Tonsil Brush

Abstract

A device for cleaning tonsils is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis and a head having a longitudinal axis, extending from the elongated handle. The device further includes a first set of projections configured to brush a user's tonsils, disposed on a first surface of the head and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The device also includes a second set of projections configured to brush a user's tonsils, disposed on a second surface of the head and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/882,524, filed on Dec. 28, 2006.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to an oral hygiene product. In particular, the application relates to a brush for self-cleaning of tonsils.

BACKGROUND

Tonsils are located in the back of an individual's throat, and contain many folds and crevices (sometimes referred to as “crypts”). Food particles, dead white blood cells, oral bacteria, and other matter may become trapped in these crevices and form tonsiliths (sometimes referred to as “tonsil stones”). Tonsiliths are known to cause sores throats, coughing, and halitosis. Tonsiliths may be treated by surgical removal, laser resurfacing, or a tonsillectomy. Prevention methods include gargling with salt water, cider vinegar, dissolvable paracetamol or a non-alcohol-, non-sugar-based mouth wash.

Toothbrushes are commonly used by individuals for the self-cleaning of teeth and tongue. Traditional toothbrushes are manually moved by an individual, while electric toothbrushes include a power source, motor, and other components configured to vibrate or rotate a brush head to facilitate cleaning. Both traditional and electric toothbrushes include brush heads having synthetic bristles, typically made of nylon. The bristles are arranged in tufts on the toothbrush head, with each tuft having dozens of bristles. In one known arrangement, the tufts include 50-60 bristles. While toothbrushes are often labeled as having “soft,” “medium,” or “hard” bristles, even soft bristles are too abrasive to be used to regularly clean tonsils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front planar view of one embodiment of a tonsil brush;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a tonsil brush;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush having an angled head;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front planar view of an alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush having a second set of projections;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush having a second set of projections;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush having a set of bristles configured to brush a user's teeth;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush having one set of bristles configured to brush teeth and a set of projections configured to brush tonsils;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front planar view of an embodiment of an electric tonsil brush;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front planar view of an alternative embodiment of an electric tonsil brush having a cylindrical head; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a cylindrical head of a tonsil brush.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a front planar view of one embodiment of a tonsil brush 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the tonsil brush 100 includes an elongated handle 110 having a longitudinal axis A₁ and a head 120 extending from the elongated handle 110, the head 120 having a longitudinal axis A₂. The tonsil brush 100 further includes a plurality of projections 130 configured to brush a user's tonsils. The projections 130 are constructed of a material soft enough to prevent abrasion, yet firm enough to effectively remove tonsiliths from the crevices of a tonsil. In one embodiment, the projections 130 are constructed of thermoplastic elastomer. In other known embodiments, the projections 130 are constructed of a block of foam material, or other elastomer materials.

In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 130 has a circular cross-section, and each has the same diameter. In one embodiment, each projection 130 is a unitary element having a diameter of approximately 0.5 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, each projection 130 has a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 2 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the projections 130 have varying diameters, ranging from between about 1 micrometer to about 2 millimeters. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the projections 130 may have oval or polygonal cross-sections, or a cross-section defined by a plurality of curved and/or straight lines.

In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 130 is a unitary element and the projections 130 are spaced apart and arranged in rows. In one embodiment, the projections 130 are spaced apart by a distance of approximately 0.5 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, the projections are spaced apart by a distance between about 100 micrometers and 2 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the projections 130 are arranged in tufts. In other alternative embodiment (not shown), the projections 130 may be arranged in any regular or irregular formation.

The tonsil brush 100 is configured to be used by an individual to brush his or her own tonsils. Alternatively, the tonsil brush 100 may be used by a dental professional or other third party to brush the tonsils of another individual.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the tonsil brush 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis A₁ of the elongated handle 110 is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the projections 130 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. In an alternative embodiment, the projections 130 may extend at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a first set of projections extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120, a second set of projections are angled towards the right side of the head 120, and a third set of projections are angled towards the left side of the head 120. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), any combination of perpendicular projections, and projections angled towards the right, left, top, or bottom of the head 120 may be employed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 130 have rounded tips. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tips of the projection are flat. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tips of the projections have a cone shape. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tips of the projections have a polygonal shape.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 130, wherein the longitudinal axis A₁ of the elongated handle 110 is disposed at an acute angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle θ between the longitudinal axis A₁ of the elongated handle 110 and the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120 is approximately 65°. In other known embodiments (not shown), the angle θ is between about 0° to about 65°.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 300 may further include one or more neck portions disposed between the head 120 and the elongated handle 110. The one or more neck portions may be disposed at acute angles with respect to the head 120 and the handle 110.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, at least one of the projections 130 is substantially perpendicular to the head 120 of the tonsil brush 100, and at least one of the projections 130 is angled towards the top of the head 120. In other known embodiments (not shown), any combination of perpendicular projections, and projections angled towards the right, left, top, or bottom of the head 120 may be employed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 400. The tonsil brush 400 is substantially similar to the tonsil brushes 100 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, except that the tonsil brush 400 further includes a second set of projections 410 extending from a top surface of the head 120. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the second set of projections 410 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each of the second set of projections 410 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. Because the tonsils are located in the back of the throat, the second set of projections 410 facilitate brushing. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 400 only employs projections that extend from the top surface of the head 120, and does not include projections that extend from the front surface of the head 120.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the tonsil brush 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 120 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the elongated handle 110. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the head 120 may be coaxial with the elongated handle 110. In another alternative embodiment, the tonsil brush 400 may further include one or more neck portions disposed at acute angles with respect to the head 120 and the handle 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the second set of projections 410 has the same diameter as each of the projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120. For example, each projection 130, 410 may have a diameter of approximately 0.5 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, each projection 130, 410 has a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 2 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120 have a first diameter, and the second set of projections 410 have a second diameter different from the first diameter. In another alternative embodiment, each of the projections 130, 410 have varying diameters.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 600. The tonsil brush 600 is substantially similar to the tonsil brushes 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, except that the tonsil brush 600 further includes a set of bristles 610 arranged in tufts and extending from a rear surface of the head 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of bristles 610 are constructed of a synthetic material, such as nylon, and have a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. The set of bristles 610 are stiffer than the projections 130, 410 and are configured to brush a user's teeth, thereby providing a single device configured to brush both a user's tonsils and a user's teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the set of bristles 610 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the head 120. In alternative embodiment (not shown), the set of bristles 610 may extend at various angles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the head 120 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the elongated handle 110. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the head 120 may be coaxial with the elongated handle 110. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 600 may further include one or more neck portions disposed at acute angles with respect to the head 120 and the handle 110.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the tonsil brush 600 includes projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120 and a second set of projections 410 extending from the top surface of the head 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 600 does not include projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 600 does not include the second set of projections 410 extending from the top surface of the head 120.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 700. The tonsil brush 700 is substantially similar to the tonsil brushes 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, except that the projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120 are replaced with synthetic bristles 710 arranged in tufts and configured to brush a user's teeth, thereby providing a single device configured to brush both a user's tonsils and a user's teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the synthetic bristles 710 are constructed of nylon, and have a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 120 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the elongated handle 110. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the head 120 may be coaxial with the elongated handle 110. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 700 may further include one or more neck portions disposed at acute angles with respect to the head 120 and the handle 110.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 800. The tonsil brush 800 is substantially similar to the tonsil brushes 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, except that the tonsil brush 800 is electrically powered and includes a housing 810 attached to the handle 110. The housing 810 houses a power source (not shown), such as a battery, an electric motor (not shown), and other components (not shown) configured to vibrate or rotate at least a portion of the head 120 to facilitate tonsil cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 810 further includes an activation switch 820 configured to turn the electric motor on and off. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation switch 820 is a button. In alternative embodiments, the activation switch may be a dial, a toggle switch, a lever, a knob, or any other appropriate control.

In the illustrated embodiment, the head 120 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the elongated handle 110. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the head 120 may be coaxial with the elongated handle 110. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 800 may further include one or more neck portions disposed at acute angles with respect to the head 120 and the handle 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tonsil brush 800 includes projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120 and a second set of projections 410 extending from the top surface of the head 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 800 does not include projections 130 extending from the front surface of the head 120. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 800 does not include the second set of projections 410 extending from the top surface of the head 120. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 800 includes synthetic bristles configured to brush a user's teeth, such as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a tonsil brush 900 having a longitudinal axis A, an elongated handle 910, a head 920, and a plurality of projections 930 configured to brush a user's tonsils. The projections 930 are configured to brush a user's tonsils and are substantially similar to the projections 130, 410 described above in relation to FIGS. 1-8.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tonsil brush 900 is electrically powered and further includes a housing 940 attached to the handle 910. The housing 940 houses a power source (not shown), such as a battery, an electric motor (not shown), and other components (not shown) configured to rotate the head 920 of the tonsil brush 900 to facilitate tonsil cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing further includes an activation switch 950 configured to toggle the electric motor on and off. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation switch 950 is a button. In alternative embodiments, the activation switch may be a dial, a toggle switch, a lever, a knob, or any other appropriate control.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the tonsil brush 900. With reference now to both FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the head 920 of the tonsil brush 900 is substantially cylindrically shaped. The projections 930 are configured to extend from the perimeter and the top surface of the head 920. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 900 only has projections extending from the perimeter of the head 920. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tonsil brush 900 only has projections extending from the top surface of the head 920.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections extending from the perimeter of the head 920 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the tonsil brush 900, and the projections extending from the top surface of the head 120 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the projections 930 extend from the head 920 at varying angles.

In each of the above described embodiments, a user may apply toothpaste, mouth wash, salt water, or water to the projections prior to using the tonsil brush. Alternatively, the user may employ the tonsil brush alone, without any advanced preparation of the projections. The tonsil brush may be used once a day, or several times a day. For example, the tonsil brush may be used every time a user brushes his or her teeth—either immediately before or immediately after. Alternatively, the tonsil brush may be used on a weekly or monthly basis, or on any regular or irregular basis.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A tonsil brush comprising:

an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis;

a head extending from the elongated handle and having a longitudinal axis;

a first set of thermoplastic elastomer projections disposed on a first surface of the head and extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head, the thermoplastic elastomer projections being configured to brush a user's tonsils; and

a second set of thermoplastic elastomer projections disposed on a second surface of the head and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head, the thermoplastic elastomer projections being configured to brush a user's tonsils.

2. The tonsil brush of claim 1, further comprising a set of nylon bristles disposed on a third surface of the head and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head, the nylon bristles being configured to brush a user's teeth.

3. The tonsil brush of claim 1, wherein the head extends from the elongated handle at an angle between about 0° to about 65°.

4. The tonsil brush product of claim 1, further comprising a power source, a motor, and at least a portion of the oral hygiene product is configured to rotate or vibrate.

5. The tonsil brush product of claim 4, wherein the head is cylindrically shaped.

6. An oral hygiene product comprising:

a handle;

a head connected to the handle; and

a plurality of elastomeric projections disposed on a first surface of the head, each projection having a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 2 millimeters and configured to brush a user's tonsils.

7. The oral hygiene product of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of elastomeric projections is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

8. The oral hygiene product of claim 6, further comprising a second plurality of elastomeric projections disposed on a second surface of the head, each projection having a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 2 millimeters and configured to brush a user's tonsils.

9. The oral hygiene product of claim 8, wherein each of the second plurality of elastomeric projections are constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

10. The oral hygiene product of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of synthetic bristles disposed on a second surface of the head, each bristle having a diameter between about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers and configured to brush a user's teeth.

11. The oral hygiene product of claim 10, wherein the plurality of synthetic bristles are constructed of nylon.

12. The oral hygiene product of claim 6, wherein the head is disposed at an angle between about 0° to about 65° with respect to the handle.

13. The oral hygiene product of claim 6, further comprising a power source and a motor, wherein at least a portion of the oral hygiene product is configured to rotate or vibrate.

14. The oral hygiene product of claim 13, wherein the head is cylindrically shaped.

15. A method of cleaning tonsils comprising:

providing a brush having an elongated handle, a head, and a plurality of elastomeric projections extending from the head;

inserting the brush into a mouth of a user; and

brushing a user's tonsils with the elastomeric projections.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of applying one of water, saltwater, mouthwash, and toothpaste to the elastomeric projections prior to the step of inserting the brush into a mouth of a user.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the steps of inserting the brush into the mouth of a user and brushing a user's tonsils are performed by the user.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the steps of inserting the brush into the mouth of a user and brushing a user's tonsils are performed by a third party.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the step of providing a brush includes providing a brush having a power source and a motor.

20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a step of powering on the motor.