WO2006127036A2 - Oral hygiene implement - Google Patents
Oral hygiene implement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006127036A2 WO2006127036A2 PCT/US2005/038907 US2005038907W WO2006127036A2 WO 2006127036 A2 WO2006127036 A2 WO 2006127036A2 US 2005038907 W US2005038907 W US 2005038907W WO 2006127036 A2 WO2006127036 A2 WO 2006127036A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- array
- oral hygiene
- accordance
- interproximal
- bristles
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/028—Bristle profile, the end of the bristle defining a surface other than a single plane or deviating from a simple geometric form, e.g. cylinder, sphere or cone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- 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
- A61C15/02—Toothpicks
-
- 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
- This invention relates generally to oral hygiene and more particularly to an implement for prophylaxis of interproximal surfaces and for gingival stimulation.
- Dental floss and toothpicks have been relied upon for cleansing interproximal areas.
- Dental floss was often difficult to use, especially when attempting to cleanse or clear interproximal surfaces of tightly abutting teeth. One was required to grip and tension a span of floss and force the tensioned floss toward the dentogingival junction. When the taught floss passed beyond the abutting proximal surfaces, there was a tendency for the floss to snap and impact against the gingivae, causing lacerations, trauma and irritation.
- Wooden toothpicks posed different disadvantages.
- the shape of wooden toothpicks were generally dictated by manufacturing considerations, rather than function.
- the absorbent nature of wood posed problems with respect to contamination and wood presented the potential danger of splintering.
- Molded plastic toothpicks such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Des. 382,368, offered the advantage of a wedge projection for clearing interproximal spaces combined with a unitary interproximal brush.
- a molded thermoplastic oral hygiene implement includes a central grip having an interproximal brush at one end and a tapered wedge at its other end.
- the interproximal brush includes an axial calamus having a planar array of graduated length bristles.
- the graduated length bristles are suitable for cleaning interproximal spaces and periodontal pockets as well as for stimulating gingival surfaces while minimizing trauma.
- the tapered wedge includes a transversely curved spine and opposed lateral flanks, with each flank having an array of spaced transverse trihedral ribs.
- the sharp edges of the ribs are effective for the removal of materia alba, pellicle, plaque, insipient calculus, food debris and the like from proximal and interproximal surfaces when the implement is manipulated within an interproximal space with a reciprocal axial motion.
- the curved spine reduces potential for gingival trauma.
- the grip is generally cylindrical in shape with, however, a pair of side panels lying in planes parallel to a common axial plane of the bristles and the tapered wedge.
- the side panels serve as gripping faces and assist a user in orienting both the interproximal brush and the tapered wedge.
- a feature of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is well suited for oral hygiene applications.
- a consideration of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is simple to use.
- Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is relatively low in cost.
- a further feature of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is well suited for efficient mass production fabrication.
- Another consideration of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is effective for gingival stimulation.
- Another feature of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which facilitates the removal of food particles from interproximal areas.
- an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is effective for the removal of plaque and incipient calculus is a still further consideration of the present invention.
- Yet a further aspect of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described having an interproximal brush with a planar fishbone array of graduated length bristles.
- Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described having a grip which facilitates the effective positioning of both a tapered wedge and an interproximal brush.
- a still further consideration of the present invention is to provide an oral hygiene implement of the general character described which is well suited for the removal of materia alba.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an oral hygiene implement constructed in accordance with and embodying the invention and illustrating a central grip having an interproximal brush extending from one end and a tapered wedge extending from its other end,
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the oral hygiene implement showing an array of transverse trihedral ribs extending along a flank of the wedge,
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged scale end view illustrating the tapered wedge and transverse trihedral ribs extending from opposed flanks of the wedge
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged scale side view of the interproximal brush end of the implement and illustrating an axial calamus and a planar array of integral bristles,
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged scale partial view of a portion of the tapered wedge shown in FIG. 1 and better illustrating the transverse trihedral ribs
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale sectional fragmentary perspective view through the tapered wedge, with the section being taken substantially along the line 6—6 of FIG. 5. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
- the reference numeral 10 denotes generally an oral hygiene implement constructed in accordance with and embodying the invention.
- the oral hygiene implement includes a central generally barrel shaped grip 12. Projecting axially from one end of the grip 12 is an interproximal brush 14, while a tapered wedge 16 extends axially from the opposite end of the grip 12.
- the oral hygiene implement 10 is fabricated of one piece molded thermoplastic construction.
- the interproximal brush 14 includes an axial calamus 18 and a planar, substantially symmetrical array 20 of flexible bristles.
- the array 20 of bristles lies substantially in a single plane 22.
- the array 20 is of a substantially fishbone or rhombus profile and includes leading and trailing bristles 24 having the shortest length, intermediate bristles 26, 28, 30 and 32 of progressively longer lengths and central bristles 34 of maximum length.
- the calamus 18 has a length in the order of 10 - 15 mm. to facilitate complete extension through posterior interproximal spaces. Further, the trailing bristles 24 are spaced from the end of the grip 12 a distance of approximately 4mm. to 5mm. As such, substantially all of the bristles can traverse through a posterior interproximal space and engage lingual tooth surfaces.
- the diameter of the calamus is in the order of 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm and preferably tapers from a grip end or base diameter of approximately 0.7 mm. to a tip diameter of approximately 0.5 mm, thus assuring passage through interproximal spaces.
- the bristles 24 through 34 are soft and flexible and preferably have a thickness or diameter in the order of 0.2 mm and may taper from a diameter of 0.2 mm at the calamus 18 to 0.1 mm at their distal ends.
- each leading and trailing bristle 24 projects from the calamus 18 a distance of approximately 0.7mm while the central bristles 34 project from the calamus 18 a distance of approximately 1.7mm.
- the tapered wedge 16 is configured with a profile similar to that of a knife and projects from the end of the grip approximately 2 cm.
- the wedge 16 includes a straight spine 38 having a curved peripheral surface, as shown in FIG. 6.
- the curved surface reduces the tendency for gingival laceration, irritation, trauma, etc.
- the tapered wedge 16 includes a pair of sloped lateral flanks 40, 42, which intersect along a defined edge 44.
- the edge 44 slopes to a pointed tip 46, which constitutes the juncture of the edge 44 and the transversely curved spine 38.
- the maximum transverse width of the spine 38 extends slightly beyond the corresponding distance between the flanks 40, 42. Sloped shoulders 46, 48 extend outwardly from the bases of the flanks to the curved spine 38.
- an array of transverse trihedral ribs 50 project from each of the flanks 40, 42.
- Each rib 50 is configured with a pair of tapered side walls 52, 54 which intersect along a scraping edge 56.
- the side panels 52, 54 of the trihedral ribs 50 extend from the flanks 40, 42 at points spaced from the edge 44.
- the trihedral ribs terminate at a base which is formed at a juncture with the shoulders 46, 48.
- the scraping edges 56 project laterally slightly beyond the width of the spine 38 at the base of the trihedral ribs.
- Spacing between the trihedral ribs 50 is in the order of 0.8 mm which is preferably greater than the maximum width of the trihedral ribs 50, to provide ample area for the lodgment of scraped material such as, plaque, materia alba, pellicle, food debris and insipient calculus for removal from the oral cavity with the implement 10.
- the grip 12 is generally cylindrical, except for a pair of parallel indented planar side panels 58, 60.
- the side panels 58, 60 lie in planes parallel to the axial plane 22. Accordingly, one may hold the implement 10 with the side panels 58, 60 grasped between a thumb and forefinger and will know the orientation of the bristle array 20 and the tapered wedge 16 for insertion into an interproximal space without having to examine the implement or requiring a mirror.
- the tapered fishbone or rhomboid profile of the bristle array 20 assures that the shortest leading and trailing bristles 24 are the first to engage the interproximal space, followed by progressively larger bristles when insertion into the interproximal space as well as when withdrawing therefrom.
- the effort required for insertion and withdrawal is minimized while at the same time, the prospect of gingival injury is reduced.
- the reciprocal axial motion within an interproximal space results in successive spaced scraping edges 56 of the trihedral ribs 50 contacting and scraping opposed proximal surfaces defining the interproximal space and removing from such surfaces plaque, materia alba, food debris, etc.
- the scraped matter accumulates in the spaces between adjacent trihedral ribs.
- thermoplastics While any of a number of thermoplastics may be utilized for injection molding the one-piece oral hygiene implement 10, it has been found that polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer such as Tepcon M450 available from Polyplastics Taiwan Co., Ltd. is well suited for implementation in the present invention and assures adequate flexibility while maintaining the fine definitions of the interproximal bristles.
- POM polyoxymethylene
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008512260A JP2008540029A (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-10-28 | Oral hygiene |
NZ563045A NZ563045A (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-10-28 | Oral hygiene implement |
CA002608985A CA2608985A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-10-28 | Oral hygiene implement |
AU2005332074A AU2005332074A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-10-28 | Oral hygiene implement |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/132,681 | 2005-05-19 | ||
US11/132,681 US20060260080A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-05-19 | Oral hygiene implement |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006127036A2 true WO2006127036A2 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
WO2006127036A3 WO2006127036A3 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
Family
ID=37446928
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2005/038907 WO2006127036A2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-10-28 | Oral hygiene implement |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060260080A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008540029A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2005332074A1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2608985A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ563045A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006127036A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2100570A1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-16 | Ranir LLC | Interdental cleaning tool |
KR200452558Y1 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2011-03-08 | 윤창남 | Toothpick |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
TWM362682U (en) * | 2009-04-23 | 2009-08-11 | Victoria Cosmetic Co Ltd | Structure of toothpick |
US20110014584A1 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2011-01-20 | Revive Personal Products | Oral hygiene device and method thereof |
US8695611B2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2014-04-15 | Unicep Packaging, Inc. | Dual tip oral care implement |
US20120085365A1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-12 | Cielo Diane R | Disposable oral care device |
DE102011011323A1 (en) * | 2011-02-16 | 2012-08-16 | Interbros Gmbh | Mouth or tooth cleaning device |
USD668389S1 (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2012-10-02 | Kole Zekaj | Flosser with brush |
DE102012015663A1 (en) * | 2012-08-09 | 2014-05-15 | Interbros Gmbh | Interdental cleaners |
US20140366903A1 (en) * | 2013-06-13 | 2014-12-18 | Hankookin, Inc. | Dental Floss And Brush Apparatus |
JP2015217135A (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2015-12-07 | サンスター株式会社 | Interdental cleaner |
GB201409492D0 (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2014-07-09 | Davies Rosalyn A H | Mouth care device |
USD775765S1 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2017-01-03 | M+C Schiffer Gmbh | Toothpick |
JP2017077304A (en) * | 2015-10-19 | 2017-04-27 | 小林製薬株式会社 | Interdental cleaning tool |
JP7113689B2 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2022-08-05 | レック株式会社 | interdental brush |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040094180A1 (en) * | 2002-11-15 | 2004-05-20 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Teeth cleaning brush stick |
US20040121284A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2004-06-24 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Head brush for a dental fissure cleaning device |
Family Cites Families (29)
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US774253A (en) * | 1903-04-15 | 1904-11-08 | James E Keefe | Tooth-cleaner. |
US3660902A (en) * | 1970-04-24 | 1972-05-09 | A T Axelsson | Apparatus for cleaning or polishing of teeth |
SE374999B (en) * | 1974-06-13 | 1975-04-07 | P A T Axelsson | |
US4679273A (en) * | 1985-08-19 | 1987-07-14 | Seth Okin | Dental appliance for cleansing the gingival one third areas of the teeth as well as the sulcular and the embrasure regions thereof |
US4577649A (en) * | 1980-05-01 | 1986-03-25 | Marat Shimenkov | Toothpick |
US4832061A (en) * | 1983-04-18 | 1989-05-23 | Hwang Ying Teh | Double-threaded tooth pick |
DK154684C (en) * | 1983-06-28 | 1992-03-23 | John Reipur Dental Profylaxe A | toothpick |
JPS60187718U (en) * | 1984-05-23 | 1985-12-12 | 松田 成彦 | Interdental brush with retention guide |
USD316163S (en) * | 1988-08-24 | 1991-04-09 | Brewer Charles A | Dental flosser |
US4911187A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1990-03-27 | Castillo David D | Dental pick brush apparatus |
JPH03110869U (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-11-13 | ||
GB9118147D0 (en) * | 1991-08-22 | 1991-10-09 | Westone Prod Ltd | Interdental brush holder |
AU121595S (en) * | 1994-08-22 | 1994-09-23 | Fresh & Green Chemicals Pty Ltd | Toothpick |
JP3352540B2 (en) * | 1994-09-08 | 2002-12-03 | サンスター株式会社 | Rounding device and rounding method for interdental cleaning brush |
USD367130S (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-02-13 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Teeth cleaner |
US5775346A (en) * | 1996-02-14 | 1998-07-07 | Advanced Implant Technologies Inc. | Interproximal dental appliances |
US5851116A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1998-12-22 | Margolis; Brian S. | Interproximal cleaner and method of use |
USD382368S (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 1997-08-12 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Dental pick |
US5704388A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-01-06 | Freeman; Roger | Tubular toothpick having a feathered tip |
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JP3002668B1 (en) * | 1998-07-14 | 2000-01-24 | 株式会社広栄社 | Brush toothpick |
US6012468A (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2000-01-11 | Huang; Shih-Yen | Structure of a toothpick |
CA2392359C (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2007-07-17 | Marc William Bachmann | Instrument for cleaning and polishing the surface of teeth in the form of a stick |
US6247477B1 (en) * | 2000-02-02 | 2001-06-19 | Eugene C. Wagner | Multifunction dental appliance |
USD442337S1 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2001-05-15 | Bandwagon, Inc. | Dental pick |
US20020117184A1 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2002-08-29 | Flemming Kragh | Toothpick with two functional ends |
US6701939B2 (en) * | 2002-02-13 | 2004-03-09 | Roger J. Freeman | Dental device for cleaning between teeth |
DE10211780A1 (en) * | 2002-03-16 | 2003-09-25 | Geka Brush Gmbh | Mascara brush |
US7156107B2 (en) * | 2003-06-17 | 2007-01-02 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Teeth cleaning brush structure |
-
2005
- 2005-05-19 US US11/132,681 patent/US20060260080A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-28 AU AU2005332074A patent/AU2005332074A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-28 JP JP2008512260A patent/JP2008540029A/en active Pending
- 2005-10-28 CA CA002608985A patent/CA2608985A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-28 NZ NZ563045A patent/NZ563045A/en unknown
- 2005-10-28 WO PCT/US2005/038907 patent/WO2006127036A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-10-28 CA CA2762948A patent/CA2762948A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-09-17 AU AU2010224305A patent/AU2010224305A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040094180A1 (en) * | 2002-11-15 | 2004-05-20 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Teeth cleaning brush stick |
US20040121284A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2004-06-24 | Welter's Co., Ltd. | Head brush for a dental fissure cleaning device |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2100570A1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-16 | Ranir LLC | Interdental cleaning tool |
KR200452558Y1 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2011-03-08 | 윤창남 | Toothpick |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2008540029A (en) | 2008-11-20 |
AU2005332074A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
AU2010224305A1 (en) | 2010-10-07 |
CA2762948A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
WO2006127036A3 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
US20060260080A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
CA2608985A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
NZ563045A (en) | 2010-06-25 |
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