WO2017035822A1

WO2017035822A1 - Dental cleaning tool including angled brush

Info

Publication number: WO2017035822A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/088923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chun Yuen To
Original assignee: World Wide Stationery, Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2015-09-03
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: TW201709878A; CN106491227A; CN205286573U

Abstract

A dental cleaning tool (100) has a handle (102) defining a longitudinal axis(120) of the tool (100) and a floss holder (104) having a base (130) and two arms (132,134) extending from the base (130) in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis (120). At least one strand (142) of floss extends between the two arms (132,134). An angled brush (108), which is attached to the floss holder (104), includes a rod (144) and bristles (146) disposed on the rod (144). The rod (144) is oriented at an acute angle (148) relative to one of the arms(132,134) of the floss holder (104).

Description

DENTAL CLEANING TOOL INCLUDING ANGLED BRUSH

FIELD

The field of this disclosure relates generally to dental cleaning tools, and more specifically, to a dental cleaning tool including an angled brush.

BACKGROUND

Dental cleaning tools are used to remove food remnants and/or build-up from the surface of or between teeth. As a result, some known dental cleaning tools include a brush for cleaning the surface of teeth and other known dental cleaning tools include floss or a pick for removing or loosening food remnants (or other debris) lodged between adjacent teeth. However, some known dental cleaning tools can be difficult for a user to manipulate because the dental cleaning tool has to be at least partially inserted inside the user’s mouth. Often, the user has to hold the dental cleaning tool awkwardly to reach and clean teeth located in the back of the mouth. Thus, some known dental cleaning tools are difficult to use on or between teeth located in or near the back of the mouth. In additional, the user often has to switch between discrete tools (e.g., a brush, floss, and/or a pick) to realize the various benefits of each of these tools.

Some conventional dental cleaning tools include combinations of floss, a pick, and/or a brush, which often exacerbates the difficulty of using the dental cleaning tools. For example, the user may have to hold and manipulate the dental cleaning tool in a manner that is uncomfortable to hold or have inserted into ones mouth. Additionally, the floss, pick, or brush may obstruct use of the other components of the dental cleaning tool. For example, the floss, pick, or brush may be attached such that the user has difficulty positioning other portions of the dental cleaning tool inside the user’s mouth. As a result, some users may skip or ineffectively clean portions of their teeth to avoid discomfort.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved dental cleaning tool that combines a number of cleaning components and is comfortable to use in an easy and effective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a dental cleaning tool generally comprises a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the tool, and a floss holder having a base and two arms extending from the base in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis. At least one strand of floss extends between the two arms. An angled brush is attached to the floss holder and comprises a rod and bristles disposed on the rod. The rod is oriented at an acute angle relative to one of the arms of the floss holder.

In another aspect, a dental cleaning tool generally comprises a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the tool and a floss holder for holding a plurality of floss strands. An angled brush is attached to the floss holder. The angled brush comprises a rod and bristles extending from the rod. The rod is oriented at an acute angle with respect to a portion of the floss holder. A toothpick has a pointed tip and is spaced from the floss holder such that the handle is disposed between the toothpick and the floss holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective of one suitable embodiment of a dental cleaning tool including an angled brush.

Figure 2 is a left side elevation of the dental cleaning tool.

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the dental cleaning tool.

Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the dental cleaning tool.

Figure 5 is a top elevation of the dental cleaning tool.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective of the dental cleaning tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1-6 illustrate one suitable embodiment of a dental cleaning tool, indicated generally at 100. As seen therein, the illustrated dental cleaning tool 100 includes a handle 102, a floss holder 104, a toothpick 106, and an angled brush 108. The handle 102, the floss holder 104, the toothpick 106, and the angled brush 108 are each indicated generally by their respective reference number in the accompanying figures. It is understood that in some other suitable embodiments that do not depart from some of the aspects of this invention, the dental cleaning tool 100 may include any combinations of the floss holder 104, the toothpick 106, and/or the angled brush 108. In the illustrated embodiment, a ridge 110 extends about the perimeter of the dental cleaning tool 100 to provide additional strength to the dental cleaning tool and facilitate a user gripping the dental cleaning tool.

The handle 102 includes a grip portion 112, a floss end 114, and a pick end 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 102 has a length 118 measured between the floss end 114 and the pick end 116 along a longitudinal axis 120 of the tool 100, which extends through the handle 102. In suitable embodiments, the length 118 of the handle 102 may be any measurement that enables the dental cleaning tool 100 to function as described herein. Suitably, the length 118 is in the range between about 43 mm and about 52 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the length 118 of the handle 102 is approximately 48 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in Figures 2-5, the handle 102 includes a front wall 122, an opposing rear wall 124, a first side wall 126, and a second side wall 128 opposite the first side wall. As illustrated in Figure 5, the

side walls

126, 128 are oriented perpendicularly to and connect the front and

rear walls

122, 124. A width 127 (Figure 2) is measured between the front wall 122 and the rear wall 124 and a thickness 129 (Figure 3) is measured between the two

side walls

126, 128. Suitably, the width 127 of the handle 102 is in the range between about 3.8 mm and about 5.8 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the width 127 is approximately 4.8 mm. Suitably, the thickness 129 of the handle 102 is in the range between about 1.5 mm and about 2.8 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 129 is approximately 1.9 mm.

The toothpick 106, which defines a portion of the handle 102 and, more specifically, defines the pick end 116 of the handle, facilitates removing and/or loosening debris such as food remnants from between the user’s teeth. It is contemplated that the toothpick 106 can have any suitable shape that facilitates the removal of debris between adjacent teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the pick end 116 of the handle 102 is pointed to define the toothpick 106. Specifically, the width of at least of the

side walls

126, 128 tapers to a point towards the pick end 116. In the illustrated embodiment, only the lower side wall 126 tapers towards the pick end 116. The upper side wall 128 is generally planar. It is understood, however, that both the

side walls

126, 128 could taper. It is further understood that only the upper side wall 128 could taper and, in such an embodiment, the lower side wall 126 would be generally planar. As a result, the front wall 122 and the rear wall 124 meet at the pick end 116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the toothpick 106 is formed as a single-piece with the handle 102. In other words, the toothpick 106 is an integral extension of the handle 102. It is understood, however, that the toothpick can be formed as a separate component and attached to the handle 102 during assembly of the dental cleaning tool 100. It is also contemplated that the toothpick 106 can be removably attached the dental cleaning tool 100 in other suitable embodiments without departing from some aspects of this invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the floss holder 104 extends from the floss end 114 of the holder. The floss holder 104 includes an arcuate (or broadly, nonlinear) base 130 and two

arms

132, 134 extending in spaced relationship from each other from the base. As seen in Figures 2 and 6, the inner arm 132 and the outer arm 134 are substantially parallel. Accordingly, the floss holder 104 in the illustrated embodiment is generally U-shaped. It is understood that in other embodiments, the floss holder 104 may have any suitable shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the floss holder 104 is formed as a single-piece with the handle 102. In other words, the floss holder 104 is an integral extension of the handle 102. It is understood, however, that the floss holder 104 can be formed as a separate component and attached to the handle 102 during assembly of the dental cleaning tool 100.

With reference still to Figures 2 and 6, the dental cleaning tool 100 includes a curved portion 136 extending between the handle 102 and the floss holder 104. As a result, in the illustrated embodiment, majority of the base 130 of the floss holder 104 is disclosed below the longitudinal axis 120 of the tool 100. The curved portion 136 facilitates the user gripping the handle 102 and positioning the floss holder 104 in the user’s mouth. It is understood that floss holder 104 can be oriented in any manner in relation to the handle 102 that enables the floss holder 104 to function as described herein. For example, the curved portion 136 can be omitted in some suitable embodiments. In such embodiments, the base 130 of the floss handle 104 would be aligned with the longitudinal axis 120 of the tool 100.

Each of the

arms

132, 134, which are cantilever, includes a proximal portion 138 and a distal portion 140. The

proximal portions

138, 140 are connected to the base 130 and the distal portions 140 are spaced from the base 130. At least one floss strand 142 extends between the distal portions 140 of the two

arms

132, 134. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two of the floss strands 142 extend between the two

arms

132, 134. Suitably, the floss strands 142 are substantially parallel to each other. It is understood that the floss holder 104 may have any suitable configuration without departing from some aspects of this disclosure. For example, the floss strands 142 may be removable from the

arms

132, 134 such that the user can remove and/or replace the floss strands.

In one suitable embodiment, the angled brush 108 extends (at an angle) from the floss holder 104. Suitably, the angled brush 108 extends from one of the

arms

132, 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled brush 108 extends from the outermost arm 134 (i.e., the arm spaced the furthest from the handle 102) . It is understood, however, that the angled brush 108 may extend from any portion of the dental cleaning tool 100 in other suitable embodiments without departing from some aspects of this invention.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 6, the angled brush includes a rod 144 and a plurality of bristles 146 extending from the rod 144. The rod 144 is angled in relation to the longitudinal axis 120 and the arm 134 to which it is attached such that the rod 144 makes an angle 148 with the outermost arm. More generally, the angled brush 108 extends from the floss holder 104. More specifically, the angled brush 108 extends from the outermost arm 134 of the brush holder and is angled upward toward the base 130 of the floss holder 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled brush 108 extends beyond the transverse extent of the floss holder 104. That is, the angled brush 108 extends transversely beyond the longitudinal axis 120 a greater distance than the base 130 of the floss holder 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 148 is an acute angle. As used herein, acute angle means an angle that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. In one suitable embodiment, the angle 148 is between about 20° and about 50°. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the angle 148 is approximately 35°. It is understood that the angle 148 can be any angle that enables operation of the angled brush 108 as described herein. It is understood that the rod 144 may be angled in relation to any portions of the dental cleaning tool 100 without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.

The angled brush 108 may extend from any portions of the outermost arm 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled brush 108 extends from the midpoint of the outer arm 134. In suitable embodiments, the angled brush 108 be oriented in any manner and may extend in any direction without departing from some aspects of this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figure 2, the angled brush 108 extends in the longitudinal direction and in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis 120 of the tool 100. Specifically, the angled brush 108 extends longitudinally outward from the outer arm 134 and transversely towards the proximal portion 138. In suitable embodiments, the angled brush 108 may be oriented such that the angled brush extends from the proximal portion 138 towards the distal portion 140.

Due at least in part to the angle 148 and the orientation of the angled brush 108, a user can comfortably use the angled brush 108 to clean their teeth. In particular, the user can comfortably hold the handle 102 and position the angled brush 108 against various surfaces of their teeth without having to awkwardly position their hand in relation to their mouth or awkwardly position the tool 100 within their mouth. Additionally, the angled brush 108 enables the dental cleaning tool 100 to reach difficult locations in a user’s mouth (i.e., the back of the user’s mouth) . Moreover, the dental cleaning tool 100 is configured such that the angled brush 108 can be positioned in a variety of positions without being obstructed by the floss holder 104 and vice-versa.

As best illustrated in Figure 5, the rod 144 has a distal end 150 and a proximal end 152. A length 154 is measured between the distal end 150 and the proximal end 152. Suitably, the length 154 is between about 14 mm and about 22 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the length 154 is approximately 18 mm. Suitably, the rod 144 has a sidewall 156 extending between the proximal end 152 and the distal end 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 156 is substantially cylindrical having a smaller diameter near the distal end 150 and a larger diameter near the proximal end 152. In other words, the sidewall 156 tapers as it extends from the distal end 150 to the proximatal end 152. The smaller diameter facilitates the distal end 150 being positioned in tight spaces for cleaning. Additionally, the rod 144 has a curved transition near the proximal end 152. The larger diameter and curved transition near the proximal end 152 inhibits the rod 144 breaking near the attachment to the arm 134. It is understood the rod 144 may have any suitable shape and size without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.

The bristles 146 extend from the sidewall 156 for cleaning the user’s teeth. The bristles 146 may be arranged in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles 146 are arranged in a plurality of bristle groups 158 spaced along the length of the rod 144 and spaced annularly around the circumference of the cylindrical sidewall 156. In other suitable embodiments, the bristles 146 may be continuous along the length and/or circumference of the rod 144 instead of being arranged in the spaced bristle groups 158. Additionally, in suitable embodiments, the bristles 146 may extend from only a portion of the rod 144, e.g., along only one side of the rod 144 or only at the distal end 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the bristle groups 158 are arranged in four rows extending along the length 154 of the rod 144 that are spaced annularly around the circumference of the cylindrical sidewall 156. It is understood that the bristle 1446 can be grouped in any suitable manner or can be arranged randomly on the sidewall 156.

In suitable embodiments, the dental cleaning tool 100 may be formed in any suitable manner and of any suitable material. For example, the dental cleaning tool 100 may be formed from metal, wood, plastic, and/or combinations thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the dental cleaning tool 100 is molded or otherwise formed from a single piece of resilient synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 102, floss holder 104, toothpick 106, and angled brush 108 are integrally formed. More specifically in the illustrated embodiment, the entire tool 100, except for the floss strands 142, is molded as a single piece from acceptable food grade plastic. In other embodiments, any of the handle 102, floss holder 104, toothpick 106, and angled brush 108 may be separately formed and attached to the dental cleaning tool 100 during assembly.

The dental cleaning tools described herein include an angled brush that extends from and is orientated at an acute angle relative to other portions of the dental cleaning tool. Accordingly, the dental cleaning tools described herein expand the portions of a mouth that users can comfortably reach and effectively clean using the dental cleaning tools. Further, the angled brush increases the range of possible positions that are unobstructed by other portions of the dental cleaning tool.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment (s) thereof, the articles "a" , "an" , "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising" , "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

A dental cleaning tool comprising:

a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the tool；

a floss holder having a base and two arms extending from the base in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis；

at least one strand of floss extending between the two arms； and

an angled brush attached to the floss holder, the angled brush comprising a rod and bristles disposed on the rod, the rod being oriented at an acute angle relative to one of the arms of the floss holder.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the rod makes an angle between about 20° and about 50° with the one of the arms.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the rod makes an angle of approximately 35° with the one of the arms.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the arm comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, the angled brush extending in the longitudinal direction outward from the arm and in a transverse direction towards the proximal portion.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the rod has a length and a circumference, the bristles being arranged in a plurality of bristle groups spaced along the length of the rod and annularly around the circumference of the rod.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 2 further comprising a toothpick extending from an end of the handle opposite the floss holder.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 6, wherein the toothpick is formed by the end of the handle such that the toothpick is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 7, wherein the floss holder further comprises a base, the arms extending from the base such that the floss holder is U-shaped, the base being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 8 wherein a plurality of floss strands extend between the arms, the floss strands being substantially parallel.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 6, wherein the floss holder, handle, and toothpick are formed as a single piece.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 10, wherein the angle brush is formed as a single piece along with the floss holder, handle and toothpick.
A dental cleaning tool comprising:

a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the tool；

a floss holder for holding a plurality of floss strands；

an angled brush attached to the floss holder, the angled brush comprising a rod and bristles extending from the rod, the rod being oriented at an acute angle with respect to a portion of the floss holder； and

a toothpick having a pointed tip, the toothpick being spaced from the floss holder such that the handle is disposed between the toothpick and the floss holder.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the rod makes an angle between about 20° and about 50° with the portion of the floss holder.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 13, wherein the rod makes an angle of approximately 35° with the one of the arms.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the floss holder comprises at least one arm, the angled brush extending an acute angle from the at least one arm.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 15, wherein the arm has a proximal portion and a distal portion, the angled brush extending in a direction at least partially towards the proximal portion.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the floss holder extends from an end of the handle and the toothpick extends from an opposite end of the handle.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 17, wherein a curved portion extends between the handle and the floss holder.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the handle, angled brush, floss holder, and toothpick are formed as a single piece.
The dental cleaning tool in accordance with Claim 12, wherein the angled brush has a length between 14 mm and 22 mm.