Patent Application
20080063997
Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
As depicted in the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a dental inspection and cleaning apparatus 10 comprising a handle portion 12 and a removable cover portion 14. The handle portion 12 includes a housing 16, a dental cleaning tool 18, and an illumination source 20 for directing light toward a distal end 18b of the dental cleaning tool 18. A switch 30 and an associated electrical circuit 26 (
In this regard, it is noted that the illumination source 20 is advantageously configured to direct light at the point of interaction of the distal end 18b of the dental tool 18 with the teeth or tooth of a user to enhance visibility of the working portion of the dental tool 18 at the site of interest. Thus, a user with the aid of the mirror 24 may achieve improved visibility of the locations to be cleaned or otherwise interacted with by the dental tool 18. For example, when attempting to dislodge a popcorn kernel, a user may have difficulty locating the edge of the kernel with a pick by feel alone or without illumination. Thus, by utilizing the device of the disclosure, a user may, with the aid of the mirror 24, more easily illuminate and view the distal end 18b of the dental tool 18 and more easily determine when the distal end 18b is adjacent the edge of the kernel.
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Sandwiched between the housings 16a and 16b is the electrical circuit 26, which preferably comprises a printed circuit board 32, one or more batteries 40 and associated wiring leading from the board 32 to the illumination source 20.
When the upper and lower housings 16a and 16b are snapped together to form the handle portion 12, opposing molded channels 34 and 36 in the upper and lower housings come together to form a large aperture and a small aperture. The illumination source 20 is disposed within the large aperture and the shank 18a of the dental tool 18 is retained within the small aperture.
The dental tool 18 is preferably of configured as a so-called explorer pick for dislodging food and other debris from between teeth and around the gums. In an alternative embodiment, the dental tool 18 is a scaler for removing tartar and plaque. The tool 18 preferably includes a circumferential groove 38 in the shank 18a which is configured mate with a protrusion on the inside of the channels 36 to frictionally capture the shank 18a of the tool 18 between the upper and lower housings 16a and 16b. In this regard, the groove 38 and/or the adjacent edges of the shank 18a and the channel 36 may have cooperating topographies to substantially lock the tool 18 in position and resist rotation during use. An adhesive or the like may also be used to retain the dental tool 18 within the housing 16. The tool 18 is preferably of stainless steel construction, but may be of other construction, such as molded plastic.
The illumination source 20 is preferably a light emitting diode (LED) configured and fixedly positioned, as by use of adhesive or a friction fit, within the larger aperture between the upper and lower housings 16a and 16b of the handle portion 12. By operation of the switch 30, the illumination source 20 selectively provides light directed to a tip portion 18b of the dental tool 18. A preferred LED has a luminous intensity of about 1 candela. As explained in more detail below, a user may operate the switch 30 by pressing a predetermined location on the handle 12, it being understood that the plastic utilized to make the handle 12 is sufficiently flexible to permit the switch 30 to be operated by pressing on a portion of the handle 12 immediately adjacent the switch 30. Alternatively, the switch may extend outside the surface of the handle 12. However, it is preferred that the handle 12 comprise a substantially sealed structure so as to be unaffected as by rinsing with water and the like.
With reference to
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
