cleaning in use.

Each holding means 2a, 2b has engagement means in the form of a projection 4. For the sake of clarity, the remaining features of the invention will be described with reference to the holding means 2a only. The projection 4 protrudes downwardly from the surface of the holding means 2a and is adapted to engage a dental cleaning device 5 (see Figure 2). Alternatively, the projection 4 could protrude laterally from the holding means 2a. The dental cleaning device 5 has a handle 6 and two prongs extending in a fork-like manner from one end of the handle 6. At the distal end of each prong 7, engagement means in the form of a cavity or groove 8 are provided. The projection 4 is adapted to engage the cavity 8, so that the holding means 2a can be releasably attached to the dental cleaning device 5. It will be appreciated that, with each holding means 2a, 2b arranged in a respective prong 7, the dental floss 3 will be suspended between the prongs 7. The user can then move the dental floss 3 between the teeth using the handle 6 at the proximal ends of the prongs 7.

A frame 9 is provided at the end of the prong 7 in order to provide a support and/or guide means for the holding means 2a. Ideally, the holding means 2a should fit closely within the boundaries of the frame 9 to ensure that the holding means 2a are held securely within the dental cleaning device 5.

The projection 4 can be released from the cavity 8 by deformation of the holding means 2a, which results in play between the cavity 8 and the holding means 2a, allowing the projection 4 to be released from the cavity. A gap 10 is provided, preferably substantially centrally (see Figure 1), in the holding means 2a in order to make the holding means 2a flexural, i.e. resilient, thus permitting a degree of deformation of the holding means 2a, allowing movement of the holding means 2a and projection 4 away from the cavity 8. The gap 10 extends longitudinally along substantially all of the length of the holding means 2a and through substantially all of the depth of the holding means 2a. Alternatively, the holding means 2a and/or projection 4 can be made resilient by making them from a resilient material, such as plastics material or any other suitable material, such as rubber or flexible metal. Only part of the holding means 2a need be made of a resilient material. For example, the gap 10 could be filled with a resilient material. The projection 4 may be made of a different material to the remaining part of the holding means 2a, 2b.

The holding means 2a is additionally provided with displacement means in the form of a protrusion 11. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the function of the protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 is adapted to force an existing holding means 2a¹ out of engagement with the cavity 8. In use, the protrusion 11 is initially forced against and behind the holding means 2a¹ in order to deform the holding means 2a¹ and narrow the gap 10. The deformation of the holding means 2a¹ causes the projection 4 ' to be released from the cavity 8. The dimensions of the protrusion 11 should be such that the protrusion 11 is capable of sliding behind the holding means 2a¹ and through a gap (not shown) formed between the cavity 8 and the projection 4¹ following deformation of the holding means 2a^!. It is preferable if the protrusion 11 is progressively wider from its free end towards the point at which it joins the holding means 2a¹. The protrusion 11 should be wider than the projection 4¹ at some point along its length.

Sliding of the protrusion 11 behind the holding means 2a¹ should continue until the projection 4 reaches the cavity 8 and slots into the cavity 8. This motion should push the holding means 2a¹ out of the vicinity of the end of the prong 7 completely. For this reason, it is advisable that the area surrounding the end of the prong 7 be relatively exposed, so that the holding means 2a¹ can be disposed of easily.

A large number of cartridges 1 can be stored in a cartridge dispenser. In Figures 6 and 7 a cartridge dispenser 12 is shown which stores the cartridges 1 in a barrel 13. Although the cartridges 1 could be held loosely in the barrel, it is preferable that the cartridges 1 are held more tightly within the barrel, for example, by means of a weak bond, such as an adhesive bond. Alternatively, the cartridges 1 may be held by virtue of a press-fit in the manner of a stapler. A cartridge 1 in the dental cleaning device 5 can be easily replaced by bringing the cartridge dispenser 12 into close proximity with the dental cleaning device 5 and forcing the dental cleaning device 5 against a replacement cartridge in the cartridge dispenser 12. The dental cleaning device 5 is guided towards the cartridge by means of channels 14 which extend downwardly from the barrel 13. The channels 14 are C-shaped in cross-section. This configuration permits insertion of the dental cleaning device 5 into channels 14. Each prong 7 of the dental cleaning device 5 engages a respective channel 14. It is preferable if the channels 14 do not extend to the top of the barrel 13, in order to prevent accidental release of cartridges 1 when the dental cleaning device 5 is not in engagement with the channels 14.

The existing cartridge (not shown) is forced out of the dental cleaning device 5, as described in the preceding paragraph. The cartridge dispenser 12 can be spring-loaded by means of a resilient member 15 such as a spring, so that advancement of replacement cartridges is facilitated. However, a cartridge dispenser which is not spring-loaded is also envisaged. The cartridge dispenser 12 could be in the form of a conventional stapler, staples being replaced by cartridges 1. The cartridge dispenser 12 can be made disposable in its entirety. Alternatively, only the barrel component 13 of the cartridge dispenser 12 is made disposable.

It will be appreciated that variations of the embodiments of the invention described above are possible. For example, the projection 4 on the holding means 2a could be replaced by a cavity. Similarly, the cavity 8 on the dental cleaning device 5 could be replaced by a projection 4. It is important, however, that the engagement means on the holding means engage with the engagement means on the dental cleaning device.

The engagement means on the holding means need not be resilient. As an alternative, the dental cleaning device 5 could be resilient.

The gap 10 does not have to extend longitudinally along substantially all of the length of the holding means 2a and through substantially all of the depth of the holding means 2a. In contrast, the gap 10 need only be dimensioned so that it provides sufficiently flexibility in the holding means 2a for allowing removal of the projection 4 from the cavity 8.

The floss 3 could be replaced by another dental cleaning tool, such as a toothpick. In this case, it is possible that the dental cleaning device 5 would have only one prong 7 attached to the handle 6. Alternatively, both prongs 7 could be omitted and the dental cleaning tool could be attached directly to the handle 6.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any generalisation of such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cartridge for releasable engagement with a dental cleaning device, the cartridge comprising a pair of holding means, a dental cleaning tool extending from one to the other holding means, the holding means having engagement means for engaging the dental cleaning device, wherein each of the holding means are resilient in order to allow deformation of each holding means.

2. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the holding means are made of a resilient material.

3. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein a gap is provided in the holding means in order to make the holding means resilient.

4. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the gap is filled with a resilient material.

5. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, wherein the gap is located substantially centrally of the holding means.

6. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the gap extends longitudinally along substantially all of the length of the holding means.

7. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the gap extends through substantially all of the depth of the holding means.

8. A cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means are resilient.

9. A cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means are made of a resilient material.

10. A cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means is in the form of at least one projection.

11. A cartridge as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the engagement means is in the form of at least one cavity.

12. A cartridge as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the dental cleaning tool is attached to the holding means by means of an adhesive.

13. A cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental cleaning tool is a length of dental floss.

14. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the length of dental floss is threaded through the holding means and anchored thereto.

15. A cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means further comprises a displacement member for displacing any body that prevents engagement of the cartridge with the dental cleaning device.

16. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the displacement member is in the form of a protrusion on the surface of the holding means.

17. A cartridge as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, wherein the displacement member is adapted to displace an existing cartridge in engagement with the dental cleaning device by moving between the existing cartridge and the dental cleaning device forcing the existing cartridge in a lateral direction so that the engagement means of the existing cartridge no longer engage the dental cleaning device.

18. A cartridge substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

19. A dental cleaning device having holding means for receiving the cartridge of any of the preceding claims, the holding means having engagement means for engaging the cartridge.

20. A dental cleaning device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the engagement means are in the form of a cavity.

21. A dental cleaning device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the engagement means are in the form of a projection.

22. A dental cleaning device as claimed in Claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the device is adapted to receive the cartridge of any one of Claims 1 to 18 in sliding engagement.

23. A dental cleaning device substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

24. A dental cleaning device as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 23 and comprising the cartridge of any one of Claims 1 to 18 with the engagement means of the cartridge resiliently engaging the dental cleaning device.

25. A cartridge dispenser for dispensing a cartridge as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18, the dispenser comprising a barrel for containing the cartridge.

26. A cartridge dispenser as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the cartridge dispenser is adapted to contain several cartridges.

27. A cartridge dispenser as claimed in Claim 25 or 26, wherein the cartridge or cartridges is/are adapted to be held within the barrel by means of a press fit.

28. A cartridge dispenser as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the barrel is spring-loaded.

29. A cartridge dispenser as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 28, wherein the dispenser is disposable.

30. A cartridge dispenser as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 29, wherein the barrel is disposable.

31. A cartridge dispenser substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.