Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to devices for oral care, including manual care in conjunction with orthodontia. The devices of the present disclosure may also find use for a user without orthodontia.

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, retainers, and the like, may be difficult for a user (e.g., wearer of the treatment) to clean and maintain, and may make it difficult for a user to clean his or her teeth. Even in the absence of orthodontia, existing tools for spot cleaning a user's teeth (e.g., tools other than toothbrushes) may not be sufficiently reusable or of sufficient quality to fulfill a user's needs. <CIT> discloses a lighted dental cleaning and inspection device. The device includes a handle having an end including a dental tool and an illumination source positioned and operable to direct light toward a tip portion of the dental tool; and an electrical circuit located substantially within the handle and being operable to selectively enable illumination of the illumination source to illuminate the tip portion of the dental tool and an area of interest during use of the dental tool at the site of interest. <CIT> discloses a short wavelength visible light-emitting toothbrush with an electronic interlock control device preventing operation when the toothbrush is removed from the user's mouth. The electronic interlock control over operation is necessary to prevent accidental eye exposure to the high intensity light source with a wavelength in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The light-emitting toothbrush activates upon formation of an electrical circuit between the brush handle in contact with the users hand and the brush head or brush bristles in contact with moisture contained in a human mouth such as saliva or water mixed with toothpaste but deactivates immediately when removed from the mouth, thus protecting the user's eyes from direct exposure to the high power light source contained in the brush-head.

An aspect of the present invention is recited by appended independent claim <NUM>, with the appended dependent claims reciting optional features.

An example version of a dental tool includes a main body portion having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, wherein the first end and the second end define respective reduced diameter portions, two or more tool attachments, each tool attachment comprising a working portion and a base portion, the base portion configured to be removably coupled to either of the reduced-diameter portions of the main body portion so as to secure the tool attachment to the main body portion, and a light source, disposed within the main body portion, arranged so as to illuminate the working portion of one of the tool attachments when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the first end of the main body portion and the light source is electrically coupled to a power source.

In some versions, the respective base portion of each of the two or more tool attachments defines an aperture, and one of the reduced-diameter portions of the main body portion extends through the aperture of any one of the tool attachments when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the main body portion.

In some versions, the main body portion defines a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis extends through the aperture of any one of the tool attachments when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the main body portion.

In some versions, the light source projects light from the reduced-diameter portion of the first end.

In some versions, the dental tool includes a light-transmissive cover disposed at the reduced-diameter portion of the first end, wherein the light source and the light-transmissive cover are arranged such that the light source emits light through the light-transmissive cover, wherein the light-transmissive cover is flush with a surface of the base portion of any one of the tool attachments when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the main body portion.

In some versions, an outer diameter of the base portion of any one of the tool attachments is substantially the same as an outer diameter of the main body portion that is immediately longitudinally adjacent to the base portion when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the main body portion.

In some versions, the dental tool includes a battery disposed within the main body portion, and a switch disposed on or in the main body portion, the switch configured to selectively couple the light source to the battery responsive to user actuation of the switch.

In some versions, the main body portion is substantially cylindrical along its entire longitudinal length.

In some versions, the light source is a first light source, and the dental tool further includes a second light source, disposed within the main body portion, arranged so as to illuminate the working portion of one of the tool attachments when the one of the tool attachments is coupled to the second end of the main body portion and the second light source is electrically coupled to a power source.

In some versions, the first light source projects light at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the main body portion, the second light source projects light at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the first angle has substantially the same absolute value as the second angle.

In some versions, the first light source is arranged to project light in a first direction, the second light source is arranged to project light in a second direction, and the first direction is radially opposite the second direction.

In some versions, the dental tool further comprises a battery disposed within the main body portion, a first switch disposed on or in the main body portion, the switch configured to selectively couple the first light source to the battery responsive to user actuation of the first switch, and a second switch disposed on or in the main body portion, the second switch configured to selectively couple the second light source to the battery responsive to user actuation of the second switch, wherein the second switch is radially opposite the first switch.

In some versions, the two or more tool attachments comprise two or more of a bristle brush tool attachment, an orthodontic brush tool attachment, a scaler tool attachment, a scaler with mirror tool attachment, a scraper tool attachment, a scraper with mirror tool attachment, a mirror tool attachment, or an interproximal brush tool attachment.

In some versions, the two or more tool attachments comprise an orthodontic brush tool attachment comprising two sets of bristles that are laterally separated from each other, wherein bristles within each set increase in length from an outer later edge of the orthodontic brush tool attachment to an inner lateral portion of the orthodontic brush tool attachment.

In some versions, the two or more tool attachments comprise a scaler tool attachment, the scaler tool attachment comprising a removable working tip that is insertable into a receiving formation of a neck of the scaler tool attachment, the removable working tip comprising a lateral protrusion, wherein the receiving formation defines two or more recesses configured to receive the lateral protrusion of the working tip, whereby the removable working tip may be coupled in two or more positions relative to the neck.

The instant disclosure provides a double-ended dental tool for oral care, including for cleaning a user's teeth and orthodontic treatments. The tool may include opposed ends, with one or both of the ends having removable and replaceable tool attachments, including one or more scrapers, mirrors, scalers, brushes, and the like. The tool attachments may be interchangeable, such that a user may arrange the attachment configuration that the user prefers (e.g., a scraper and a scaler, or a scaler and a mirror, or a mirror and a brush, etc.). The tool attachments may also be durable, such that each attachment may be used by a user numerous times before requiring replacement. In addition, the tool may include a light source at one or both ends for illuminating attached tools.

<FIG> are various views of an example embodiment of a double-ended dental tool <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the double-ended tool <NUM> with attachments. In contrast, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the double-ended tool <NUM> without attachments. The double-ended tool <NUM> may include a main body portion <NUM>, a first longitudinal end <NUM><NUM>, and a second longitudinal end <NUM><NUM>. A first attachment <NUM><NUM> may be removably coupled to the main body <NUM> at the first end <NUM><NUM>, and a second attachment <NUM><NUM> may be removably coupled to the second end <NUM><NUM>. When attached, the first tool <NUM><NUM>, or a portion thereof, may extend at an angle from the main body portion <NUM>, and the second tool <NUM><NUM> may extend at the opposite angle.

The main body portion <NUM> may include an outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and an inner cylindrical portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) that is disposed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. The outer cylindrical portion may define a central longitudinal axis A (illustrated in <FIG>). References in this disclosure to longitudinal or radial relationships are with reference to directions defined by the axis A. The main body portion <NUM> may have an outer profile that is substantially cylindrical along the entire longitudinal length of the main body portion <NUM>. The main body portion <NUM> may further include switch portions <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> on radially opposite sides of the main body portion <NUM> and at opposite longitudinal ends <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> of the main body portion <NUM>. The switch portions <NUM> may include respective buttons <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and switch surfaces <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>. Each button <NUM> may operate a respective light source (as will be described below).

Although the switch portions <NUM> are illustrated and described herein as including buttons <NUM>, other switch types may find use in the tool <NUM>. For example, slider switches, twist-style switches, or any other appropriate type of switches may be included in the tool <NUM> for actuation by the user to operate light sources of the tool <NUM>.

Each end <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> of the main body portion <NUM> may include a respective reduced-diameter portion <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>. In an embodiment, the reduced-diameter portion is a portion of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The attachments <NUM> may couple with the reduced-diameter portions <NUM> so as to couple the attachments with the main body portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, each reduced diameter portion <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may include a mating formation <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> which may mate with a counterpart formation on an attachment <NUM> (as will be described below). In an embodiment, each mating formation <NUM> may be a protrusion on the reduced-diameter portion <NUM>.

The double-ended tool <NUM> may include one or more light sources <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) for selectively illuminating the attachments <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>. The light sources <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be disposed at the first end <NUM><NUM> and the second end <NUM><NUM>, respectively. The light sources <NUM> may be disposed within the main body portion <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> may be or may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the light sources <NUM> may be or may include alternate types of light sources, such as halogen, fluorescent, or another light source type. In some embodiments, one or both of the light sources may emit light in the visible spectrum when coupled with a power source. In an embodiment, one or both of the light sources <NUM> may emit ultraviolet light when coupled with a power source. The light sources <NUM> may be arranged so as to illuminate the working portion of a tool attachment when the tool attachment is coupled to the main body portion <NUM> and the light source is electrically coupled to a power source.

The light sources <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be electrically coupled with respective electrical switches <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> which may be in physical contact with the buttons <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> and which may further be electrically coupled with a power source such that, when a user actuates a button <NUM>, the electrical switch <NUM> electrically couples a respective light source <NUM> to, or electrically decouples a respective light source from, the power source (e.g., via one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs), electrical contacts, and/or other appropriate electrical coupling devices). The power source may be a battery <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), in some embodiments. In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the first button <NUM><NUM> actuates the first electrical switch <NUM><NUM>. When actuated, the first electrical switch <NUM><NUM> couples the first light source <NUM><NUM> to, or decouples the first light source <NUM><NUM> from, the battery <NUM>. Similarly, the second button <NUM><NUM> actuates the second electrical switch <NUM><NUM>. When actuated, the second electrical switch <NUM><NUM> couples the second light source <NUM><NUM> to, or decouples the second light source <NUM><NUM> from, the battery <NUM>.

The double-ended tool <NUM> may further include a respective light housing <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> associated with each light source <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>. Each light housing <NUM> may be disposed radially about its respective light source <NUM>. Each light housing <NUM> may be disposed within the main body portion <NUM>, radially-inward from the outer body portion <NUM>. The light housing <NUM> may be waterproof when properly disposed within the main body portion <NUM>. Accordingly, each light housing <NUM> may be coupled with a gasket or other sealing device around the periphery of the light housing <NUM> so as to prevent ingress of fluid into the main body portion <NUM>. The main body portion <NUM> may be fluid-tight, in embodiments, to prevent exposure of electrical components within the main body portion <NUM> to liquid. Fluid tight construction may be provided by, for example, tightness of fit between and among cylindrical portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the main body portion, battery housings, and light covers (described below), as well as by one or more gaskets or other sealing devices as described herein.

Each light housing <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may include a respective light-transmissive cover <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> that permits light from a respective light source <NUM>, such that the light source <NUM> emits light through the light-transmissive cover <NUM> to illuminate an attachment <NUM>. A light-transmissive cover may comprise, for example, acrylic material, in embodiments. Each light-transmissive cover <NUM> may be disposed at a longitudinal end of the main body portion <NUM>, such that light is emitted from a longitudinal end of the main body portion <NUM> when a light source <NUM> is coupled with the power source. Further, each light-transmissive cover <NUM> may be provided within a reduced-diameter portion <NUM> of the main body portion <NUM>, such that a light source <NUM> projects light from the reduced-diameter portions of the main body portion <NUM>. Each light cover <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> and light source <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be oriented so that an attachment is illuminated by the light source <NUM>. For example, the light cover <NUM> may be angled at between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A, in some embodiments. The light cover <NUM> may be angled at between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A, in some embodiments. The light cover <NUM> may be angled at between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A, in some embodiments. The light cover <NUM> may be angled at approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A, in some embodiments. The light covers <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be angled in opposite directions from the axis A, with the same absolute value of the angle, as illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments. In other words, the light covers <NUM> may be arranged on radially-opposite sides of the main body portion <NUM>, in embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>. In an embodiment, a light source <NUM> may project light at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A that is the same as the angle between the axis A and the light cover <NUM> associated with that loght source <NUM>.

Each light housing <NUM> may include, at its longitudinal end, a reduced-diameter portion that is radially separated from a reduced-diameter portion of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> so as to define an annular space therebetween. As will be described below, an attachment <NUM> may interact with the annular space between the reduced-diameter portion of the light housing <NUM> and the reduced-diameter portion <NUM> of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> so as to secure the attachment <NUM> to the main body portion <NUM>.

The outer cylindrical portion <NUM> may comprise a thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, for example only, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> may comprise metal or another rigid material.

The switch portions <NUM> may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and/or other material. The switch portions <NUM> may comprise a material that is softer and/or tackier than the materials comprising the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, in some embodiments.

<FIG> and 6B-12B illustrate various attachments that may find use with the main body portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a bristle brush tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The bristle brush tool attachment <NUM> may include a plurality of bristles. The bristles may be of approximately equal length, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the bristles may be of different lengths, such that the end of the brush has a particular contour or angle. For example, the bristles may be of different lengths such that the brush angles from a proximal end to a distal end (where "proximal" refers to a portion or direction that is towards to the user's hand when the tool <NUM> is in use, and "distal" refers to a portion or direction that is into the user's oral cavity when the tool <NUM> is in use), with the distal bristles longer than the proximal bristles, for example.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of an orthodontic brush tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a top view of the example orthodontic brush tool attachment <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> of the orthodontic brush tool attachment <NUM> may include two sets of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, in an embodiment. The two sets of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be laterally separated from each other so as to permit the two sets of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> to clean separate portions of orthodontia simultaneously, for example. Each set of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may increase in length from its outer later edge to its inner lateral portion, as illustrated in <FIG>. That is, inwardly-disposed bristles may be longer than more outwardly-disposed bristles, in some embodiments. As a result, each set of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may substantially form a wedge shape, with the thicker part of the wedge inward of the thinner part of the wedge. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, each set of bristles <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may increase in length from a proximal-most portion to a longitudinal midpoint, then decrease in length from the longitudinal midpoint to a distal-most portion.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a scaler tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the example scalar tool attachment <NUM>. The scaler tool attachment <NUM> may include a scaler tip comprising a polymer material or other appropriate material. The scaler tip may include a pointed tip, in an embodiment. The scaler tip may further include a concave inner portion below the pointed tip, and two reduced-thickness outer portions below the pointed tip, in an embodiment. Accordingly, the scaler tip may gradually reduce in thickness towards the pointed tip, in an embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a scaler with mirror tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The scaler with mirror tool attachment <NUM> may be substantially the same as the attachment <NUM><NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The scaler with mirror tool attachment <NUM> may include a mirror having a magnification of between <NUM>. 5x and 5x, in an embodiment. The scaler with mirror tool attachment <NUM> may further include a scaler tip comprising a polymer material or other appropriate material. The scaler tip may include a pointed tip, in an embodiment. The scaler tip may further include a concave inner portion below the pointed tip, and two reduced-thickness outer portions below the pointed tip, in an embodiment. Accordingly, the scaler tip may gradually reduce in thickness towards the pointed tip, in an embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a scraper tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The scraper tool attachment <NUM> may comprise a polymer material or other appropriate material. The scraper may include a flattened, thin edge on its distal end. The flattened edge may be configured for scraping a user's teeth, in an embodiment. The scraper may include a curved portion leading to the flattened edge, in an embodiment. The scraper may gradually reduce in thickness from proximal end to distal end, in some embodiments.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a scraper with mirror tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The scraper and mirror features of the scraper with mirror tool attachment <NUM> may be substantially similar to the scaper and mirror features otherwise described in this disclosure.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are front, perspective, and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a mirror tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The mirror feature of the mirror tool attachment <NUM> may be substantially similar to the mirror features otherwise described in this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate portions of an example embodiment of a scraper tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The scraper tool attachment <NUM> may be configured to permit selective rotation of the working element-that is, the scraping tip-to enable a wide variety of uses (e.g., to access different portions of a user's oral cavity with the working tip of the scraper in a comfortable position). Except as described differently herein, the scraper tool attachment <NUM> may include the features of the scraper tool attachment <NUM>.

The scraper tool attachment <NUM> may include a removable working tip <NUM> which includes a lateral protrusion <NUM>. <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the working tip <NUM>; <FIG> omits the working tip <NUM> for clarity of illustration of other features. The removable working tip <NUM> may be insertable into (and thus mechanically coupled with) a neck <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the neck <NUM> may define a receiving formation <NUM> to receive the working tip <NUM>. The receiving formation <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> configured to receive the lateral protrusion <NUM> of the working tip <NUM>. Three such recesses <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> are illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>. The recesses may be disposed at <NUM>-degree offsets with respect to one another, in an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the working tip <NUM> is inserted such that the lateral protrusion <NUM> is disposed in recess <NUM><NUM>. In <FIG>, the working tip <NUM> is inserted such that the lateral protrusion <NUM> is disposed in recess <NUM><NUM>. As a result, the working tip <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees in <FIG> relative to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example embodiment of an interproximal brush tool attachment <NUM> that may find use with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The interproximal brush tool attachment <NUM> may include a set of bristles that taper from center to edge in all lateral directions. Accordingly, the center of the bristle set includes the longest bristles, and the edges of the bristle set includes the shortest bristles. This interproximal brush tool attachment <NUM> may be particularly well-suited for cleaning between the user's teeth in the space where the gum and teeth meet.

Any of the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or other appropriate attachment, may find use as an attachment <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> with the main body portion <NUM>. The attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be interchangeable used on either end <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> of the main body portion <NUM>, in embodiments.

Each attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM>, a working portion <NUM>, and a neck <NUM> that extends from the base portion <NUM> to the working portion <NUM>. The respective working portion <NUM> of each attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more components for observing or treating a user's oral cavity. For example, the working portion <NUM> of the bristle brush tool attachment <NUM> comprises a plurality of soft bristles for brushing, the working portion <NUM> of the orthodontic brush tool attachment <NUM> includes two sets of stiff bristles separated and shaped so as to clean orthodontia, the working portion <NUM> of the scaler tool attachment <NUM> includes a stiff, pointed working tip for cleaning between teeth and at the interface of teeth and gums, and so on.

The base portion <NUM> may define a longitudinal aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, an inner surface of the base portion <NUM> may include a receiving formation <NUM> or other mating structure that is complementary with a mating structure on the main body portion <NUM>, such as the protrusion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base portion <NUM>-and thus the attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-may be coupled to the main body portion <NUM> by inserting the base portion <NUM> over the longitudinal end of the main body portion <NUM> such that at least a portion of the reduced-diameter portion <NUM> of the main body portion <NUM> (e.g., the light housing <NUM>) extends into and at least partially through the longitudinal aperture <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may be secured to the main body portion by coupling of the receiving formation <NUM> with the protrusion <NUM> (e.g., a snap-fit), as well as by friction of contact between the base portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and between the base portion <NUM> and the light housing <NUM>. As noted above, the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and the light housing <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular space, and the base portion <NUM> may insert into that annular space so as to be held by friction with both the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and the light housing <NUM>. When an attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled with the main body portion <NUM>, the longitudinal axis A may extend through the aperture <NUM>.

In addition to providing a coupling means and a means by which a light source <NUM> may project light onto a working portion <NUM> of the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> may additionally serve as a safety precaution. Although the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include robust features for ensuring a secure connection between the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the main body portion, in the unlikely event that an attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> becomes inadvertently dislodged from the main body portion <NUM> and is partially swallowed by a user, the aperture <NUM> will allow the passage of air so as to prevent choking by the user.

When an attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled with the main body portion <NUM>, the attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially radially flush with the main body portion <NUM>, in some embodiments. That is, an outer diameter of the base portion <NUM> may be substantially the same as an outer diameter of the main body portion that is immediately longitudinally adjacent to the base portion <NUM>, such that the base portion <NUM> of the attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may maintain the outer profile of the main body portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

When an attachment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled with the main body portion <NUM>, the distal surface of the base portion <NUM> may be substantially flush with the light-transmissive cover <NUM>, in some embodiments. That is, the base portion <NUM> and the light-transmissive cover <NUM> may appear to collectively define a substantially flat surface, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The base portion <NUM>, neck portion <NUM>, and one or more portions of the working portion <NUM> may comprise a monolithic body of material, in embodiments. That material may be, for example, a polypropylene material or other polymer.

The tool <NUM> and attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may provide many functional advantages. First, each of the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may effectively clean a user's teeth, a portion thereof, or an orthodontic treatment, and/or allow the user to view the user's oral cavity. Second, the attachments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be selectively couplable with the main body portion <NUM>, thus allowing a user to customize a personal tool <NUM> and to use many different attachments with a single main body portion <NUM>. Third, a wide variety of attachments may be available, in embodiments, further enhancing the customizability of the tool <NUM>. Fourth, the tools that may be available for the scaler <NUM> may be sufficiently durable that a user can use each tool numerous times before the tool requires replacement. Fifth, the ends of the main body portion may be curved in opposite directions, such that the tools extends in opposite directions from the main body portion, thereby enabling the user to quickly and easily flip the scaler in his or her hand to use the opposite end of the scaler <NUM> (e.g., the tool on the opposite end).

Claim 1:
A dental tool (<NUM>) comprising:
a main body portion (<NUM>) having a first longitudinal end (<NUM>) and a second longitudinal end (<NUM>), wherein the first end and the second end (<NUM>,<NUM>) define respective reduced diameter portions (<NUM>,<NUM>);
two or more tool attachments (<NUM>), each tool attachment (<NUM>) comprising a working portion (<NUM>) and a base portion (<NUM>), the base portion (<NUM>) configured to be removably coupled to either of the reduced-diameter portions (<NUM>,<NUM>) of the main body portion (<NUM>) so as to secure the tool attachment (<NUM>) to the main body portion (<NUM>); and
a light source (<NUM>), disposed within the main body portion (<NUM>), arranged so as to illuminate the working portion (<NUM>) of one of the tool attachments (<NUM>) when the one of the tool attachments (<NUM>) is coupled to the first end (<NUM>) of the main body portion (<NUM>) and the light source (<NUM>) is electrically coupled to a power source, characterised in that:
the respective base portion (<NUM>) of each of the two or more tool attachments (<NUM>) defines a through-aperture (<NUM>); and
a portion of the main body portion (<NUM>) extends through the through-aperture (<NUM>) of any one of the tool attachments (<NUM>) when the one of the tool attachments (<NUM>) is coupled to the main body portion (<NUM>).