And Pick, Scraper, Floss, Or Mirror Patents (Class 132/309)
  • Patent number: 8607805
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system including a handle with a releasable locking mechanism. The system also includes an oral hygiene attachment removably coupled to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a safety gate coupled to the handle, the safety gate being pivotable relative to the handle. The locking mechanism also includes a locking receptacle configured to receive the safety gate, whereby the locking mechanism is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20130276814
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device, which is embodied as a toothpick with floss, includes a toothpick body and a floss. The toothpick body has a closed end, an opening end, and a floss cavity formed between the closed end and the opening end, wherein the closed end of the toothpick body forms a tapering end. The floss, having a first end and an opposed second end, is received in the floss cavity of the toothpick body in a hidden manner. The toothpick body is used as a conventional toothpick to effectively remove detritus and plaques from the teeth and is easy to carry. The floss is normally protected within the toothpick body in a hidden manner to keep the floss in a hygiene purpose and is adapted for being pulled out of the floss cavity for flossing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Abdulrahman Alas
  • Patent number: 8544481
    Abstract: A disposable tooth care system including: a toothbrush and floss assembly having a toothbrush having a proximate end and a distal end; a handle; a pouch located in the inner volume, the pouch is flexible and contains toothpaste; a floss spool comprising a wound-length of dental floss; and an axle. The handle includes; an outer surface; an inner volume; and a forked end; a neck; a head with at least one dispensing aperture; bristles; and a button. The toothbrush and floss assembly comprises the toothbrush; the pouch located in the inner volume of the handle of the toothbrush; the floss spool carried by the axle rotatable in the forked end, the axle fixed to the handle within the forked end, the forked end located at the proximate end of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Gloria Smith, Alanna Smith-Dorsey
  • Patent number: 8544480
    Abstract: A dental care kit assembly for providing portable, sanitary, easy to use dental care tools in a single convenient compartment includes a compartment having an interior, a closed end and an open end. A toothbrush has a head portion, bristles positioned on the head portion, and a handle portion. The handle portion has an interior toothpaste storage space. Toothpaste is positioned in the interior toothpaste storage space. The handle portion includes a compressible portion adjacent to the interior toothpaste storage space such that applying pressure to the compressible portion urges the toothpaste through apertures in the head portion. Floss is removably coupled to a floss holder. A cap member is selectively engageable to the compartment for storing the toothbrush and the floss holder in the interior of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Vivian A. Greene
  • Publication number: 20130239986
    Abstract: A handle has distal and proximal ends and a drive mechanism. Operational components on the handle include ON and OFF controls and a vibrating coupler to create sonic vibrations. A coupling head has a distal and a proximal ends. The proximal end is formed with a coupling recess. A replaceable holder has a central base and two outwardly extending fingers. The fingers have free ends with a piece of floss secured there between. The central base has a shape for coupling to and uncoupling from the coupling head. The length of the floss between the fingers is from 5 to 10 percent greater than the distance between the fingers. A compressible stop is on the base of the holder between the fingers. The remainder of the fingers are devoid of a compressible stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: TIMOTHY J. PRUETT
  • Patent number: 8522797
    Abstract: A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Brushpoint Innovations Inc
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20130220363
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Saam Zarrabi, Morad Masrour Rad, Patrick Zarrabi
  • Publication number: 20130206162
    Abstract: An integrated oral health hygiene system including at least one oral health care product such as an electric toothbrush, dental floss and dental rinse/wash. In addition, the system includes a retractable toothbrush and an aperture to storage multiple devices including but not limit to batteries, pills, toothpick and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Migdalia Torres-Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8479750
    Abstract: A head portion for a mouth cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes an electrical connecting element; cleaning elements for cleaning teeth; and a tongue cleaning electrode for enabling a current flow into a user's tongue during use. The cleaning elements and the tongue cleaning electrode are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the head portion. The electrical connecting element on the head portion is electrically coupled to the tongue cleaning electrode for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connecting element located at a handle portion in a connected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schaefer, Vladimir Gartstein, Donald james White, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130048010
    Abstract: A dental care device for selective use as a toothbrush or a dental floss source. The device comprises an elongate body, wherein the body defines cavity used as a dental floss reservoir, a brush element proximal to a first end of the body, a floss egress aperture at a second end of the body. The brush element including a plurality laterally extending bristle members. The body includes a window element for enabling visual inspection of a dental floss remaining in the reservoir. A dental floss source includes a spool of dental floss mounted within the reservoir such that dental floss can be drawn from the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: David Farrington, Samuel Martin
  • Publication number: 20130000658
    Abstract: A combination toothbrush, floss dispenser and tongue scraper apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a first end with a brush head and having an opposite second end with a tongue scraper and having an inner cavity with a floss dispenser disposed within the member between the brush head and the tongue scraper. A lid is hinged at a substantially central section of the elongated member for enclosing or providing access to the inner cavity by movement between open and closed positions relative to the inner cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MIZARU ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Quang Nguyen, Nam Hai Nguyen, Nam Hoai Le-Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130000666
    Abstract: Present invention teaches to modular and removable/attachable teeth cleaning device, wherein an electro-magnetic driver pump or a motor piston pump on the handle will actuate the mechanism on the nozzle, shooting water jet blocks out the tapered tip, and also a length of a floss string to oscillate in and out of the tapered nozzle tip. Other alternative implementations of removable module can be interchangeably selected for attaching to the handle of said invention, for added convenience and functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Kun HU
  • Publication number: 20120272984
    Abstract: Oral hygiene implement including a handle, a first head mounted to the first end of the handle, a second head mounted to the second end of the handle, including a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first head and the second head wherein the cleaning elements can exhibit releasable dentifrice retained in the cleaning elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: MARNI MARKELL HURWITZ
  • Publication number: 20120227760
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a dental hygiene kit that includes folding implements or assembly implements such as toothbrush, toothpaste, a dental floss device inside a portable capsule and that because of its characteristics this may be used in vending machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Cigarsolo, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Luis Medina Anguiano
  • Patent number: 8251076
    Abstract: Oral hygiene case with dental floss lid compartment, refers to the present invention an improved case with lid compartment to hold dental floss or ribbon, and for keeping a toothbrush or toothpaste in its body that presents constructivity and advanced design with access to the cases body (1) interior concomitant with opening the dental floss lid compartment (2) for use, presents also length and intern volume flexibility, accessories to hang, allowing change of its shape, saving the use of pollutant materials, showing excellent cost-benefit ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Nilson Altair de Souza
  • Publication number: 20120204898
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a toothbrush device designed for consumer use, when traveling or away from home. The toothbrush device comprises a handle comprising a first end and a second end, and a brush head and a flossing device. The brush head is secured to the first end of the handle, and the flossing device is secured to the second end of the handle. Furthermore, the toothbrush device can be used as a single use device or a multiple use device. The single use toothbrush device comprises a predetermined amount of toothpaste in the center of the brush head, and a predetermined amount of floss attached to the flossing device. The multiple use toothbrush device comprises a hollow, interior cavity comprising a predetermined amount of toothpaste to be dispensed from the brush head via an actuator, and a coil of floss that is dispensed via the flossing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Reanna L. Haley
  • Publication number: 20120138082
    Abstract: The Dental Hygiene Unit Borrows Its Shape From The Modern Toothbrush, But Is Distinguishable By the Modular Bristle Head And The Self-Contained Dental Floss Dispenser. The Uniqueness Being The Convenient Proximity Of Dental Hygiene Supplies In A Single Source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Pardue, Branden Kakugawa
  • Patent number: 8141563
    Abstract: This new and improved tooth brush combination is all one would ever need, the simple design on how and why the rotating flossing head is the only moving part and its simple, to lock in to place when in use and very easy to change when needed, and its location is on the tooth brush bristle head its self, and when not in use the rotating head will simply lay flat down, locks in to place on the tong cleaning section on the back of the tooth brush head, and when brushing your teeth, you will never know that there is a rotating flossing head. And the tooth brush bristle have a special design, with a spring pulling action and little barbs along the bristles that have a natural pulling force so the food and debris are more efficiently pulled from between your teeth and gum area, and all these combinations combined are not by the handle at all, this is the most efficient and friendly germ prevention hygienic tooth brush ever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas D. De Masi, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120055504
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system including a handle with a releasable locking mechanism. The system also includes an oral hygiene attachment removably coupled to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a safety gate coupled to the handle, the safety gate being pivotable relative to the handle. The locking mechanism also includes a locking receptacle configured to receive the safety gate, whereby the locking mechanism is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: JLC DENTAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20120042896
    Abstract: A dental care device for selective use as a toothbrush or a dental floss source. The device comprises an elongate body, wherein the body defines cavity used as a dental floss reservoir, a brush element proximal to a first end of the body, a floss egress aperture at a second end of the body. The brush element including a plurality laterally extending bristle members. The body includes a window element for enabling visual inspection of a dental floss remaining in the reservoir. A dental floss source includes a spool of dental floss mounted within the reservoir such that dental floss can be drawn from the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel Martin, David Farrington
  • Publication number: 20120021382
    Abstract: A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: BRUSHPOINT INNOVATIONS INC
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 8073131
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and PDAs wherein said case includes material at the corners to provide protection to the electronic device. To reduce bulk at the corners and allow the material forming the case to conform with the contours of the device, the protection at the corners includes strips of material defining apertures there between. The apertures provide reduction in bulk and allow the case to conform to the corners of the device therein. Alternately, the protection at the corners can be provided by other structures co-molded into the corners of the cases. Such structures include material that is of a reduced thickness than other material used in the case, or structures that are formed to conform to the corners of the case. Such structures can be joined to the material forming the panels of the case by co-molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fellowes, Inc.
    Inventors: Pat Bodkin, Gregg Flender, Mike Tracz
  • Publication number: 20110290274
    Abstract: Flossing toys or devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using flossing toys or devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Will Miles
  • Patent number: 8033287
    Abstract: A multiple, disposable, biodegradable dental implement system in which a plurality of disposable, flat dental implements are formed from a large planar blank. Each dental implement includes a flat toothbrush head and a flat gum massager head formed on opposite ends of a flat elongated shank. Adjacent implements are formed in the blank by perforation lines that allow the implements to be individually detached from the blank just prior to use. In the preferred embodiment, each toothbrush head includes a plurality of concave ridges formed while the gum massaging head is made of a plurality of convex curved ridges complimentary with the concave ridges on the adjacent toothbrush. The planar blank is made of disposable paper and embedded with dry toothpaste or mouthwash which is activated by the user's saliva when used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Cullup
  • Patent number: 8025068
    Abstract: A detachable device for improved dental hygiene supports and tensions dental floss above and beyond the bristles of the tooth brush so that flossing can occur using the bristle end of the tooth brush and avoid having the bristles interfere with the flossing process. In preferred embodiments the device is mechanically coupled to a sonic toothbrush to transmit sonic energy to the floss for improved cleaning. In other embodiments the device includes a tongue cleaning implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Karen Culver
  • Patent number: 8015982
    Abstract: A toothbrush and flossing system comprising a toothbrush having bristles, a handle, and a removable floss cartridge/container. The handle may comprise a cavity for receiving the floss cartridge; the floss container may comprise all or a portion of the handle; or the floss container may slip externally over the toothbrush handle. The floss cartridge may comprise a housing having a closed end and an open end, with a cap adapted to seal the open end and to protrude from the housing and the cavity with a recessed cutter separated from a floss exit opening in the cap. The cap may have a decorative design, such as in the form of a human, animal, cartoon character, or the like. In another embodiment, an ornamental enclosure is provided that attaches to the handle. Toothbrush embodiments for receiving the floss cartridge and floss cartridge embodiments for use with such toothbrushes are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20110132392
    Abstract: An oral hygienic-utensil comprised of at least one oral hygienic device such as a toothpick, interdental pick, brush, tongue cleaner, dental flossers and/or oral-substance filled containers for personal use after eating in a location where oral hygienic facilities may not be otherwise available. In some embodiments the oral hygienic device may be permanently attached to the hygienic-utensil, which can serve as a gripping surface for using the oral hygienic device. In other embodiments the oral hygienic device may be displaced in a snap-off or bend-away manner at score lines and/or material-hinges to expose the oral hygienic device for use, either still attached to the hygienic-facility or removed for separate use, optionally configured with a thumb-finger grip tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jackson Lynn Crisp
  • Patent number: 7942155
    Abstract: A novel oral hygiene system comprised of a plurality of substantially cylindrical pieces removably attached to each other that may be adapted to contain breath spray, dental floss, a dental floss cutter, toothpicks and breath mints in a compact and highly portable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Van Iderstine
  • Publication number: 20100186182
    Abstract: Oral hygiene devices and methods of use thereof are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, an oral hygiene device is a toothbrush, floss and a flossing aid combination. A plurality of toothbrush bristles is located at a proximal end of the device while floss and the flossing aid are located at a distal end of the device. The device includes a handle wherein a distal portion of the handle accommodates a plurality of floss spools. A shearing blade proximate to at least one floss spool for shearing a piece of floss from the floss spool may also be included at the distal portion. The distal portion of the handle may also include a flossing aid which may hold a piece of floss and may be used independent of use with hands of an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Angela A. Avila, Sergio Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20090314307
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device is provided having a head and a handle. The handle is configured to accommodate a user's hand grip when the head is inserted into a user's mouth. The head is further configured to accommodate, at a distal end of the handle, a proximal end of the head. One of the head and the handle is provided with a cavity configured to receive a supply of floss. The cavity becomes accessible when the head and the handle are at least partially detached from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE
    Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Alan Sorrentino, James Herbert Kemp, Emily Fink
  • Publication number: 20090188519
    Abstract: A toothbrush with dental floss holder (1) having an elongated hollow handle (2) having an interior (22), an exterior (23), a first end (3), a second end (4), a plurality of bristles (5) located on the first end (3), a dental floss holder (8) located on the second end (4), an axle (15) internally located within the handle (2) for holding a spool (12) of dental floss (16) and an aperture (17) located on the handle (2). To use, a person threads the dental floss (16) through the aperture (17) so as to expose the dental floss (16) external to the handle (2). Then, the user wraps the dental floss (16) around the dental floss holder (8) and secures the dental floss (16) to the handle (2) so as to create a taut line of dental floss (16) for use between the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Francie L. VanBuskirk, M. Todd VanBuskirk
  • Publication number: 20090090380
    Abstract: A detachable device for improved dental hygiene supports and tensions dental floss above and beyond the bristles of the tooth brush so that flossing can occur using the bristle end of the tooth brush and avoid having the bristles interfere with the flossing process. In preferred embodiments the device is mechanically coupled to a sonic toothbrush to transmit sonic energy to the floss for improved cleaning. In other embodiments the device includes a tongue cleaning implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Karen Culver
  • Publication number: 20090084398
    Abstract: An integrated oral health hygiene system including at least one oral health care product such as a tooth brush, dental floss and dental rinse/wash. In addition, the system includes instructions for using the oral health care product(s) and a coupon for providing a user access to at least one of discounted and complimentary medical professional services relating to oral health care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: JEAN FINOLE, LLC
    Inventors: Randy D. LeTang, Dale Irby
  • Publication number: 20090038635
    Abstract: A disposable device for cleaning teeth which incorporates cleaning and/or fluoride components is disclosed. An open compartment defines an elongated volume and an elongated opening extending around the periphery of the top of the volume. A flange is disposed adjacent to the periphery of the top of the volume. The flange is integral with the compartment. This compartment is configured to be substantially flat. A closure member is disposed over the flange. This closure member is secured around the entire periphery of the top of the volume. The closure member may be removed when it is so desired. The compartment can be sealed. The tubular member is contained in the compartment. A quantity of toothpaste is disposed in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ICC INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Serafino CANINO, Scott GELORMINO
  • Publication number: 20080251097
    Abstract: A device comprising a body, a head and a tail, a material squeezed out from the body exiting the body and feeding a housing of the head, one wall of the housing being provided with apertures, allowing the material squeezed out from the body to further reach a toothbrush mounted on this wall of the housing. The tail acts as a dental floss dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: ANA ARREGUIN
  • Patent number: 7389781
    Abstract: A child's toothbrush includes a handle in the form of a child-safe, ventilated toy, such as a rocket or a vehicle, and contains a removable child-safe vehicle, figurine, other toy or sundry product therein, and wherein a toothbrush head may be detachable from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: James Kemp, Al Sprosta, Brett Traficant, Tau Dai, Eduardo Jimenez, Nancy Won Mee Pak
  • Patent number: 7360650
    Abstract: A cover for a toothbrush includes a first portion defining a first chamber and a second portion defining a second chamber, the first and second portions are joined so that the first and second portions may be moved relative to one another to expose the second chamber. A toothbrush may be partially or wholly disposed within the second chamber and a roll of dental floss may be disposed within the first chamber. The first and/or second portions may include one or more ventilation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Donald T. Hoffecker
  • Patent number: 7267126
    Abstract: A portable compact dental hygiene kit, comprising a cylindrical case threadably receiving a handle end on one end, a cap end on the opposite end of the case, a removable toothbrush with 360 degree bristles fitting the handle end and removably extending into a toothpaste reservoir within the case, a restrictor proximal to the toothpaste reservoir whereby toothbrush removal retains a metered dose of toothpaste upon the toothbrush, a removable spool of dental floss disposed within the cap end, a removable spool shaft retaining the spool, a floss outlet and cutter within the cap end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Shawn J. Banegas
  • Patent number: 7237560
    Abstract: A disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser is provided. The toothbrush includes a hollow cavity at one end for receiving a dental floss dispenser therein which includes a supply of dental floss. The toothbrush includes a removable end cap which covers and protects the dental floss dispenser when it is not in use. After the supply of dental floss is depleted, the toothbrush may be disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Ricardo N. Macias, Gregory R. Byrd
  • Patent number: 7234473
    Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a shape or attaching elements which allows it to be held during flossing. One embodiment has a finger spool which is worn on the finger tip or finger during flossing. The dental floss dispenser may also incorporate a finger grip so that the dispenser can be held by the lower fingers, a contoured shape to better fit the hand of the user, a wide or weighted base for easy pick-up, or a U-shaped indentation for quickly grabbing dental floss at the commencement of flossing. A take up spool is designed to be used during the flossing procedure as an anchor for the dental floss to thereby allow the user to floss without wrapping floss around a take up finger or fingers. The take up spool is incorporated into the handle of a toothbrush. By using the dispenser or the take up spool in the flossing procedure, time is saved and flossing becomes more convenient and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Nebeker Winters
  • Patent number: 7201172
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle having first and second ends and a head operatively connected to the second end of the handle. Bristles are on the head; an inner cavity is disposed within the first end of the handle; and dental floss is contained in the cavity. A lid is hinged to the first end of the handle and the lid is comprised of a cover member and a flap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Fresh, Inc.
    Inventor: Puneet Nanda
  • Patent number: 7198051
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dental hygiene device having an elongated handle defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening in the second end. The elongated handle further defines an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity extends to the opening in the second end. A brush assembly may be coupled to the first end of the elongated handle, and a spring element can be positionable within the interior cavity. The dental hygiene device further provides a cartridge positionable within the interior cavity such that the cartridge abuts the spring element, where the cartridge is able to receive a supply of dental floss. Moreover, the dental hygiene device includes a trigger element which is engageable with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Antonio Festa
  • Patent number: 7156107
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning brush structure including a cleaning brush, a cover, a stick sleeve, a cleaning rod, and a control device. The cleaning brush has bristles and a flexible insert rod extending from an end of the bristles. The cover has an open receiving groove located at one end forth stick sleeve with a cleaning stick disposed at one end to be inserted. The cleaning is equipped with a hollow retaining chamber located at a first end and coupling section extending from a second end matching a pivot section of the control device. The control device is mounted to the coupling section of the cleaning rod via the pivot section. The flexible insert rod of the cleaning brush is inserted through a through hole of the control device, when the control device is pivoted upwardly and locked in position when the control device is rotated downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Welter's Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter Hsu
  • Patent number: 7152739
    Abstract: A dental appliance storage assembly includes a base, a floss dispenser, and a tubular storage assembly having a conical bottom surface for holding a toothbrush in a non-vertical orientation within the tubular storage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tube Decor/By Innerface Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Burleson
  • Patent number: 7124894
    Abstract: A multi-purpose toothbrush for promoting oral hygiene includes an elongated shaft having a brushing section that includes a plurality of bristles extending radially outwardly therefrom. The brushing section is coated with a predetermined quantity of a tooth-cleaning agent that is activatable via water. The shaft further includes an accessory dispensing section integral with a gripping section and oppositely spaced from the brushing section for providing dental floss and mouthwash. A plurality of protective wrappers are removably positioned about the toothbrush for maintaining same in a substantially sanitary condition during non-use conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Steven P. Dobos
  • Patent number: 7055531
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electric oral cleaning device is provided and includes a handle and a power supply contained therein. The device has a motor that drives a motor linkage, which includes a push rod that has one end that engages and moves a dental cleaning head about a center pin to cause an oscillation motion of the head. The entire head assembly is also interchangeable such that a flossing tool and various brushing tools may be utilized by the same device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 6973932
    Abstract: A toothpick and interdental brush combination comprises a case comprising a lengthwise groove on a side, first and second end openings both in communication with the groove; and an assembly slidable in the case, the assembly comprising a projected trigger member, a first body member extended from the trigger member toward the first end, an interdental brush integrally formed with the first body member at first end, a second body member extended from the trigger member toward the second end, and a toothpick integrally formed with the second body member at the second end. In a storage state both the toothpick and the interdental brush are concealed in the case, or in a use state of the interdental brush or the toothpick a pushing of the trigger member toward the first or the second end causes the interdental brush or the toothpick to project from the first or the second opening respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Wei-Chu Ko
  • Patent number: 6895624
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held device is employed to clean the tongue. The device includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user during a tongue cleaning procedure, a fibrous brush configured to clean tongue surfaces as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue, and a motor assembly configured to vibrate the brush as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue. The brush has a height that is substantially less than the width thereof, such that the configuration of the brush minimizes the elicitation of a gag reflex when the device is used to clean the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 6886570
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates to adapt the shape and movement of a popular manual flosser into an automatic flosser to minimize the learning time required for manipulating automatic dental flossing. The present invention also contemplates to combine the automatic flosser with a popular automatic toothbrush and thus to make the automatic flosser available to the users with substantially no additional cost to the automatic toothbrush. The present invention further contemplates to accomplish circular oscillation of the toothbrush bristles of the automatic toothbrush and side-to-side vibration of the dental floss of the automatic flosser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Ming Lai, Meijuan Yuan
  • Publication number: 20040255970
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning brush structure comprises a cleaning brush, a cover, a stick sleeve, a cleaning rod, and a control means wherein the cleaning brush has bristles and a flexible insert rod extending at the other side of the bristles. The cover has an open receiving groove disposed at one end thereof for the stick sleeve with a cleaning stick disposed at one end to be adapted thereto. The cleaning rod is equipped with a hollow retaining chamber disposed at one end thereof, and a coupling section extending at the other end thereof matching to a pivot section of the control means; whereby, the control means, pivotally mounted to the coupling section of the cleaning rod via the pivot section thereof, is bent upwards in a straight angle to reveal a transverse through hole for the flexible insert rod of the cleaning brush to be led there-through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: WELTER'S CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Walter Hsu