Cleansing implement and electrically powered dental cleansing de

Details Cleansing implement and electrically powered dental cleansing de Cleansing implement and electrically powered dental cleansing de

1996-06-10

2000-08-15

Lucchesi, Nicholas D.

Dentistry

Apparatus

Having motor or means to transmit motion from motor to tool

A61C 107, A61C 303, A61C 308

Patent

active

061027006

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
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 f

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