Suction oral brush

Details Suction oral brush Suction oral brush

2000-07-19

2001-05-29

Mancene, Gene (Department: 3732)

Dentistry

Apparatus

Having suction orifice

C433S095000, C015S322000, C132S308000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06238213

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to oral care devices, and in particular to a suction oral brush configured for eliminating mucus or other liquids, and having a cleaning head with opposite, dissimilar scrub elements.
As explained in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,094, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, oral swabs, normally used for oncology treatments, are well known. Such swabs can be simple swabs which are used and then discarded, or oral suction devices, such as the '094 patent.
While the '094 patent was a substantial improvement over known oral swabs, its utility is somewhat limited. Because its head has only a single type of cleansing element, traditional-type brushing of teeth and gums is not possible. Also, once the suction port becomes clogged during use, the swab must either be cleaned or discarded and replaced. Its use has therefore been somewhat limited by its design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a suction oral care device of greater utility, while still being disposable. The device has an elongated, hollow shaft having a suction end and a cleansing end. A head is located at the cleansing end, the head having opposite scrub elements. The scrub elements are dissimilar to one another, and a suction port communications with each scrub element. Each suction port leads to the suction end.
In accordance with the preferred form of the invention, a further suction outlet, separate from the suction ports, is also located at the cleansing end. The suction outlet extends from an axial end of the head, between the two suction ports.
A suction control is located at the suction end. The suction control includes a suction regulation opening which is shaped to be manipulated by a thumb or a finger.
One of the scrub elements at the head preferably comprises a series of bristles. A center channel is provided through the bristles, separating the bristles into two clusters. The suction port communicating with the bristles is located in the center channel. Preferably, the center channel is aligned axially in relation to the shaft.
The other of the scrub elements preferably comprises a foam pad. The foam pad includes an orifice aligned with the suction port which communicates with the foam pad to provide a separate source of suction at the foam pad, as well.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1408520 (1922-03-01), Larsen
patent: 4538631 (1985-09-01), Prince
patent: 5151094 (1992-09-01), Hanifl
patent: 5463792 (1995-11-01), Hogan et al.
patent: 6168434 (2001-01-01), Bohm-Van Diggelen

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