DISPOSABLE TEETH CLEANING SYSTEM

The disclosure describes several embodiments of a disposable teeth cleaning system comprising: an elongated body comprising, a brush portion for cleaning teeth wherein the brushes are coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, or a flavoring agent, a flossing portion having a flossing member coated with coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, and a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/602,577, entitled “A Disposable Teeth Cleaning System,” filed on Feb. 23, 2012; U.S. Design Patent Application 29/427,733, filed on Jul. 21, 2012, entitled “A Disposable Teeth Cleaning System”; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates in general to toothbrushes, and in particular to a disposable teeth cleaning system.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Using a toothbrush away from home or a hotel room is awkward. One must carry toothpaste and a toothbrush. Often one must use a traditional toothbrush in public bathrooms which are not typically sanitary. After using a toothbrush, the bristles are wet and hold water. It is hard to keep the bristles sanitary while drying. Thus, often travelers use cases to keep the wet bristles away for unsanitary surfaces. However, the moist environment of a case can cause bacterial growth.

What is needed, therefore, is a system to allow travelers and others to clean their teeth in a sanitary and convenient manner.

SUMMARY

In response to these and other problems, in one embodiment, there is a disposable teeth cleaning system designed for a single use and wrapped in a sterile package. In one embodiment, the teeth cleaning system comprises a primary elongated handle having two end portions. On one end portion, there is a head having brush elements extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the handle. At the opposing end portion, there is a flossing device and a toothpick. The entire length of the system is relatively short to accommodate pockets and to make carrying easy.

In another embodiment, there may be a teeth cleaning system comprising: an elongated body comprising: (1) a brush means for brushing teeth, wherein the brush means comprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, (2) a flossing means comprising: a curved portion coupled to the handle portion, a side projected portion extending generally laterally from the handle portion, a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the side projected portion; (3) a toothpick means positioned on a surface of the curved portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and (4) a handle means positioned between the brush means and the flossing means, the handle means having a cross sectional shape which can be held comfortably by the human hand.

In another embodiment, there is described several embodiments of disposable teeth cleaning systems comprising: an elongated body comprising, a brush portion for cleaning teeth wherein the brushes are coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, or a flavoring agent, a flossing portion having a flossing member coated with coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, and a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion.

These and other features, and advantages, will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is important to note the drawings are not intended to represent the only aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

When directions, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, clockwise, and counter-clockwise, are discussed in this disclosure, such directions are meant to only supply reference directions for the illustrated figures and for orientation of components in the figures. The directions should not be read to imply actual directions used in any resulting invention or actual use. Under no circumstances should such directions be read to limit or impart any meaning into the claims.

Turning now to FIG. 1a through FIG. 3, there is presented one embodiment of a teeth cleaning system 10. The teeth cleaning system 10 comprises an elongated body 12 having a longitudinal axis 13. The elongated body 12 further comprises a flossing portion 14, a handle portion 16 and a brush portion 18. Furthermore, in certain embodiments there may be a toothpick or toothpick device 20.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 12 may be in the range of approximately 4″ or 100 mm, plus or minus 50 percent. In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body 12 may be in the range of approximately 6″ or 150 mm and may range up to a length of approximately 9″ or 228 mm. In certain embodiments, the elongated body 12 is molded from a sterile plastic, such as polypropylene, or by low strength TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), such as TPU having a hardness of 80 to 100 shore.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 14 comprises a curved portion 22 of the elongated body 12 and a side projected portion 24. The curved portion 22 and the side projected portion 24 provide sufficient support to allow a flossing member 26 to be strung tautly between the respective ends of the curved portion 22 and side projected portion 24. In some embodiments, the flossing member 26 may comprise a nylon, a nylon-polyester blend, Terylene, or Polyester string of approximately 0.1 mm (0.00394″) in diameter. In certain embodiments, the flossing member 26 may be coated with: (1) Xylitol™ and a flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

At the opposing end of the elongated body 12, there is the brush portion 18. The brush portion 18 comprises a head 28 which widens with respect to the handle portion 16 to accommodate a plurality of bristles 30 extending from the head 28 in a substantially transverse manner to the longitudinal axis 13. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 30 extend approximately 5 mm (0.1969″) from the head 28. In certain embodiments, each bristle in the plurality of bristles 30 have a diameter of approximately 0.15 mm (0.00591″). In certain embodiments, the bristles 30 are made from nylon or a nylon polyester blend. In certain embodiments, the bristles 30 may be coated with: (1) Xylitol and a flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

As previously discussed, a handle portion 16 joins the brush portion 18 to the flossing portion 14. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the handle portion 16 narrows at point 32 to provide greater flexibility to the flossing portion 14 for easier maneuvering within the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the handle portion 16 has a thickness of 4 mm (0.16″) at the brush portion 18 which tapers down to 1.6 mm (0.063″) at the flossing portion 14.

In certain embodiments, there is the tip or toothpick 20 projecting from a top or bottom face of the curved portion 22. In certain embodiments, the toothpick 20 extends out from the face by approximately 5 mm (0.2″). In some embodiments, the toothpick 20 is made from rubber or a plastic polymer or Kraton. In certain embodiments, the toothpick is formed from the same material as the elongated body 12 and may be integral with the elongated body or separately molded and press fit into an aperture formed at the end portion of the flossing portion as indicated in FIG. 1a through FIG. 3.

Additional Embodiments

In the alternative embodiment illustrated by the system 40 in FIG. 4, the toothpick 38 projects from a side face of the curved portion 22. The system 40 illustrated by FIG. 4 is similar to the teeth cleaning system 10 except for placement of the toothpick 38.

Turning now to FIG. 5a through FIG. 7, there is presented an alternative embodiment of a teeth cleaning system 110. The teeth cleaning system 110 comprises a elongated body 112 having a longitudinal axis 113. The elongated body 112 further comprises a flossing portion 114, a handle portion 116 and a brush portion 118. Furthermore, in certain embodiments there may be a toothpick or toothpick device 120.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 112 may be in the range of approximately 4.72″ or 120 mm, plus or minus 20 percent. In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body 112 may be in the range of approximately 6″ or 150 mm and may range up to a length of approximately 9″ or 228 mm. In certain embodiments, components of the teeth cleaning system 110 are made from the same material(s) as in the corresponding components of the teeth cleaning system 10 described in reference to FIGS. 1 through 3.

In certain embodiments and as points of reference only, the elongated body 112 may have a top face 140, a bottom face 142, a side face 144 and an opposing side face 146. Each of these faces may comprise one or more surfaces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be end surfaces. For instance, a curved surface 148 joins the side face 144 to an end surface 150. Similarly, a curved surface 152 joins the opposing side face 146 to the end surface 150. Other surfaces are illustrated in the Figures and will not be explained in detail unless reference to a specific feature is discussed using one of the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 114 comprises a curved portion 122 of the elongated body 112 and a side projected portion 124. The curved portion 122 and the side projected portion 124 provide sufficient support to allow a flossing member 126 to be strung tautly between the respective ends of the curved portion 122 and side projected portion 124. In some embodiments, the flossing member 126 may comprise a Nylon, Terylene or Polyester string of approximately 0.1 mm (0.00394″) in diameter (or a flossing member which is similar in material and dimensions to flossing member 26 described above in reference to FIGS. 1a through 3).

At the opposing end of the elongated body 112, there is the brush portion 118. The brush portion 118 comprises a head 128 sized to accommodate a plurality of groups of bristles 130 extending from a surface 132 of the head 128 in a substantially transverse manner to the longitudinal axis 113. In certain embodiments, there may be twenty-two (22) groups of bristles where each group of bristles, say bristle group 130a comprises a plurality of individual bristles (not shown). In some embodiments, the individual bristles in the plurality of bristle groups 130 extend approximately 5 mm (0.2″) from the surface 132 of head 128. Each group of bristles, for instance, group of bristles 130a may be inserted into a corresponding aperture 134a defined in the face 132 of the head 128 and attached to the head by means known to those skilled in the art, such as a sterile industrial glue. In certain embodiments, each bristle (not shown) in the group of the bristles 130a may have a diameter of 0.15 mm (0.00591″). The bristles 130 may be made of a similar material and have the same functions and benefits of the bristles 30 described above.

The head 128 comprises a brush retaining portion 136 for retaining the plurality of brushes and a transition portion 138 which couples the brush retaining portion 136 to the handle portion 116. In certain embodiments the width and depth of the transition portion 138 narrows along the longitudinal axis 113 from the brush retaining portion 136 to the handle portion 116 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In other words, at point “A” the width and thickness of transition portion 138 is larger than at point “B.” In certain embodiments, there may be a circumferential indent or groove 154 designed to reduce the rigidity of the head 128 to provide a certain amount of “give” as the teeth cleaning system 110 is used.

As previously discussed, the handle portion 116 joins the brush portion 118 to the flossing portion 114. In certain embodiments, the thickness and width of the handle portion 116 varies along the longitudinal direction for ease of use and comfort. For instance, in certain embodiments, the width (i.e., the distance between the surfaces of the side face 144 and the surfaces of the opposing side face 146 as illustrated in FIG. 6) of the handle portion 116 increases laterally (with respect to the longitudinal axis 113) from the groove 154 to a double crown point “C” (with respect to the longitudinal axis 113). From the double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which is the longitudinal point that defines the intersection of the handle portion 116 with the flossing portion 114), the width of the handle portion decreases laterally. In certain embodiments, the width of the handle portion 116 at the double crown point “C” is 12 mm (0.47″). In certain embodiments, the width of the handle portion 116 at point “D” is 7 mm (0.28″). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the transition from the groove 154 to the double crown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use of convex curved surfaces 156a and 156b (See FIG. 6).

Similarly, in certain embodiments, the thickness (e.g. the distance between the surfaces of the top face 140 and the surfaces of the bottom face 142 as illustrated in FIG. 7) of the handle portion 116 increases laterally (with respect to the longitudinal axis 113) from the groove 154 to the double crown point “C.” From the double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which defines the intersection of the handle portion 116 with the flossing portion 114), the thickness of the handle portion 116 decreases laterally. In certain embodiments, the thickness at the double crown point “C” is 6 mm (0.24″). In certain embodiments, the thickness of the handle portion at point D” is 2 mm (0.0787″). In other embodiments, the thickness may vary by as much as 25 percent depending on the material used to form the handle portion 116 and the comfort of the user. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the transition from the groove 154 to the double crown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use of generally curved surfaces 158a and 158b.

In certain embodiments, there may be a plurality of lateral indents 160 defined within the top generally curved surface 158a and the bottom generally curved surface 158b which may allow the user to be able to grip the handle portion 116 in a more secure manner. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of lateral indents 160 may be coupled to a plurality of lateral rubber or Kraton™ inserts (not shown) which may rise slightly above the generally curved surfaces 158a and 158b to allow for better grip of the handle portion 116.

In certain embodiments, there is the toothpick 120 projecting from a top or bottom face of the curved portion 122. In certain embodiments, the toothpick 120 extends out from a face of the curved portion 122 by approximately 5 mm (0.2″). In yet other embodiments, the toothpick 120 is made from the same material as the toothpick 20 described above in reference to FIGS. 1a through 3.

Turning now to FIG. 8a through FIG. 10, there is presented an embodiment of a teeth cleaning system 210. The teeth cleaning system 210 comprises an elongated body 212 having a longitudinal axis 213. The elongated body 212 further comprises a flossing portion 214, a handle portion 216, and a brush portion 218. Furthermore, in certain embodiments there may be a toothpick or toothpick device 220.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 212 may be in the range of approximately 3.54″ or 90 mm, plus or minus 10 percent. In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body 212 may be in the range of approximately 3″ or 75 mm and may range up to a length of approximately 6″ or 152.4 mm. In certain embodiments, components of the teeth cleaning system 210 are made from the same material(s) as in the corresponding components of the teeth cleaning system 10 described in reference to FIGS. 1a through 7.

In certain embodiments and as points of reference only, the elongated body 212 may have a top face 240, a bottom face 242, a side face 244 and an opposing side face 246. Each of these faces may comprise one or more surfaces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be end surfaces. For instance, a curved end surface 250 joins the side face 244 to the opposing side face 246 of a head or brush portion 218. Other surfaces are illustrated in the Figures and will not be explained in detail unless reference to a specific feature is discussed using one of the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 214 comprises a curved end portion 222 of the elongated body 212 and a side projected portion 224. The curved end portion 222 and the side projected portion 224 provide sufficient support to allow a flossing member 226 to be strung tautly between the respective ends of the curved end portion 222 and side projected portion 224. In some embodiments, the flossing member 226 may comprise a nylon string having a diameter of approximately 0.004″ or 0.1 mm (or a flossing member which is similar in material and dimensions to flossing member 26 described above in reference to FIGS. 1a through 3).

In certain embodiments, the curved end portion 222 extends 0.478″ or 12.12 mm from the side face 244. The side projected portion 224 extends 0.79″ or 20 mm from the side face 244. The projected end portion of the side projected portion 224 is positioned approximately 0.89″ or 22.5 mm from the projected end portion of the curved end portion 222 measured along the longitudinal axis 213. In some embodiments, the overall thickness of the flossing portion 214 is 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.

At the opposing end of the elongated body 212, there is the brush portion 218. The brush portion 218 comprises a head 228 sized to accommodate a plurality of groups of bristles 230 extending from a surface 232 of the head 228 in a substantially transverse manner to the longitudinal axis 213. In some embodiments, the brush portion 218 has a width of 0.47″ or 12 mm, plus or minus 10 percent and a thickness of 0.16″ or 4 mm.

In certain embodiments, there may be twenty-eight (28) groups of bristles where each group of bristles, say bristle group 230a comprises a plurality of individual bristles (not shown). In some embodiments, the individual bristles in the plurality of bristle groups 230 extend approximately 5 mm (0.2″) from the surface 232 of head 228. Each group of bristles, for instance, group of bristles 230a may be inserted into a corresponding aperture 234a defined in the face 232 of the head 228 and attached to the head by means known to those skilled in the art, such as a sterile industrial glue. In certain embodiments, each bristle (not shown) in the group of the bristles 230a may have a diameter of 0.15 mm (0.0059″). In certain embodiments, the farthest group of bristles are positioned approximately 0.7″ or 18 mm from the end surface 250 of the head portion 218. The bristles 230 may be made of a similar material and have the same functions and benefits of the bristles 30 described above.

The head 228 comprises a brush retaining portion 236 for retaining the plurality of brushes and a transition portion 238 which couples the brush retaining portion 236 to the handle portion 216.

In certain embodiments the width and depth of the transition portion 238 narrows along the longitudinal axis 213 from the brush retaining portion 236 to the handle portion 216 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other words, at point “A” the width and thickness of transition portion 238 is larger than at point “B.” In certain embodiments, there may be a narrow portion 254 at point “B” designed to reduce the rigidity of the head 228 to provide a certain amount of “give” as the teeth cleaning system 210 is used. In certain embodiments, the width of body at point “B” may be 0.2″ or 5 mm and the thickness may be 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.

As previously discussed, the handle portion 216 joins the brush portion 218 to the flossing portion 214. In certain embodiments, the thickness and/or width of the handle portion 216 varies along the longitudinal direction for ease of use and comfort. For instance, in certain embodiments, the width (i.e., the distance between the surfaces of the side face 244 and the surfaces of the opposing side face 246 as illustrated in FIG. 9) of the handle portion 216 increases laterally (with respect to the longitudinal axis 213) from the point “B” to a double crown point “C” (with respect to the longitudinal axis 213). In certain embodiments, the width of crown point “C” may be 0.23″ or 5.91 mm and the thickness may be 0.12″ or 3 mm.

From the double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which is the longitudinal point that defines the intersection of the handle portion 216 with the flossing portion 214), the width of the handle portion decreases laterally. In certain embodiments, the width of the handle portion 216 at point “D” is 0.2″ or 5 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the transition from the point “B” to the double crown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use of convex curved surfaces 256a and 256b. Yet, in other embodiments, the side surfaces 244 and 246 of the handle are straight and thus, the width of the handle portion 216 is constant from point “A” to point “D”.

In certain embodiments, the thickness (e.g. the distance between the surfaces of the top face 240 and the surfaces of the bottom face 242 as illustrated in FIG. 10) of the handle portion 216 increases laterally (with respect to the longitudinal axis 213) from the point “B” (which has a thickness, e.g. of 0.063″ or 1.6 mm) to the double crown point “C” (which has a thickness, e.g. of 0.12″ or 3 mm). From the double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which defines the intersection of the handle portion 216 with the flossing portion 214), the thickness of the handle portion 216 decreases laterally (e.g. to a thickness of 0.063″ or 1.6 mm at point “D”). In other embodiments, the thickness may vary by as much as 20 percent depending on the material used to form the handle portion 216 and the comfort of the user. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the transition from the groove or narrow portion 254 to the double crown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use of generally curved surfaces 258a and 258b.

In certain embodiments, there may be a plurality of lateral indents 260 defined within the top generally curved surface 258a and the bottom generally curved surface 258b which may allow the user to be able to grip the handle portion 216 in a more secure manner. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of lateral indents 260 may be coupled to a plurality of lateral rubber or Kraton™ inserts (not shown) which may rise slightly above the generally curved surfaces 258a and 258b to allow for better grip of the handle portion 216.

In certain embodiments, there is the toothpick 220 projecting from a top or bottom face of the curved end portion 222. In certain embodiments, the toothpick 220 extends out from a face of the curved portion 222 by approximately 0.2″ or 5 mm. In certain embodiments, the interior end of the toothpick 220 may be positioned in an aperture having a diameter of 0.06″ or 1.5 mm defined in the end of the curved end portion 222. In certain embodiments, the toothpick 220 may be formed together with the body 212. In yet other embodiments, the toothpick 220 is made from the same material as the toothpick 20 or the toothpick 120 described above in reference to FIGS. 1a through 7.

The manner of using one embodiment of the teeth cleaning systems 10, 40, 110, or 210 will now be described. As discussed above, the teeth cleaning systems 10, 40, 110, or 210 are meant to be for a single or limited use. Consequently, in certain embodiments, they may be provided to the end user surrounded by a disposable, sterile wrapper. The sterile wrapper (not shown) allows the teeth cleaning system 10, 40, 110, or 210 to be carried in a sanitary manner. In other embodiments, there is provided a reusable plastic case which may house one or more of the teeth cleaning systems 10, 40, 110, or 210.

The sterile wrapper is designed to be easily torn at one end so that the systems 10, 40, 110, or 210 can be removed from the wrapper. For example, if the user is using the system 110, the user may then use the brush portion 118 to brush his or her teeth while gripping the handle portion 116. The use of water or toothpaste is not necessary because the bristles are coated with Xylitol, fluoride and/or a flavoring agent.

After brushing is complete, the user may then turn the system around to floss his teeth with the flossing member 126—again while gripping the handle portion 116 which may remove any debris lodged between the teeth that may have been missed by the use of the brush portion 118.

Additional debris may be removed by use of the toothpick 120 while maneuvering the handle portion 116. The toothpick 120 may also provide a gingival massage which may lead to increase circulation of the gums, increase keratinization and epithelial thickening. After use, the entire system 110 including the wrapper (not shown) may be discarded.

The abstract of the disclosure is provided for the sole reason of complying with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. When the word “means” is recited in a claim element, Applicant intends for the claim element to fall under 35 USC 112, paragraph 6. Often a label of one or more words precedes the word “means”. The word or words preceding the word “means” is a label intended to ease referencing of claim elements and is not intended to convey a structural limitation. Such means-plus-function claims are intended to cover not only the structures described herein for performing the function and their structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw have different structures, they are equivalent structures since they both perform the function of fastening. Claims that do not use the word means are not intended to fall under 35 USC 112, paragraph 6.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many combinations, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Undescribed embodiments which have interchanged components are still within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims inherent in this specification. For instance, the disclosure supports the following exemplary claims:

A teeth cleaning system comprising:

an elongated body comprising

    • a brush means for brushing teeth, wherein the brush means comprises:
      • a plurality of groups of bristles,
      • a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis,
    • a flossing means comprising;
      • a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,
      • a side projected portion extending generally laterally from the handle portion,
      • a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the side projected portion,
    • a toothpick means positioned on a surface of the curved portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and
    • a handle means positioned between the brush means and the flossing means, the handle means having a cross sectional shape which can be held comfortably by the human hand.

Other exemplary claims could be: A disposable teeth cleaning system comprising:

an elongated body comprising

    • a brush portion,
    • a flossing portion,
    • a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion having a longitudinal axis,
    • wherein the brush portion comprises:
      • a plurality of groups of bristles,
      • a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis,
      • a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to the handle portion;
    • wherein the flossing portion comprises;
      • a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,
      • a side projected portion extending generally laterally from the handle portion,
      • a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the side projected portion,
    • a toothpick positioned on a surface of the curved portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

The disclosure also supports a claim such as: a disposable teeth cleaning system comprising:

an elongated body comprising

    • a brush portion,
    • a flossing portion,
    • a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion having a longitudinal axis,
    • wherein the brush portion comprises:
      • a plurality of groups of bristles,
      • a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis,
      • a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to the handle portion;
    • wherein the flossing portion comprises;
      • a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,
      • a side projected portion extending generally laterally from the handle portion,
      • a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the side projected portion,
      • a toothpick positioned on a surface of the flossing portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion;
    • wherein the handle portion comprises:
      • a first convex curved surface,
      • a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex curved surface;
      • a third convex curved surface,
      • a fourth convex curved surface opposing the third convex curved surface;
    • a circumferential groove defined around an intersection of the transition portion and the handle portion.

The disclosure supports exemplary dependant claims such as:

The system of any of the above claims, wherein a width of the handle portion varies such that the width increases from the circumferential groove to the double crown point along the longitudinal axis located generally at the center of the handle portion, and then decreases from the double crown point to the intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein a thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness increases from the circumferential groove to the a double crown point along the longitudinal axis located generally at the center of handle portion, and then decreases from the double crown point to the intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

The system of any of the above claims, further comprising a first plurality of lateral indents defined on a first surface of the handle portion and a second plurality of lateral indents defined on an opposing surface of the handle portion.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein the flossing member is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein the bristles are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent.

The system of any of the above claims, further comprising an enclosure for the system.

The system for any of the above claims, wherein the enclosure is a disposable sterile wrapper.

The system for any of the above claims, wherein the enclosure is a reusable plastic case.

The disclosure also supports claims directed to a disposable teeth cleaning system comprising: a elongated body having a longitudinal axis; a handle portion of the elongated body including: a first convex curved surface, a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex curved surface; a first plurality of lateral indents defined on the first convex curved surface; a second plurality of lateral indents defined on the second convex curved surface of the handle portion, a head portion coupled to one end of the handle portion, wherein the head portion comprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, wherein each bristle in the plurality of bristles is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to the handle portion wherein a width of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, a first intersection portioned positioned between the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion, a flossing portion coupled to an opposing end of the handle portion, the flossing portion comprising: a curved portion coupled to the elongated body, an end portion coupled to the curved portion, a side projection portion extending from the elongated body in a direction generally parallel with respect to the end portion, a flossing member strung tautly between the end portion and the side projected portion, wherein the flossing member is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a toothpick positioned on a surface of the end portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion; a second intersection positioned between the flossing portion and the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness increases from the first intersection to a first crown point positioned approximately midway along the longitudinal axis; and an enclosure sized to enclose the disposable teeth cleaning system.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness decreases from the crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the handle portion further comprises: a third convex curved surface, and a fourth convex curved surface opposing the third convex curved surface; wherein a width of the handle portion is defined by the distance between the third convex curved surface and the fourth convex curved surface and the width of the handle portion varies such that the width increases from the first intersection to a second crown point located generally at a longitudinal center of the handle portion, and then decreases from the second crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the bristles extend in the range of 4 to 6 mm from a face of the bristle retaining portion of the head portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the toothpick extends in the range of 4 to 6 mm from a surface of the end portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein an overall length for the longitudinal body is in the range of 70 to 110 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from the range of 1.4 to 2.0 mm at the first intersection of the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion to the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm at the first crown point location positioned approximately longitudinally midway along the handle portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm at the first crown point location to the range of 1.4 to 2.0 mm at a second intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width of the handle portion at the second crown point is in the range of 5.0 to 6.5 mm wherein the second crown point is located approximately at the longitudinally middle of the handle portion and wherein the width of the handle portion varies from the second crown point to first intersection where the width at the first intersection is 4 to 6 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width of the handle portion is constant along the longitudinal axis.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the thickness of the flossing portion is in the range of 1 to 2 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width of the brush retaining portion of the head portion is in the range of 10 to 14 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is in the range of 3 to 5 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the longitudinal distance between a first attachment point position on the end portion and a second attachment point positioned on the side projection portion is in the range of 18 to 25 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the elongated body is molded from a group of plastics consisting of a sterile plastic, polypropylene, and a low strength TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane).

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the flossing element material consists of a string having a diameter in the range of 0.8 to 0.14 mm and made from a material, wherein the group for the material consisting of nylon, a nylon-polyester blend, Terylene, and Polyester and wherein the string is coated with a coating agent, comprising a group of coating agents comprising: (1) Xylitol™ and a flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

Claims

1. A disposable teeth cleaning system comprising:

a elongated body having a longitudinal axis;
a handle portion of the elongated body including: a first convex curved surface, a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex curved surface; a first plurality of lateral indents defined on the first convex curved surface; a second plurality of lateral indents defined on the second convex curved surface of the handle portion,
a head portion coupled to one end of the handle portion, wherein the head portion comprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, wherein each bristle in the plurality of bristles is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to the handle portion wherein a width of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion,
a first intersection portioned positioned between the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion,
a flossing portion coupled to an opposing end of the handle portion, the flossing portion comprising: a curved portion coupled to the elongated body, an end portion coupled to the curved portion, a side projection portion extending from the elongated body in a direction generally parallel with respect to the end portion, a flossing member strung tautly between the end portion and the side projected portion, wherein the flossing member is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a toothpick positioned on a surface of the end portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion;
a second intersection positioned between the flossing portion and the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness increases from the first intersection to a first crown point positioned approximately midway along the longitudinal axis; and
an enclosure sized to enclose the disposable teeth cleaning system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness decreases from the crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle portion further comprises:

a third convex curved surface, and
a fourth convex curved surface opposing the third convex curved surface;
wherein a width of the handle portion is defined by the distance between the third convex curved surface and the fourth convex curved surface and the width of the handle portion varies such that the width increases from the first intersection to a second crown point located generally at a longitudinal center of the handle portion, and then decreases from the second crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bristles extend approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm from a face of the bristle retaining portion of the head portion.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the toothpick extends approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm from a surface of the end portion.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein an overall length for the longitudinal body is approximately 3.54″ or 90 mm.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm at the first intersection of the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion to 0.11″ or 3 mm at the first crown point location positioned approximately longitudinally midway along the handle portion.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.11″ or 3 mm at the first crown point location to approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm at a second intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion at the second crown point is approximately 0.23″ or 5.91 mm wherein the second crown point is located approximately at the longitudinally middle of the handle portion and wherein the width of the handle portion varies from the second crown point to first intersection where the width at the first intersection is 0.2″ or 5 mm.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion is constant along the longitudinal axis.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the flossing portion is approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the brush retaining portion of the head portion is approximately 0.47″ or 12 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is 0.157″ or 4 mm.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal distance between a first attachment point position on the end portion and a second attachment point positioned on the side projection portion is approximately 0.88″ or 22.5 mm.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of groups of bristles comprises approximately 28 groups of bristles.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is molded from a group of plastics consisting of a sterile plastic, polypropylene, and a low strength TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane).

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the flossing element material consists of a string having a diameter of 0.00394″ or 0.1 mm and made from a material, wherein the group for the material consisting of nylon, a nylon-polyester blend, Terylene, and Polyester and wherein the string is coated with a coating agent, comprising a group of coating agents comprising: (1) Xylitol™ and a flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein an overall length for the system is approximately 4.72″ or 120 mm.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.47″ (12 mm) at the first crown point location positioned approximately in the longitudinal middle of the handle portion to approximately 0.28″ (7 mm) at the first intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm at the second crown point location positioned at the approximate longitudinal middle of the handle portion to approximately 0.0787″ or 2 mm at the first intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the flossing portion is approximately 0.079″ or 2 mm.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the brush retaining portion of the head portion is approximately 0.35″ or 9 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is 0.2″ or 5 mm.

Patent History
Publication number: 20130220363
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 29, 2013
Inventors: Saam Zarrabi (Dallas, TX), Morad Masrour Rad (Calabasas, CA), Patrick Zarrabi (Tarzana, CA)
Application Number: 13/775,084
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: And Pick, Scraper, Floss, Or Mirror (132/309)
International Classification: A46B 15/00 (20060101);