Toothbrush For Use By Caretakers

Abstract

A finger toothbrush for brushing the teeth of a patient comprises a soft, for example rubbery, flexible outer housing defining an elongated rubbery housing internal volume, with the flexible outer housing having an outside surface and an internal surface. The flexible outer housing has a proximal end and a distal end. A finger receiving member defines an internal volume for receiving a finger of an individual. The finger receiving member is more rigid than the soft flexible outer housing and is positioned within or incorporated into the outer housing layer, for example, as coil or wire. The finger receiving member is positioned with its outer surface being positioned radially inwardly from the outer surface of the rubbery flexible outer housing. The rubbery flexible outer housing is made of a material compressible enough to absorb the pressure of teeth biting down against the finger receiving member without the teeth being damaged. A cluster of scrubbing surfaces extend from the outer surface of the rubbery flexible outer housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a brush-like apparatus for cleaning teeth, which is particularly well adapted for use by individuals responsible for maintaining the oral hygiene of infants and other persons in need of assistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and use of the inventive finger toothbrush will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a finger toothbrush illustrating a general implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the finger toothbrush of the present invention featuring bristles disposed around the complete circumference of the tip of the toothbrush;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a teething surface and constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates in cross-section an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of axially oriented wires embedded within the housing and disposed around the complete circumference thereof provide a finger protective function;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention utilizing a coiled spring as a finger protective member;

FIG. 8 illustrates still another alternative embodiment of a finger toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention in which the coil spring is embedded within the outer housing of the finger toothbrush;

FIG. 9 is still another alternative implementation of the finger toothbrush of the present invention in which an inner coating of adhesive is used to prevent slippage between the finger of the user and the inventive toothbrush;

FIG. 10 illustrates in cross-section an embodiment of the present invention in which a toothbrush assembly is embedded in the outer housing of the finger toothbrush; and

FIG. 11 illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention in which the toothbrush assembly is a single molded member with integral bristles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a finger toothbrush 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Finger toothbrush 10 comprises an outer housing 12. Outer housing 12 may comprise any material suitable for forming a sleeve for receiving the finger of a caretaker responsible for maintaining the oral hygiene of his or her charge, for example an infant, patient or disabled person. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, outer housing 12 fits snugly around the finger of the user. The present invention contemplates that the outer housing may preferably be made of a flexible soft material, such as silicone, and have a character similar or identical to finger toothbrushes currently available on the market. In addition, other materials, such as rubber, neoprene or the like may also be used. More particularly, it is contemplated that a preferred material will be capable of limited stretching to accommodate a snug fit on fingers of various sizes.

More particularly, in accordance with the invention it is contemplated that the inventive finger toothbrushes 10 may be made in a variety of sizes which may be varied depending upon the dimensions of the finger of the caretaker and/or the oral cavity dimensions of their charge. For example, if the charge is an infant, a relatively small dimension may be desirable for finger toothbrush 10. In such event, the dimension would also desirably match the dimensions of the pinky of the caretaker, insofar as a smaller finger toothbrush 10 would have greater freedom of movement and a better ability to clean the oral cavity in the small mouth of an infant. Optionally, finger toothbrush 10 may desirably be dimensioned to the left finger of a right-handed caretaker, insofar as the left pinky is likely to be the smaller finger of a right-handed caretaker. On the other hand, if the patient is an adult, it may be preferable for finger toothbrush 10 to be dimensioned for the right index finger of a right-handed caretaker, because the fingers of the right hand on a right-handed person are likely to be stronger and thus more capable of performing the task and doing so with less fatigue. In any case, the selection of a most properly sized finger toothbrush 10 is a matter of personal preference, best addressed through trial of various size finger toothbrushes and assessment of such factors as effectiveness, fatigue, comfort, the number and range of brushing movements permitted, and so forth.

Still another alternative is for the inventive finger toothbrush to be made of a single layer of, for example, rubbery or soft material, thick enough to protect the finger of the user. In such an alternative embodiment, the inventive finger toothbrush would take, for example, much the same form as the soft flexible outer housing, but would not include a finger shield such as finger shield 16. By way of example, such an alternative soft flexible outer housing would be made of a rubbery material having a thickness of 2 to 4.5 mm, or preferably 2.5 to 4 mm, will achieve the objective of protection from injury while presenting a soft surface to the teeth of the patient. In this case, the material must be sufficiently stiff to prevent biting teeth from injuring the finger of the caretaker. For example, a material having the physical characteristics of a marshmallow would not work as a single layer because it is too soft. Conversely, a material having the physical characteristics of metal would not work as a single layer because it is too hard. At the same time, while not required, the material should preferably be sufficiently soft to allow the finger of the caretaker to bend. Food grade silicone would be a suitable material for such an alternative soft flexible outer housing.

In accordance with the present invention, finger toothbrush 10 incorporates a number of scrubbing extensions 14. Scrubbing extensions 14 may be made of the same material as outer housing 12, for example, silicone, or may be made of a different material, for example a stiffer material such as nylon. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, scrubbing extensions 14 and outer housing 12 may be made in a single manufacturing operation similar to the manufacturing technique used to make silicone finger toothbrushes currently on the market of the type which comprise a silicone finger socket and integral silicone “bristles.”

Protection is provided by a finger shield 16 which is positioned within outer housing 12. Finger shield 16, in contrast to outer housing 12, is made of a relatively stiff material capable of withstanding the force of a bite without deforming to the point where the finger 18 of a caretaker is subjected to injury or pain. This force is approximately 70 psi for the back molars, although the force is somewhat attenuated for other teeth due to the shape of the lever arm being worked by the jaw muscles, although the very small contact area of the incisor teeth is a factor increasing the force of the bite and the likelihood of injury. Generally, in accordance with the present invention it is contemplated that the material of which finger shield 16 is made would be able to withstand forces in the range of 25 to 100 psi without deforming by more than 10%, although deformations in the range of 5% to 25% will provide substantial advantages. More particularly, even where the deformation allowed is larger than 25%, the amount of force to which the finger of the caretaker is subjected is substantially reduced, thus lessening the likelihood of injury. Outer housing 12 may be made with a thickness sufficient to allow for deformation during its bite force absorbing function, while at the same time being thick enough to protect the teeth of the patient or charge whose teeth are being brushed.

Finger shield 16 may be made of any of a number of suitable materials, including steel, copper beryllium, stainless steel, rigid plastics, flexible plastics, other polymeric resins. The radial thickness of finger shield 16 depends upon the strength of the material from which it is made.

In accordance with the present invention, outer housing 12 is snugly fit to or adhered to finger shield 16. For example, the inner diameter of outer housing 12 may be slightly less than the outer diameter of finger shield 16, and, because of the elastic nature of silicone, outer housing 12 may stretch to allow insertion of finger shield 16. Insertion may be promoted through the use of a volatile liquid, such as water which may serve as a lubricant, facilitating insertion. After insertion the water or other liquid will evaporate thus promoting a high coefficient of friction between finger shield 16 and outer housing 12.

Alternatively, outer housing 12 may be injection molded around finger shield 16. The objective of such structures is to prevent sliding between outer housing 12 and finger shield 16. Alternatively, outer housing 12 may be separately formed and, during assembly, finger shield 16 may be inserted into outer housing 12, being retained there by optional annular ridge 20.

In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that the outer housing 12 may be replaced and put on an existing finger shield 16.

During use, the caretaker has his or her finger in the internal volume 21 of finger toothbrush 10. The finger is then inserted in the mouth of the patient or other charge and elongated scrubbing extensions 14 are manipulated in the manner of the bristles of a conventional toothbrush to scrub the teeth and the gums, and otherwise provide the desired degree of oral hygiene for the patient. Because of the snug fit, there is positive engagement between the finger of the caretaker and the bristles which do not rotate with respect to each other, thus allowing effective brushing and good control. In the event that the patient bites, finger shield 16 prevents injury on account of its relatively rigid and/or thick and/or stiff structure.

Alternatively, finger shield 16 may be made less rigid than a rigid plastic or steel finger shield material, but relatively thick resulting in spreading out the force applied by a biting incisor tooth, thus preventing injury.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is suitable for manufacture with finger receiving member 16 and soft flexible outer housing 12 formed as a single part comprising different materials by using a multi-material injection molding process. For example, soft flexible outer housing 12 may be injection molded using a soft injection moldable material such as silicone, or a silicone-like material. Similarly, finger receiving member 16 may be injection molded using a relatively hard (compared to soft flexible outer housing 12, such as a different naturally stiff resinous material, or a stiffer grade of silicone) injection moldable material. The multi-material injection molding process results in finger receiving member 16 and soft flexible outer housing 12 being bonded to each other as a single part. Accordingly, there is no need to provide an annular ridge 20.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this and the other alternative embodiments, where practical, analogous and/or corresponding parts are numbered with numerical designations which are multiples of 100 different from corresponding parts in other embodiments. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, finger toothbrush 110 has substantially the same configuration as finger toothbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the provision of a continuous band of scrubbing extensions 114 which extends all the way around outer housing 112.

Referring to FIG. 4, yet another alternative embodiment of an inventive finger toothbrush 210 is illustrated. Finger toothbrush 210 has a structure essentially identical to the finger toothbrush 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, except for the provision of a bumpy teething surface formed by a matrix of bumps 222. For example, a matrix of fifty bumps in a five bump by ten bump layout may be employed. In accordance with this embodiment bumps 222 may be laid out in a matrix which is positioned diametrically opposite to elongated scrubbing extensions 214.

Turning next to FIGS. 5 and 6, yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Finger toothbrush 310 comprises an outer housing 312 made of a rubbery material such as silicone and featuring elongated scrubbing extensions 314.

Elongated scrubbing extensions 314 may be formed integrally with outer housing 312 and a single injection molding operation. As in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, outer housing 312 may be made of a wide variety of materials, such as silicone, rubber, flexible plastics, neoprene, and so forth.

In contrast to the sheet metal or plastic finger shield of the prior embodiments, finger protection in finger toothbrush 310 is provided by a plurality of wires 328, for example stainless steel wires or steel wires, which are positioned within outer housing 312. For example, steel wires 328 may be spaced equally between the inside surface 324 and the outside surface 326 of outer housing 312. Alternatively, wires 328 may be positioned closer to the inside surface 324 of outer housing 312 to provide additional cushioning and prevent damage to the teeth of and/or discomfort to the patient.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, outer housing 312 may be formed around wires 328, thus resulting in the secure retention of the wires 328 within outer housing 312.

Turning to FIG. 7, the construction of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention may be understood. In finger toothbrush 410, the finger shield is replaced by a flexible structure which permits bending of the finger 418 of the user. More particularly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger shield of the above embodiments, such as finger shield 16 or wires 328 may be replaced by a coiled spring 330. In accordance with this embodiment, coiled spring 330 has dimensions similar to finger shield 16. More particularly, in accordance with the invention it is contemplated that outer housing 412 will fit snugly around spring 430. Use of finger toothbrush 410, because it allows the finger of the caretaker to bend, results in potentially more effective use of scrubbing extensions 414.

With reference to FIG. 8, a particularly advantageous embodiment of a finger toothbrush 510 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a coil spring 530 is embedded within an outer housing 512. Spring 530 may be configured to have a gap between successive windings of the coils of the spring as is illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8. This is in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 7, where spring 430 is tightly wound with no gaps between successive coils of spring 430. In accordance with the invention, a spring with tightly wound coils as are illustrated in FIG. 7 may be used in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Likewise, a spring with a gap and loosely wound coils as are illustrated in FIG. 8 may be used in the embodiment of FIG. 7. The use of loosely wound coils provides for potentially greater flexibility in the case of a spring which is wholly housed within the outer housing as is the case in the embodiment of FIG. 8 where outer housing 512 houses spring 530.

Turning to FIG. 9, a finger toothbrush 610, which is essentially identical to the finger toothbrush 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 except for the inclusion of means to promote engagement between the finger and the finger toothbrush, is illustrated. More particularly, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 9, a quantity of high friction material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or other high friction material or surface structure is provided. More particularly, as is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 9, a layer of rubbery material 632 may be provided. In accordance with the invention, rubbery material 632 optionally but preferably extends all around the circumference of the inside surface 624 of finger toothbrush 610.

Still yet another option under the present invention is to embed a bristle assembly incorporating conventional toothbrush bristles into the outer housing of the inventive finger toothbrush. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a toothbrush 710 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Toothbrush 710 comprises an outer housing 712, which is made of a rubbery flexible material such as those materials discussed above as being suitable for the fabrication of outer housing 12.

Embedded within outer housing 712 is a bristle brush assembly 734. Bristle brush assembly 734 comprises a brush base member 736 incorporating a matrix of holes 738. Each of the holes 738 receives a plurality of nylon bristles 740 resulting in the formation of bristle brush assembly 734. Brush base member 736 is embedded within outer housing 712. Optionally, outer housing 712 may be injection molded around an existing bristle brush assembly 734. Retention of bristle brush assembly 734 is promoted by a pair of pointed ends 738, which securely engage outer housing 712. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, a spring 730 is employed as a finger protective member.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the finger toothbrush of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, a figure toothbrush 810 comprises an outer housing 812 which incorporates a bristle brush assembly 834. If desired, bristle brush assembly 834 may be made wholly of nylon, and thus have relatively stiff bristles for effectively cleaning the teeth. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11, an annular, optionally cylindrical, portion 842 of the sidewall 844 is of increased thickness forming a structure much like a rubber band to more securely grip the fingertip of the caregiver. The remaining portion of the outer housing 812 of finger toothbrush 810 is of greater inner diameter thus allowing easy insertion of the finger and only a minimal portion of outer housing requiring force during insertion. The result is to protect the entire finger while providing grip through elastic constriction only where the brush is positioned.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for brushing the teeth, comprising: (a) a soft flexible outer housing defining an elongated soft housing internal volume, said soft flexible outer housing having an outside surface and an internal surface, said soft flexible outer housing having a length and a girth, and said soft flexible outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end;(b) a finger receiving member defining an internal volume for receiving a finger of an individual, said finger receiving member being more rigid than said soft flexible outer housing, said finger receiving member defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and said finger receiving member being positioned with its outer surface being positioned radially inwardly from the outer surface of the soft flexible outer housing, said soft flexible outer housing being made of a material compressible enough to absorb the pressure of teeth biting down against the finger receiving member without the teeth being damaged; and(c) a plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end, said tooth scrubbing extensions being positioned proximate to each other to define a cluster of scrubbing surfaces at their distal ends, said tooth scrubbing extensions extending at a proximal end from the outer surface of the soft flexible outer housing, whereby a user may insert a finger into said elongated soft housing internal volume.

2. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said soft flexible outer housing is elastic and wherein the distal portion of said soft flexible outer housing is of increased thickness compared to other portions of said soft flexible outer housing and forms a band portion, whereby the band portion of the flexible outer housing securely grips the fingertip of a person using the finger toothbrush.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said soft flexible outer housing comprises silicone.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the internal volume of the soft flexible outer housing is dimensioned to receive and snugly engage the finger receiving member.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member is positioned with its outer surface being positioned radially inwardly from the inner surface of the soft flexible outer housing.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member comprises metal.

7. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member is a positioned with its outer surface being positioned radially inwardly from the outer surface of the soft flexible outer housing.

8. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member comprises a relatively rigid polymeric material.

9. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member comprises a coiled spring.

10. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the finger receiving member comprises a coiled spring positioned and embedded within the soft flexible outer housing.

11. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions are integrally formed with said soft flexible outer housing, and wherein said soft flexible outer housing comprises silicone.

12. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions define an angularly sharp configuration proximate the distal end of said tooth scrubbing extensions.

13. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions are mounted within a relatively rigid member secured within said soft flexible outer housing.

14. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said relatively rigid member extends at least partially around the circumference of said soft flexible outer housing.

15. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions extend all the way around said soft flexible outer housing.

16. A method as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions are disposed proximate the distal end of said soft flexible outer housing.

17. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said finger receiving member allows the finger of the user to bend.

18. A finger toothbrush as in claim 1, wherein said tooth scrubbing extensions comprise bristles, said bristles comprising a material different from and relatively rigid compared to the soft material of said soft flexible outer housing and are disposed in a mounting member positioned within said soft flexible outer housing.

19. Apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the soft flexible outer housing and the finger receiving member.

20. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the finger receiving member comprises a plurality of axially oriented wires positioned and embedded within the soft flexible outer housing.

21. A device for brushing the teeth, comprising: (a) a rubbery flexible outer housing defining an elongated rubbery housing internal volume, said rubbery flexible outer housing having an outside surface and an internal surface, said rubbery flexible outer housing having a length and a girth, and said rubbery flexible outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end;(b) a finger receiving member defining an internal volume for receiving a finger of an individual, said finger receiving member being more rigid than said rubbery flexible outer housing, said finger receiving member defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and said finger receiving member being positioned with its outer surface being positioned radially inwardly from the outer surface of the rubbery flexible outer housing, said rubbery flexible outer housing being made of a material compressible enough to absorb the pressure of teeth biting down against the finger receiving member without the teeth being damaged, said finger receiving member being configured, dimensioned and constituted of a material which results in spreading out the force of a biting incisor tooth; and(c) a plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end, said tooth scrubbing extensions being positioned proximate to each other to define a cluster of scrubbing surfaces at their distal ends, said tooth scrubbing extensions extending at a proximal end from the outer surface of the rubbery flexible outer housing, whereby a user may insert a finger into said elongated rubbery housing internal volume.

22. A device as in claim 21 wherein said finger receiving member comprises chain mail.

23. A device for brushing the teeth, comprising: (a) a soft flexible outer housing defining an elongated soft housing internal volume, said soft flexible outer housing having an outside surface and an internal surface, said soft flexible outer housing having a length and a girth, and said soft flexible outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and said soft flexible outer housing being made of a material compressible enough to absorb the pressure of teeth biting down against the finger receiving member without the teeth being damaged or undue comfort inflicted on a patient, and sufficiently thick and stiff enough to prevent biting teeth from injuring the finger of a caretaker; and(b) a plurality of tooth scrubbing extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end, said tooth scrubbing extensions being positioned proximate to each other to define a cluster of scrubbing surfaces at their distal ends, said tooth scrubbing extensions extending at a proximal end from the outer surface of the soft flexible outer housing, whereby a user may insert a finger into said elongated soft housing internal volume.

24. A finger toothbrush as in claim 23, wherein said soft flexible outer housing has a thickness between 2 and 4.5 mm.

25. A finger toothbrush as in claim 23, wherein said soft flexible outer housing has a thickness between 2.5 and 4 mm.

26. A finger toothbrush as in claim 24, wherein the material is sufficiently soft to allow the finger of the caretaker to bend.

27. A finger toothbrush as in claim 23, further comprising a finger receiving member positioned within said soft flexible outer housing, wherein said finger receiving member and said soft flexible outer housing are manufactured as a single part using a multi-material injection molding process, wherein the finger receiving member comprises an injection moldable relatively stiff plastic material and the soft flexible outer housing member comprises an injection moldable relatively soft plastic material.