Patent Application
20210369423
The present invention relates to a dental cleaning system comprising a holder for dental floss, which includes two mutually spaced brackets and dental floss held between the two brackets, and comprising an, in particular U-shaped or annular, base body to be slid onto a finger, which includes a recess situated in the longitudinal direction of the base body for accommodating a fingertip.
Moreover, the invention relates to a base body for a dental cleaning system, in particular, according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed, in particular, to be U-shaped or annular in order to be slid onto a finger, and which comprises a recess situated in the longitudinal direction of the base body for accommodating a fingertip.
Moreover, the invention relates to a holder for dental floss or other dental cleaning elements for a dental cleaning system, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, and, in particular, comprising two mutually spaced brackets and dental floss held between the two brackets.
Devices for holding dental floss are sufficiently known from the related art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,510 A describes an open ring comprising two brackets, between which dental floss is clamped. Devices of this type have proven to be impractical to handle, however.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,379 A describes a dental cleaning system which is guided with the aid of two fingers. This system takes up a lot of space in the oral cavity and, therefore, is difficult to handle. The two fingers also make it very difficult to keep the dental floss taut during insertion into the interdental space.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,745 A describes a dental cleaning system comprising a holder for dental floss, which includes two mutually spaced brackets and dental floss held between the two brackets. A base body is intended to be slid onto a finger and comprises a recess situated in the longitudinal direction of the base body for accommodating a fingertip. The base body is designed in the shape of a thimble. A second thimble or at least a part of a second thimble is provided for controlling the dental cleaning system in the mouth. The control can therefore take place using only one finger, however, and is therefore inaccurate and nevertheless takes up a lot of space in the oral cavity.
The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore that of providing a system for cleaning teeth, in particular interdental spaces, the application of which has been simplified.
The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the drawings.
The invention relates to a dental cleaning system comprising a holder for dental floss. The holder of the dental cleaning system comprises two mutually spaced brackets and dental floss held between the two brackets. The dental floss is designed to be introduced into the interdental space, and so the interdental space can be cleaned. Moreover, the dental cleaning system comprises a base body, wherein the brackets are arranged at the base body.
The brackets of the holder preferably extend essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base body, and so the brackets and the base body are preferably situated at an angle with respect to one another. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a grip surface is situated on each of the two sides of the base body, which is provided for controlling the movement of the dental floss in the mouth with the aid of the fingers adjacent to the base body. The grip surfaces preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the base body.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body comprises a recess in the longitudinal direction for accommodating a finger tip and is preferably designed to be U-shaped or annular. The longitudinal direction of the base body preferably extents from a first recess opening up to a second recess opening, through which the finger can be guided into the recess. The recess can also comprise only one recess opening, and so the base body is essentially thimble-shaped.
In this way, the finger can be inserted into the oral cavity essentially in parallel to the masticatory surface relief and pressed downward in order to insert the dental floss into the interdental space. The grip surfaces enable the dental cleaning system to be moved and controlled in the oral cavity, and so the dental floss removes contaminants from the interdental space in a targeted manner. Preferably, the brackets extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base body.
A further second grip surface for controlling the movement of the dental floss in the mouth, with the aid of the thumb, is advantageously provided on the side of the base body opposite to the brackets. In addition to the lateral guidance with the aid of the two first grip surfaces, pressure can be applied onto the dental cleaning system by the index finger with the aid of this further grip surface. Closely adjacent teeth usually make it difficult to insert the dental floss into the interdental space. The controlled guidance of the dental cleaning system with the aid of the grip surfaces facilitates the introduction of the dental floss, since the pressure and the movement can take place in a targeted manner.
Yet another advantage is achieved when at least one of the grip surfaces forms a surface which is, in particular, wing-like and projects over the base body. Therefore, a preferably large grip surface for the finger is provided, without proportioning the dental cleaning system to be too large overall to be able to be comfortably positioned in the oral cavity.
It is advantageous when at least one of the grip surfaces includes a non-slip, in particular, curved, perforated, and/or ribbed surface. The feel of the grip surfaces improves the handling of the dental cleaning system, since a good hold is ensured even when the surface is possibly wet.
It is advantageous when the holder and the base body are designed as one piece or multi-pieced. The dental floss should be changed regularly, for hygiene reasons. In the case of a multi-pieced embodiment of the dental cleaning system, in particular, due to a holder of the dental floss, which is separate from the base body, it is possible to replace the holder together with the dental floss. Alternatively, the holder and the base body can be designed as one piece, wherein the dental floss is preferably detachably connected to the holder, and so the dental floss can be replaced independently of the holder. The dental cleaning system is therefore modularly designed in order to implement the replacement of the dental floss as easily as possible. In this case, the dental floss can also be fixedly connected to the dental cleaning system, of course, which is then completely discarded after every teeth cleaning.
It is an advantage when the base body comprises a slot. The slot is preferably designed for accommodating at least one part of the holder. Moreover, it is conceivable to tension the slot in such a way that the recess is enlarged or reduced in size in order to be able to adapt the dental cleaning system to different finger sizes.
A fastening system advantageously connects the holder and the base body to one another. Due to the fastening system, the holder and the base body can be detachably connected to one another.
It is advantageous when the holder and the base body each comprise a part of the fastening system. The two part are designed to be complementary to one another in such a way that the dental floss held by the holder is pre-tensioned when the holder and the base body are connected to one another.
Moreover, it is advantageous when the fastening system has a form-locking and/or force-locked connection. Preferably, the fastening system comprises a fastening rail and a fastening carriage, wherein the fastening rail is situated on the holder and the fastening carriage is situated on the base body. The fastening carriage can also be situated on the holder and the fastening rail can also be situated on the base body. Moreover, the fastening system can have a magnetic, threaded, plug-in, rotary, adhesive, or hook and loop connection, and/or a snap-in connection, and so the holder and the base body can be detachably connected to one another.
It is an advantage when a releasable locking mechanism secures the connection between the holder and the base body. The locking mechanism can be situated, on the one hand, on the holder and, on the other hand, on the base body. When the locking mechanism is secured, it is ensured, in particular, during the application in the oral cavity, that the holder cannot be separated from the base body. In this way, it is ensured that neither the holder nor the base body can be swallowed.
The fastening rail and the fastening carriage advantageously taper conically in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the base body. Due to the conical design of the fastening rail and of the fastening carriage, they can be connected to one another in a guided manner. Moreover, it is possible to establish the tension of the dental floss by way of the selected insertion pressure. The further the fastening carriage is introduced into the fastening rail and, therefore, the smaller the remaining taper portion essentially is, the more tightly the dental floss is tensioned between the brackets. The angled guidance provides an increased pretension.
Moreover, it is advantageous when the fastening rail and/or the fastening carriage comprise/comprises lateral, in particular, U-shaped and/or dovetail-shaped guide surfaces.
It is advantageous when the guide surfaces of the fastening rail and of the fastening carriage are not parallel to one another in the non-assembled state, and so the holder, which is connected to the base body, is spread apart in the assembled state in such a way that the dental floss is tensioned between the brackets.
It is an advantage when a retaining element, in particular, a thread, safeguards the holder and/or the base body against being swallowed.
A stop is advantageously situated on the holder and/or on the base body, in an area between the two brackets, the dental floss, and the base body, and so the depth of the introduction of the dental floss into an interdental space is limited in a vertical direction. The stop is selected in such a way that the dental floss preferably cannot or can only slightly come into contact with the gums, and so bleeding of the gums and injuries are prevented. The height of the stop can vary depending on the group of persons for whom the dental cleaning system is intended.
Due to the stop, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is defined and, therefore, the depth of the introduction of the dental floss into an interdental space is limited in a vertical direction. The length of the brackets and/or the arrangement or height of the stop are/is selected in such a way that the distance is different depending on the depth of the interdental space to be cleaned, and so preferably no injury of the gums takes place.
Since the tooth lengths of the persons to be treated can be very different, an injury of the gums is very frequently caused, in conventional systems, when the dental floss passes all the way through to the gums. Due to an establishment of the distance between the dental floss and the stop, the depth is established, namely how far the dental floss can penetrate the interdental space from the top side of the tooth. As soon as the stop impacts the top side of the tooth, the dental floss is also stopped. Ideally, this is the case immediately before the dental floss reaches the gums. The distance between the dental floss and the stop can either be predefined by way of the structural dimensions, or also can be set by way of the design. In this way, for example, dental cleaning systems can be made available, which predefine a certain distance. This distance can vary depending on the selection of the user for a dental cleaning system having a certain distance. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, it is also possible that this distance is adjustable, so that each user can set this distance as necessary.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stop is arranged in an area between the two brackets. This area can be directly under the dental floss, but also laterally offset with respect thereto. It is essential that the stop acts on the tooth surface and, in the process, stops the penetration of the dental floss into the interdental space.
It is advantageous when the stop is formed by the surface of the base body or of the holder opposite to the dental floss and the depth of the introduction is determined by the length of the brackets and/or the height of the stop. The length of the brackets is preferably established by the area, which extends from the fastening area of the dental floss up to the stop. When the stop is formed by the surface of the base body opposite to the dental floss, the holder and the base body are preferably designed as one piece. Alternatively, an inner side of the holder located between the brackets can establish the stop. The height of the stop can be established either by way of the appropriate, different arrangement of the stop at the holder or the base body. It is also possible, however, that the overall height of various stops is differently designed in each case, so that, as a result thereof as well, the distance between the stop, i.e., the surface that impacts the top side of the tooth, and the dental floss can be varied. As a result, for example, a set can be made available, which predefines various distances for the different users in a customized manner.
A setting of the length of the brackets and/or the height of the stop can take place, in particular, via a translatory or rotatory movability of the brackets and/or of the stop. As a result, for example, due to a telescopic displacement of the brackets or of the stop, the distance between the dental floss and the stop can be changed and, therefore, set with respect to the individual needs of the user. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to rotate the brackets or the stop and, as a result, change the distance between the dental floss and the stop, for example, with the aid of an oblique surface or a screw thread. This has the advantage that different components do not have to be made available for various bracket lengths or heights of the stop, since the individual components are designed to be adjustable per se.
Preferably, the stop is part of the fastening system. In particular, a centering pin of the fastening system can form the stop. As a result, a dual function can be designed for the centering pin. On the one hand, it enables the fastening system to quickly and reliably establish a connection between the base body and the holder. On the other hand, it forms the stop itself and, due to a different embodiment of the length of the centering pin, different distances between the stop or the centering pin and the dental floss can be defined.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, if the stop is arranged at a part of the fastening system, in particular a centering pin, the fastening system is utilized not only for connecting the base body and the holder, but rather is also provided for fastening the stop. The stop can comprise, for example, an opening, which corresponds to the centering pin and whereby the stop can be inserted onto the centering pin.
Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided, in order to lock the adjustable length of the brackets and/or the adjustable height of the stop. As a result, it is ensured that the set position of the brackets and/or of the stop does not autonomously change during the use of the dental floss. Such a locking mechanism is advantageous, in particular, during a translatory or rotatory displacement of the brackets and/or of the stop.
The holder and/or the base body advantageously comprise/comprises a fastening element for fastening dental floss. The fastening element can be designed in the shape of a cone, for example, and can be equipped with a clamping slot, and so the ends of the dental floss can be wound around the fastening element several times and fixed in the clamping slot. It is also conceivable that the clamping slot is formed in the brackets themselves, and so the dental floss is clamped directly into the brackets.
In order to designate a certain size of the holder and/or of the base body and/or of a certain dental floss, it is advantageous when the holder and/or the base body and/or the stop comprise/comprises a coding, in particular a color coding. Dental cleaning systems intended for children can include motifs, for example, whereby the dental cleaning system may become more attractive for children. It is also conceivable to select different colors of the base body and/or the holder depending on the finger size for which the dental cleaning system is designed.
Preferably, the holder (12) and/or the base body (1) and/or the stop (26) are/is manufactured from a renewable and, in particular, consumable raw material or bio-compostable material. Therefore, on the one hand, an excessive consumption of plastic is reduced and, in addition, the risk of an injury to the user is avoided in the event of inadvertent swallowing. In addition, it is possible that an incentive to use the dental cleaning system is created, specifically, for example, for use by children, by way of the fact that the user can consume the dental cleaning system or at least parts thereof after having cleaned the interdental space.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the dental cleaning system, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is less than 12 mm, very preferably less than 8 mm. In this dimension range, the individual depths of the interdental spaces can be addressed in an optimal manner. This is the case, in particular, when the dental floss is already tensioned between the brackets before it is introduced into the interdental space. Although the dental floss is tensioned, at the latest, upon overcoming the contact point of two adjacent teeth, after the contact point has been overcome, the dental floss largely assumes the tension of its original state again. Therefore, if the dental floss was previously arranged between the brackets in a slack manner, the distance of the dental floss from the stop must be relatively great, in order to overcome the contact point before the stop is reached. Thereafter, this distance is too great again, however, in order to not damage the gums. If the dental floss is already tensioned in the initial state, this distance can be very precisely predetermined. Only the elasticity of the dental floss and, if necessary, a bending of the brackets are also to be taken into account in this case, in order to be able to determine the correct distance of the dental floss from the stop for a certain depth of the interdental space. Ideally, the contact point is overcome without the stop having been reached and in such a way that, thereafter, the distance between the dental floss and the stop is such that the gums are not injured.
Typically, the depth of an interdental space of an adult person is less than 10 mm and that of a child is even less than 5 mm. An appropriate height of the stop or length of the brackets therefore creates a particularly gentle cleaning of the interdental space without injuring the gums.
Advantageously, the ratio of the distance of the dental floss from the stop with respect to an effective length of the dental floss is less than or equal to 0.5. This means, for example, at an effective length of the dental floss of 20 mm, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is at most 10 mm. With this ratio, a good tension can be introduced into the dental floss in relation to its deflection and relaxation after overcoming the contact point and, after overcoming the contact point, the dental floss does not pass all the way through to the gums.
The invention also relates to a base body for a dental cleaning system. The dental cleaning system is preferably designed according to the preceding description or the following description.
The base body is designed, in particular, to be U-shaped or annular in order to be slid onto a finger and comprises a recess situated in the longitudinal direction of the base body for accommodating a fingertip. The recess preferably extends from a first recess opening to a second recess opening. It is also conceivable that the recess comprises only one recess opening, and so the base body is essentially thimble-shaped. The longitudinal direction basically extends through the center of the recess or in parallel to its axis of symmetry.
A grip surface is situated at least on each of the two sides of the base body, which is provided for controlling the movement of dental floss in the mouth with the aid of the fingers adjacent to the base body. The grip surface preferably extends in the longitudinal direction. As a result, it is possible to control the base body and, therefore, the entire dental cleaning system essentially in three dimensions. The movement control takes place in a tactile manner. Preferably, the two grip surfaces are operated by the thumb and the middle finger, and so the index finger stabilizes and the pressing, thrusting, and twisting movements can be enhanced. When the base body and the dental cleaning system are introduced into the oral cavity, the grip surfaces are preferably oriented on the base body in the direction of the mouth. The grip surfaces therefore preferably project over the base body in the longitudinal direction.
In this case, it is an advantage when a second grip surface is provided between the two lateral first grip surfaces for controlling the movement of the dental floss in the mouth with the aid of the thumb. The index finger preferably engages on the second grip surface in order to apply pressure onto the base body, and so the dental floss of the dental cleaning system can be introduced into the interdental space and guided.
It is also advantageous when at least the two lateral grip surfaces form a surface which is, in particular, wing-like and/or projects over the base body. As a result, the fingers can ergonomically grip the base body.
Advantageously, a first part of a form-locking and/or force-locked fastening system for accommodating a holder for dental floss is formed on the base body for connecting the base body to a holder for dental floss. The part of the fastening system is preferably a fastening rail or a fastening carriage, a part of a magnetic, threaded, plug-in, rotary, adhesive, or hook and loop connection, and/or a part of a snap-in connection.
Preferably, a stop is arranged at the first part of the fastening system. As a result, the fastening system for the holder can be simultaneously utilized for fastening the stop. A simple design and manufacture is possible as a result.
A stop is arranged at the base body in an area at which two brackets can be arranged in order to hold the dental floss, and so the depth of the introduction of the dental floss into an interdental space is limited in a vertical direction. In the case of a one-pieced system, a stable fastening of the stop at the base body can take place. In the case of a two-pieced system, it is very particularly advantageous when the stop is arranged at the base body. In this way, for example, due to a combination with a holder for the dental floss, which has different bracket lengths, a different depth of the working range of the dental floss can be achieved. On the other hand, it is also possible to make different base bodies available for identical holders for the dental floss, which each have a different stop or a different stop height.
It is advantageous when the recess is designed to be conical and/or flattened, and so the cleaning system can be held on the finger in a rotatably fixed manner. Preferably, the first recess opening is larger than the second recess opening, and so an inner surface of the recess conically tapers. In order to be able to hold the base body on the finger in a rotatably fixed manner, the inner surface of the recess can be formed from several surface segments situated at an angle with respect to one another.
It is advantageous when the base body includes a slot, in particular, for accommodating the holder and/or for adaptation to different finger sizes. The slot preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body. It is conceivable that the base body comprises multiple slots and, therefore, is flexibly designed in order to be adaptable to different finger sizes.
The base body is advantageously U-shaped or is designed, on its periphery, as a closed ring or an open ring and/or as a thimble.
The invention also relates to a holder for dental floss for a dental cleaning system. The dental cleaning system is preferably designed according to the preceding description or the following description. The holder comprises two mutually spaced brackets and dental floss held between the two brackets.
If, advantageously, a stop if arranged at an inner side of the holder formed between the two brackets and the dental floss, it is possible that the holder takes up only a small amount of installation space and, therefore, is easy to move in the mouth of the user.
A stop can be arranged at least at one of the two brackets, and so the introduction of the dental floss into an interdental space is limited in a vertical direction. Due to the stop, an injury of the gums can be reliably avoided, since the penetration depth of the dental floss into the interdental space preferably ends immediately before the gums are reached.
The holder comprises a second part of a form-locking and/or force-locked fastening system for connecting the holder to a base body of the dental cleaning system. The second part is preferably a fastening carriage or a fastening rail and/or a part of a magnetic, threaded, plug-in, adhesive, hook and loop, rotary, or snap-in connection.
Due to the holder, it is permitted to remove the dental floss from the dental cleaning system without the need to replace the entire dental cleaning system.
Advantageously, the fastening system is situated longitudinally or transversely with respect to the orientation of the dental floss.
According to the invention, the dental floss is tensioned between the two brackets when the holder is fastened to the base body.
It is advantageous when a stop is situated in an area formed between the two brackets, the dental floss, and an underside of the fastening carriage, and so an introduction of the dental floss into an interdental space is limited in a vertical direction.
A holder according to the invention for dental cleaning elements is also suitable, in particular, for an above-described dental cleaning system comprising dental floss. It is also suitable, however, as a holder for a dental cleaning element for cleaning the tooth surfaces or the interdental spaces, such as, in particular, dental floss, a toothpick, an interdental brush, or a toothbrush. Therefore, the holder can be universally used. It is equipped with different cleaning elements depending on the intended use.
Preferably, the holder is designed as one piece with a base body. Alternatively, the holder comprises a second part of a form-locking and/or force-locked fastening system, in particular, a fastening carriage or a fastening rail, to be accommodated in a base body of the dental cleaning system, and/or a part of a magnetic, threaded, plug-in, adhesive, hook and loop connection, or rotary connection and/or a part of a snap-in connection for connecting the holder to a base body of the dental cleaning system. In this two-pieced case, the base body can be connected to different holders comprising different cleaning elements.
Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Wherein:
The recess 4 comprises a conically shaped inner surface 5 and, therefore, a first recess opening 6 is larger than a second recess opening 7 offset along the longitudinal direction 3. Therefore, the recess 4 is designed to be essentially complementary to the finger. It would be conceivable that the recess 4 comprises only the first recess opening 6 and is designed in the shape of a thimble. The two recess openings 6, 7 can also have the same size, and so the recess is cylindrically shaped.
Recesses 4 having different sizes are made available for different finger shapes. Moreover, the inner surface 5 is designed to be polygonal, and so the base body 1 and, therefore, the dental cleaning system 2 according to
The base body 1 has several, preferably four, sides. A first grip surface 9 is situated on each of two opposite sides. The two first grip surfaces 9 are provided for controlling the movement of the base body or of the dental cleaning system (cf.
A second grip surface 10 is provided between the two first grip surfaces 9. The second grip surface 10 is utilized as a further control surface for the thumb. One or several grip surfaces can include a non-slip surface in order to improve the feel during the handling. The grip surfaces 9, 10 can be curved, perforated, and/or ribbed.
The base body 1 comprises at least one slot 11 on its side opposite to the second grip surface 10. The slot 11 is designed for connecting the base body 1 to a holder 12 of the dental cleaning system 2. The slot 11 and the holder 12 are designed to be complementary to one another in such a way that the holder 12 can be at least partially accommodated by the slot.
The base body 1 comprises a first part 13 of a fastening system 14 (cf.
The holder 12 comprises a second part 20 of the fastening system 14, and so the holder 12 can be connected to the base body 1 (cf.
Between the two brackets 19 and the dental floss 18, a stop 26 is situated on an inner side 25 of the holder 12, and so the introduction of the dental floss 18 into the interdental space is limited. Holders 12 can be provided with different stops 26 or no stops 26 in order to ensure a gentle handling without injuring the individual gum.
The surface of the fastening carriage 15 (
The guide surfaces 16, 23 of the base body 1 and of the holder 12, respectively, are not parallel to one another in the non-assembled state, as is represented in
According to
The fastening system 14 of the dental cleaning system 2 is additionally secured with the aid of a locking mechanism 27 which is merely schematically indicated in
Moreover, a retaining element 28 is installed on the dental cleaning system 2, which safeguards the holder 12 and/or the base body 1 against being swallowed. The retaining element 28 is designed as a thread which can be fastened on the hand and is fastened to the holder 12 and/or the base body 1.
The inner surface 5 of the base body is designed to be conical and polygonal, and so the entire dental cleaning system 2 is held on the finger in a rotatably fixed manner when the dental cleaning system 2 is utilized, in particular, in the oral cavity. Preferably, different sizes and geometries of the dental cleaning system 2 are made available for different finger shapes. Thus, smaller dental cleaning systems 2 are also suitable for small fingers, wherein, in particular, the recess 4 of the base body 1 is reduced in size.
As is also described according to
One of the taper angles 29, 30 can be equal to zero in this case, and so the guide surface is essentially straight.
In addition to the adjusting mechanism 31,
In
Moreover, an alternative embodiment of the adjusting mechanism is formed in the recess 4, which is a ring insert 33 according to
The ring insert 33 is separately formed and can be placed into the recess in order to reduce the size of the recess. In this way, the dental cleaning system 2 is easily adapted to different finger shapes and sizes.
Due to a predefined, different bending of the fastening carriage 15 and the fastening rail 21 in the insertion direction, a pre-tensioning of the dental floss 12 arises, since the brackets 19 move away from one another, at the end thereof to which the dental floss is fastened (see
In
Due to this fastening of the holder 12 on the base body 1, either the holder 12 is bent in such a way that the brackets 19 are slightly spread apart at their upper ends, whereby the dental floss 18 is tensioned across its effective length B. Alternatively, only the area at which the brackets 19 are fastened at the holder 12 can also be elastically deformed with respect to the holder 12 and also spread the brackets 19 apart with the aid of appropriate guide surfaces. The effective length B of the dental floss 18 for cleaning the interdental space is also located in the intermediate space between the two brackets 19 and, therefore, is tensioned.
The centering pin 35 extends with a height H past the top side of the second guide surface 23 of the holder 12, whereby the distance A between the centering pin 35 and the dental floss 18 is determined. This distance A is less than the distance would be between the dental floss 18 and the top side of the holder 12, which the tooth would impact without the stop 26. The distance A therefore forms a dimension representing how far the dental floss can penetrate the interdental space. When the dental floss 18 is introduced into an interdental space, the stop 26 impacts the top side of the tooth and, therefore, limits the penetration depth of the dental floss 18. Depending on the individual jaw of the user, the distance A can be individually adapted, as a result, with the aid of various base bodies 1 having centering pins 35 of different lengths. Alternatively, it is also possible to make different holders 12 available, in the case of which the brackets 19 have a different length L. The length L of the brackets 19 is determined in this case as the distance between the dental floss 18 and the fastening of the bracket 19 at the holder 12 or, according to other exemplary embodiments, at the base body 1. As a result thereof as well, the distance A with respect to a stop 26 of the centering pin 35 or the top side of the holder 12 in the area of the two brackets 19 is individually set to the needs of the user.
In the exemplary embodiment from
In this exemplary embodiment, the height H of the stop piece 36 can be adjusted, in height, with respect to the dental floss 18. This can take place either with the aid of various notches, wherein the stop piece 36 is inserted onto the centering pin 35 to a more or less deep extent. Alternatively, it is also possible, as represented here, that a thread 37 or an appropriate inclined surface is provided. The stop piece 36 is screwed onto the centering pin 35 and, as a result, changes the height H with respect to the top side of the holder 12 or the distance A to the dental floss 18. In this case as well, in a further alternative, it is possible that the brackets 19 of the holder 12 are designed to be longitudinally adjustable and become more or less long, for example, with the aid of telescopic displacement and, as a result, affect the distance A.
In order to utilize fewer plastics and, therefore, to reduce the burden on the environment, it can be provided that the holder 12 and/or the base body 1 and/or the stop 26 are/is manufactured from a renewable and, in particular, consumable raw material. Therefore, the risk of an injury to a user is also avoided in the case of inadvertent swallowing. In addition, if it also provided that good-tasting material is utilized, for example, for the application for children, an incentive to use the dental cleaning system can be created. After cleaning the interdental space, the user can eat the dental cleaning system or at least parts thereof. It is also advantageous when the material of the dental cleaning system is bio-compostable. This contributes to a considerable reduction of plastic waste.
Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, it is apparent that two stops 26 are arranged at the holder 12. As a result, a distance A for the dental cleaning system 2 is created, and so the dental floss 18 cannot cut into the gums, since it is stopped as soon as the stops 26 impact the tooth surface. The distance A can be determined by the height H of the stops 26 or by the effective length L of the brackets 19.
The holder 12, which is represented in cross section in this exemplary embodiment, shows that the brackets 19 are designed in a reinforced manner. Accordingly, they comprise two sections extending essentially in parallel, which facilitate the manufacture, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, create an additional stability for the fastening and tensioning of the dental floss 18.
In
In
The holders 12 shown here can each be combined with a base body 1. Of course, it is also possible that these dental cleaning elements are arranged in a one-pieced design of the dental cleaning system 2.
The present invention is not limited to the represented and described exemplary embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the claims, for example, by arranging the stop at the brackets or at the base body, are also possible, as is any combination of the features, even if they are represented and described in different exemplary embodiments. It is also possible, in particular, to differently establish the angle between the handle or the base body and the brackets, at which the dental floss is fastened, as necessary. It is merely important that the stop is arranged in such a way that it can prevent an injury of the gums. For the rest, it is also possible, of course, that the invention or parts thereof is/are utilized on manually utilized dental cleaning systems, as well as on toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, electric dental cleaning systems, or interdental brushes.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2018 104 695.2 | Mar 2018 | DE | national |
| 2018-233534 | Dec 2018 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/055074 | 2/28/2019 | WO | 00 |
