Disposable tooth cleaning device

Abstract

A disposable tooth cleaning device is disclosed for use with an application member. The device includes a support element having a first and a second surface, and a plurality of bristles project from the first surface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the second surface of the support element and is adapted for releasably securing the support element to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dental hygiene and, more particularly, to a single-use, all incorporated disposable toothbrush arrangement. Specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable toothbrush that is adapted for use with an applicator member designed for readily and easily accessing all areas of the teeth during cleaning.

2. Description of the Prior Art

For many years, dentists and oral hygienists have recommended that teeth be brushed after every meal and even snacks. Unfortunately, strict adherence to such a regimen is often difficult when using conventional toothbrushes and toothpastes, since these articles are traditionally too large and bulky to easily and inconspicuously carry in one's pocket or purse. For people who work or travel extensively, for airline passengers, for hikers or backpackers and many others as well, this is especially difficult due to the bulkiness and potential mess a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste can be in such situations. Moreover, trying to convince school age children to carry such items with them to school and then to use them at school is virtually impossible.

In response to this predicament, there have been many attempts to develop a low-cost disposable toothbrush that can be carried in a purse or pocket and then discarded after having been used only once to brush one's teeth. While these devices represent improvements over traditional toothbrushes and toothpaste for brushing while away from home, they nonetheless tend to have certain limitations and shortcomings inherent in their designs. A number of these devices involve the use of a clip, pad or rigid tube that fits over or onto the end of a finger. Examples of these devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,172, U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,428, U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,005, U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,482, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,273, U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,599 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,252. Unfortunately, these devices still tend to be somewhat bulky and cumbersome. In addition, they can also be difficult to maneuver as well as keep in proper position when in use.

Other prior art devices are in the form of simply smaller toothbrushes of standard-design as well as kits that include a typical toothbrush design made from inexpensive plastic material along with toothpaste or dentifrice. Examples of these are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,381, U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,420, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,719, U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,009, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,059 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,860. One of the major problems with these types of designs is that they are almost as bulky as a standard toothbrush. While these devices offer some reduction in bulk and may tend to eliminate a separate tube of toothpaste, they are still inconveniently sized packages to carry in a purse or pocket.

Finger mounted toothbrushes that have taken the form of a rolled latex finger cover that can be unrolled onto a finger have significant advantages over the above. Examples of such devices include those illustrated in U.S. Patents No. 3,368, 668, U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,562, U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,774, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,765, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,739 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,587. Unfortunately, these arrangements also have their limitations. For example, the brush portions of such devices tend to be exposed to compressive forces that deform and damage the bristles of the brush. Many can become useless after a period of storage time due to the compression of the bristles and the smearing of the pre-applied dentifrice. In addition, the bristles of the device tend to slip around on the finger during use, and the typically thin latex cover can be readily torn if used too vigorously. Finally, with the devices applied to only one finger, the accessibility of certain portions of the mouth is quite difficult. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a disposable toothbrush device that overcomes the aforementioned problems, and the present invention addresses and solves these particular problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a disposable tooth cleaning device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposable toothbrush adapted to fit over a user's finger and thumb to apply the toothbrush to one's teeth.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable toothbrush adapted to fit over an independent applicator member which can be in the form of a pencil or an elongated applicator enclosed with the toothbrush.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a one-time use toothbrush that can be formed from a sheath made of plastic, fabric or treated paper so that it is economically disposable.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a disposable tooth cleaning device is disclosed for use with an application member. The device includes a support element having a first and a second surface, and a plurality of bristles project from the first surface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the second surface of the support element and is adapted for releasably securing the support element to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

In one application of the invention, the support element is in the form of a sheath having a closed end for mounting the bristles and an open end for receiving an application member. In one form of this application, the sheath includes a pair of elongated members each having a closed end carrying the bristles, the elongated members forming a joint open end for receiving a pair of application members in the form of an individual's thumb and index finger.

In another form, the attachment mechanism includes a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to the support element second surface. In one aspect of this form, the support element sheath includes an extension portion projecting outwardly from the closed end with the extension portion mounting the bristles. In another aspect, the support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form of a finger or an elongated stick-like member.

Another modification of the invention involves the support element being in the form of a pad having the bristles disposed on one surface thereof. In this modification, the attachment mechanism may include a tacky-layer for releasable attachment to a finger end. Moreover, the support element may be in the form of a pair of such pads for releasable attachment to the ends of an individual's thumb and index finger for cooperative tooth cleaning movement. Alternately, the attachment mechanism may include a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to the support element second surface, and the sheath may be made from a variety of materials including latex rubber, injection molded plastic, woven fabric and treated paper.

Yet another modification of the invention includes a disposable tooth cleaning device having a support element. The support element may have first and second members with each such member having an outer and an inner surface. A plurality of bristles project from the outer surface of each support element member. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the inner surface of each support element member and is adapted for releasably securing the first and second support element members to an individual's thumb and index finger, respectively, for use of the disposable tooth cleaning device.

Still another modification of the invention is in the form of a disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member. The device includes a support element having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of bristles project from the outer surface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is provided in the form of a plurality of gripping elements secured to the inner surface of the support element and are adapted for releasably securing the support element to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective of one embodiment of a disposable toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating its use with one form of application member;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 1 and illustrating its use with a finger as an application member;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 2 mounted on a finger as an application member;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective of an alternate embodiment of a disposable toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating its use with one form of application member;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 4 mounted on the illustrated application member;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a disposable toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating its position mounted on the hand of a user;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 6 in an unmounted position;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of yet another disposable toothbrush embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 9 and illustrating its position mounted on the hand of a user;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective of another disposasble toothbrush member embodiment similar to that of FIG. 4 but illustrating an application member adapted to simultaneously function as a tongue scraper cleaning device; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a first embodiment of a disposable toothbrush 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the toothbrush 10 includes a support element 12 having a first or outer surface 14 and a second or inner surface 16. The support element 12 includes a front or closed end portion 18 and an open end portion 20 opposite the front end portion 18. The open end portion 20 forms an interior receptacle or cavity 22 that extends along a portion of the length of the support element 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or alternatively along the entire length of the support element 12′ as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.

It should be understood that the support element 12,12′ may be made of any appropriate material. In preferred form, the material for the element 12 is injection molded plastic, preferably containing latex or some other flexible agent. In this manner, the front end portion 18 may project outwardly in the form of an elongated plate 24 while providing some flexibility to the device 10 during use. Alternatively, the preferred material for the support element 12′ is woven fabric, latex rubber or treated waterproof paper.

The support element 12, 12′ includes a patch of bristles 26 projecting outwardly from the outer surface 14 proximate the front end portion 18 thereof. The bristles 26 are of typical standard design for tooth cleaning bristles and include a tooth powder or paste pre-applied and/or impregnated therein. Any type of appropriate tooth cleaning and/or whitening agent may be utilized with the present invention.

The interior cavity 22 of the support element 12 includes an attachment mechanism preferably in the form of a plurality of gripping elements 28 disposed along the interior surface 16. In preferred form, the gripping elements 28 are in the form of inclined projections and are designed to removably retain an applicator element 30 in the cavity 22. Alternatively, any type of roughened surface topography may be utilized as the gripping elements 28. It should be understood, however, that any type of member may be used as the gripping element 28 as long as it provides a sufficiently rough surface to firmly hold the applicator element 30 within the receptacle 22 during use of the device 10.

The applicator element 30 may be in the form of a stick-like member 32 or a finger 34. The applicator element 32 may be any desired elongated member, such as a pencil and the like, or it may be specifically packaged with the support element 12 for use therewith. When the applicator element 30 is packaged with the support element 12, it is sized for firm fit within the receptacle 22 and is disposable along with the rest of the device 10. The only requirement for the applicator element 30 is that it be of sufficient size to fit within the cavity 22 as well as be retained therein during the brushing of teeth with the device 10. The applicator element 32 may also include a flossing brush 36 positioned at the end thereof opposite the support element 12. In preferred form, the flossing brush 36 projects orthogonally outwardly from the applicator element 32.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 preferably includes a receptacle cavity 22 that extends the entire length of the support element 12. This arrangement provides a greater length for the applicator element 30 to be positioned within the support element 12′ for greater leverage when brushing the teeth. It also allows for direct application of pressure through the bristles 26 to teeth by the applicator element 30. In one modification of this embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the applicator element 30′ may have a dual function. It includes a stick-like front portion 32′, similar to that of the previous embodiment, for insertion into a support element 12′. It also includes a rear portion 31 having a flat surface 33 and a thin edge 35. The rear portion 31 is preferably in the form of a flat arcuate or curved blade element useful for scraping the surface of a tongue to clean an individual's tongue while also cleaning their teeth. The thin edge 35 is drawn across the tongue surface to effect the tongue scraping and cleaning action.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated herein. In this embodiment, the device 10′ includes a support element in the form of a sleeve 38. The sleeve 38 includes outer and inner surfaces 40, 42, respectively, and is formed into a pair of elongated members 44, 46, each of which has a closed distal end portion 48, 50, respectively. The elongated members 44, 46 join together to form a single open end portion 52 at the end opposite the distal end portions 48, 50. Each distal end portion 48, 50 carries a patch of bristles 54, 56, respectively, on the outer surface 40 thereof. The bristle patches 54, 56 are preferably arranged opposite each other on their respective end portions 48, 50.

The elongated members 44, 46 are sized and shaped to permit a person to insert their index finger and thumb therein as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this manner, the bristle patches 54, 56 are arranged to be positioned on the inner end pads of the finger and thumb. As in the prior embodiments, a tooth powder or paste is disposed and impregnated into the bristle patches 54, 56. An attachment mechanism in the form of gripping elements 28 is disposed along the interior surface 42 of each elongated member 44, 46 and function in the same manner as the gripping elements 28 of the previous embodiments, i.e. to assist in maintaining the device 10′ in position on the applicator member which in this embodiment is in the form of a person's index finger and thumb. In this manner, the individual wearing the device 10′ may easily reach all areas of their teeth in their mouth without having to twist and convolute their hand as in the prior art devices having only a single sheath carried on one finger.

The material for the sheath 38 may be selected from any appropriate material and is preferably made from fabric, preferably woven, latex-containing plastic, or treated paper. The treated paper must be treated to be waterproof and must be of sufficient strength to prevent tearing during use of the device 10′

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, an alternate form of the above embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the device 10″ is in the form of a pair of pads 60. Each pad 60 includes a support element 62 sized and shaped to cover the finger or thumb pad of a person using the device. The support element 62 includes an outer surface 64 which carries a bristle patch 66 thereon. As in the prior embodiments, the bristle patch 66 includes is impregnated with a tooth powder or paste. The pad 62 also includes an inner surface 68 which carries an attachment mechanism preferably in the form of a tacky layer 70. The tacky layer 70 is designed to enable a person to removably adhere the inner surface 68 to their index finger and thumb and temporarily retain them in position during use of the device 10″. Once the pair of pads 62 are in position on the individual's finger and thumb, the person utilizes the device 10″ in a manner similar to that of the device 10′ of the FIGS. 6-8 embodiment:

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides an inexpensive and convenient disposable tooth cleaning device. The present invention is adapted to be utilized with an applicator member in the form of a separate stick or a person's index finger and thumb. In either event, the present invention permits a person to easily clean their teeth without having to twist and convolute their hand to reach all areas of the mouth. Moreover, the present invention is constructed form materials which, although inexpensive to manufacture, are nonetheless of sufficient strength to withstand the vigorous movement a person makes with the device to accomplish tooth cleaning tasks. Finally, the present invention is compact and avoids the bulk and mess of certain prior art disposable toothbrushes.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited to the claims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member, said device comprising:

a support element having first and second surfaces;

a plurality of bristles projecting from the first surface of said support element;

a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and

an attachment mechanism secured to the second surface of said support element and adapted for releasably securing said support element to an application member for use of said device.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support element comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving an application member.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sheath comprises a pair of elongated members each having a closed end carrying said bristles, said elongated members forming a joint open end for receiving a pair of application members in the form of an individual's thumb and index finger.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to said support element second surface.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said support element sheath includes an extension portion projecting outwardly from said closed end, said extension portion mounting said bristles.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form of a finger or an elongated stick-like member.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support element comprises a pad having said bristles disposed on one surface thereof.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a finger end.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support element comprises a pair of said pads for releasable attachment to the ends of an individual's thumb and index finger for cooperative tooth cleaning movement.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to said support element second surface, and Wherein said sheath is made from materials selected from the group consisting of latex rubber, injection molded plastic, woven fabric and treated paper.

11. A disposable tooth cleaning device comprising:

a support element having first and second members with said member having an outer and an inner surface;

a plurality of bristles projecting from the outer surface of each said support element member;

a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and

an attachment mechanism secured to the inner surface of each said support element member and adapted for releasably securing said first and second support element members to an individual's thumb and index finger, respectively, for use of said device.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein each said first and second support element members comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving an individual's finger or thumb.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first and second support element members form a joint open end for receiving an individual's thumb and index finger therein.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an individual's index finger and thumb to said support element members inner surfaces.

15. The device as claimed in claim 11 wherein each said support element member comprises a pad having said bristles disposed on the outer surface thereof, and wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a finger or thumb end for cooperative tooth cleaning movement.

16. A disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member, said device comprising:

a support element having inner and outer surfaces;

a plurality of bristles projecting from the outer surface of said support element;

a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and

an attachment mechanism in the form of a plurality of gripping elements secured to the inner surface of said support element and adapted for releasably securing said support element to an application member for use of said device.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein said support element comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving said application member.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form of a finger.

19. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form Of an elongated stick-like member, one end of said stick-like member including a tooth flossing brush projecting outwardly therefrom.

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said device includes said elongated stick-like application member having a front portion for attachment to said support element, and a rear portion in the form of a flat, curved blade adapted to scrape the surface of an individual's tongue to clean the same.