Dental Hygiene Device

Abstract

A dental hygiene device for stimulating glands, cleaning teeth and massaging gums to support oral health. The dental hygiene device includes a body having a handle in contact with a head, wherein the handle and the head support positioning of the dental hygiene device within the mouth of the user. A first and second set of protrusions each forming a first and second set of brushes extend from a first side and a second side of the head, respectively, such that the first set of protrusions are able to contact an upper jaw of a user and the second set of protrusions are able to contact a lower jaw of the user, simultaneously. The head and protrusions are designed to produce beneficial contact with the teeth, gums, and oral cavity of the user, and, in some embodiments, include abrasive elements for wiping, cleaning, massaging and/or stimulation.

Claims

1) A dental hygiene device, comprising: a body having a handle extending from a head, wherein the head comprises a first side and a second side; a first set of protrusions extending from the first side and a second set of protrusions extending from the second side; wherein the first set of protrusions are configured to contact an upper oral cavity of a mouth and the second set of protrusions are configured to contact a lower oral cavity of the mouth, simultaneously.

2) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein an exterior perimeter of the head extends beyond the first set and second set of protrusions for gland stimulation.

3) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein a channel is formed between a pair of protrusions of the first set of protrusions, such that a sidewall of the pair of protrusions is configured to contact a side of a tooth within the mouth.

4) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

5) The dental hygiene device of claim 4, wherein the second set of protrusions are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

6) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, further comprising an abrasive element disposed on the head and/or the first set of protrusions.

7) The dental hygiene device of claim 6, wherein the abrasive element comprises a helical band extending from a proximal end to a distal end of a protrusion of the first or second set of protrusions.

8) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of outer protrusions aligning a side of the first set of protrusions.

9) The dental hygiene device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of outer protrusions comprise a different length than the first set of protrusion.

10) The dental hygiene device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of outer protrusions comprise a different cross-sectional shape than the first set of protrusions.

11) The dental hygiene device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of outer protrusions are exterior to the first set of protrusions.

12) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein a front side of the head comprises a narrower width than a width of a rear side of the head.

13) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions are slanted relative to a face of the first side of the head, such that an interior angle between the face of the head of which the first set of protrusions extends is greater than or less than 90 degrees.

14) The dental hygiene device of claim 13, wherein the second set of protrusions are slanted relative to a face of the second side of the head, such that an interior angle between the face of the head of which the second set of protrusions extends is greater than or less than 90 degrees.

15) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions form a first column of protrusions and a second column of protrusions.

16) The dental hygiene device of claim 15, further comprising a bristled section extending between the first and second column of protrusions.

17) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the handle and the head are disposed on a same plane, wherein the plane extends through a longitudinal axis of the body.

18) The dental hygiene device of claim 17, wherein the handle comprises an opening.

19) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein the body forms a solid core that extends from the first side to the second side thereof.

20) The dental hygiene device of claim 1, wherein a protrusion of the first set or second set of protrusions is removably secured to the body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, exemplary embodiments of the invention and manners in which it may be made and used, may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying reference, annotated embodiments provided here in the figures.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a top planar view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the second embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows a top planar view of a fourth embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a top planar view of a head of an alternate embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a front view of a first set of protrusions of an alternate embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of the dental hygiene device.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dental hygiene device in use.

[0031] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device in use.

[0032] FIG. 15 shows another perspective view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the dental hygiene device. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, exemplary embodiments used for stimulating glands, cleaning the teeth and oral cavity, and massaging the gums of a canine will be discussed. The figures are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the non-limiting, exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to one embodiment, at least one embodiment, an embodiment, one example, an example, for example, and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase in an embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is a perspective view, a top planar view, and a side view of a first embodiment of the dental hygiene device, respectively. The dental hygiene device 1000 comprises a body 1100 having a handle 1200 extending from a head 1300, wherein the head 1300 comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to clean teeth and massage gums to support oral health in both animals and humans. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 1300 is shaped to extend comfortably within a mouth of the user, such that a front side 1310 of the head 1300 is narrower than the rear side 1320. In some embodiments, the head is substantially U-shaped. The head 1300 comprises a first side and an opposing second side each having a substantially planar surface. In the illustrated embodiment, a channel 1280 extends between front side the second side of the head, along a central longitudinal axis thereof. The channel 1280 is configured to guide teeth through the first and second sets of protrusions. However, in alternate embodiments, the surfaces of each side are planar, non-planar, shaped, textured, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, an exterior perimeter 1330 of the head is rounded for the comfort of the user. The rounded exterior perimeter 1330 is also configured to extend outward sufficiently to stimulate glands, promoting saliva production, and to comfortably manage the tongue to avoid interference with the brushing motion and protrusions.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the head 1300 comprises a first set of protrusions 1400 extending from the first side 1310 and a second set of protrusions 1420 extending from the second side 1320, wherein the first set of protrusions 1400 are configured to a length that reach the upper extent of the oral cavity, gums and contact an upper jaw of a user and the second set of protrusions 1420 are configured to a length that reach the lower extent of the oral cavity, gums and contact a lower jaw of the user, simultaneously. The first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 each form a first column 1430 and second column 1440. The columns 1430, 1440 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, forming organized channels of a width sufficient to allow teeth to glide through. The sidewall of the first and second set of protrusions are configured to contact the sides of the teeth, wherein the bottom of the teeth extend above or glide along the surface of the head. In alternate embodiments, the protrusions may be spaced such that each interacts with teeth, gums and oral cavity to maximize cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 1100 and further comprise a plurality of outer protrusions 1500 parallel to the first and second columns 1400, 1420. The plurality of outer protrusions 1500 form a first column 1510 and a second column 1520, such that the first and second columns of the first and second sets of protrusions are disposed entirely between the outer protrusions 1500. The protrusions of the illustrated embodiment configuration is designed with differing inner and outer lengths for teeth cleaning (as seen in FIG. 11), to stimulate salivary glands and to redistribute the produced saliva to the first and second set of protrusions, and the oral cavity generally, as well as to massage the gums and mouth. In other embodiments, the outer protrusions are not disposed in a column, and instead disposed in any suitable pattern intended to extend to the roof and floor of the mouth and the oral vestibule.

[0037] In alternate non-limiting embodiments, protrusions are oriented at any angle to the longitudinal axes or to other protrusions, and configured with shapes or designs useful for improved functional utility or device aesthetic. Further, the pattern of the plurality of outer protrusions and the sets of protrusions may differ in that a single column of each set of protrusions is formed, more than two columns are formed, a staggered arrangement, zig-zag pattern, an irregular arrangement, a patterned arrangement and the like is formed on each side of the head (as seen in FIG. 10). In some exemplary embodiments, the protrusions disposed on the first side of the head do not mirror the protrusions disposed on the second side of the head. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the first set of protrusions 1400 and the outer protrusions 1500 on the first side 1310 of the head 1300 mirror the second set of protrusions 1420 and the outer protrusions 1500 disposed on the second side 1320 of the head 1300.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of outer protrusions 1500 comprise a greater length than the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420, wherein the length is measured from a proximal end 1530 of a protrusion to the distal end 1540. In this way, the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 are configured to engage the surfaces of teeth while the outer protrusions 1500 engage and massage the gums and mouth. The outer protrusions further stimulate the salivary glands and redistribute saliva produced thereby onto the first and second sets of protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second columns of the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 terminate within a tapered end 1340 of the head 1300, whereas the first and second columns of the outer protrusions 1500 terminate closer to the handle 1200.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion comprises a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the protrusions comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as triangular, square, rectangular, rounded or sharp edge, irregular, and the like. In some embodiments the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 comprise a different cross-sectional shape than the outer protrusions 1500 (as seen in FIG. 9). In other embodiments, each protrusion may be of a different shape and/or pattern to improve function or aesthetic of the device.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiments, the body 1300 forms a solid core extending from the first side 1310 to the second side 1320 thereof. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a plurality of apertures extends through the body to support natural breathing, swallowing and other physiological activities or beneficial functions, while the head 1300 is disposed within a mouth. In other non-limiting embodiments, the core of the body is hollow or partially hollow or may be comprised of rigid material with soft elastomeric overcoats, where protrusions are held in place by the rigid inner-core or the elastomeric overcoats. In the illustrated embodiment, the body is composed of an elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, rubber (natural, thermoplastic), silicon, rubber-silicon or other suitable material or combination of materials. The surfaces of the head comprise a smooth, low-friction material to facilitate a gliding or sliding movement of the teeth along the extent of the head, through and/or over protrusions, along the interior and exterior surfaces of the mouth, of the tongue, of the gums and of the oral cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions are also composed of an elastomeric material such as rubber (natural, thermoplastic), silicon, rubber-silicon, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the head and protrusions are monolithic. In some embodiments, the body, including the handle, and protrusions are monolithic. In some embodiments, the head and protrusions are separate parts to be combined to form the device. In some embodiments, the body, including the handle, and protrusions are separate parts to be combined to form the device. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions are removable and/or interchangeable from the head with another protrusion (as seen in FIG. 11, 1700). In some embodiments, the materials to produce the device may be metal, plastic, wood, fiber, natural or synthetic materials, or any other suitable material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the head, from which protrusions extend, is cut out forming a shape that conforms to specific mouth and oral cavity shapes, sizes, types, and teeth sizes and configurations. For example, a child with primary teeth. In other embodiments, the head is shaped to optimize pressure and/or contact with glands. In yet other embodiments, the head is shaped for aesthetic design.

[0042] In certain embodiments, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, thermal, biological, optical or chemical activity may be useful to support oral health and/or oral hygiene when incorporated with the dental hygiene device 1000. In some embodiments, the body and/or protrusions comprise a coating or are embedded with cleaning and/or antibiotic agents to promote oral hygiene. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, metals, fluorine, flavoring, and the like. For example, in some embodiments, the dental hygiene device comprises any one of fluoride, ultraviolet light, mechanical motors for vibration or movement or any number of other implements to support dental health.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a front view and a rear view of the first embodiment of the dental hygiene device, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1200 and the head 1300 extend on a same plane disposed on a longitudinal axis of the body 1100. In alternate embodiments, the handle is disposed in any suitable configuration, such as offset from the body or perpendicular thereto. The handle 1200 is defined as a part by which the device 1000 is held, carried, or controlled. The handle 1200 comprises any suitable configuration, such as a knob, extension, grip, shaft, and the like. The handle 1200 is configured to be grasped and moved back and forth, allowing the head to reach the fullest extents of the oral cavity to support teeth cleaning, gum massaging, and promote saliva production.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1200 extends directly from the proximal end of the head 1300. The handle 1200 comprises a stop 1220 to prevent the dental hygiene device 1000 from entering the mouth of a user beyond the head 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 1220 comprises an enlarged section having a larger thickness than the head 1300 (which can be seen in FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 1220 comprises a substantially same width as the widest section of the head 1300, wherein the width is measured between the lateral sides of the body dental hygiene device 1000. In some embodiments the stop is wider or taller than any other element of the device, to protect the user from harm such as swallowing or choking on the device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the handle further comprises a pommel disposed on a distal end thereof to allow an additional grip portion. The pommel is also configured to protect a hand while using the dental hygiene device from biting that can occur, as well as maintain a further distance from an animal's mouth while performing a brushing motion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the protrusions and/or head include an abrasive element to produce beneficial contact with the glands, teeth, gums, and oral cavity of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 each include helical band 1450 extending from a proximal end to a distal end. However, in alternate embodiments, the abrasive element is a high friction surface, texture, coating, or layer disposed entirely or partially around the protrusions. The helical band 1450 is composed of the same material as the protrusions and, in some embodiments, is monolithic therewith. However, in alternate embodiments the helical band or abrasive elements may be composed of different materials such as silica, plastic, metal, fiber or other suitable material.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a perspective view and a front view of a second embodiment of the dental hygiene device, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 of the dental hygiene device 1000 are slanted relative to a surface or face of the first side 1310 of the head 1300. In this way, an interior angle 1470 between the face of the head 1300 of which the first and second set of protrusions 1400, 1420 extend is greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the protrusions are not slanted and comprise a dense bristled section extending between protrusions (as seen in FIG. 8, 1600), wherein the bristles may be made of nylon, more rigid material or other suitable material for the utility described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 1480 of the head is flat.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1200 comprises an opening 1270 for receiving fingers of a user therethrough. The opening 1270 is between 20% to 50% if the total length of the body. In this way, the elongated opening provides an additional buffer or distance to protect a hand of a user while performing a brushing motion on an animal, child or infirm human. In alternate embodiments, the body comprises openings of larger or smaller dimensions. In yet another alternate embodiment, the body comprises multiple handles to support grip and positioning or movement of the dental hygiene device.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, there are shown views of the dental hygiene device in use. In operation, a person grasps the handle 1200 of the body 1100 of the dental hygiene device 1000 and inserts the head within their mouth, another person's mouth, or the mouth of an animalas shown. The illustrated embodiment shows a canine skull to demonstrate the placement and extent of contact the protrusions have within an oral cavity. The first side 1310 of the head faces toward the upper jaw and the second side 1320 of the body faces toward the lower jaw. The outer protrusions 1500 are configured to align along the sides of the teeth and contact the gum tissue of the oral cavity and the first and second sets of protrusions 1400, 1420 contact the surfaces of the teeth. In one embodiment, the distance between the first and second sets of protrusions 1400, 1420 is between 0.2 inches and 2 inches. The handle is moved in a forwards and backwards motion to glide in and out of the mouth while the abrasive elements clean the surfaces of the teeth and the outer protrusions clean and massage the gums and stimulate the glands. The size and placement of the outer protrusions allow the device 1000 to stimulate the parotid gland and the zygomatic gland in the upper jaw area, as well as simultaneously stimulate the mandibular and sublingual glands located in the lower jaw area. The mirrored design is configured to clean upper and lower teeth in one motion, rapidly.

[0050] The dental hygiene device allows the floor, roof, and oral vestibule of the mouth to be massaged simultaneously via the outer protrusions, as well as allowing the interior first and second sets of protrusions to clean and massage the sides of the teeth and gums. The shape and size of each protrusion stimulate the glands through pressure or contact, wherein the channel formed between the protrusions allows for movement around whole teeth and rows of teeth, like Mitter-curtains, where cleaning is predominantly a function of wiping, and in some embodiments scraping and/or abrasive contact of the protrusion designs. The handle extends away from the head while providing a buffer zone or a stop to protect the user from accidentally swallowing, and/or to prevent injury from being bitten.

[0051] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0052] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.