And Pick, Scraper, Floss, Or Mirror Patents (Class 132/309)
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Patent number: 6009886Abstract: A toothbrush which dispenses dentifrice and dental floss. More specifically, the toothbrush is an assembly including a tubular handle integrally connected to a toothbrush neck and toothbrush head, over which a protective sheath having a floss dispenser is removably attached. A dentifrice dispensing mechanism is provided to drive a supply of dentifrice contained in the tubular handle through a duct and conduit in the toothbrush neck and head. The dispensing mechanism is comprised of a twistable knob, a threaded screw, and a screw driven follower. When the knob is turned the piston moves up to handle to force dentifrice through the brush head and into a outlet passage exiting the toothbrush head between the bristles. A plug of foam-like material is disposed within the conduit of the toothbrush head thereby occluding the outlet passage when the plug is in a decompressed state.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventors: Robert Labranche, Geoffrey Grenert
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Patent number: 5975901Abstract: A combination toothpick holder and toothpick which is formed of a tube having cylindrical openings in which a plurality of toothpick ends are inserted, stored and used. The toothpick holder inside diameter is such to frictionally grip the toothpick ends and hold them in place both in the holder and in the ready to use position. The toothpick ends are made of a reusable plastic material and are provided with pointed ends especially configured for cleaning teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Joseph H. Kennedy
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Patent number: 5950641Abstract: A compartment construction including a hollow cylindrical compartment member 20 adapted to be releasably secured to the bottom end 105 of a self-contained toothbrush 100 wherein the compartment member 20 has one interior chamber 25 dimensioned to hold a plurality of toothpicks 50 and another interior chamber 24 dimensioned to receive a spool of dental floss 27.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Leonidas Taveras
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Patent number: 5940923Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for cleaning dental implant posts comprising a handle specifically adapted for ease of use by a person of limited or impaired dexterity or muscle control or a care giver and a series of brush and pick attachments specifically adapted for cleaning dental implant posts. This handle configuration eliminates the need for a pencil-like grip.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: Colleen K. Gunning
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Patent number: 5934295Abstract: A dental hygiene system in which a single elongated handle having a recess in its distal end receives a plurality of carrying members holding different dental hygiene elements. The carrying members have resilient portions retained in the handle recess by way of either a latching portion in a slot in the handle or by way of a frictional fit in the handle recess. A lever is positioned in the slot in the handle for releasing the carrying members with the latching portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: John O. Butler CompanyInventors: Vladamir Gekhter, Leoncio Angel Gonzalez, Christopher J. Stvartak, Mark D. Gleason, David E. Hidding, Kevin G. Yost
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Patent number: 5930861Abstract: A dental/gingival stimulating article is disclosed that provides interdental stimulation and plaque removal to several teeth at once. This design holds many stimulator tips that have broadened but narrow profile paddle ends. The instrument is held in one hand and directed with appropriate direction and force to guide fiber ends into the spaces between the gum and teeth. It will reach several papillary areas. The rotational direction used on the handle will dissipate to a massaging motion within the sulci. Therefore, the threat of interproximal caries is reduced and the occurrence of periodontal disease is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Inventor: Dennis J White
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Patent number: 5927889Abstract: An automatic dispensing toothbrush is provided including a toothpaste dispenser having a coaxial bore formed along a length thereof for housing toothpaste. A ball screw is rotatably coupled in concentric relationship within the bore of the toothpaste dispenser. A ball nut plunger is screwably coupled to the ball screw and adapted to raise within the toothpaste dispenser upon the rotation of the ball screw. A rotator is rotatably coupled within the bore of the toothpaste dispenser adjacent to a bottom thereof and further coupled to the ball screw for rotating the same. Also included is a toothbrush assembly including a hollow linear rod removably coupled to the toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush assembly further includes a plurality of bristles extending horizontally from an upper extent of the hollow rod and at least one bore formed therein. The toothbrush assembly is threadedly coupleable to the toothpaste dispenser for receiving toothpaste therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Richard J. La Flower
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Patent number: 5924429Abstract: A dental-hygiene device is configured to receive a replaceable toothbrush and to provide a conveniently accessible source of dental floss. Generally, the device includes a handle for removably receiving a toothbrush, the handle defining an interior cavity; a supply of dental floss disposed within the interior cavity of the handle; provision for withdrawal of the dental floss through the handle; and a pivotable blade assembly, for separating a withdrawn length of dental floss from the supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Rudolph J. Morando
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Patent number: 5909739Abstract: The invention's toothbrush comprises an open end which is rolled up and placed in a small and convenient package. The closed end of the disposable toothbrush supports a number of clusters of bristles. The toothbrush is placed onto the user's index finger and is held tight by a small rolled up (i.e. unopened) portion near the base of the individual's index finger. The material near the tip (i.e. the closed end) of the toothbrush is thicker than the remainder of the toothbrush. The thicker material supports the bristles and permits a strong brushing action by the user. The toothbrush is carried along with toothpaste in a small package. In other embodiments of the invention, the disposable toothbrush can have ribs for massaging the gums and the package can contain some dental floss.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Inventor: Morad Masrour-Rad
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Patent number: 5906213Abstract: A dental cleaning tool has a handle, a base, a floss stem, and a supply of dental floss. The dental floss is contained within the base and a supply of fluid is contained within the handle. The base and the handle removably engage each other, frictionally clamping one end of the dental floss therebetween. Both the fluid and the other end of the dental floss exit through a fluid ejection conduit of the base. The floss is removably engaged to a floss locking tip near the terminal end of the floss stem, allowing the user to utilize the dental floss to clean his teeth. While flossing his teeth, the user can squeeze the handle and spray fluid, such as mouth wash, down the length of the dental floss and into his mouth.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Steven Gloyd Diffendal
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Patent number: 5890493Abstract: A tooth cleaning assembly includes a rack, at least a detachable toothpaste squeezing assembly mounted on the rack and including a base, a toothpaste cylinder having a lower end fitted in the base, an annular member arranged an upper end of the toothpaste cylinder, a cover fitted on a top of the toothpaste cylinder and mounted on the annular member, a tubular neck telescopically fitted in the toothpaste cylinder, a cap pivotally connected with an upper end of the tubular neck, and a movable knob extending through the rack to be detachably engaged with a bottom of the base, at least a toothbrush detachably mounted on the annular member, at least a spring mug fitted within the rack, and at least a folding mirror fitted within the rack, whereby all commonly used washing articles are combined into one unit thereby making them convenient to use and arranging them in a tidy manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventor: Bae Yan Horng
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Patent number: 5865195Abstract: A system for maintaining oral hygiene that includes a sealed storage/rinsing tube and a hygiene assembly sealed within the storage/rinsing tube by an adhesively attached peel off seal member. The storage/rinsing tube is used as a water vessel for assisting in rinsing the mouth with water. The hygiene assembly includes a toothbrush head portion, a handle portion, a dental stimulator secured to an exterior surface of the handle portion, a length of dental floss, a supply of toothpaste, and a supply of a mouthwash solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Theresa Carter
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Patent number: 5862817Abstract: The subject matter relates to a two-in-one tooth brush unit, comprising a tooth brush and tooth paste, featuring an accommodating hole on the handle of the tooth brush, so the tooth paste can be accommodated in the accommodating hole on the brush handle, while the accommodating hole on the handle and the tooth paste can be wrapped by an adhesive paper label; so configured to achieve functions such as; more convenient packaging process, precludes the unit from being recovered for reuse, disposal of the tooth paste and the tooth brush as one unit, adheres to environmental protection requirements, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Inventor: Kenten Lee
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Patent number: 5842490Abstract: A toothbrush that is provided with the usual elongate handle having the usual hang-up hole in the free, hang-up end portion thereof, has a dental floss receiving slot leading from the outer periphery of the hang-up end portion of the handle into the hang-up hole. This enables an end of a length of dental floss to be held pressed against a face of the brush handle by one hand of a user while the opposite end of the length of floss is grasped by the other hand of the user and pulled taut, with a relatively short length portion thereof being pressed into the slot. Neither hand of the user need enter the mouth for flossing purposes, and both are pre-positioned for immediate and effective conjoint use in the flossing of the user's teeth following attachment of a length of dental floss to the user's toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Dale M. Jensen
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Patent number: 5842487Abstract: A self-contained toothbrush construction 10 including a handle unit 11, a brush unit 12, and a cap unit 13. The handle unit 11 comprises a hollow housing member 20 including concentric chambers 21, 22. The inner chamber 21 is dimensioned to receive a toothpaste cartridge 50 and the outer chamber 22 forms a reservoir for liquid such as water or mouthwash.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Neil A. Ledet
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Patent number: 5839578Abstract: A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication includes a generally vertically upstanding housing. The housing includes first and second adjoining sections. The first section is provided to removably hold an instrument, such as a toothbrush, for use in a daily activity. The second section is provided for holding a material, such as medication, to be taken by the person. When a person reaches to use the toothbrush, for example, the person is reminded to take the medication due to its proximity in the second section.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Rxtra Inc.Inventors: Allan R. Avery, Lawrence H. Bernstein
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Patent number: 5832940Abstract: A self-contained toothbrush construction 10 including a handle member 20 forming a receptacle for dentifrice, a brush member 30 having a hollow handle portion 32 defining a internal passageway 31 in open communication with the handle member 20 and a collapsible cover unit 13 including a plurality of telescoping cover segments 51 wherein one of the cover segments 56 forms a compartment 57 for dental floss 60 and another cover segment 52 is provided with a plurality of apertures 54 controlled by a hinged lid element 55.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Inventors: Darryl Embry, Regina Embry
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Patent number: 5819765Abstract: An appliance for hygiene and care of an oral cavity has a thin rubber glove for one finger of a hand, the glove having at least one operative surface area extending to an end of said glove so as to correspond to a position of a finger tip, and a sealed hollow member provided in the at least one operative surface area and accommodating an active product, the sealed hollow member being formed so that during rubbing of said at least one operative surface area against teeth or gums the active product emerges from the sealed hollow member and is spread over the teeth and gums.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Maria Ida Mittiga
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Patent number: 5749381Abstract: An ergonomically designed toothbrush having an oversized handle, a shapeable stem, interchangeable heads of different sizes, bristle arrangements, and geometrical configurations. The handle is generally cylindrical in shape so as to readily fit in the palm of one's hand while having a flattened portion against which the thumb and fingertips may be rested. The stem is attached to the handle in such a manner as to allow rotation of the stem in a variety of positions about the longitudinal axis of the handle. The use of the toothbrush may set the orientation of the bristles on the heads such that they are at a 45.degree. inclination relative to the surface of the teeth while the flat portion of the handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth so that the Bass technique may be implemented white moving the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes in a conventional manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventors: C. P. Butler, F. M. Butler, Jr.
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Patent number: 5735298Abstract: A tri-fold multipurpose toothbrush (14) which comprises a component (16) for cleaning teeth. An arm assembly (18) is provided. A unit (20) on a first end of the arm assembly (18) is for retaining the teeth cleaning components (16) thereto in a removable manner. A case (22) is also provided. A member (24) at a second end of the arm assembly (18) is for pivoting the arm assembly (18) on a first end of the case (22). The arm assembly (18) with the teeth cleaning component (16) can fold down upon the case (22) when not in use and can fold out from the case (22) when in use. An assemblage (26) is for locking the arm assembly (18) in any angle when folded out from the case (22). A handle (28) is also provided, having a recessed area (30). Another member (32) at a first end of the handle (28) is for pivoting the handle (28) on a second end of the case (22). The handle (28) can fold down upon the case (22) with the recessed area (30) over the arm assembly (18) with the teeth cleaning component (16) when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventors: Harlo Mayne, P. Dustin McNeill
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Patent number: 5709004Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle (1) with a head (3) furnished with bristles (5) and a device for cleaning the surface of the tongue. The handle (1) is composed of two parts (1A, 1B) joined by a thin, flexible, arc-shaped strip (7) at the base of the handle (1) opposite the head (3). The thin, flexible strip (7) serves as a scraper for cleaning the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Inventors: Guido Paduano, Elisabetta Rossi, Simone Zilli
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Patent number: 5701921Abstract: A kit for carrying and storage of a toothbrush, toothpaste and associated materials and tools for dental hygiene wherein the quantity of dentifrice included is selected to be exhausted simultaneously with the end of life of the enclosed toothbrush, thus urging the replacement of the toothbrush at the proper time. The enclosed toothpaste reservoir has a small quantity of differentiated paste at the bottom which when ultimately dispensed, indicates imminent exhaustion of supply. Marker flags of color or other sensible characteristics for toothpaste and other materials are proposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: NACREInventors: Richard M. Father, Bruce Douglas Ross
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Patent number: 5680933Abstract: A shower caddy having a steam-proof mirror is provide in combination with several oral hygiene appliance holders, including a toothpaste tray for easy storage or retrieval of standard tubes of toothpaste, a toothbrush holder, and a dental floss dispenser with a lower discharge means for dispensing dental floss to the outside of the caddy.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Michael J. Miller
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Patent number: 5676167Abstract: A toothbrush and floss apparatus includes a toothbrush assembly that includes a brush assembly supported by a handle which includes a brush end and a floss-supporting end. A detachable dental floss assembly is attached to the floss-supporting end of the handle and includes a floss-assembly-based connector for connecting the dental floss assembly to the floss-supporting end of the handle. The brush assembly and the brush end and the floss-supporting end of the handle are located along a common longitudinal axis. The dental floss assembly includes a housing which includes a proximal end and a distal end. The floss-assembly-based connector is located at the proximal end of the housing, and the floss-assembly-based connector is detachably connected to a complementary handle-based connector located on the floss-supporting end of the hand embodiment, the floss-assembly-based connector and the handle-based connector are connected together by a connection action along the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Alan Scott Garner
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Patent number: 5673454Abstract: An apparatus for brushing teeth 20 including a handle 22 attached at an end 26 to a central brush arm 28, a left brush arm 38 and a right brush arm 36 with a cellulose acetate butyrate glue. The central brush arm 28 attached to the left brush arm 38 and the right brush arm 36 with a cellulose acetate butyrate glue such that the brush heads 52, 54, 56 are flexibly positioned relative to each other. The bristles 58 of the three brushes aligned to contact the ends and sides of teeth of varying sizes.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Benefit International Products, Ltd.Inventors: Jorge Quintanilla, Marcos Harari
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Patent number: 5662130Abstract: A dental hygiene storage apparatus comprising a housing having a removable partition that forms a toothpaste compartment for dispensing toothpaste therefrom. The partition has slots extending along opposite spaced apart side walls with each slot having a removable gear which is connected to a rotating shaft. The shaft is positioned adjacent to and above a compressor plate located within the partition. The shaft is connected to a handle that when turned causes the compressor plate to press against a removable toothpaste container located within the toothpaste compartment. The toothpaste container has a valve extending through the partition's front wall and is adapted to dispense toothpaste. The dental hygiene storage apparatus further includes a top surface with a storage compartment for storing dental floss containers, and several tubular cavities adapted to receive a dental floss device or a toothbrush. The dental hygiene storage apparatus also has a pull out drawer adapted to store toiletries.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventor: Curtis B. Wiltshire
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Patent number: 5642741Abstract: A toothpick is disclosed including an inter-teeth inserting portion in which a metal wire is formed to be spirally twisted and the overall circumferential surface is covered with synthetic resin; and a main body fixed to one end of said inter-teeth inserting portion for grasping.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Inventor: Bongsik Choi
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Patent number: 5629527Abstract: A lockable molded box enclosure is configured to contain and store several types and quantities of instruments commonly used for dental hygiene home use, such as toothbrushes and dental floss. The box includes a lid or door and a latch that must be operated in order to gain access to the instruments contained therein, and the latch is constructed to be operated by inserting an instrument related to the steps involved in dental hygiene. The preferred embodiment discloses a box with a hinged lid and a latch operable by inserting a length of dental floss tautly held and downwardly pressed into a slot formed by the edge of the lid and the edge of the box opening, such that the length of floss will depress a spring-biased locking tab.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventors: Gary H. Levitt, Kaley A. Levitt
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Patent number: 5617884Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus, comprised of a toothbrush with a detachable, disposable head and an enlarged handle providing a comfortable, secure grip for people with limited rise of the hand, such as persons with arthritis or other crippling diseases of the hands. The apparatus also comprises a rack with projections adapted to securely hold a plurality of brushes along with a toothpaste tube and a mouthwash bottle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1994Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventor: Duane M. Allison
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Patent number: 5581838Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Anthony C. Rocco
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Patent number: 5566691Abstract: An article is provided for facilitating oral prophylaxis. The article comprises a continuous, elongated fiber of polytetrafluoroethylene having at least one substantially rigid first portion and a substantially flexible second portion comprised of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John W. Dolan, John W. Spencer, Jr., Richard Wilson, James Walter
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Patent number: 5564446Abstract: A dental floss device and applicator assembly comprising a pair of separate, substantially elongate members with each member having spaced apart top and bottom end portions with a gripping section located between the top and bottom end portions, a plurality of dental floss segments, and a slot formed in the top end portion of each member that has a prong protruding from the slot for releasably holding one of the dental floss segments (STRAND) within the slot. An alignment channel or groove can also be formed in the top end portion and located adjacent to the slot to hold and guide the STRAND within the alignment channel or groove without requiring a user to manipulate the STRAND with the user's fingers as the prong engages and holds the STRAND under the prong.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: Curtis B. Wiltshire
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Patent number: 5564148Abstract: A dental prosthesis cleaning instrument is defined by an elongated member having a brush portion and a handle portion. The brush portion has a head formation formed at one end of the handle and a plurality of bristles extend from a surface portion thereof. The bristles terminate in an angled brushing surface defining an apex brush ridge adapted to clean angled surfaces of a dental prosthesis. A small scraping tool is provided at an opposed end of the handle portion. The scraping tool is dimensioned to scrape cavitated areas of the dental prosthesis. The scraping tool is a small spatula-shaped tool having a rounded end portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventors: Solange Prevost, Geffrey Frenette
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Patent number: 5524764Abstract: A combination absorbent applicator, wipe for teeth and oral applicator comprising a sheath having a closed distal end and an open proximal end for receipt of a fingertip or finger. An abrasive absorbent material pad is on an exterior surface of the sheath adjacent the closed distal end. The abrasive absorbent material pad can be applied to teeth, gums, tongue and lips for cleaning and treatment thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventors: Richard Kaufman, Salvatore Buda
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Patent number: 5517712Abstract: A portable oral hygiene tool includes an ergonomically formed toothbrush for comfort, control and ease of use, encompassing a toothbrush body having a bristle head portion to accommodate changeable and renewable bristles to be discarded when they are past their time of effectiveness and to maintain the toothbrush sanitarily and hygienically. It also accommodates various sized bristles and firmness.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Inventor: Travis A. Schiano
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Patent number: 5497526Abstract: The device is a straddle-type device in which the handle thereof has a pair of elongated arms and a cowling on the distal end thereof. The arms extend from the handle in generally parallel relationship to one another, with a slot therebetween, and the cowling is made of plastic resin material and supported on the arms at the distal end portions thereof. The cowling also bridges the slot and has an inverted U-shaped body, which in turn has endmost sections and a midsection therebetween. The endmost sections are encircled about the distal end portions of the arms in intimate contact with the opposing relatively inwardly directed surfaces thereof, as well as the relatively outwardly directed surfaces thereof and the relatively upper, lower and forward peripheral edges thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Oral Logic Inc.Inventor: Ronald W. Klinkhammer
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Patent number: 5487201Abstract: An oral wipe comprised of a sleeve, the sleeve being comprised of interwoven material, the sleeve having a closed end extending to at least one corner at the closed end, a pick element comprised of a heat sealable component, and a piece of dental floss, the piece of floss having one floss end embedded and retainingly secured in the heat sealable component.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1993Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventors: Bryan C. Hansen, Sharon A. Hansen
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Patent number: 5454133Abstract: A toothbrush, comprising a handle, having a head portion and a grip portion. The head portion has a plurality of bristle cavities, each for receiving a bristle group. The bristle cavities are connected with passage ways. The bristle groups are mounted in the bristle cavities with a rubber base, creating a seal with its associated bristle cavity, creating a closed system where the bristle cavities are in fluid communication with each other through the passage ways. The closed system is filled with a substantially non-compressible medium. When pressure is exerted on one bristle group, pressure is thereby exerted on the medium, which exerts pressure on the other bristle groups, in turn applying even pressure to all bristle groups. A plaque remover, having a fiberglass pick, is mounted in the grip portion of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Inventor: Arrow Garnet
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Patent number: 5438726Abstract: A toothbrush with timer and signalling apparatus having interchangeable periodontal devices. The signalling apparatus is composed of both an audio and vibrating signalling device to alert the user when the preset time limit is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventor: Francisca P. Leite
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Patent number: 5365956Abstract: A toothbrush having a spool of floss stored within the handle and a floss holding frame for holding a portion of the floss in a taut condition for use thereof. The toothbrush includes a handle which terminates in a floss holding frame across which floss from the spool may be extended and held tight. The floss spool and the floss holding frame are longitudinally arranged such that a protective cover may be placed thereover.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Inventor: Gregorio G. Guadiana
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Patent number: 5360025Abstract: The device and method employ a pair of spaced jaws which have a tooth cleaning implement connected therewith, in the gap therebetween. In use, the jaws are straddled about a row of teeth, transverse thereof, and translated along the row opposite the inside and outside faces of the teeth. Various features enable the user to locate and "steer" the device, even when the jaws and implement are out-of-sight to him. Other features enable the user to count on the device itself to provide the "dynamics" with which we commonly use a conventional "tooth brush" when we manipulate it in our mouths from a point thereoutside. Still others enable the user to program or predetermine the "grip." of the device, transverse of the row, and to do so, moreover, in the context of having an interchangeable or replaceable tooth cleaning implement thereon which is adjustable in "grip" each time a new implement is substituted for an old.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Oral Logic, Inc.Inventor: Ronald W. Klinkhammer
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Patent number: 5360026Abstract: The device and method employ a pair of spaced jaws which have a tooth cleaning implement connected therewith, in the gap therebetween. In use, the jaws are straddled about a row of teeth, transverse thereof, and translated along the row opposite the inside and outside faces of the teeth. Various features enable the user to locate and "steer" the device, even when the jaws and implement are out-of-sight to him. Other features enable the user to count on the device itself to provide the "dynamics" with which we commonly use a conventional "tooth brush" when we manipulate it in our mouths from a point thereoutside. Still others enable the user to program or predetermine the "grip" of the device, transverse of the row, and to do so, moreover, in the context of having an interchangeable or replaceable tooth cleaning implement thereon which is adjustable in "grip" each time a new implement is substituted for an old.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1994Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Oral Logic, Inc.Inventor: Ronald W. Klinkhammer
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Patent number: 5348028Abstract: A dental hygiene kit comprises handle and toothbrush sections which may be separated for storing the brush in a compact relation with the handle. The handle includes an internal cavity for storing included dentifrice, a dental pick and dental floss. A removable cover containing air holes is provided to cover the brush bristles for sanitation purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Terry L. Gustavel
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Patent number: 5331983Abstract: Two joinable tooth brushes, each having a slot extending approximately to the center of the bristle head, co-operate to form a double brush in a Y shaped handle and permitting a length of dental floss to be strung through the brushes and across the Y. The invention is particularly suited for concurrent cleaning interdental surfaces, the V shaped entrances thereto, and the proximal gum lines.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Inventor: Richard M. Father
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Patent number: 5332107Abstract: The dental care structure disclosed includes a backing plate for mounting on a wall, a number of enclosures which are releasably secured to the backing plate, a supporting bar for a cup and a bifurcated support for a tube of toothpaste. The enclosures can be for the purpose of receiving and protecting the heads of toothbrushes or for receiving a reel of dental floss. Each enclosure includes a flap-type door and the door of the enclosure which receives the dental floss has a cutter mounted thereon. The cup has a groove in the base thereof which receives the supporting bar. The cup can hang inverted from the bar or can stand upright on it.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Camps LimitedInventor: Kenneth A. Williams
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Patent number: 5324129Abstract: A toothbrush having an elongate support shaft includes a brush head arranged for rotation and latching in a plurality of orientations relative to the support shaft to permit ease of access to various portions of an individual's teeth during a brushing procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: Todd J. Root
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Patent number: 5323795Abstract: A dental instrument, particularly such an instrument equipped on a toothbrush, which provides excellent tooth picking function, gum line probing, and gum massage. A distal end segment of a handle is provided with an elastomer oral hygiene member in the form of both a toothpick and a gum massager. An arm of planar shape that is elongated along the handle axis and tapering to an edge remote from the handle, projects perpendicularly from the distal end segment of the handle. The oral hygiene member is formed over the distal end segment of the handle, inclusive of the arm. The oral hygiene member provides a gum massager, having preferably a convex dome shape, wherein the center of curvature thereof is located axially with respect to the handle. The oral hygiene member further provides a toothpick of planar shape formed over the arm. The toothpick is elongated along the handle axis and tapers to a tip radially remote from the arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: Mathew G. Berens
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Patent number: 5316027Abstract: Earlier devices of the genre, had a yoke-like head for brushing the teeth, and a cowling of reentrantly folded flexible material interconnected with the arms of the head so as to straddle the slot between the arms. The midsection at the bight of the cowling had pleats between it and the wings of the cowling, and together they formed an articulated linkage between the wings for preserving the bias on the wings during the tooth brushing operation. In the present device, the arms 12 have only brackets 34 on the terminal end portions thereof, the relatively outboard portions 38 of which elbow out in front of the arms, like cowcatchers, below the terminal ends 20 of the arms. The portions 38 in turn have mitt-like brushes 50 thereon comprised of fields of spaced individual bristle of 0.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Oral Logic, Inc.Inventor: Ronald W. Klinkhammer
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Patent number: 5304009Abstract: The invention provides for a disposable toothbrush having a supply of dehydrated toothpaste adhered to a bristle portion attached to an upper member, detachable handle containing a supply of mouth rinse forming a lower member, a toothpick attached to the detachable handle, and a supply of dental floss wrapped around the toothpick. The toothbrush is especially simple in design, but nevertheless is adapted to furnish a complete dental hygiene kit. In the preferred embodiment, the toothbrush includes one and one half ounces of mouth rinse and eight inches of dental floss.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1993Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Inventor: Jeweral E. Marshall
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Patent number: RE36407Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Anthony C. Rocco