Dentistry – Apparatus – Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-09
2001-07-31
Lucchesi, Nicholas D. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool
C132S322000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267593
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to an electrically powered dental cleansing device comprising a cleansing implement which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by a motor provided in the dental cleansing device.
Such a dental cleansing device and a cleansing implement are known from German Patent No. 1,011,116. This patent discloses a pencil mounted on a shaft coupled to a drive unit. The pencil is comprised of a plurality of individual hairs of a length dimensioned such that the pencil is tapered towards a pointed free end. By means of the drive unit, the pencil can be rotated about its longitudinal axis for performing a tooth cleaning function. However, because of the relatively large dimensions of the pencil, this implement is not suitable for interproximal cleaning.
From DE-OS 1,766,651 a device is known which can be used by dentists for grinding off amalgam fillings, for example. For tooth treatment, the device comprises an instrument similar to a blade which can be caused to perform a lifting motion by a drive unit. To increase the abrasive effect, the instrument can be coated with additional particles as grinding powder, for example. Considering, however, that the instrument has a width and thickness of several millimeters, this device is not suited for cleaning interproximal spaces.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dental cleansing device and a cleansing implement for an electrically powered dental cleansing device which enables in particular the interproximal spaces to be cleaned, which affords simple and secure manipulation, and which can be introduced into the interproximal spaces with particular ease.
According to the present invention, this object is essentially accomplished in that the cleansing implement is configured as an integrally formed part comprising a thin, elongate cleansing shaft which is flexible.
On account of the thin and elongate configuration of the cleansing shaft, the cleansing implement is also suitable for cleaning narrow interproximal spaces. Because the flexible cleansing shaft is adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, it will automatically engage within the interproximal spaces. In the cleansing implement of the present invention, this automatic engaging action largely eliminates the possibility of injury otherwise occurring, for example, by improper manual insertion of dental floss into tight interdental spaces for lack of knowledge or experience of its user. Because the complete cleansing implement is formed as an integral part, economy of manufacture is achieved.
In a feature of the present invention, the cleansing shaft includes at least one longitudinal edge. In use of the cleansing implement, this longitudinal edge wipes off plaque from the user's teeth.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the cleansing shaft has an essentially square cross-section. As a result, the four longitudinal edges thus provided on the cleansing shaft make it possible to achieve an improved cleaning effect.
Advantageously, the sides of the cleansing shaft of essentially square cross-section have a length of 0.3 mm, approximately.
In a further feature of the present invention, a plurality of serrations project from the surface of the cleansing shaft. When the cleansing implement is in use, these serrations serve the function of removing plaque from the user's teeth. It will be understood that the cleansing shaft may also be provided with stiffening ribs on its longitudinal sides which act as cleaning edges.
The cleansing shaft has preferably a length of between 10 and 15 mm. The thickness of the cleansing shaft is preferably in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The height and width of the serrations are preferably within the range of 0.1 and 0.3 mm.
In an advantageous further feature of the present invention, the cleansing implement is made of a plastics material. This allows economy of manufacture of the cleansing implement.
By providing the cleansing shaft with an unbalance by designed accumulation of material, the cleansing shaft is deflected from its rest position in the manner of a whip during rotation, which has a highly beneficial effect on the cleaning of the interproximal spaces.
In a still further feature of the present invention, the cleansing implement is adapted to be a push-fit on the dental cleansing device. This enables the user to substitute a new cleansing implement of like construction for a worn cleansing implement with ease and speed.
In an extremely advantageous feature, the cleansing implement is made of polyester elastomer or a material exhibiting like or similar properties. Owing to the special properties of this material, the shaft of the cleansing implement can be bent by an angle of up to 180 degrees particularly also during use, without the risk of shaft rupture. For one thing, this practically precludes the possibility of injury by a ruptured shaft, and for another thing, it enables the teeth to be cleaned also in the subgingival region even when the shaft is bent by 180 degrees, in which event the cleaning function is mainly performed by the bent area of the bent shaft. Utilizing this material for the cleansing implement or also for the shaft itself results in improved manipulation also for the inexperienced user, in addition to enhancing the cleaning effect.
The present invention also relates to an electrically powered dental cleansing device in which an elongate, thin and flexible cleansing implement is adapted to be coupled to a drive shaft received in a handle section and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
Simple and secure manipulation of the dental cleansing device is essentially ensured in that in the dental cleansing device incorporating the features initially referred to an attachment is adapted to be push-fitted to the handle section, and that the cleansing implement is slidably received in the attachment.
By slidably accommodating the cleansing implement in the attachment, the possibility is provided to optimally adapt the dental cleansing device for its individual uses. Thus, the cleansing implement is slidable out of the attachment when a user desires to use the dental cleansing device for interproximal cleaning. By contrast, when the dental cleansing device is not in use, the cleansing implement can be pushed back into the interior of the attachment, thereby obviating the possibility of contamination of, or damage to, the cleansing implement. The cleansing implement thus also meets hygienic demands, in addition to being usable for a prolonged period. For example, when it is desired to take the cleansing implement on trips, it is ensured that the cleansing implement is not contaminated or damaged by other objects or, conversely, that the cleansing implement does not contaminate or damage these objects. When the cleansing implement is worn after prolonged use, the attachment with the cleansing implement therein received can be pulled of f the handle section, and a new attachment with a new cleansing implement can be substituted. During such replacement, the user has no contact with the cleansing implement itself, but rather, can simply exchange it together with the attachment. However, the possibility may also be provided to push the attachment onto the handle section separate from the cleansing implement, requiring only the cleansing implement itself to be exchanged following use or wear.
In a feature of the present invention, the attachment has at the end remote from the handle section a guide tube in which the free end of the cleansing implement remote from the handle section is guided. When the cleansing implement is in the extended position relative to the attachment, the cleansing implement is located in position by the guide tube. This thus reliably prevents slippage or any other variation of the position of the cleansing implement during use.
In this arrangement, it will be advantageous to provide the guide tube with an approximately hemispherical rounded portion at its free end remote from the handle section, preferably with a diameter in the range
Boland Bernhard
Haczek Werner
Hilfinger Peter
Schwarz-Hartmann Armin
Braun GmbH
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Lucchesi Nicholas D.
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