Patent Publication Number: US-2009229062-A1

Title: Dental hygiene device

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/036,982 filed Mar. 16, 2008 and the entirety of the contents of this application being hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to oral hygiene products and more particularly to oral hygiene devices for improved dental cleansing and oral health management. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well established that improved levels of oral hygiene require consistent and thorough cleansing of the teeth and gums. Failure to maintain adequate dental hygiene practices can result in plaque build-up, tooth decay and loss, gum deterioration, periodontal disease and a myriad of additional dental health issues. Recent research further suggests that poor oral hygiene can allow deleterious bacteria to enter the bloodstream causing additional health issues in other parts of the body. Oral health may also serve as an indicator to overall health. While many consumers continue to rely on a standard toothbrush as a primary source of dental care, compositions and devices that simplify oral health care or improve the quality of oral health care are increasingly common and necessary. 
     Despite the well-known utility associated with a standard toothbrush, the basic design of a standard toothbrush often results in inadequate cleaning. Many individuals do not take the substantial time or substantial effort required to effectively clean their teeth and gums with the limited functionality of a standard toothbrush. Individuals also often fail to make the mental effort to identify and recall what areas of the mouth have been adequately brushed and what areas have not. As a result, many spots within in the mouth are difficult to access with a standard toothbrush and over time these area collect unwanted bacteria. 
     Further, a standard toothbrush may not be ideal for any individuals who do not have maximum control and dexterity of their hands and arms, such as small children, senior citizens, handicapped individuals or anyone having compromised movement of their hands and arms. These individuals may have a substantial number of spots within their mouth that are nearly impossible to access based upon their physical limitations. The combination of these physical limitations and the functional limitations of the standard toothbrush put these individuals at an increased risk for severe dental health issues. 
     In response to the lack of precision associated with standard toothbrushes, a number of alternative toothbrushes have been produced with angled parts, specially designed and arranged bristles, and mechanical and sonic power capabilities. While these improvements may aid in the ability to access areas of the mouth that were previously inaccessible, they still require a significant investment of time and effort. Moreover, they still require substantial mobility of the hands and arms for proper use, such that these improvements often fail to enhance the cleansing capabilities of those having the physical limitations discussed above. 
     Additional brushes have been developed so that they contact the substantial entirety of a user&#39;s mouth in an effort to limit the movement effort required of a user. Such brushes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,224,710; 5,337,435; 6,223,761; and 6,353,956, all incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. However, such brushes are often difficult to use and fail to sufficiently conform to the contours of each individual mouth, resulting in areas of the mouth that are not effectively cleansed. 
     Consequently, there is a need for oral cleaning devices that limit the amount of time and effort required of a user, while still providing substantial ability to contact and effectively cleanse all areas of the mouth. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates a dental device comprising: a base portion having a power source; an attachment portion; a head portion having a curved inner edge with opposing sides and a v-shape comprising an apex and two distal ends, such that the distance from one side of the curved inner edge to the opposing side of the curved inner edge increases from the apex toward the distal ends; at least one dental tray; and a plurality of bristles located within the at least one dental tray. 
     This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination of the following features: the head portion includes a mechanism for allowing movement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted for simplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range of mouth shapes, the mechanism for allowing movement and adjustment includes a hinge located at the apex of the head portion so that the head portion can collapse such that the distance between opposing sides of the curved inner edge is reduced via activation of the hinge, the base portion includes a means for controlling the activation of the hinge, the mechanism for allowing movement and adjustment includes a flexible substrate located between the opposing sides of the curved inner edge so that the head portion can flex to be collapsed for entry into a mouth and subsequently expanded for ideal fit within the mouth, the flexible substrate is elastic in nature, the base portion includes a means for controlling the collapse and expansion of the head portion, the base portion, the attachment portion, or both, can be separated from the head portion during use, during storage, or both, the head portion further includes a top dental tray and a bottom dental tray such that both dental trays include two side walls and both dental trays share one base portion, the side walls and base portion of both dental trays serve a housing for a plurality of bristles, the top dental tray conforms to a user&#39;s upper teeth so that the bristles housed on both side walls contact the upper teeth and the bottom dental tray conforms to a user&#39;s lower teeth so that the bristles housed on both side walls contact the lower teeth, the side walls of both dental trays are arranged at an oblique angle in relation to the base portion, the bristles housed in the base portion are arranged perpendicular to the base portion and the bristles housed in the side walls are arranged perpendicular to the side walls. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention contemplates a dental device comprising: a base portion having a power source; an attachment portion; a head portion having: a top dental tray and a bottom dental tray, wherein both dental trays include an inner and an outer side wall and one shared base portion so that the inner and outer side walls are arranged at an oblique angle in relation to the base portion; a curved inner edge with opposing sides, such that the curved inner edge corresponds with the inner side wall of the top and bottom dental trays; and a v-shape comprising an apex and two distal ends, wherein the distance from one side of the curved inner edge to the opposing side of the curved inner edge increases from the apex toward the distal ends; a plurality of bristles housed in both the side walls and shared base portion of the dental trays, wherein the bristles housed in the side walls are located perpendicular to the side walls and the bristles housed in the base portion are arranged perpendicular to the base portion; wherein the head portion includes a hinge portion for allowing movement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted for simplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range of mouth shapes. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention contemplates a method for improving oral hygiene comprising: providing a dental cleaning device having a base portion, a power source and a head portion, wherein the head portion includes one or more dental trays housing bristles; activating a means within the dental cleaning device so that the head portion of the dental cleaning device collapses for simplified insertion into a mouth; allowing the head portion of the dental cleaning device to adjust and move within the mouth so that the head portion and one or more dental trays align with the contours of the mouth and teeth; activating the power source so that one or more of the bristles and one or more trays are engaged in repetitive motion; de-activating the power source so that any movement of one or more of the bristles and one or more trays ceases; activating the means within the dental cleaning device so that the head portion of the dental cleaning device collapses for simplified removal from the mouth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the brushing device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top-down view of a portion of the brushing device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the brushing device as viewed downward from the head portion. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top-down view of the brushing device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a back view of the head portion. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side profile view of the brushing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, the invention herein contemplates a device and method for improved oral hygiene which includes a brushing device and power source. The brushing device provides reduced physical effort and improved cleansing capability. 
     The brushing device of the present invention preferably includes a base portion, an attachment portion, a head portion, and a plurality of bristles. The base portion connects to the attachment portion which connects to the head portion that houses the bristles. 
     The base portion  22  is the means by which the user of the brushing device holds or otherwise controls the brushing device  20 . In preferred embodiments, the base portion  22  will be cylindrical in shape or substantially cylindrical in shape for ease of holding by a user. The base portion may also include one or more specialized gripping surfaces located at positions along the base portion where a user is likely to contact the base portion. The base portion may also be formed to correspond to the shape and contour of a human hand for ease of use. The base portion may include shaping to adjust to left-handed users, right-handed users, or both. A rigid loop may also be included on the base portion so that it can easily be grasped by an individual with limited movement capabilities. The base portion may also be shaped so that it is easily gripped and maneuvered by an individual other than the user in the event that the user is incapable of grasping the base portion. The base portion may also be adjustable so that the grip is customizable to the preference of the user. The adjustable nature may further allow for the base portion to be collapsible for storage purposes. In preferred embodiments, the base portion is constructed from a substantially rigid material. In particularly preferred embodiments, the base portion  22  includes a power source such as a battery or power cord housed within the base portion. The power source provides for movement capabilities of one or more portions of the brushing device  20 . In preferred embodiments, the power provides for ultrasonic power and movement of the brushing device. Preferably, the base portion  22  further includes a mechanism  40  for controlling the movement of the brushing device. The mechanism may be a button, a switch, a lever or the like. The mechanism may also be capable of controlling the speed or direction of movement of the brushing device. 
     In preferred embodiments, the base portion  22  is connected to an attachment portion  24 . The attachment portion is further connected to the head portion  28 . The attachment portion  24  may also include areas  42  designed to facilitate secure connection to the base portion  22 , the head portion  28 , or both. The attachment portion  24  may be any shape capable of connecting the base portion  22  with the head portion  28 , while still providing the user with sufficient leverage for maneuvering the brushing device  20 . In preferred embodiments, the attachment portion  24  is constructed of the same material as the base portion  22 . The attachment portion  24  may also be capable of detaching from the base portion  22 , the head portion  28 , or both. Detachment may allow for multiple users to utilize the same base portion while replacing the attachment portion and head portion or alternatively, just the head portion. Detachment may further facilitate the ability to replace only the head portion, or alternatively the head portion and attachment portion once the head portion begins to show signs of wear. The attachment portion may also be retractable, such that it retracts into the base portion. 
     The head portion  28  of the cleaning device includes one or more dental trays  34  that house a plurality of bristles  30 . Preferably, the head portion  28  is v-shaped having an apex  44  and two distal ends  46  of the “v”. The v-shape closely follows the contours of a mouth such that the distance between the opposing sides of the “v” increases (e.g. widens) in moving from the apex down to the distal ends of the “V”. The head portion  28  is sufficiently large that it corresponds with the shape and size of a user&#39;s mouth and teeth. Preferably the head portion  28  includes two dental trays  34 , each having an inner side wall  36  and an outer side wall  38  and both trays sharing the same base portion  50 . The side walls are preferably arranged at an oblique angle in relation to the base portion. The head portion  28  may also include only one dental tray having an inner side wall, and outer side wall and a base portion. The head portion  28  may also be provided in a range of different sizes to accommodate the mouth sizes of adults and children. 
     In preferred embodiments the bristles  30  are located within both side walls and the base portion of the dental tray. More preferably, the bristles  30  are arranged perpendicular to the side wall or base portion in which they are located. Even more preferably, the bristles are arranged so that at least some of the bristles contact the tooth or gum surface at a 45 degree angle. The bristles  30  may also be arranged at an oblique angle in relation to the side wall or base portion in which they are located. The side walls and base portion of the dental trays may also include bristles at varying angles such that all bristles need not be placed at the same angle as any adjacent bristles. The bristles  30  may also only be located in one dental tray such that the brushing device may be turned over during use. The head portion  28  may be detachable from the attachment portion, the base portion, or both. In one embodiment, the head portion may include a power source within, such that the head portion may operate without attachment to any additional parts. The head portion, attachment portion and base portion may also be one continuous unit and that unit may also be disposable. 
     The bristles  30  are the part of the head portion used to remove debris and bacteria from a user&#39;s teeth, gums and mouth. The bristles can be a variety of different lengths, thicknesses, materials and rigidity. Preferably, the bristles are of an appropriate length that they do not extend beyond the limits of the side walls and base portion of the dental trays. However, the bristles may also be longer so that they extend slightly beyond the confines of the dental trays. The thickness and rigidity may vary depending on the needs of a user. As an example, the bristles may be thin, soft and flexible to account for a user with sensitive gums or teeth. The bristles may also be thicker and less flexible for more resilient cleaning capability. Preferably, the bristles located within a head portion may vary depending on where they are located within the dental trays. For example, the bristles located in the base portion of the dental tray may be thicker and less flexible that those located in the side walls of the dental tray. The base portion may include bristles of varying length, thickness and rigidity. The bristles located in the side walls may be of varying length, thickness and rigidity. 
     The number of bristles located within the dental trays may also vary. The location of the bristles within the dental trays may also vary. Preferably, the side walls and base portion of each dental tray contain a number of connection sites where the bristles are attached to the dental trays. More preferably, the bristles are arranged in clusters, each cluster located within a particular connection site. Each connection site may also contain only one bristle. The connection sites may be located directly adjacent to additional connection sites or may be located with a predetermined amount of space between each connection site. Preferably, the connection sites are arranged in pattern that allows the bristles within to contact with a maximum number of surfaces within a user&#39;s mouth. 
     In preferred embodiments, the bristles are permanently attached to the dental trays which are integrally formed with the head portion. However, the bristles may be detachable and replaceable. Alternatively, the dental trays may be detachable and replaceable so that the dental trays can be removed after use and wear and replaced with new dental trays. These removable dental trays may be friction-fit within the head portion or may require an attachment mechanism or adhesive for secure placement within the head portion. 
     In preferred embodiments, the head portion  28  includes a means that allows the dental trays to collapse or move. This means can simplify oral entry and exit by changing the shape of the head portion. This means may further allow for the location of the dental trays to adjust within the mouth so that the head portion may be adjusted to more aptly fit a wide range of mouth sizes and configurations. Preferably, this means may result locating the dental trays in an ideal manner such that the bristles within the trays are in continuous contact with a tooth or gum surface during use of the brushing device. The means for collapsing the dental trays may include a hinge. The hinge may be located at the apex of the v-shaped head portion so that the two distal ends of the head portion can be pinched together to collapse or narrow the head portion. The hinge may further include a spring mechanism so that the distal ends of the head portion easily return to their pre-collapse location once the head portion is located within a user&#39;s mouth. The hinge may be designed so that it has only one open position and one closed position wherein the head portion may only be collapsed to one form and expanded to one form. Preferably, the hinge may be designed so that the head portion may embody a wide range of positions. This will allow the head portion to collapse and expand once located within a user&#39;s mouth to account for a range of mouth shapes and sizes. A spring function may also be useful in such an embodiment so that the head portion remains taut enough to provide adequate cleaning capability while still providing a requisite amount of flexibility. 
     The means for allowing the collapse and movement of the dental trays may also include a thin flexible substrate attached to the head portion at some point between the apex and distal ends of the v-shape. The flexible substrate may also cover the entire open area of the v-shaped head portion, such that the flexible substrate may contact the top of a user&#39;s tongue during use of the brushing device. The flexible substrate may allow the head portion and dental trays to be collapsed for simplified oral entry and exit and may further allow for ideal fit within a user&#39;s mouth. The means may also employ any mechanism that can be integrated into the head portion of the brushing device that allows for the head portion to be maneuvered from one position or shape to another position or shape. 
     The means for allowing the collapse and movement of the dental trays may require manual activation, requiring a user to pinch the head portion at the apex so that the distal ends of the head portion are brought together during entry of the head portion into the mouth and exit from the mouth once brushing is completed. Preferably, the base portion, the attachment portion or the head portion may include a button, lever, or switch that activates the means. As an example, if the head portion includes a hinge at the apex, the base portion may include a lever that when contacted by a user causes the hinge to activate and collapse the head portion. The lever my then be contacted again to cause the hinge to return to its pre-collapse location. 
     The head portion, the attachment portion, or both may also be produced and sold as a separate item for attachment to an existing battery powered base portion. The head portion, the attachment portion, or both may be configured for attachment to one or more existing base portions. The head portion, the attachment portion and the base portion may also be integrally formed for permanent attachment to one another. 
     The brushing device may also include a storage container. Any of the base portion, attachment portion and head portion may be stored within the storage container. As previously disclosed, any of the base portion, attachment portion, and head portion may be adjustable to a smaller size for storage purposes. The storage container may further include a means for sanitizing the head portion or any part of the head portion including but not limited to the dental trays and bristles. 
     The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, or even consist of, the elements, ingredients, components or steps. 
     Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps. Likewise, any reference to “first” or “second” items is not intended to foreclose additional items (e.g., third, fourth, or more items); such additional items are also contemplated, unless otherwise stated. 
     The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.