JPH0458965B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a brush that has a bifurcated grip and supports bristles from the end side of a handle that elastically moves toward and away from each other. The two brush bodies each protrude at an angle with respect to the plane of the grip, and the two brush bodies remove plaque from opposing human teeth in order to simultaneously brush the front and back sides of the teeth. , and relates to a toothbrush for caring for teeth.

[Conventional technology]

In order to prevent dental caries and periodontitis, which are generally widespread dental diseases, it is necessary to thoroughly brush and care for the teeth. When the tooth itself becomes loose due to the destruction of the hard inorganic substance of the enamel or the onset of disease around the tooth, bacteria and harmful secretions accumulate and become plaque, which threatens the health of the tooth. .

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The object of the present invention is to be easy to handle, to be able to remove plaque completely and uniformly, and to be able to brush in hard-to-brush areas, especially between the teeth and in the area of the palate bordering the teeth; Moreover, the object is to provide a toothbrush of the type mentioned at the outset, whose manufacturing costs are kept as low as possible.

According to the invention, this object consists of two brush bodies, each formed from a cylindrical round brush with bristles projecting from a support bar formed as an extension of the handle, on the handle side of the support bar. The other free end is solved by being covered with bristles that point towards the palate or gums during use.

[Effect]

Such a toothbrush is used by spreading the two handles so that the teeth can be held between them and moving them up, down, left and right. At this time, with the hand holding the toothbrush, press the two handles on the grip so that they approach each other, so the round brush can be used not only on the front and back sides of the teeth, but also on the palate area that borders the teeth. Polishing at the same time.

Embodiments of the invention and its advantageous configurations will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The toothbrush shown in the drawing is used to remove plaque from human teeth and to care for the teeth.

In all embodiments, a grip 1, 1a, 1b is provided for gripping the toothbrush by hand.
Brush parts 2, 2a, 2b are attached to the end sides of the grip parts 1, 1a, 1b.

The brush part includes two brush bodies 3, 3', 3a, 3'a, 3b, 3'b, which are provided spaced apart from each other.
Including 3d and 3e. The two brush bodies are formed according to the embodiment of a round brush. These brush bodies have regular bristles that can be pressed or otherwise fixed, and if plastic is used as material,
An integral structure is also possible.

The grip portions 1, 1a, 1b are formed in a bifurcated shape, and one end of a branched handle 4, 4', 4a, 4'a, 4b, 4'b extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion;
That is, at the free end, the brush body projects at an angle to the plane of the handle part.

The two handles, which are connected to each other at the other end, extend apart from each other with respect to the attached brush body and can be moved by hand so as to elastically overlap each other. Plastic is a suitable material for the handles, and it is clear that the only way to reduce the distance between the two brush bodies is to apply force to the two handles from the outside.

The two handles are shaped so that the brush parts 2, 2a, 2b can be applied to the teeth without spreading. That is, the brush bodies can be spaced apart by a distance that satisfies such conditions. In this case, by simply pressing the handle with your finger, one brush body, for example, brush bodies 3, 3a, 3b, is elastically applied to the front side of the tooth, and the other brush body 3',
3'a, 3'b can be applied to the back side of the tooth.

Therefore, by reciprocating in the horizontal or vertical direction (arrows 5 or 6), both sides of the tooth can be treated simultaneously.

The pressure with which the brush touches the teeth differs from person to person. The effects obtained with such a toothbrush are so great that it is no longer necessary to use toothpaste or the like.

When not in use, the brush body 3, 3',
The distance between 3a, 3'a, 3b, 3'b, 3d, 3e can also be made smaller than the tooth thickness. In such a case, when the brush touches the teeth, the handles 4, 4', . . . automatically expand, or the handles are expanded by supporting the brush by inserting a finger between the handles.

As is clear from the side view of FIG. 3, the two brush bodies 3, 3'... have handles 4,
Since it forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with 4', it has an approximately L-shape when viewed from the side. Therefore,
It is easy to put in and take out the toothbrush, and the grip part 1...
It is convenient because it can be held almost horizontally by hand. At this time, the brush body can be positioned parallel to the teeth, which is particularly convenient for removing plaque between the teeth.

When the brush is moved horizontally, the brush body scrubs the surface of the teeth in the longitudinal direction of the teeth. When you move your toothbrush vertically, you can brush between your teeth. In either case, since the brush bodies 3, 3', . . . protrude sufficiently long, it is possible to clean even the palate area where the gums and teeth meet.

Furthermore, since the brush body is pressed against both sides of the teeth, it always moves along the teeth.

In each embodiment, two brush bodies 3,
3'... so that the longitudinal direction forms an acute angle, preferably an angle of about 20° to 30° (angle α in Figure 2).
The brush bodies project obliquely relative to each other.

This allows it to conform to the shape of the palatal tooth area, which is particularly useful for extending the gums, where plaque tends to form cavities and eventually cause the gums to atrophy. The area is in good condition and can be brushed with a toothbrush. At the same time, you can also get the effect of pine surge on the palate.

The grip portions 1, 1a, and 1b are each formed in a U shape, that is, a clamp shape. Grip part 1,
1a, 1b have a shape resembling a horseshoe with an arcuate region 7 extending on the opposite side from the brush bodies 3, 3'... (Figure 1).

Connected to the end sides of the arcuate region are extensions 8, 8' supporting the opposing brush bodies 3, 3', the distance between the two preferably substantially parallel extensions 8, 8' being , smaller than the diameter of the arcuate region 7. Thus, one half of the arcuate region 7, together with the extension 8 or 8' associated therewith, forms one of the handles 4 or 4' of the gripping part.

The grip portions 1, 1a, 1b are integrally constructed with a substantially round cross-sectional shape, and have two extension portions 8,
8' has a narrowed shape relative to the arcuate region 7.

The grip portion having the arcuate region 7 formed in this way is easy to grip by hand. In this case, the toothbrush may be grasped from the outside with the index finger or middle finger and the other fingers between the handles 4 and 4'. the result,
The handles 4, 4' and the brush bodies 3, 3' can be easily compressed or expanded, but at this time,
There is no need to change the position of your hands.

Furthermore, since the handle is U-shaped or clamp-shaped, the toothbrush can be hung on the hook and the brush body can be dried in the air when not in use.

As a variation of the illustrated embodiment, a longitudinal slit may be formed in the handle to form two handles. It is also possible to make the grip part tweezers-shaped. To provide a firmer finger grip, the handles 4, 4' may be provided with corrugated grooved portions 9, 9' on the outside.

As mentioned above, the brush bodies 3, 3', 3a,
3'a, 3b, 3'b, 3d, and 3e are substantially cylindrical in shape, following the shape of a round brush. In this case, the round brazier bodies 3, 3', 3b,
The entire circumference of 3′b is covered with bristles, but 2
The region of the opposite side of the two round brushes facing the grip part may be free of bristles.

Such an arrangement not only saves material but also requires less space. Significantly, it takes up less space in the mouth, allowing the brush body to easily reach areas that larger toothbrushes cannot reach.
This highly advantageous arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8.

However, in all embodiments of the invention, the free ends of the brush bodies 3, 3', which are not on the handle side, are covered with bristles. Therefore, it is possible to brush down to the roof of the mouth, that is, to remove plaque from the extension area of the gums. This was completely impossible with conventional toothbrushes.

The bristles extend approximately radially up to the free end of the brush body, at which point they project obliquely downward.

The modification shown in FIG. 4 includes a brush main body 3a,
It differs from the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in that there is a region without bristles in a part of the periphery of 3'a.

The bristles of the round brush are integrally supported by support rods 17, 17' (FIG. 4) formed in the handle.

It is also possible to manufacture the brush body, which consists of support rod and bristles, separately. FIG. 6 shows the brush body 3 manufactured as a round brush in this way.
d is shown. Again, the bristles are planted on a central support rod 20 made of plastic or metal, preferably plastic. This support rod is blind hole 1
8 and an extension 1 projecting from the handle.
9 can be inserted.

It is obvious that the extension may be provided on the support rod and the blind hole may be provided on the handle side (FIGS. 7 and 8).
These parts can be joined, for example, with an adhesive.

However, the brush body and the grip may be configured to be detachable so that a worn brush body can be replaced. In this case, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 or the configurations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are suitable. For this purpose, a press fit must be provided between the blind hole 18 and the extension 19, which can be removed by hand. Connection by engagement or other means is also possible.

In either case, the brush body should be held against twisting. To this end, the blind hole 18 and the extension 19 may have a non-round shape, for example a square.

The same is true for the brush body 3e shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

7 and 8 are enlarged views of the brush main body 3e.

As can be seen, the integrally formed bristles 21 project approximately radially from the generally cylindrical support rod 20'. There are two supporting rods in total, but their opposite sides are free of bristles, and the free spherical ends of the supporting rods are covered with bristles.

This bristled end is directed towards the roof of the mouth when using the toothbrush and forms an acute angle to the axis of the support rod. Since the bristles are formed in one piece, the density of the bristles can be set as desired in practice. Since the bristles are spread out, the density is particularly important at the ends of the support rods.

The bristles can all be the same length. Furthermore, the bristles taper towards the free end. For example, the diameter d ₁ of the base of the bristles is 0.23-0.25
mm, the diameter _d2 of the tip can be 0.17-0.18 mm.

The distance D ₁ or D ₂ between the tips of the bristles in the cylindrical region and in the region of the spherical support rod end 23 may be the same, for example 0.6 mm. but,
In cylindrical areas, it is advantageous to plant the bristles more closely.

Additionally, the non-bristle side 22 of each support rod
is advantageously beveled so that it tapers towards the free end. This configuration is shown in FIG. In this case, the chamfered part forms a plane 24 as in the example, and the chamfered part
Preferably, it is inclined at an angle β of 10° with respect to the axis 25 of the support rod.

As a result, the space required is even smaller, making it easier to reach even the tightest spots in the mouth.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the chamfer on the non-bristle side 22 is such that the length l of the support bar is, for example, about 2 to 3
mm generally cylindrical portion 26.

The support rod 20' has an axially oriented central extension 27 at its end opposite the spherical end 23. This central extension is used for the plug connection of the support rod to the handle 1.

A hole of a corresponding shape is formed in the end of the handle of the grip portion on the side of the support rod.

Furthermore, the bristles are planted beyond the apex 28 of the spherical end 23 of the support rod 20' over an area of an angle δ of about 20° to 30°, preferably about 25°. It is advantageous.

Also, when the support rod 20' is viewed from above (the eighth
(Fig.), it is advantageous for the central angle of the bristle-free area to be in the range of approximately 120° to 140°, preferably approximately 130°. This is characterized in FIG. 8 by two angles δ ₁ and δ ₂ of 25° each between the central longitudinal plane of the support rod 20' and the outermost bristles.

In the example shown, the radius r of the support rod is approximately 3 mm and the distance a between the axis 25 of the support rod and the tip of the bristle is 7 mm. Therefore, the length of the bristles is approximately 4 mm.

The overall length from the apex 28 of the support rod 20' to the open position of the central extension 27 may be approximately 11 mm.

It is obvious that the means described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 can be similarly applied to other embodiments.

Finally, according to FIG. 5, the two handles 4b, 4'b of the grip part 1b can be pivoted and fixed to each other at the ends that are not on the side of the brush bodies 3b, 3'b. The pivot axis is indicated by a dashed line. In this case, the two handles 4b, 4'b can take different positions.

In the normal position of use (indicated by dotted lines), it is in a state corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 4.

On the other hand, one handle, for example handle 4'b,
When rotated approximately 180 degrees (indicated by the solid line), if one brush body or one handle gets in the way due to its location in the mouth, the other brush body 3
You can brush your teeth using only b.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Due to the elasticity of the handle, the spacing of the round brushes is automatically adapted to the thickness of the respective tooth. That is, so-called forced guidance of the round brush is performed. In this way, not only can you reliably brush your teeth along the front and back sides of your teeth, but you can also reliably brush between your teeth since you are using a round brush. Furthermore, the bristles projecting from the free end of the support rod extend up to the roof of the mouth adjacent to the teeth, thereby preventing plaque formation in this critical area.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the toothbrush of FIG.
The front view seen in the direction of the arrow in the figure, Figure 3 is
FIG. 4 is a front view of a modified example of the toothbrush; FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of yet another modification of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1 to 3; FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a specially constructed brush body; and FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of the brush body. The example longitudinal cross-sectional view, FIG. 8, is a plan view taken in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, 1a, 1b...Grip part, 2, 2a, 2b...Brush part, 3, 3', 3a, 3b, 3'b, 3d, 3
e...Brush body, 4, 4', 4a, 4'a, 4b,
4'b...handle, 17,17',20,20'...support rod,
21...Bristles.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A toothbrush for removing plaque from human teeth and caring for the teeth, which has a grip consisting of two handles that can move elastically with respect to each other, the end of the handle having: , in which bristles, each extending from an associated bristle support bar and facing each other, are non-rotatably mounted adjacent to a gripping surface consisting of said handle for simultaneously brushing the front and back sides of the teeth. , the bristle support rods 17, 17', 20, 20' are attached to the handle parts 4, 4', 4a, 4'a, of the grip parts 1, 1a, 1b.
4b, 4'b, their ends extending longitudinally in a generally L-shape and placed opposite said handle are directed towards the gums in use, and the brush bodies 3, 3 ', 3a, 3'a, 3b,
A toothbrush for removing plaque from human teeth and caring for teeth, characterized in that 3'b, 3d, and 3e have opposing circular shapes when viewed from above the gripping surface. 2. The bristle supports 17, 17', 20, 20' are arranged at least on gripping parts 1 on opposite sides spaced apart from each other.
A toothbrush for removing plaque from human teeth and caring for teeth according to claim 1, characterized in that it has no bristles in the region facing a. 3 The bristle support rod 20' is attached to the side 2 which is not provided with bristles.
The human tooth plaque removal and tooth removal method according to claim 2, characterized in that the tooth is tapered away from the upper grip part and towards the facing end. Toothbrush for cleaning. 4. The non-bristle portion of the support rod 20' extends at an angle of 120° to 140° when viewed from the handle surface. Toothbrush for plaque removal and dental care of human teeth as described. 5. The support rods 17, 17', 20' are covered with bristles on the surfaces that extend through each of the two support rods in a direction transverse to the gripping surface and beyond their tip ends. The second claim characterized in that
A toothbrush for removing plaque from human teeth and caring for teeth according to any one of items 4 to 4. 6 Brush body 3, 3', 3a, 3'a, 3b,
Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that 3'b, 3d, and 3e are rounded into spherical shapes at mutually opposite end portions of the grip portions 1, 1a, and 1b. A toothbrush for removing plaque from and caring for human teeth according to any one of the above. 7 Brush body 3, 3', 3a, 3'a, 3b,
The human body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 3'b, 3d, and 3e surround the support rod of the grip portion at an angle of approximately 90°. Toothbrush for removing plaque and caring for teeth. 8 Brush body 3, 3', 3a, 3'a, 3b,
3'b, 3d, and 3e are approximately 20° in the longitudinal direction.
Claims 1 to 7 are characterized in that they are inclined with respect to each other at an acute angle of 30° and taper away from the grip portions 1, 1a, 1b. Toothbrush for plaque removal and dental care of human teeth as described. 9. Plaque removal from human teeth and teeth according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two support rods are replaceably attached to the grip part. Toothbrush for care. 10 The handle has a wide arch-like horseshoe shape facing the brush body and is fitted with extended brush parts to each end thereof, the distance between the extensions being Claims 1 to 9 are characterized in that they are smaller in diameter than the arch-like horseshoe-shaped objects and are generally parallel to each other.
A toothbrush for removing plaque from and caring for human teeth according to any one of paragraphs.