APPARATUS FOR SMOOTHING TEETH BY RUBBING AWAY TINY TOOTH SURFACE IRREGULARITIES THEREBY ENHANCING THEIR SHINE AND GLOSS

Abstract

An apparatus for removing scratches from tooth enamel configured like a toothbrush that has buffing material where the toothbrush has bristles. Configured in several different iterations so as to comprise a toothbrush shaped instrument that provides ways to attach buffing material. One iteration places the buffing material over the head. Another iteration includes a pad between the head and the buffing material in three buffing surfaces each one of flat, concave, and convex. The pad and buffing material configured severally to facilitate mating to the neck of the apparatus by known methods. The head further including an integrated head portion, pad, and buffing material in one of flat, concave, and convex shapes that attach to the neck and handle. The user places the buffing material against the teeth and moves the apparatus back and forth to buff the surfaces and smooth the enamel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for buffing teeth by moving tooth enamel enough to smooth the enamel surfaces of human teeth comprising: a handle, a neck section, and a head portion consisting of various material, and buffing material tightly affixed or held tightly to said head portion to prevent all movement wherein the user holds said handle and places said buffing material against the surface of the tooth or teeth to be buffed, applies force against the tooth or teeth, and moves the whole apparatus back and forth and up and down as desired to move tooth enamel and remove scratches left by brushing with a toothbrush or by any other means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 shaped and sized in the range of popular toothbrushes; a. said apparatus is sized and shaped in all iterations for convenient, comfortable, and safe us on all the surfaces of all the teeth in a human mouth from the front teeth to the back molars in any and all arrangements of human teeth; b. said apparatus strong enough to apply force to the teeth without bending, twisting, or breaking. c. said apparatus resembling a conventional toothbrush that has a buffing configuration where the toothbrush has bristles.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is streamlined to prevent difficulty, discomfort, or injury, inside a human mouth during use for all arrangements of human teeth and all the teeth.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is smooth throughout to prevent scratching tooth enamel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein material throughout is hydrophobic with exception of said buffing material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising, in all iterations, methods to hold said buffing material firmly in place against said head portion to prevent distortion, snagging, bunching, wrinkling, or movement of any type; a. said buffing material formed as a thin, nondeformable material, and b. said buffing material not subject to lateral movement that defeats the effort required to buff the teeth.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a device with an elongated handle portion at one end, a neck portion, and a head portion on the other end.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a handle constructed of plastic, hard rubber, wood, or other suitable materials; a. said handle constructed flat with rounded oval, square, rectangular, or other suitable shapes, and b. said handle constructed with gripping structures to prevent slippage.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a neck section; a. said neck section smaller than said handle and said head portions and more streamlined than said handle section; i. said neck section comprises one of a round, oval, or other suitable shape in cross section, ii. said neck section sized according to the material used, iii. said neck section comprising a device strong enough to take the forces of the buffing process, iv. said neck section comprising a narrowed length to accommodate the narrow space between the cheek and teeth along the sides of the dental arches and the lips and teeth in the front of the denture arches, v. said neck section 1.5 to 2 inches long, and vi. said neck section providing a strong link between said handle and said head portion; b. said head portion comprising a flat, rounded rectangle or oval from 1 to 1.5 inches long, about 0.5 inch wide, and about 0.3 inch thick; i. dimensions of said head portion selected in accordance with the material used, ii. dimensions of said head portion selected for sufficient strength to accommodate the forces necessary to buff the enamel of teeth, and iii. said head portion provided in a range of sizes to suite the variations of human mouths and arrangements of teeth.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a handle, a neck, and a head portion with changeable buffing material in a single integrated form; a. said apparatus comprising said head portion that is passed inside a tight-fitting sack of thin buffing material that is stretched tightly along the longitudinal axis of said head portion and tightly tied around said neck section to prevent any distortion, snagging, bunching, wrinkling, or movement of any type; b. said apparatus in sizes like those of popular toothbrushes; c. said head portion sized as those of toothbrushes where bristles are affixed; d. said buffing material sack having one of drawstrings or tails of the buffing material at the open end long enough to tie around the neck of the apparatus securing the material tightly on the head portion; i. said tails or strings tied to entrap the ends, and ii. said tails or strings ends alternatively secured by rubber band rings, 1. said rubber band rings to be small enough to secure the strings or tails material, 2. said rubber band rings about 0.2 to 0.3 inches wide, 3. said rubber band rings fit tightly to said neck section, and 4. said rubber band to be used in addition to tying to secure tails or strings and the ends of said tails or strings, e. said buffing material comprising a thickness determinable by the type of material used; i. said buffing material has a thickness too thin to compress or distort and defeat the pressure required to move tooth enamel, and ii. said buffing material to be thick enough to provide a slight conforming characteristic to shape it slightly to the shape of the surface to be buffed; f. said buffing material of the apparatus to be placed against the surface to be buffed and passed over tooth or teeth in up and down and/or back and forth directions using pressure to move tooth enamel; and g. said apparatus presenting a top, a bottom, and four sides of said buffing material providing six different surfaces to use to buff the various teeth and arrangements of teeth.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 for buffing teeth comprising an integrated, interchangeable head portion further comprising: a handle, a strong neck section, said head portion separate from said neck section and said handle comprising a pad with buffing material glued to the top of said pad which is glued to the top of said head portion; said head portion has a threaded male part formed of the head material that screws into a threaded female part in said neck section; said head portion comprising a head base, a pad, and a buffing material in a set of shapes individually produced having a top surface of each pad of flat, concave, and convex that present said buffing material in one of flat, concave, and convex surfaces to accommodate all arrangements of teeth including the front teeth on inner and outer surfaces and back teeth on inner and outer surfaces.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a head portion with a male/female attachment technique; a. said attachment technique in one case is a threaded male part that screws into a threaded female part in said neck section, and b. said head portion comprising in another case a male part that snaps into a matching female part in said neck section.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an integrated attachable head portion that includes a pad glued to a separate head portion with buffing material bonded to the top surface of the pad with dental glue; a. said integrated head portion, pad, and pre-mounted buffing material comprising a single integrated changeable head portion of suitable size and shape; i. said integrated interchangeable head portion made of the same material as said neck section and said handle section, ii. said pad and said pre-mounted buffing material having a flat bottom in every iteration that is bonded to said head portion using dental glue, iii. said pad and said pre-mounted buffing material presenting a top surface of said pad that provides a convex top surface to conform said buffing material into the convex shape of the top surface of said pad for use inside the front teeth, iv. said pad and said pre-mounted buffing material presenting another head with a concave top surface of said pad to conform said buffing material to the concave shape of the top of said pad for buffing the outside of the front teeth, v. said head portion tion with said pad and said pre-mounted buffing material presenting another head with a flat surface of said pad that does not bend said buffing material to be useful for all surfaces of all the teeth, vi. said pad being made of hydrophobic and sterilizable material such as hard rubber, plastic, bamboo, wood, or any other suitable material, vii. said pad being from one to two inches long, and one eighth to a half inch thick, and about one half inch wide to make different sizes available to accommodate the different sizes of mouths, teeth, and teeth arrangements, viii. said handle comprising a sturdy construction such as found in popular toothbrushes with gripping ridges or other friction creating finishes to reduce slipping in the grip, ix. said handle comprising a neck section of reduced size to accommodate the tight area between teeth and cheeks and teeth and lips, and x. said handle and said neck sections being manufactured of wood, bamboo, plastic, or other hydrophobic and sterilizable substances.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said head portion comprises said buffing material that is strong, stiff, and abrasive enough to smooth/buff the surface of tooth enamel to a smooth and glossy finish; a. said head portion designed to hold said buffing material stretched tightly so as to prevent deformation, wrinkling, bunching, slipping or any other type of movement; b. said head portion free of bristles or any sharp or abrasive material other than that designed to contact the surface of the teeth, herein known as “buffing material” that can scratch the teeth, irritate, or injure the tissues of the human mouth, or cause discomfort to the user; c. said head portion is made to accommodate various types of said buffing material; and d. said head portion including a pad that has a flat top surface and presents said buffing material in a flat configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said pads comprise variously shaped pads; a. said head portion comprising said pads that raise said buffing material above said handle to accommodate the different buffing surface shapes; i. the height said pad raises said buffing material above said handle a distance determined by the curvature, where there is curvature, of said top surface of said pad, ii. the curvature of said pads of various degrees of curvature to accommodate the various curvatures of dental arches and sizes of human mouths and teeth, iii. said pads comprising the thinnest thickness necessary to provide the concave top surface of the pad, and iv. said pads comprising thicknesses as measured from the bottom of said head portion to the top of the buffing material the same as the concave pad which demands a certain thickness by nature of the concave curvature.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chosen buffing material is placed over variously shaped head portions appropriate for the intended tooth or teeth to be buffed.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said buffing material is made of various substances either natural or synthetic that can move tooth enamel without damaging the teeth; a. said buffing material is made of cotton, leather, hemp, bamboo, polyvinyl acetal sponge, or a non-woven or synthetic porous material; b. said buffing material if made of hard terrycloth with short pile, cotton muslin, jersey, or other cotton material having sufficient texture to move tooth enamel; and c. said buffing material is made of terry cloth in one layer for use in various iteratrions of the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the selected buffing material is placed over the chosen head portion and the surface of said buffing material is placed on the surface of the tooth or teeth and passed across the surface of the tooth or teeth using force sufficient to move enamel enough to restore the tooth surface to a smoothness free of microscopic scratches created by use and/or brushing.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck section and said handle, whether interchangeable or integrated, provide zero movement of said buffing material against said head portion of the apparatus.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is a teeth cleaning device, said handle of said teeth cleaning device comprises bristles at one end and said buffing material at the other end, and said bristles allow brushing of the teeth and said buffing material removes tiny scratches remaining on the surface of the enamel of the teeth that the bristles would have left on the surface of the enamel after brushing.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said buffing material removably connects to said handle in a bent or tip-like structure configuration to buff or clean rear of the back molars or wisdom teeth.

22. An apparatus for buffing the surfaces between teeth, said apparatus comprising: a handle; and a buffing material that removably connects to said handle, said buffing material comprises a thin, flat structure, wherein a user holds said handle, places said tip-like structure in a dry condition against surfaces between teeth and moves said tip-like structure in and out over the surface of the teeth to remove tiny scratches remaining on a surface of enamel of the teeth that a toothbrush would have left on the surface of the enamel between the teeth after brushing, and said tip-like structure allows to buff or clean between the teeth, and smoothes and shines the surfaces between teeth.

23. An apparatus for buffing the surfaces of teeth comprising: a handle, a neck, and a head to which is glued by dental glue a strip of buffing material; wherein said buffing material comprised of single layer of terry cloth trimmed to match said head portion; and wherein said apparatus wherein the user places the buffing material against the tooth or teeth to be buffed, applies pressure, and moves the entire apparatus laterally back and forth and up and down to smooth the enamel of the tooth and/or teeth.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the user employs the apparatus until such time as the need arises to replace it; a. said apparatus comprising a washable buffing material; b. said apparatus comprising a handle, neck section, and a head portion that is washable; and c. said apparatus affording extended us by cleaning until such time as deemed exhausted and replaces it.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, within each drawing like features are identified by like reference numerals. The FIGUREs and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

[0042] FIGS. 1A through 2B illustrate various embodiments of an apparatus for buffing teeth;

[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate various embodiments of an apparatus comprising a handle in offset configuration and a buffing material mounted to the handle;

[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exploded and a side perspective view, respectively of an apparatus for buffing teeth, in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention;

[0045] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an exploded and a side perspective view, respectively of an apparatus for buffing teeth showing an attachment method, in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention;

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an apparatus in which a handle is provided in a thin and elongated configuration, and a buffing material provided at one end of and perpendicular to the handle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention;

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an apparatus in which a handle is provided in a thin and elongated configuration, and a buffing material provided at one end of and perpendicular to the handle in bent or hooked or tip fashion, in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention;

[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an apparatus in which a handle comprising both bristles and a buffing material on either side of the handle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention; and

[0049] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an exploded and a side perspective view, respectively of an apparatus for buffing teeth showing a buffing material attachment method in accordance with yet another embodiment of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed apparatus for tooth buffing and polishing. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be produced without these specific details without changing the character and quality of the apparatus. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed apparatus.

[0051] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0052] Although the present invention provides a description of an apparatus for buffing and occasionally washing teeth, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the apparatus for buffing teeth. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.

[0053] It should be understood that the present invention describes an apparatus for buffing teeth. The apparatus includes a handle, a neck, a head, a pad, and a buffing material in various configurations. The handle provides an elongated body. The neck provides a smaller section to accommodate the narrow spaces between the teeth and cheek and the teeth and lips. The head portion provides a mounting surface for the buffing material, and in another embodiment, a pad with premounted buffing material and in yet another embodiment a pad with the capacity to remove and replace the buffing material. The pad comprises a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion has a flat configuration and the top portion has a flat or concave or convex configuration. The buffing material mounts at the top surface of the pad, and as a result the buffing material takes the shape of the top surface of the pad. The bottom portion removably mounts to the handle. In another iteration the head, pad, and buffing material is a unit that removably mounts to the neck by known means. The apparatus allows to buff the teeth after brushing the teeth with a toothbrush. User uses the apparatus in a dry condition. User holds the handle and places the buffing material against the teeth and moves the buffing material back and forth over the surface of the teeth to remove tiny scratches and irregularities in the enamel surfaces.

[0054] In one embodiment, the buffing material presents a thin buffing material formed as a sack with drawstrings or tails and mounts to the handle without the need for the pad. User applies pressure according to the condition of the teeth. The process requires a few strokes on each surface or until the desired smoothness is achieved.

[0055] Various features and embodiments of an apparatus for buffing teeth are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1A to 10B.

[0056] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses an apparatus that presents a slightly abrasive surface to rub against teeth to smooth their surfaces, herein and henceforth called “buffing” teeth. FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exploded and a perspective view of apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 includes handle 12. Handle 12 resembles a handle of a toothbrush as known in the art. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exemplary shape of handle 12. However, handle 12 may have different shape and size depending on the need. Handle 12 provides material made of plastic, ceramic, wood, bamboo, or any other suitable material. Different manufacturing techniques such as molding materials help in manufacturing handle 12. Handle 12 provides first end 14 and second end 16. First end 14 indicates a distal end. At second end 16, handle 12 includes head portion 18 and neck portion 20. Head portion 18 presents an flat, oval shape section with suitable thickness. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that head portion 18 presents other shapes depending on the need. Preferably, head portion 18 presents a structure with curved, smooth edges such that apparatus 10 does not cause an injury inside the user's mouth when used for buffing teeth.

[0057] Apparatus 10 includes pad 22. Pad 22 provides material made of plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material. Pad 22 provides material having firm properties with varied thickness. Pad 22 provides material that does not absorb water or moisture. In other words, pad 22 is not susceptible to water or moisture absorption, herein and henceforth called “hydrophobic.” Person skilled in the art will appreciate that pad 22 comes in different shapes and sizes. In the current implementation, pad 22 has a size similar to that of head portion 18 of handle 12. However, person skilled in the art will appreciate that pad 22 comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the need. In one example, pad 22 has a thickness of approximately ⅛.sup.th inches. In one embodiment, pad 22 presents bottom portion 24 and top portion 26. Bottom portion 24 has a flat configuration. Bottom portion 24 provides material having stiff or rigid configuration. In one example, bottom portion 24 includes a support member (not shown) such as a metal plate. The support member mounts to bottom portion 24 and allows connecting pad 22 to handle 12. In one example, the support member connects to handle 12 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or fastener. Alternatively, bottom portion 24 of pad 22 directly connects to handle 12 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or clips of various configurations without the need for the support member.

[0058] Top portion 26 of pad 22 may have a variety of shapes. In one example, top portion 26 may have a flat surface. In another example, top portion 26 may have a concave surface. In another example, top portion 26 may have a convex surface. In another example, top portion 26 may have a wave-like surface/structure. FIG. 1A shows pad 22 having a convex surface at top surface 26.

[0059] Apparatus 10 further includes buffing material 28. Buffing material 28 provides material made of a cloth or cloth-like material. In one example, buffing material 28 provides material made of a synthetic material. In other example, buffing material 28 provides material made of a cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin. In other words, buffing material 28 provides material made of cloth or leather, polyvinyl acetal sponge, and a non-woven or synthetic porous material. Buffing material 28 provides material such as cloth of various textures, which allows to buff out scratches incurred by cleaning the teeth with a brush: Buffing material 28 possesses properties such as elasticity and flexibility, which does not scratch the surface (teeth) to be buffed. In the current implementation, buffing material 28 mounts to pad 22 at top surface 26. In one example, buffing material 24 mounts to pad 22 using adhesive or any other known mechanism.

[0060] FIG. 1B shows a side perspective view of apparatus 10, in accordance with one embodiment of present invention. As specified above, FIG. 1A shows top surface 26 having a convex surface. As such, buffing material 28 takes the shape of top surface 26 when mounted to pad 22. Subsequently, pad 22 mounts to handle 12 at the head portion 18. In one example, pad 22 mounts to head portion 18 using adhesive or glue. In another example, pad 22 mounts to head portion 18 using a fastener or any other known mechanism. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that pad 22 removably mounts to head portion 18. As a result, pad 22 allows for easy removal and cleaning. After cleaning, pad 22 connects to handle 12. In one exemplary implementation, user replaces old pad 22 with a new pad 22 after using old pad 22 until it ceases to accomplish the buffing or become unclean.

[0061] In order to buff teeth, a user uses apparatus 10 after brushing the teeth with a toothbrush and flossing between the teeth. User uses apparatus 10 in a dry or wet condition. Using the apparatus 10 in wet condition requires more strokes. The apparatus 10 does not lose buffing efficacy even when used in wet condition. At first, the user places buffing material 28 against the teeth with the help of handle 12. Subsequently, the user applies required pressure and moves handle 12 such that buffing material 28 moves back and forth (strokes) over the surface of the teeth to remove tiny scratches the toothbrush would have left on the surface of the enamel. Buffing the teeth with buffing material 28 removes the tiny scratches and results in the teeth becoming smoother. The user repeats the above process for buffing all of the teeth on all three surfaces of the enamel. Buffing after brushing the teeth reduces stains and shines the teeth. Buffing ensures no damage to the gum and stimulates blood circulation in the gum. As buffing removes the scratches, the chance of retaining biological organisms, acids, corrosive substances, and other undesired substances on the surface of the teeth reduces.

[0062] In one alternate embodiment, head portion 18 inserts into a sack of buffing material 28 having a section to receive head portion 18. Head portion 18 inserts into the section and a string from buffing material 28 helps to tie buffing material 28 to head portion 28. Alternatively, buffing material 24 includes material made in strips having ends. Here, head portion 18 encompasses slots. The slots in head portion receive the strips 18 and secure buffing material 28 to head portion 28.

[0063] FIGS. 2A and 2B show apparatus 100 for buffing and/or washing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A and 2B show an exploded view and a side perspective view of apparatus 100, respectively. In the current embodiment, apparatus 100 includes handle 102. Handle 102 presents an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 102 provides first end 104 and second end 106. First end 104 indicates a distal end. At second end 106, handle 102 provides head portion 108 and neck portion 110. In one example, head portion 108 presents an oval shape section with suitable thickness. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that head portion 108 presents other shapes depending on the need.

[0064] Apparatus 100 further includes buffing material 112. Buffing material 112 removably mounts to handle 102 at head portion 108. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that buffing material 112 comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the need. In the current implementation, buffing material 112 has a size similar to that of head portion 108. Buffing material 112 provides material made of a cloth or cloth-like material. In one example, buffing material 112 provides material made of a synthetic material. In other example, buffing material 112 provides material made of a cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin. In other words, buffing material 112 provides material made of cloth or leather, polyvinyl acetal sponge, and a non-woven or synthetic porous material that conform to the surface being buffed.

[0065] In the current embodiment, buffing material 112 has a thicker configuration. Here, bottom portion 114 of buffing material 112 has a flat configuration. Bottom portion 114 has flat configuration and stiff or rigid structure and allows mounting to head portion 108. In one example, bottom portion 114 includes a support member (not shown) such as a metal plate. The support member mounts to buffing material 112 at bottom portion 114 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or fastener. The support member mounts to bottom portion 114 and allows connecting buffing material 112 to handle 108. In one implementation, buffing material 112 removably mounts to handle 102 directly at the head portion 108 without the need for a support member.

[0066] Top portion 116 of buffing material 112 has a variety of shapes. In one example, top portion 116 may have a flat surface. In another example, top portion 116 may have a concave surface. In another example, top portion 116 may have a convex surface. In another example, top portion 116 may have a wave-like surface. FIG. 2A shows buffing material 112 having a convex surface at its top portion 116.

[0067] In order to buff teeth, a user uses apparatus 100 after brushing the teeth with a toothbrush and flossing between the teeth. The user places buffing material 112 against the teeth with the help of handle 102. The user moves apparatus 100 back and forth with the buffing material 112 held against the surface of the teeth using the desired and effective amount of pressure on the teeth to remove tiny scratches and irregularities on the surface of the enamel making the teeth smoother. It should be understood that the current embodiment explains use of apparatus 100 without the need of pad as explained above with the help of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0068] In one implementation, apparatus 100 allows the user to use it as a tooth washer i.e., to wash the teeth. In such implementation, buffing material 112 such as terrycloth mounts to handle 102. The terrycloth mounts to the handle 102 in thick layer configuration in the shape of a tooth. Buffing material 112 allows to use the apparatus 100 in a wet condition with toothpaste or other dentifrice to wash the teeth.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a side view of apparatus 200 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 200 includes handle 202. Handle 202 presents an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 202 provides first side 204 and second side 206. First side 204 indicates a top surface or top portion of handle 202 and second side 206 indicates a bottom surface or bottom portion of handle 202. Handle 202 includes neck portion 208. The current embodiment illustrates neck portion 208 that bends or offsets with respect to handle 202.

[0070] Apparatus 200 includes buffing material 212. Buffing material 212 consists of fibrous material. In one example, buffing material 212 provides material made of synthetic material, cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin or other material. As presented above, buffing material 212 has a thick configuration such that its bottom surface has a flat surface and its top surface has one of flat, concave or convex surface. In the current embodiment, buffing material 212 has a flat surface at its top surface. However, person skilled in the art will appreciate that the top surface may have a concave or convex surface. Buffing material 212 removably mounts to handle 202 at head portion 208. FIG. 3 shows buffing material 212 that mounts at the first side 204 i.e., top surface of handle 202. Apparatus 200 having buffing material 212 that connects to handle 202 provides an advantage. Here, buffing material 212 directly contacts the surface of the teeth firmly and buffs out the scratches incurred by cleaning the teeth with a brush. Buffing material 212 allows usage in dry conditions. However, buffing material 212 helps to buff out the scratches even it wet conditions.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a side view of apparatus 300 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 300 includes handle 302. Handle 302 provides an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 302 provides first side 304 and second side 306. First side 304 indicates a top surface of handle 302 and second side 306 indicates a bottom surface of handle 302. Handle 302 includes neck portion 308. The current embodiment shows neck portion 308 that bends or offsets with respect to handle 302.

[0072] Apparatus 300 includes buffing material 312. Buffing material 312 consists of a cloth or cloth-like material. In one example, buffing material 312 provides material made of synthetic material, cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin or other material. As presented above, buffing material 312 has a thick configuration such that its bottom surface has a flat surface and its top surface has one of flat, concave or convex surface. In the current embodiment, buffing material 312 has a flat surface at its top surface. However, person skilled in the art appreciates that the top surface may have a concave or convex surface. Buffing material 312 removably mounts to handle 302 at head portion 308. FIG. 4 shows buffing material 312 that mounts at second side 306 i.e., bottom surface of handle 302.

[0073] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate different configurations of handle and placement of buffing material on the handle. As such, the user may place the buffing material on the handle i.e., either at top or bottom surface depending on the need. In one example, the user may place the buffing material at the bottom surface of the handle for buffing inside of teeth. Alternatively, the user may place the buffing material at the top surface of the handle for buffing outside of teeth. Additionally, the user may choose the shape of the buffing material to be flat, concave or convex at its top surface depending on the need.

[0074] Alternatively, apparatuses shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may include a pad between the handle and buffing material, as explained using FIGS. 1A and 1B. The pad allows the buffing material to take the shape of the pad as explained using FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thus, the buffing material mounts to handle in a variety of configurations and allows the user to use it with or without the need of a pad for buffing the teeth.

[0075] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exploded view and a side perspective view, respectively of apparatus 400 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 400 includes handle 402. Handle 402 provides an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 402 provides material made of plastic, wood, or any other material. Handle 402 has first end 404 and second end 406. At second end 406, handle 402 includes head portion 408 and neck portion 410. In one example, head portion 408 presents an oval shape section with suitable thickness. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that head portion 408 presents other shapes depending on the need. Head portion 408 encompasses at least one female member 412. In the current embodiment, head portion 408 encompasses two female members 412, as shown in FIG. 5A. Female member 412 indicates a hole provided at head portion 408. In one example, each of the female members 412 has a T-shape hole/groove. In another example, female member 412 may have holes in any other shape.

[0076] Apparatus 400 further includes buffing material attachment 420. Buffing material attachment 420 includes pad 422 and buffing material 430. Pad 422 provides material having firm properties. Pad 422 provides material that does not absorb water or moisture. In one example, pad 422 has bottom portion 424 and top portion 426. Bottom portion 424 has a flat configuration. Top portion 426 has one of flat, concave and convex surface/configuration. In one example, bottom portion 424 has a stiff or rigid configuration. In another example, bottom portion 424 provides a support member (not shown) such as a metal plate. Support member mounts to pad 422 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or fastener. Alternatively, handle 402 includes the support member that allows connecting bottom portion 424 to handle 402.

[0077] Bottom portion 424 provides at least one male member 428. In the current embodiment, pad 422 provides two male members 428. Male member 428 indicates a protrusion or extension or hook that extends from bottom portion 424. In one example, each of the male members 426 provides a T-shape protrusion. In another example, male member 412 may have any other shape. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that male members 428 insert into female members 412 provided at head portion 408 to mount pad 422 to handle 402.

[0078] Buffing material 430 mounts at top portion 426 of pad 422. Buffing material 430 mounts to pad 422 using adhesive or any other known mechanism. As specified above, buffing material 430 provides material made of a variety of fibrous materials. In one example, buffing material 430 provides material made of synthetic material or cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin or hemp.

[0079] In order to mount buffing material attachment 420 to handle 402, at first, buffing material 430 mounts on top portion 426 of pad 422. Buffing material 430 takes the shape of top portion 426. In the current embodiment, buffing material 430 takes the concave shape at its top surface. After mounting buffing material 430, pad 422 mounts to handle 402 at head portion 408. As explained above, male members 426 insert into female members 412 to mount pad 422 to handle 402.

[0080] In one alternate embodiment, head portion 408 includes female members 412 at its bottom surface, such that buffing material attachment 420 mounts at the bottom surface of head portion 408. This enables buffing material attachment 420 to removably mount to handle 402 either at the top or bottom of handle 402 for buffing inside and outside of the teeth.

[0081] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an exploded view and a side perspective view, respectively of apparatus 500 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 500 includes handle 502. Handle 502 provides an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 502 provides material made of plastic, wood, or any other material. Handle 502 provides first end 504 and second end 506. At second end 506, handle 502 includes female member 508. Female member 508 indicates a hole or groove. In one example, female member 508 has a square or rectangular shape. In another example, female member 508 has circular or any other shape.

[0082] Apparatus 500 includes buffing material attachment 520. In the current embodiment, buffing material attachment 520 includes head portion 521. Head portion 521 provides material made of plastic, wood or any other suitable material. As specified above, head portion 521 comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the current embodiment, head portion 521 has oval shape i.e., similar to a head of a toothbrush. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that the shape of head portion 521 may come in any other shape. Head portion 521 provides third end 522 and fourth end 524. Head portion 521 includes male member 526 at fourth end 524. Male member 526 indicates a protrusion that extends from fourth end 524. In one example, male member 526 has rectangular configuration. Person skilled in the art understands that male member 526 has similar shape similar to female member 508 provided at handle 502. Male member 526 removably mounts to female member 508 using a known mechanism e.g., in a snap mechanism. Buffing material attachment 520 further includes buffing material 528. Here, shape of buffing material 528 appears similar to head portion 521. Buffing material 528 mounts at the top surface of head portion 521. Buffing material 528 mounts to head portion 521 using adhesive or any other known mechanism. As specified above, the buffing material 528 provides material made of a cloth or cloth-like material. In one example, buffing material 528 provides material made of synthetic material or cotton terrycloth or cotton muslin or hemp.

[0083] In order to mount buffing material attachment 520 to handle 502, at first, buffing material 528 mounts on the top of head portion 521. After mounting, buffing material 528 takes the shape of head portion 521. Here, buffing material 528 takes the shape of the head 521. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, head portion 521 has a flat surface. As such, bottom of buffing material 528 mounts flat to head portion 521. Further, the top of buffing material 528 has a concave surface. However, buffing material 528 may have any other shape e.g., flat or convex or wave-like structure. After mounting buffing material 528, head portion 521 mounts to handle 502. As specified above, male member 526 removably mounts to female member 508 using known mechanism e.g., in a snap mechanism. Specifically, male member 526 inserts into female member 508 and mounts head portion 521 to handle 502.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows a front view of apparatus 600 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 600 includes handle 602. In the current embodiment, handle 602 presents a thin and elongated body. Handle 602 provides first end 604 and second end 606. Handle 602 provides buffing material 610 at second end 606. Buffing material 610 mounts to handle 602 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or glue or fastener. In one example, handle 602 has a thin and squared off end, over which buffing material 610 stretches and secures. Handle 602 provides material made of plastic or wood. In one example, a user applies pressure to stretch and secure buffing material 610 to handle 602. Apparatus 600 allows the user to buff area between the teeth and in specific areas that is otherwise not possible with other configurations.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows a front view of apparatus 700 for buffing teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 700 includes a handle 702. In the current embodiment, handle 702 provides a thin and elongated body. Handle 702 provides first end 704 and second end 706. Handle 702 provides buffing material 710 at second end 706. Buffing material 708 mounts to handle 702 using known mechanisms such as adhesive or glue. Here, buffing material 708 includes a bent or hooked or tip-like structure 710. A uses apparatus 700 to buff or clean the back of the teeth.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an apparatus 800 for buffing and washing or cleaning teeth, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 800 includes handle 802. Handle 802 provides an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 802 presents first end 804 and second end 806. Handle 802 includes head portion 808 and neck portion 810. The current embodiment illustrates the shape of neck portion 810 that bends or offsets with respect to handle 802. Further, handle 802 provides first side 812 and second side 814. First side 812 indicates a top surface of handle 802 and second side 814 indicates a bottom surface of handle 802.

[0087] Handle 802 includes bristles 816 at second end 806 and first side 812. Bristles 816 indicate bristles or brush-like structure common with a toothbrush. Handle 802 provides buffing material 818 at first end 804 and second side 814. As specified above, buffing material 818 mounts to handle 802 using known mechanisms. Alternatively, buffing material 818 mounts with the help of a pad as explained above.

[0088] In the current implementation, apparatus 800 allows to brush or clean and to buff the teeth. Specifically, the user uses bristles 816 to brush the teeth similar to the toothbrush. Subsequently, user turns handle 802 and uses buffing material 818 to buff the teeth as explained above. It should be understood that placement of bristles 816 and buffing material 818 show illustrative embodiments. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that bristles 816 and buffing material 818 may interchange their position or placement depending on the need.

[0089] FIGS. 10A and 10B show apparatus 900 for buffing teeth in accordance with the original design by the inventor. FIGS. 10A and 10B show and exploded view and a side perspective view of apparatus 900 with buffing material sack 950 over the head portion 908 and tails 999 tied around neck section 910 respectively. Apparatus 900 resembles a toothbrush as known in the art. Where a toothbrush has bristles for brushing teeth, the current invention has a buffing material sack 950 around the entirety of the head portion 908 secured to the head portion by tails 999 of buffing material tied around the neck 910. FIG. 10A shows a buffing material sack 950 that includes tails 999 manufactured as extensions of the material of buffing material sack 950 suitable in length to allow tying around neck portion 910 thereby securing the buffing material sack 950 tightly to the head portion 908. Alternatively, the buffing material sack 950 has a drawstring running around the open end of the buffing material sack 950 inside a hemmed sleeve to use to secure the buffing material sack 950.

[0090] In the current embodiment, apparatus 900 includes handle 902. Handle 902 presents an elongated body having suitable length. Handle 902 provides first end 904 and second end 906. First end 904 indicates a distal end. At second end 906, handle 902 provides head portion 908 and neck portion 910. In one example, head portion 908 presents an oval shape section with suitable size and thickness. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the head portion 908 presents other possible shapes depending on the need.

[0091] Apparatus 900 further includes a buffing material sack 950 formed as a sack 950 with tails 999. In other words the buffing material sack 950 is formed as a tube or a sleeve of appripirate size. Buffing material sack 950 removably mounts to handle 902 at the head portion 908. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the buffing material sack 950 is manufactured of different material depending on the need.

[0092] In the current implementation, the buffing material sack 950 has a closed end 920 and an open end 930 from which tails 999 are extended. Tails 999 are of sufficient length to permit tying around the neck section 910. In another implementation the buffing material sack 950 has a drawstring that secures the buffing material sack 950 to the head portion 908 and ties around the neck section 910 securing the buffing material sack 950 tightly. When secured correctly, the buffing material sack 950 will not deform, distort, bunch, wrinkle, snag, splip, or move in any way. People skilled in the art appreciate that buffing requires a stable buffing material.

[0093] Further, the buffing material sack 950 receives the head portion 908 through the open end 930 and is pushed completely to the closed end 920. The material is pulled tight and tied. People familiar with the art appreciate that the buffing material sack 950 can be secured by other methods that do not constitute a new or different apparatus.

[0094] The buffing material sack 950 will have an inside width slightly less than the width of the head portion 908 and a length slightly less than the length of the head portion 908 that forces the buffing material sack 950 to draw down tightly to the head portion 908.

[0095] Buffing material to be formed into a sack with tails 999 at the open end 930. Tails to be formed of the same material as the buffing material sack 950 provides an opening through which the head 908 is fully inserted into the sack of buffing material 908 with tails 999 hanging loosely at the neck portion 910 to be tied to the neck portion 910. To secure the tails 999 and hold them out of the way, in other words to prevent them from hanging loos, a rubber band can be used or the tails 999 can be tied in a way that secured the ends. Those familiar with the art appreciate the techniques useful in tying loos ends securely within the knot.

[0096] FIG. 10B shows a side view of the assembled apparatus 900. The buffing material sack surrounds the head 908 on all sides and is tied around the neck section 910. The apparatus constitutes an inexpensive buffing device suitable for all human teeth surfaces in all arrangements of human teeth. The buffing material sack 950 can be washed or replaced inexpensively as needed. Given the variety of dental work done to teeth, the current invention is useful and safe for all dental work but braces, retainers, bridges, and other dental appliance that can snag the devise. Fillings, crown, and implants will benefit by buffing after brushing and flossing.

[0097] Persons skilled in the art appreciate that user operates apparatus in a dry condition after brushing and flossing the teeth. Therefore, there is no need for using water for removing scratches and shining the teeth after brushing the teeth and flossing. Using the apparatus in a wet condition will not destroy the function of the apparatus, but it may cause the need to apply more pressure and buff longer. Either method works well and can be used as desired by the user. When compared to known polishing tools, buffing with the here disclosed apparatus ensures no damage to the gums and stimulates blood circulation in the gums. The apparatus reduces and removes stains, cleans and shines the teeth. The presently disclosed apparatus complements logical expression to clean, smooth, and shine the teeth without damaging the gums. As specified above, buffing ensures no scratches remain on the teeth. This ensures biological organisms, acids, corrosive substances, and other undesired substances do not get accumulated at the teeth and gums. In order words, buffing removes or reduces the chances of retaining biological organisms, acids, corrosive substances, and other undesired substances on the surface of the teeth.

[0098] It should be understood that the above embodiments explain the variety of ways in which the buffing material mounts to the handle for buffing and cleaning the teeth. However, person skilled in the art will appreciate that other ways of mounting the buffing material to handle for buffing inside and outside of the teeth fall within the scope of the present invention. In one example, the buffing material provides a sack having a drawstring. The drawstring slips over the end and allows it to tie around the handle. In another example, the buffing material provides a strip that allows it to put its ends through slots provided in the handle to grip the buffing material. In another example, the handle includes clips. The clips hold the strip of the buffing material. In another example, the handle has a rectangular opening. A portion of the buffing material goes into the rectangular opening and allows the exposed buffing material to buff the teeth.

[0099] The apparatus comprising the handle, neck, head, pad, and the buffing material may come as a single product. Alternatively, the buffing material attachment comprising the pads of different configuration i.e., flat, concave and convex surface and the buffing material may come separately such that the whole head and buffing material attachment removably mounts to the neck. The user selects the pad based on the need. After use over certain time, user may replace the buffing material attachment.

[0100] Although the embodiments explained require manually operating the apparatus to buff the teeth, the apparatus might be equipped with a motor, a battery or power cord and a tool coated or mounted with a buffing material. The tool oscillates, rotates and vibrates so as to buff the teeth using the buffing material. The apparatus provides actuators at the handle for operating the tool at varied speed.

[0101] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that apparatus complements brushing teeth. Specifically, the presently disclosed apparatus gently smoothens the micro-abrasions caused by a toothbrush or other causes. The apparatus provides simple design and takes very little time to complete the buffing process. The apparatus results in a smoother tooth surface that is easily detected by passing the tongue over the teeth after brushing and then after buffing The apparatus makes the teeth smoother and thereby makes the teeth to stay clean for a longer time. The buffing material reduces bacterial retention by removing the extra surface area of the tooth that is created by micro-abrasions put into the surface by the bristles in a brush. The apparatus is easier to use and is not large enough to cause a gag reflex like other devices that are designed to place over a finger, or the ones that are round, or ones that are designed to go over the tooth entirely on all three sides. The presently disclosed apparatus is less gagging when compared with known devices that have buffing material on, opposing sides. The apparatus applies buffing material to both sides of the handle in one iteration that is small and thin enough to be comfortable and convenient in the area toward the back of the mouth where the check is close to the teeth. In other iterations the apparatus has buffing material on one side in the same way a toothbrush has bristles on one side making it more comfortable and pleasant to use as compared to the other devices available.

[0102] It should be understood that the shape, size and placement of each component shown in figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in a limited sense. A person skilled in the art will appreciate alternate parts and/or mechanisms that might be used to implement the embodiments of the present invention and such implementations will be within the scope of the present invention.

[0103] The presently disclosed apparatus is being marketed as “Tooth Buff” or “Toothbuff™” or “Tooth Shiner”. However, there is no intention on part of the Applicant to limit the scope of the apparatus's branding to “Tooth buff” or “Tooth Shiner” to advertise or market the apparatus. Applicant may refer to the apparatus as he may seem fit, without such reference limiting the scope of the present disclosure or claims herein or otherwise affecting related patent rights he may derive from this or other patent application filings.

[0104] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[0105] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence 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 or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0106] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.

[0107] The inventor envisions the apparatus arranged along side the toothbrush. Hanging in a toothbrush rack next to the toothbrush, the toothbuff ,so named for convenience here, takes its rightful place in the array of instruments of personal care and hygiene of teeth. It will be so like the toothbrush, it will become felt to be as natural as toothbrushes in the home. Users need only grab a toothbrush, brush, floss, and grab the toothbuff and buff. It is natural.