ORAL CARE DEVICE

Abstract

A handle assembly has an upper main and lower brush head handles. The main brush handle has upper and lower surfaces. The brush head handle has upper and lower surfaces. The handle assembly has forward and rearward ends. A brush head is formed of a plurality of bristles for brushing teeth. The bristles depending downwardly from the lower surface of the brush head handle adjacent to the forward end. A soft elastomeric pad coupled to the upper surface of the main brush handle and a pair of tongue cleaner extensions are fabricated with projections for wiping clean tongue and tissue. The projections extending upwardly from the upper surface of the main brush handle adjacent to the forward end.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hygienic, handy, and ergonomic oral care device which can be used universally by all of the population for the purpose of personal oral hygiene for combined brushing of teeth and safe scraping of the tongue and other tissues to remove debris. It is meant for safe and effective cleaning of teeth from food particles, stains, and plaques without undue damage to teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Almost equally important in oral hygiene is cleaning of the tongue coating which is accumulated and which harbors microorganisms contributing to bad breath, uneasy sensation, and reduction of taste perception.

Along with the traditional benefits of a tongue cleaner and scraper mounted on top of a toothbrush, the present invention features an expandable tongue cleaning device with combined cleaning and sweeping of tongue debris for a more efficient and safe tongue surface cleaning. Also, the system is more specifically designed for all those having difficult gag reflux during oral cleaning, especially during tongue cleaning. Apart from the customized design to reduce gagging, this device features a toothbrush head which is retractable while cleaning the tongue so that no undue irritation of the palate and oral cavity occurs which might provoke gagging as in traditional brush with tongue scrappers. The invention also features suitable enclosures for the toothbrush head, tongue scraper, and the whole device. In this manner, the hygienic device can be kept free from dirt, dust, and contamination while storage after each use, especially while traveling.

Description of the Prior Art

Effective oral care is a very important part of personal care. Various oral care devices and tongue cleaning devices have been developed and patented. Thorough but gentle cleaning of teeth and tongue are essential for proper oral hygiene. Tongue coating is a major source of bad breath in healthy people. The tongue acts as a haven for the growth of microorganisms since the papillary nature of the tongue surface creates a unique ecological site that provides an extremely large surface area, favoring the accumulation of oral bacteria. Anaerobic flora and bacteria residing on the tongue along with dental debris play the most important role in the development of chronic bad breath, usually called halitosis.

The bladed tongue scrapers used in the past were simple devices but were traumatic causing considerable damage to papillary projections of the tongue causing bleeding, pain, and loss of taste. Moreover, these prior devices are inadequate in respect to their effectiveness on the soft tissue surface of the tongue with numerous papillae with limited ability to reach between papillae where the bacteria and micro debris collect. In this background, soft tongue scrapers with gentle bristles often mounted on the top surface of toothbrushes were introduced. But, the combined tooth brush with tongue cleaner has limited surface area needed to clean the relatively large surface area in an effective way. The tongue cleaning surface cannot be increased on regular tooth brushes as it would require widening the toothbrush tip where cleaning bristles are located causing considerable discomfort while brushing and injury to the gums and oral mucosa. In this regard, a toothbrush with soft tongue cleaner on its top surface with an expanded tongue cleaning surface while cleaning the tongue and also acting as additional holding surface while brushing teeth may be a valuable addition to the existing oral care devices which are a common practical way of general oral care for the world. Also, the present invention offers a better cleaning as scraped debris can be effectively collected by the sweeping action of tongue cleaner as usually offered only by the bladed tongue scrapers. In this regard, the current invention incorporates all the advantages of bladed tongue scrapers and toothbrush top mounted polymeric tongue scrapers with none of the disadvantages.

Another important disadvantage of the usual toothbrushs with tongue cleaner is that when the toothbrush tip is flipped down and used as a tongue cleaner, the usually tall bristles brushes the palate. This causes considerable irritation provoking gagging, retching, nausea, reflux, and vomiting. This problem is very severe in those with exaggerated gag reflux, esophageal reflux, nausea, vomiting tendency, or morning sickness. These are fairly common conditions in the general population and often prevent a large number of people from using regular tongue scrapers. Moreover, reflux itself is a cause for excess tongue coating and also for halitosis. A solution with a simple, economical, and ergonomic tool for these day-to-day concerns of personal care is a valuable attempt. Therefore, the retractable toothbrush head with an expandable tongue scraper and debris collector is the scope of present invention.

The use of different models of toothbrushes and tongue scrapers is known in the prior art. More specifically, such methods, systems, and devices previously devised and utilized for the various purposes are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and countless requirements.

While these systems and devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned methods, systems, and devices do not describe the retractable toothbrush with expandable tongue cleaner that allows safe, convenient tooth brushing and safe, effective gag-free scraping of tongue surface.

In this respect, present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of ergonomically cleaning the oral pathway from undue debris, stains, plaques, and malodor and keeping the oral cavity safe and fresh. Also a new system is introduced for safe and hygienic keeping of the device at home or during travel free from dirt, dust, or contamination.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved oral care device, which can be used at any place or time with minimal discomfort and/or harm. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this and various other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of oral care devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved oral care device and safe keeping system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved oral care for better brushing of teeth and safe, effective, and comfortable tongue cleaning, and for the hygienic safe keeping of the device. The present invention has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of technique and to the designs of the components and method steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be given to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a primary and preferred embodiment of the invention and alternate embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For better understanding the concept and presenting the various modifications of the details and different embodiments, the invention is described in two steps. One is the primary structural design of the current invention and second is a detailed description of preferred embodiment with structural and ornamental or decorative details.

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the oral care device constructed in accordance with the basic principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system as in FIG. 1 with the cap for the tongue cleaner surface removed and with the tongue cleaner extension assemblies in their normal resting position.

FIG. 3 is an isolated side elevational view of the primary embodiment of brush head assembly as of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a top elevational view of the primary system with tongue cleaner extensions in their normal resting position.

FIG. 4B is a similar projection as in FIG. 4A with tongue cleaner extensions mounted for extended tongue cleaning.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the switch part of primary brush head assembly similar to FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cap for tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one of the primary embodiment of tongue cleaner extension.

FIG. 8 is a top elevational plan view of the cleaning surface of preferred embodiment of one of the tongue cleaner extension.

FIG. 9 is a lateral elevational view of the preferred embodiment of oral care device system without tongue cleaner head cap.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of the preferred embodiment of oral care device on a tilted bottom projection.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic illustration of arrangement of bristle bundles of the preferred embodiment of brush head.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial representation of the preferred embodiment of oral care device on a tilted top projection with the brush head retracted.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged cross sectional view of one of the projections of preferred embodiment of tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged plan view of another projection of preferred embodiment of tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 13C is an enlarged plan view of another projection of preferred embodiment of tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 13D is an enlarged cross sectional view of another projection of preferred embodiment of tongue cleaning surface.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the hanger thread of preferred embodiment.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIMARY AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the fundamental concept of the new and improved oral care device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

The present invention is a modified comprehensive oral care device. It is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objectives. It is to be mentioned here that the description of embodiments of the invention described herein, any reference to orientation or direction are merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terminologies used, such as “above,” “below,” “front,” “rear” “up,” “down” “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “up,” “top”, “ventral”, “dorsal”, and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “downwardly,” “upwardly,” “horizontally,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are merely meant for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “coupled”, “fabricated”, “connected,” “attached,” “affixed,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship of structures which are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly.

In their broadest context, the invention is a modified tooth brush which includes a toothbrushing head which is attached to a long handle. The current invention is a retractable toothbrush head, manually upon desire. The main brush handle, later referred as brush handle, invests a cavity inside for holding the retracted tooth brush head handle. The toothbrush head handle is normally positioned at the front and under surface of the device. It can be retracted backward using a switch which is a modified rear part of the handle of brush head. The brush head has clusters of bristles arranged in groups at the front bottom surface of the brush head handle. The front of the main brush handle has a top surface modified by affixing thereto a soft elastomeric pad with tiny projections which act as a soft tongue cleaner. In addition, there are two mobile tongue cleaner extensions on either side. These extendable tongue cleaners are normally mounted at the middle part of the brush handle while the brush is used for brushing teeth. When it is used as a tongue or tissue cleaner, the toothbrush head is retracted backward and extendable tongue cleaners are mobilized by sliding and are mounted at the front end of the device. These retractable and extendable tongue cleaners are mounted as sliders on either side of front part of the brush handle with their cleaning surface in line with the tongue cleaner surface of the brush handle. The tongue cleaning surface of the brush handle has long curvilinear projections of soft bristles on both ends which act as tongue scrapers. The rest of the tongue cleaning surface acts as a collector of scraped debris, as well as acting as deep tissue cleaners and for massage with their numerous elastomeric projections of fine bristles. The extendable tongue cleaners also have similar, but longer, curvilinear elastomeric bristles mounted on their lateral aspects which can be used to scrape tongue or tissues from side to side or at angles. Moreover, they also have tiny elastomeric bristles as in the main tongue cleaning surface for deep brushing, massaging and cleaning.

The toothbrush head brushing bristles on retraction are securely covered by an envelope firmly fixed with the handle. This toothbrush envelope may be made of similar or transparent tough elastomeric material. The tongue cleaning surface is covered by a. stretchable, soft elastomeric cap which can be easily removed while brushing as needed. The device can be stored in any suitable container or it can be hung using the hanging thread attached at the rear end of the device.

The primary embodiment of the invention is an oral care device which is a hygienic, ergonomic, handy, and convenient oral care device adapted to clean an oral cavity, especially the teeth and the tongue surface. It has a brush head 10 which holds a series of bristles 11 arranged at the ventral surface towards the front end. The brush head has a long handle 12. The toothbrush bristles are made of durable fibers which may be arranged in bundles of any size, shape, or distribution. They can be of any strength—soft, firm, or hard bristles—depending on the specific need. They can also be any type or combination of materials, such as nylon fibers, elastomers, or rubber of different sizes, shapes, and forms. The brush head handle and most of the brush handle can be made of any suitable, firm elastomeric material of any color, constitution, or combinations. The brush head along with its handle is retractable and the entire assembly can be moved backward. This backward movement is aided by a switch like projection 13 of the terminal part of the brush head handle. The brush head switch is exposed on the top of the main brush handle. The brush head assembly can be retracted backward and encased within a hollow space 16 at the middle of the main brush handle 15. The distal end of brush head handle is modified suitably 14 to get locked in position for the purpose of brushing. This locking prevents any frontward or backward movement of the brush head on normal brushing position.

The primary embodiment of the oral care device has a main brush handle which is long and covers the entire brush which is about 10 mm+/−4 mm wide, 10 mm+/−4 mm thick, and 180+/−20 mm long. On the front part, it is divided into two horizontal halves, one forms the brush head and its handle assembly as described above and the other top half 18 which is modified on the front aspect. This modified front aspect on the top surface is covered by a soft elastomeric pad which acts as a non-traumatic tongue or tissue cleaning surface 19. This primary tongue cleaning surface measures approximately 35 mm+/−5 mm long, 10+/−4 mm wide. The toothbrush head area with bristles measures 30 mm+/−5 mm long, and 10+/−4 mm wide. The tongue cleaning surface has numerous tiny projections or bristles measuring 1+/−0.5 mm tall so as to allow deep cleaning of the papillary surface of tongue. The tongue cleaning surface is covered by a stretchable elastomeric cap 23 which covers the tongue cleaning head surface and which can be removed while brushing. The primary embodiment also has a circular or oval thread 22 acting as a hanger attached to the distal end of the brush handle which is fitted around an opening 21 made at one corner of the distal end of brush handle. When the brush head handle assembly is retracted fully; the brush head is fully encased within a brush head envelope 25 which is firmly attached with the main brush handle. The brush head envelope is made of tough elastomeric material. The brush head envelope is ideally transparent. The brush head envelope is open on the side facing the brush bristles on the front 24 and is closed on the distal end 26. It has two lateral outer surfaces 69 and five inner surfaces 68 with a covered posterior surface 71. The toothbrush head envelope measures 35 mm+/−5 mm long, 12+/−4 mm wide, and 10+/−4 mm tall.

The tongue cleaning surface of the primary embodiment has numerous thin (1+/−0.5 mm) bristles 30 on its top surface. In addition to the main tongue cleaning surface, there are two additional expandable tongue cleaners 28 attached on either side of the main brush handle towards its top end. These expandable tongue cleaners also have cleaning bristles on their surface 29. These expandable tongue cleaners are normally positioned at the mid-part of the handle. They have lateral margins 27 which have a grooved surface to provide a grip for sliding movement. These expandable tongue cleaners can be moved by fingers while using as a tongue cleaner and are glided through a shallow grove 31 on either side of front part of main brush handle.

The brush head handle of the primary embodiment has a long handle 38 which is modified at the distal end 35. The distal end of the brush head handle is locked normally at a projection 32 of the anterior part of the brush head cavity wall anteriorly 34 which are essentially part of the main handle body. The switch part of the brush handle assembly is attached to the main body by a long narrow band 33 which is wedged inside the cleft for the handle switch while most of the switch is situated above the top surface of the main brush handle. The normally engaging part of the distal end 35 can be pressed downward by pressing the switch so that the tip end 37 and engaging end get unlocked from the anterior end of the upper part of the brush head cavity 53. In this manner, by pressing and moving backward of the switch, the entire brush head assembly can be moved backward until the whole of the brush head area is inside the envelope for the brush head. The brush head cavity is thus at a lower level on the posterior aspect on its roof 55 and floor 54 compared to the narrow area of brush head cavity anteriorly. The switch which has an anterior extension 51 and a posterior extension 52 assist the pressing movements. The switch is fixed by the connecting bar with the body 50.

The top surface of the handle has a deep slit 47 extending across the surface to the brush head cavity. It ends as a smooth curve anteriorly. A part of it is covered by the switch area 46 and ends blindly at distal end 48. The top surface of the device mounts the main and extendable tongue cleaning areas. The primary embodiment of main tongue cleaner area 41 has a semicircular projection or scraper bristle made of the same or similar material as the tongue cleaner pad anteriorly 42 and posteriorly 43. They are taller than other finer bristles 40 on the tongue cleaner surface by 0.5+/−0.3 mm. These act as soft non-traumatic tongue scrapers. Similar, but longer, semicircular scraper bristles are seen on both expandable tongue cleaners 45 projecting about 0.5+/−0.3 mm taller than the other bristles 44. These semicircular scrapers act like conventional blade scrapers in regard to sweeping action on debris, but are non-traumatic. They are located at the peripheral part of the tongue cleaner device and are taller than other bristles on the tongue cleaner. This help as an excellent scraping tool and aids collection of more debris than the bristle composition. Moreover these projecting small surface area scrapers can aid to clean even the most posterior aspect of the tongue surface in those people with gagging problem. Brushing with a relatively large and flat surface provokes more gagging stimulating more nerve endings. Therefore, this arrangement can aid even sensitive people to have a fair tongue and tissue cleaning who are also more vulnerable for halitosis from excess tongue coating. Also completely retracting the brush head while cleaning the tongue and tissues, avoids irritation of the palate and pharynx by the otherwise tall bristles of usual tooth brush with tongue cleaners. When the expandable tongue cleaners are mounted firmly anteriorly 49 on the main tongue cleaner, the whole assembly acts as an extended tongue cleaner with a large surface, not available with conventional toothbrush mounted tongue brush scrapers. The gap between the tiny bristles of the tongue cleaners acts as space for collection of debris and can be washed clean easily by water. Thus, the retractable brush head and expandable tongue cleaners act as an effective and beneficial tool for safe and ergonomic dental and tissue cleaning for the entire population, significantly free from gagging and similar uneasiness which may preclude proper use of a conventional toothbrush.

The primary embodiment of the tongue cleaner head cap 23 is a tightly fitting, stretchable, soft elastomeric cap covering the tongue cleaning surface. It has an open anterior (front facing) end 59 which is open and a covered blunt end posteriorly 56. It has an open stretchable lower margin 58 to insert into the tongue cleaner head area and a closed top surface 57 covering the surface from dust and dirt. The primary embodiment of the expandable tongue cleaner is a slidable device fitted on either side of the main brush handle towards the upper and anterior part. It has an upper surface 60 acting as a cleaning surface and a lower surface 61 and lateral margin 62 which is grooved for allowing grip for sliding movement. The device is invested into a shallow groove of lateral surfaces of the brush handle with a narrow band 63 going deep into the groove and locking inside by two marginal projections superiorly 64 and inferiorly 65.

The preferred embodiment of the expandable tongue cleaner has a length of about 35+/−10 mm and a 5+/−3 mm maximum width at the center. The cleaning surface of the preferred embodiment has three rows of cylindrical fine bristles 56 which are 0.5 mm+/−0.3 mm tall and 1 mm+/−0.5 mm in diameter. These rows of cleaning bristles are arranged with gaps in between and with the semi-circular scraper bristle. The gliding grove for the expandable tongue cleaners are uniform in depth except at ends where they are deeper anteriorly 129 and posteriorly 130 and abrupt so as to lock from over movement and step out of the groove.

The cleaning surface of the main tongue cleaner surface and expandable tongue cleaners when mounted together act as a large semi-oval tongue cleaning surface. The system is sufficient enough to scrape, deep clean, and collect the debris accumulated over the entire tongue surface. The preferred embodiment of the main tongue cleaning surface has numerous tiny projections to be called bristles. They are distributed in particular fashion on the surface and have different shapes and configurations. Two relatively large and taller semicircular bristles on both ends of the cleaning surface are described along with primary embodiment.

In addition, the preferred embodiment features two similar semi-circular bristles 125, 126 arranged facing each other and off the center of the tongue cleaning surface. These semicircular bristles are concave-convex relatively firm elastomeric projections fashioned from the surface of the tongue cleaner pad with an outer convex surface 112 and inner concave surface 111. The summit 113 of these bristles is smoothly curved for ensuring firmness and smooth movement.

In addition numerous tiny cylindrical or filiform bristles 123 are arranged in groups of circles at the center, main tongue cleaner surface, and on expandable tongue cleaners. These bristles are fashioned projecting from a base 102 with a tall body 103 and a smooth curved top end 104. Such rows are arranged in layers alternating with rows of triangular pyramidal bristles 124 on the main tongue cleaner surface. These pyramidal bristles arise from a base 105 with three triangular surfaces 106 with a curved and smooth summit 107. Four curvilinear bristles are arranged in a circle at the center. These curvilinear bristles 127 are three dimensional projections arising from the base 108 with multiple ridges 109, 110 on their surface forming firm cleaning surfaces. Different geometrical shapes allow accommodation with papilla and clefts of different sizes and allow better cleaning. Also the centripetal arrangement of all bristles allows thorough cleaning on any front-back and side-to-side movement of tongue cleaner and allows collection of debris towards the center which can be cleaned easily on running water. In this manner, the extensive scheme of bristle combinations and arrangement ensure scraping as well as thorough cleaning and collection of debris from tongue surface. Also, these features offer different levels of cleaning as tolerated by the user including those with severe gagging who can just tolerate gentle sweeping of debris with scraper bristles to those desiring very thorough but comfortable cleaning of tongue or other tissues.

The toothbrush head when mounted at the tip of brush assembly is firmly locked of all movements as long as the switch is not applied. The brush head which is bearing the cleaning bristles is kept as small as possible to avoid mucosal injury including gum, bucco-gingival cleft and minimal touching of pharyngeal and palatal tissues. Its surfaces are smooth and curved at the tip surface. Bristles are short as possible but long enough to ensure thorough interdental cleaning. For effective and safe dental cleaning, the preferred embodiment is fashioned with an ergonomic design of bristles. There is an outer row of bristle bundles 73 covering all circumferences of brush head. These bundles are about 1 mm+/−3 mm in diameter and 12+/−3 mm tall from the surface of brush head handle. These bristles are made of strong fibers but with soft smoothly cut edges to protect the gums and oral tissue. On the inner aspect, there is a pair of four rows of firm bristle bundles 74 which are shorter than the outer bristles for 2-6 mm. There are four large bundles of firm bristles 75 arranged in alternate with these firm bristle bundles. These bundles are thicker in diameter 1.5 mm+/−0.5 mm and are made of stronger fiber material and with narrow diameter bristles so as to penetrate and clean deeply into the fissures, cavities, and interdental spaces and to act like flosses. The outer ring 67 of soft bristle bundles is better equipped to engage with the convex surface of teeth with longer bristles. They'are strengthened by inner rows of V-shaped arrangement of firm bristle bundles arranged in four rows. The pair of firm bristle bundles are of the same diameter as the outer ring bundles forms the top of a V-shape 68 and the large bristle bundle form the junction of the V-shape 69. This V-shaped arrangement of central bristle bundles ensures thorough cleaning while the brush is moved to and fro with maximum engagement, as well as leaving large spaces between bristle bundles to form large lather bubbles and later aid for collection of debris. Thus, the preferred embodiment of the toothbrush configuration ensures a safe and thorough cleaning of teeth including the most difficult areas including cavities, dental fissures, and interdental spaces.

The preferred embodiment of the hanging thread is a double looped thread with a loop 97 attached to the opening for the hanger and another freely mobile loop 98 whose size can be adjusted depending on the caliber of hanging hooks or poles which are interconnected through a hanger's type knot 96. Thus, the preferred hanger is a simple thread or a wire loop suitably color matched with the brush handle. The length of the loop can be adjusted for different caliber hooks into which it can be hung if needed.

The preferred embodiment of the handle is configured for easy handling, comfort, firm grip, and aesthetics. The brush handle needs to be flip flopped from brushing teeth to tongue cleaning. Therefore, it is configured for holding with the fingers ensuring firm and comfortable grasp while used as tooth brush or as a tongue cleaner. All margins of the handle assembly are made of firm elastomeric material with a smooth finish and smooth margins. In addition, part of the upper surface of the handle is fabricated with a soft, flexible, colorful elastomeric material 72, such as soft acrylic for a strong and soft comfortable grip. A thin coat of similar material is fabricated over the top surface of the switch 67 and under the surface of the brush head envelope 70. The ventral aspect of the brush head envelope, which is the holding or grasping surface, is fabricated with the soft elastomeric material on most of the center 80 and these areas are furnished with numerous small semi oval projections 81 for a strong grip from slippage. The margins are also furnished by a thin coat of soft elastomer 79. Finger holding or thumb pressing needs to be done over the envelope for firm grip as is occupying the middle part of brush handle. The rest of the distal part of the brush handle on the ventral surface is furnished with a curvilinear firm elastomeric band 83 with marginal oval configurations 84 connected by curvilinear connecting bands 85. This is for aiding grip, adding strength, and for decorative purpose.

The top or dorsal surface of brush handle is fabricated with soft elastomeric material on both of its margins in a wavy fashion 114. They form a large curved surface anteriorly 115 with a grove for the switch 116. The switch becomes jammed firmly within this grove. Posteriorly towards the rear end of the handle, these wavy soft elastomeric pads are broadened 120 on both sides and end 121 just before the terminal bulge of the brush handle. The top surface over the cleft for switch is partly covered by a band of soft elastomeric rubber like band 117 which allows stretching when the switch is slid along the slit and mostly covers the cleft normally avoiding exposure of the defect. Also similar to ventral surface, firm elastomeric bands 118 with small curvilinear attachments are arranged on either side of the slit. These are mostly for grip and decorative purposes. The switch with coating of soft elastomeric material over top 119 is mostly camouflaged with the rest of the surroundings avoiding undue attention. Thus, the brush handle is fabricated with multiple elastomeric materials coupled with main body to get better ergonomic handling and aesthetic appeal.

The unique features of the invention include: 1) A retractable tooth brush head assembly; 2) An expandable mobile tongue cleaner assembly; 3) A stretch moldable cap for tongue cleaner surface; 4) A hygienic and grip enhancing enclosure for brush head; 5) Ergonomic handle for easy and comfortable use; 6) Unique bristle arrangement of tooth brush head for safe and thorough cleaning of teeth; 7) Aesthetic value of device; 8) Adjustable hanger thread; and 9) Gag free tongue cleaning with a plastic non-traumatic tongue scraper cum cleaner allowing cleaning of even most posterior part of tongue surface.

From a specific standpoint, the oral care device of the present invention is reconfigurable between an extended orientation for brushing teeth and a retracted orientation for wiping clean tongue and tissue. The brushing teeth and the wiping clean of the tongue and tissue are done in a safe, sanitary, convenient, and economical manner. First provided is a handle assembly. The handle assembly has an upper main brush handle 18 and a lower brush head handle 12. The main brush handle has an upper surface and a lower surface. The brush handle also has an upper surface and a lower surface. The handle assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. A hollow space 16 extends rearward from the frontward end of the main brush handle.

Next provided is a brush head. The brush head is formed of a plurality of bristles 11 for brushing teeth. The bristles depend downwardly from the lower surface of the brush head handle adjacent to the forward end.

A soft elastomeric pad 19 is next provided. The soft elastomeric pad is coupled to the upper surface of the main brush handle. The soft elastomeric pad is formed of a plurality of projections which are 1.0 mm, plus or minus 0.5 mm, in height. The soft elastomeric pad is for wiping the user's tongue and tissue. The projections extend upwardly from the upper surface of the main brush handle adjacent to the forward end.

Also provided are a pair of extendable tongue cleaner pads which are usually kept at an intermediate position of the main handle on either side. They are slidable along their slot on the lateral surfaces of the main brush handle and can be locked towards the forward end forming a composite large tongue cleaner with an oval configuration 49.

Next provided is a moving assembly. The moving assembly includes a T-shaped cap 12 and a slot 47. The slot is formed in the main brush handle extending vertically between the upper surface and the lower surface. The slot extends horizontally between a forward extent of the hollow space and a rearward extent of the hollow space. The cap has a vertical leg extending through the slot. The cap has a lower end attached to the brush head handle. The cap has an enlarged upper end slidable on the upper surface of the main brush handle. The cap and lower brush handle and the bristles are movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle forwardly with the bristles adjacent to the forward end of the upper brush handle for brushing teeth. The cap and the brush head handle and the bristles are movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle rearwardly with the bristles retracted to an intermediate extent of the main brush handle for wiping tongue and tissue.

Lastly, an envelope (25) is provided. The envelope is coupled to the main brush handle and extending below the lower brush handle. The envelope is formed of laterally spaced plates to receive the bristles between the plates. The envelope has a forward end extending forwardly of the rear end of the lower brush handle. The envelope has a rearward end extending rearwardly of the rear end of the lower brush handle. The envelope is adapted to shield the bristles when in a retracted orientation.

Thus the preferred embodiment gives enough consideration for safety, benefits and aesthetic appeal. Several alternative embodiments can be easily derived by removing or slightly modifying one or more of the several features of the invention and those alternative embodiments are well within the scope of present invention.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art including an electrically powered version of the device, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An oral care device comprising:

a handle assembly having an upper main brush handle and a lower brush head handle, the main brush handle having an upper surface and a lower surface with a hollow space inside, the brush head handle having an upper surface and a lower surface, the handle assembly having a forward end and a rearward end;

a brush head formed of a plurality of bristles for brushing teeth, the bristles depending downwardly from the lower surface of the brush head handle adjacent to the forward end; and

a soft elastomeric pad coupled to the upper surface of the upper brush handle, the elastomeric pad being formed of projections for wiping clean tongue and tissue, the projections extending upwardly from the upper surface of the main brush handle adjacent to the forward end.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the elastomeric pad is formed of a plurality of projections 1.0 mm plus or minus 0.5 mm in height.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1 and further including:

a moving assembly including a T-shaped cap and a slot, the slot being formed in the main brush handle extending vertically between the upper surface and the lower surface, the cap having a vertical leg extending through the slot, the cap having a lower end attached to the brush head handle, the cap having an enlarged upper end slidable on the upper surface of the main brush handle, the cap and the brush head handle and the bristles movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle forwardly with the bristles adjacent to the forward end of the brush assembly for brushing teeth, the cap and the brush head handle and the bristles movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle rearwardly with the bristles retracted to an intermediate extent of the brush assembly for wiping clean tongue and tissue.

4. The device as set forth in claim 3 and further including:

an envelope coupled to the main brush handle and extending below the brush head handle, the envelope being formed of laterally spaced plates to receive between the bristles between the plates, the envelope having a forward end extending forwardly of the rear end of the brush head handle, the envelope having a rearward end extending rearwardly of the rear end of the brush head handle, the envelope adapted to shield the bristles when in a retracted orientation.

5. An oral care device reconfigurable between an extended orientation for brushing teeth and a retracted orientation for wiping clean tongue and tissue, the device comprising, in combination:

a handle assembly having an upper main brush handle (18) and a lower brush head handle (12), the brush head handle having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower brush handle having an upper surface and a lower surface, the handle assembly having a forward end and a rearward end, a hollow space (16) extending rearwardly from the frontward end of the main brush handle,

a brush head formed of a plurality of bristles (11) for brushing teeth, the bristles depending downwardly from the lower surface of the brush head handle adjacent to the forward end;

a soft elastomeric pad (19) coupled to the upper surface of the main brush handle, the elastomeric pad being formed of a plurality of projections 1.0 mm plus or minus 0.5 mm in height, the elastomeric pad being for wiping tongue and tissue, the projections extending upwardly from the upper surface of the main brush handle adjacent to the forward end;

a moving assembly including a T-shaped cap (12) and a slot (47), the slot being formed in the main brush handle extending vertically between the upper surface and the lower surface, the slot extending horizontally between a forward extent of the hollow space and a rearward extent of the hollow space, the cap having a vertical leg extending through the slot, the cap having a lower end attached to the brush head handle, the cap having an enlarged upper end slidable on the upper surface of the main brush handle, the cap and brush head handle and the bristles movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle forwardly with the bristles adjacent to the forward end of the main brush handle assembly for brushing teeth, the cap and the brush head handle and the bristles movable along the lower surface of the main brush handle rearwardly with the bristles retracted to an intermediate extent of the main brush handle for wiping tongue and tissue;

an envelope (25) coupled to the main brush handle and extending below the brush head handle, the envelope being formed of laterally spaced plates to receive the bristles between the plates, the envelope having a forward end extending forwardly of the rear end of the brush head handle, the envelope having a rearward end extending rearwardly of the rear end of the brush head handle, the envelope adapted to shield the bristles when in a retracted orientation; and

a pair of extendable tongue cleaner extensions slidable along the lateral surfaces of the main brush handle, the extendable cleaner extensions movable between a retracted intermediate position of the main brush handle and a forward position forming a composite expanded tongue cleaner with an upper surface in line with the upper surface of the elastomeric tongue cleaner pad on the forward end of the upper surface of the main brush handle, the extendable tongue cleaner extensions being fabricated with similar projections as the elastomeric tongue cleaning projections.