Patent Application
20230404250
The invention is directed to oral hygiene devices configured to be placed on the end of a finger.
Proper oral hygiene is important for maintaining the health of oral cavity tissues, including teeth and gums. In many cases, the subject in need of oral hygiene is an infant, a young child, or even a pet, and therefore it is necessary that a caregiver provide oral hygiene to the oral cavity of the subject.
Some oral hygiene devices are in the form of a glove or a thimble-like device having surface features that are used to clean teeth or massage gums. However, existing designs are less than ideal and can make it difficult for the user to efficiently and properly clean teeth and stimulate gums. Further some designs can be irritating to areas in or near the oral cavity, such as a subject's lips.
The invention provides finger-wearable oral hygiene devices having, in the least, unique and innovative surface features that facilitate better oral hygiene, such as improved methods for cleaning and/or stimulating oral tissues, such as teeth and/or gums and also non-natural items (e.g., dentures).
In embodiments, the invention provides a finger-wearable oral hygiene device that has body member with a tapered shape and an open proximal end, a closed distal end, a length between the ends, and a circumference. The proximal end is sized to allow for insertion of a finger, which the device is configured to fit over. The device has a wall that defines a body member of the device, and the wall provides outer and inner surfaces.
A plurality of extensions extend from the outer surface of the wall of the body member. The device also has one or more of the following features (a) to (c): (a) a plurality of extensions extending around at least most of the circumference of the body member, (b) extensions that are longer near the distal end of the device and shorter near the proximal end of the device; (c) extensions that are arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the body member.
In some embodiments the device includes all three features (a), (b), and (c).
In embodiments, the finger-wearable oral hygiene device is designed to cover the distal phalange of a finger, at least a portion of the medial phalange, and optionally a portion of the proximal phalange.
In embodiments, the device can be described with regards to proximal section, a central section, a distal section, and a central axis, wherein the width of the body member in the proximal section is greater than the width of the body member in the distal section, and the width of the device as measured from extension tips on opposite sides of the device in the proximal section is less than the width of the device as measured from opposite extension tips in the distal section.
In embodiments, the extensions increase in height in a proximal to distal direction, and the increase in height of the extensions in the central section is greater than the increase in height of the extensions in the proximal section.
In embodiments, in the proximal section, tips of the extensions define a line that is angled towards the central axis in a distal direction, and in the central section, tips of the extensions define a line that is angled away from the central axis in a distal direction.
In embodiments, the proximal section extends 30-40% of the length of the device, the central section extends 40-54% of the length of the device, and the distal section extends 15-25% of the length of the device.
In embodiments, the extensions have a base attached to the wall of the body member and a distal end representing the tip of the extension, and the cross-sectional area of the base is greater than the cross-sectional area of the tip.
In embodiments, the body member has an outer surface area, the plurality of extensions have a total cross sectional area of their bases, and the total cross sectional area of the extension bases is at least 40% of the outer surface area of the body member.
The device can also be described with regards to the pattern of extensions on the body member. In embodiments, the device has an extension pattern defined by a plurality of columns of extensions, each column following a linear path that extends in a proximal to distal direction parallel to the central axis, wherein the column runs a portion of the length of the device.
In embodiments, the device has an extension pattern wherein the extensions are arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the tubular body and forms a line of extensions that follows at least part of an elliptical path on the surface of the body member.
The invention also provides methods for providing oral hygiene to a subject, In embodiments, the method includes steps of introducing the device of the disclosure into the oral cavity of a subject and contacting gums or teeth of the subject with at least a portion of the extensions, preferably the longer extensions in the distal section that have a bristle-like appearance. In some embodiments, the step of contacting gums or teeth of the subject includes contacting with a first portion of the device having extensions, and then with a second portion of the device having extensions, wherein the first portion and second portion are on opposite sides of the device.
The invention also provides kits for providing oral hygiene to a subject. The kit can include device of the disclosure and an oral treatment composition, such as toothpaste or composition that includes a medicament to soothe gums.
The embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.
The disclosure provides embodiments of finger-wearable oral hygiene devices that have a plurality of extensions that extend from the outer surface of a wall of a body member of the device. In embodiments, (a) the extensions extend around at least most of the circumference of the body member, (b) the extensions are longer near the distal end and shorter near the proximal end of the device, (c) the extensions are arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the body member, such as that they follow at least part of an elliptical path on the body member surface, or any combination of (a)-(c).
In embodiments, the finger-wearable oral hygiene device is designed to cover the distal phalange of a finger, at least a portion of the medial phalange, and optionally a portion of the proximal phalange. For example,
Embodiments of the invention include finger-wearable oral hygiene devices as illustrated in
These portions are also shown in greater detail in
Referring to
The body member 102 has a wall 104 which is generally formed from a flexible material, such as an elastomer (i.e., a synthetic or natural polymer having elastic properties, such as rubber). The wall 104 has a thickness, which can be the same over the entire body member, or can change. The wall 104 of the body member 102 can provide an inner surface 128 and an outer surface 126. The inner surface can be in contact with the finger of a user. A plurality of extensions 124 extend from the outer surface 126 of the wall of the body member.
As noted herein, the body member 102 can have a tapered shape, with the wall 104 of the body member angling towards the central axis (CA) in a proximal to distal direction in at least the proximal 120 and central 140 sections of the device. In embodiments, the angle of the wall 104 relative to the central axis (CA) is in the range of about 2° to about 5°, and preferably in the range of about 3° to about 4°. In the distal section 160, the wall 104 curves in toward the central axis (CA) and meets at the center point to form the closed end.
Dimensions of the device can be chosen based on factors such users finger size and desired coverage of a certain length of the finger. The device can be constructed to accommodate the fingers of users having different hand/finger sizes (small, medium, large, etc.).
The overall length of the device can be described as being from the proximal end 112 of the device to the distal tip 158 of the most distal extension 156 extending from the distal end of the body member. Generally, the overall length will be at least about 40 mm, such as in the range of about 40 mm about 60 mm, or preferably in the range of about 45 mm to about 55 mm.
A length from the proximal end 112 of the device to the distal end 176 of the body member can also be described. Generally, this length will be at least about 37 mm, in the range of about 37 mm about 57 mm, or preferably in the range of about 42 mm to about 52 mm. In embodiments, the overall length of the device (112→158) is about 5-12.5% longer that the length of the proximal end of the device to the distal end of the body member (112→176).
The device has body member width that varies from the proximal to distal end. In exemplary constructions, the width of the body member (i.e., as measured from the wall on one side of the body member to the wall on the other side of the body member) at the proximal end 122 will be at least about 18 mm, in the range of about 18 cm about 28 mm, or preferably in the range of about 21 mm to about 25 mm. Generally, the width near the distal end 166, such as the junction of the central section 140 and the distal section 160, will be at least about 10 mm, in the range of about 10 mm about 20 mm, or preferably in the range of about 13 mm to about 17 mm.
The width of the device can also be described with reference to the width across the device (i.e., perpendicular to the central axis (CA)) from the tips of extensions on opposite sides of the device. The width across the device measured from opposite extension tips in the central 140 and/or distal 160 section(s), can be greater than the width in the proximal section 120. This is despite the width of the body member in the proximal section 120 being greater than the width of the body member in either the central 140 and/or distal sections 160. In some embodiments, the width in the central and/or distal section is about 5% to about 10% greater than the width in the proximal section as measured from extension tips on opposite sides of the device. Accordingly, the increased lengths of the extensions in the central and distal sections of the device provide for this unique profile, and facilitate improved oral hygienic methods.
With reference to
Referring back to
Examples of different types of elastomeric materials that can be used to make the device include, but are not limited to, silicone rubber (SiR), polyfluorosilicone (FSi), polyurethane (PU), styrene butadiene polymers (SBR), saturated nitrile polymers (HNBR), nitrile butadiene polymers (NBR), fluoropolymers (e.g., Viton elastomer), chloroprene polymers (e.g., Neoprene), butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and combinations thereof.
As described herein, a plurality of extensions extends from the outer surface of the wall of the body member of the device. The extension are longer (i.e., have a greater height) near the distal end 166 of the device and are shorter near the proximal end 112 of the device. The extensions also extend around at least most of the circumference of the body member, such as more than 50% of the circumference, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95% of the circumference, and preferably fully around the circumference of the body member.
Further, the extensions can be arranged in a staggered pattern along the length of the tubular body, and the staggered pattern can provide an extension pathway that is skew to the central axis (CA), wherein the pathway can follow part or all of an elliptical pathway around the device.
The device, and aspects of the extensions on the body member, can optionally be described with regards to aspects of the proximal (20, 120, 420), central (40, 140, 440), and distal (60, 160, 460) sections of the device.
For example, as shown in
Also shown in
Also shown in
With reference to
As shown in
The surface of the device can also be covered with a desired number of extensions. As a general matter, the device has an extension profile and pattern that allows a generally high density of extensions to be present on the surface of the device. In turn, the high density can facilitate improved oral hygiene by allowing the user to contact the teeth and/or gums of a subject with a large number of extensions when the device is used. In embodiments, the device has about 400 or greater, or about 500 or greater extensions extending from the outer surface of the wall of the body member, such as a number of extensions in the range of about 450 to about 800, about 500 to about 750, about 550 to about 700, about 575 to about 675, or about 600 to about 650.
The density of the extensions can also be described with reference to the outer surface of the body member, and the percent area that the extensions occupy on the outer surface. To determine this, for example, the area of the outer surface (without extensions) can be determined. In embodiments, the area of the outer surface is in the range of about 2000 mm2 to about 2700 mm2, or about 2200 mm2 to about 2500 mm2, with a specific exemplary outer surface area being about 2350 mm2. The cross-sectional area of the base of an extension and the number of extensions can be determined to calculate the total cross-sectional area (base) of the plurality of extensions. In embodiments, the cross sectional area of a base of the extension is at least about 1.00 mm2, at least about 1.10 mm2, such as in the range of about 1.70 to about 1.85 mm2, or about 1.75 to about 1.80 mm2. In embodiments, the cross-sectional area of a tip of the extension is in the range of about 0.60 mm2 to about 0.8 mm2, or about 0.68 mm2 to about mm2.
Accordingly, in embodiments, the area of the extensions is in the range of about 930 mm2 to about 1260 mm2, or about 1025 mm2 to about 1165 mm2, with a specific exemplary area being about 1095 mm2. In embodiments, the plurality of extensions occupy a surface area on the body member of at least 40%, such as an amount in the range of about 40% to about 55%, about 42% to about 50%, or about 44% to about 49%.
As can be seen from
Near the proximal end 112 the shorter extensions have a “stub-like” appearance, with the heights of the extensions being less than their widths. For example, see
Generally, consecutive extensions increase in length along the wall of the body member from the proximal to distal direction. For example, referring to
The increase in the length of the extensions can be described with regards to the relative increase in length of extensions in sections of the device. In some embodiments, in the central section (140, 240), consecutive extensions increase in length in a greater amount than the increase in length of consecutive extensions in the proximal section (120, 220), the increases measured for consecutive extensions along the wall of the body member in a proximal to distal direction. The increases in lengths can be measured relative to the longest extension of the device (i.e., in the distal section).
For example, in the proximal section (120, 220), consecutive extensions in a proximal to distal direction increase can in length by less than 4%, such as in the range of about 1% to less than 4%, in the range of about 1% to about 3.5%, or about 1% to about 3%, relative to the longest extension of the device. For example, with reference to
In the central section (140, 240), the increase in length of the consecutive extensions is greater than in the proximal section (120, 220). For example, in the central section (140, 240), consecutive extensions in a proximal to distal direction can increase in length by 4% or greater, such as in the range of 4% to about 15%, in the range of 4% to about 12.5%, or about 4% to about 10%, relative to the longest extension of the device. For example, with reference to
In embodiments, in the distal section (160, 260), most or all of the extensions can have the same length. For example, if there is any variation in the lengths of the extensions in the length, the variation in length can be minimal, such as about 5% or less, about 4% or less, about 3% or less, or about 2% or less.
The extensions (and plurality thereof) can also be described with regards to an extension profile, as described by a ratio of the height of the extension to the width of the extension (as measured at the base of the extension). In embodiments, the plurality of extensions of the device have a profile ratio in the range of about 1:40 to about 3.25 to 1, about 1:30 to about 3:1, or about 1:20 to about 2.75:1.
In embodiments, an amount of extensions in the range of about 30% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, or about 45% to about 55% of the total extensions have a profile ratio of greater than about 1:1.
In embodiments, an amount of extensions in the range of about 25% to about 50%, about 27.5% to about 47.5%, about 30% to about 45%, or about 32.5% to about 42.5% of the total extensions have a profile ratio of greater than about 2:1.
In embodiments, an amount of extensions in the range of about 22.5% to about 47.5%, about 25% to about 45%, about 27.5% to about 42.5%, or about 30% to about 40% of the total extensions have a profile ratio of greater than about 2.4:1.
In embodiments, an amount of extensions in the range of about 30% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, or about 45% to about 55% of the total extensions have a profile ratio of less than about 1:1.
In embodiments, an amount of extensions in the range of about 5% to about 25%, about 7.5% to about 22.5%, about 10% to about 20%, or about 12.5% to about 17.5% of the total extensions have a profile ratio of less than about 1:4.
In embodiments, the device can be described with regards to the pattern of extensions on the body member. For example, as shown in
In aspects of the pattern of extensions, extensions in adjacent columns can be staggered in relation to each other. That is, in embodiments the extension may not align along a circumferential line (i.e., that is perpendicular to the central axis (CA)) on the body member. However, the staggered arrangement can provide the extensions in a defined pathway, such as shown by the series of extensions encompassed within area 307 defined by the dashed line. This pathway can be at an angle skew to the central axis (CA) or the plane perpendicular to the CA. This pathway can be part or all of an elliptical pathway around the surface of the body member. In an elliptical pathway, the path of the extension on one half of the device can be a mirror image of the path of the extensions on the other half of the device. Just as it can be seen that there are multiple parallel columns of extensions (e.g.) as represented by extensions in area 305, it can also be seen there are multiple elliptical pathways of extension around the surface of the body member, the elliptical pathways parallel to one another.
The device can be manufactured by conventional processes, such as molding, extruding, casting, shaping, cutting, or combinations of these processes. Elastomeric materials, such as those described herein, can be used. In some modes of manufacturing, the device is formed as halves, and then one half of the device heat formed or glued to the other half of the device. Using such an approach, a device with an extension pattern having a pathway that is part or all of an elliptical pathway as described herein can be formed.
The invention also provides methods for providing oral hygiene to a subject. In some methods, the oral hygiene can be cleaning the teeth of subject, stimulating the gums of a subject, or both. In some cases, the device of the disclosure can be used to clean an artificial article used in the oral cavity, such as dentures. An artificial article such as dentures can either be cleaned when the article is inside the oral cavity, or outside of the oral cavity.
In the method the oral hygiene device can be placed on a finger 515 (e.g., the index finger) such as shown in
Further, the improved design of the device in which the extensions are mostly or fully around the circumference of the body member facilitates efficient and more thorough oral hygiene. In particular, the step of contacting gums or teeth of the subject can include contacting with extension on one side of the device, and then contacting gums or teeth, such as gums or teeth in a different part of the oral cavity, with extensions on the other side of the device. For example, the device on a user's finger can be inserted into a subject's mouth and extensions on one side of the device (such as those corresponding to the location of the finger tip's skin, opposite the fingernail) are used to clean or massage lingual teeth or gums on the left side of the mouth, and then the finger is moved to the right side of the mouth and the lingual teeth or gums are contacted with extensions on the other side of the device (such as those corresponding to the location of fingernail). Gums or teeth on the facial (buccal) side can be massaged or cleaned more efficiently with the device of the disclosure as well.
Also, the extension profile of the device can provide greater comfort to a subject during an oral hygiene process. In particular, since the extensions in the proximal section of the device are generally shorter than those in the central or distal sections, longer extensions are largely not in contact with the lips of a subject during cleaning or massaging, and this in turn can be less irritating to the lips of a subject. For example, see
The invention also provides kits for providing oral hygiene to a subject. The kit can include device of the disclosure and an oral treatment composition, such as toothpaste or a composition that includes a medicament to treat gums, such as lidocaine, xylocaine, chlorhexidine, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, etc.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/460,039, filed Aug. 27, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/568,018, filed Sept. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,103,053, which claims the benefit of commonly owned Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/765,736, filed Sep. 11, 2018 entitled “360 Degree finger toothbrush,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62765736 | Sep 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17460039 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Child | 18136806 | US | |
| Parent | 16568018 | Sep 2019 | US |
| Child | 17460039 | US |
