EP1611818B1 - Toothcleaning device for toddlers - Google Patents

Toothcleaning device for toddlers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1611818B1
EP1611818B1 EP04405412A EP04405412A EP1611818B1 EP 1611818 B1 EP1611818 B1 EP 1611818B1 EP 04405412 A EP04405412 A EP 04405412A EP 04405412 A EP04405412 A EP 04405412A EP 1611818 B1 EP1611818 B1 EP 1611818B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bristles
learning device
ring
holder
brush
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP04405412A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1611818A1 (en
Inventor
Adrian Lussi
Nadja-Marina Kellerhoff
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Universitaet Bern
Original Assignee
Universitaet Bern
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Universitaet Bern filed Critical Universitaet Bern
Priority to DE502004008207T priority Critical patent/DE502004008207D1/en
Priority to EP04405412A priority patent/EP1611818B1/en
Priority to AT04405412T priority patent/ATE410097T1/en
Priority to DE202004021484U priority patent/DE202004021484U1/en
Publication of EP1611818A1 publication Critical patent/EP1611818A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1611818B1 publication Critical patent/EP1611818B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
    • A46B5/023—Grips or handles specially adapted for children
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J17/00—Baby-comforters; Teething rings
    • A61J17/02—Teething rings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J17/00—Baby-comforters; Teething rings
    • A61J17/10—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J17/101—Emitting means, e.g. for emitting sound, light, scents or flavours
    • A61J17/1011—Emitting sound, e.g. having rattles or music boxes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
    • A61J7/0053—Syringes, pipettes or oral dispensers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
    • A46B2200/3006—Brushes for cleaning bottles or hollow containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a learning device for toddlers with a holder and a trained on the holder brush head with bristles.
  • Teething rings for toddlers such as. B. from the GB 2 288 126 A are known to have various elements to give the toddler visual, auditory and tactile stimuli.
  • the brush provided for the "Infant-O-Brush” is interesting in terms of educational psychology, it is subject to hygienic problems: If the teething ring falls to the floor, the brush becomes dirty and can not be cleaned well. In addition, it has been shown that toddlers do not spend too long and intensively dealing with the "Infant-O-Brush" in order to achieve the necessary habituation to the brush.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a learning device belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which is useful and hygienic for learning dental hygiene.
  • the bristles are formed in the manner of pin-like massage elements and spaced from each other so that predefined cleaning gaps are present and that the brush head protrudes from the holder tongue-shaped, wherein the brush head in a rear part, which forms a transition to the holder , wider than in a rounded or semicircular shaped front part.
  • the invention does not try to pre-set the toddler the bristle heads used in later applicable children's toothbrushes. Rather, as it were “dummies” are used. These "dummies” are designed to be easy to clean. It is therefore ensured that between the bristles so-called cleaning gaps are present. This means that every bristle is accessible from all sides for a cleaning agent. The bristles do not form tufts between which bacteria and dust can nest.
  • the children's toothbrush has in principle the usual (fine) bristles and not the bristle dummies.
  • the outer material condition and / or shape of the brush head of the child toothbrush is adapted to that of the bristle carrier of the learning device. It is thus consciously and purposefully created a tactile and / or visual similarity. The infant toothbrush is then no longer perceived by the toddler as something new, alien (and possibly rejected), but as something familiar and beloved.
  • the bristles and the bristle carrier consist of a cast. That is, they form a single piece and there are no gaps or other material transitions, in which dirt could einnisten.
  • a simple and practical means of ensuring hygiene is a tape with which the learning device can be used e.g. tied to the bed, to the stroller, to the child's clothing or to his wrist. Even if the child lets go of the device, it does not fall to the ground.
  • the tape is advantageously relatively short (e.g., 20-25 cm). It should be avoided that the toddler gets caught in an unpleasant or dangerous way in the tape.
  • the bristles are relatively short and thick. They preferably have a length to diameter ratio which is not greater than 20, in particular 10 or smaller.
  • the ends of the bristles should be able to move back and forth relative to the bristle carrier part, so that a massage effect is possible when the toddler bites on the brush. Accordingly, the ratio of length to diameter will normally be greater than 2.
  • the bristles On the flexibility of the bristle ends in addition to the ratio of length to diameter and the hardness or elasticity of the plastic has an influence. It is therefore not excluded that also thinner bristles, so bristles are used with a greater ratio of length to diameter. It should be noted that the inherent stability of the bristles decreases, the greater the said ratio becomes. If the intrinsic stability is too low, then the bristles lean against each other and form tufts, which is disadvantageous in terms of cleaning technology. In the context of the invention, therefore, the bristles should be designed and arranged so that no tufts can form.
  • bristles of a length of at least 2 mm and a maximum of 7 mm. That means the bristles are relatively short. If the bristles are too long, they bend so hard when biting them that no massage effect is actually possible. Of course, it is not excluded that longer bristles can be used. Normally, however, bristles with a length of 10 mm will no longer realize the desired inventive effects.
  • the bristle carrier and the bristles are made of the same material, and since some softness of the surface of the bristle carrier is desired, a material with a not too high Shore hardness should be selected. It is therefore proposed to use a soft plastic having a Shore hardness in the range of 75-100. This area is to be understood primarily as an example and not as a general restriction.
  • the learning device offers a certain resistance when bite-on and essentially retains the shape.
  • the learning device preferably has a hard core and a soft surface.
  • the core can thus consist of hard plastic and be covered with an elastic plastic layer.
  • the core As long as the core is completely covered, it does not matter what material it consists of. But if it comes to the surface in certain places, then it must be ensured that it is pleasant for the toddler to bite.
  • the plastic should be impact resistant and not brittle. It is by no means necessary that the entire surface is covered with elastic plastic. It may well be desirable for the toddler to have various biting experiences. In this sense, the surface of the learning device in different places can be different hard. This is most easily realized by reducing or eliminating the coating at certain points in thickness.
  • the holder should be designed so that it corresponds to the playful discovery needs of the toddler. So he should activate the sense of touch, the sense of hearing and the sense of sight of the toddler. For practical reasons, it is advantageous if the holder is designed as a ring.
  • the ring should be so large that it can be comfortably gripped by an adult by hand. This means that the opening of the ring should not be too small, but leave room for several fingers.
  • the cross-section of the ring should be sized so that it can be well grasped by the little hand of the child.
  • the brush should not protrude too far from the otherwise approximately circular shape of the holder. This prevents the toddler from taking the brush too far into the throat (risk of vomiting). If one imagines a flat test opening whose dimension corresponds to the maximum opening of the child's mouth, then the front end of the brush should not protrude further into the test opening than corresponds to the maximum dimension of the test opening. It is obvious that an elliptical retaining ring, whose small half-axis is only slightly larger than the test opening, will not fulfill the mentioned test criterion because the retaining ring can be inserted too far into the test opening in the direction of the large half-axis.
  • a ring instead of a ring, other shapes can be chosen. Preferred are flat shapes, which can be taken by the toddler in the mouth. For safety reasons It is recommended to form the learning device in one piece. So it is better if the brush can not be removed from the teething ring. A safety lock can indeed prevent the toddler dismantling the brush. However, this tends to increase the production cost.
  • the core has a cavity in which loose beads are enclosed.
  • the cavity was surrounded by a transparent wall, so that the movement of the beads is visible.
  • the cross section of the cavity is much larger than the cross section of the rest of the ring.
  • the rattle is also possible to form the rattle separately from the ring (i.e., as a self-contained body) and to easily connect it to the ring in an articulated manner. In this way, several rattles can be attached to the ring. According to the same principle, other elements with visual or other stimuli (mirrors, figures, whistling bellows, etc.) can also be attached. Tone generators may also be incorporated which react to certain movements (e.g., tilt, shake, press) and e.g. produce an animal sound or a melody.
  • the sense of touch can be stimulated in many ways.
  • the teething ring local projections in particular knobs, grooves and annular beads of different shape.
  • Suitable embodiments of such nubs are for example from GB 2,288,126 known.
  • the Kinderbeissring according to the invention is actually not to be considered in isolation, but as part of an overall system. This complete system includes all the devices, products and techniques that are being used in oral hygiene over the course of a lifetime.
  • the Kinderbeissring should, for example, facilitate the transition to the child's toothbrush and give the child the entry into a proper oral hygiene.
  • the brush of the Kinderbeissrings is approximated form-fitting to the child's toothbrush.
  • the brush head is relatively short in relation to the length.
  • tongue-shaped This means that it is wider in the rear part, which forms the transition to the ring, than in the front part. In addition, it is roundish or semicircular in the front part.
  • the learning device according to the invention can be shaped in many different ways.
  • One possibility is to place the rattle at a point on the ring diametrically opposite the brush head. This creates a more or less symmetrical shape that the toddler can grasp with both hands.
  • the learning device may also make sense to provide the learning device with a flavor dispenser.
  • the dispenser may be formed, for example, by an insertable plastic part with an absorbent material. The plastic part is thrown away when the taste has evaporated.
  • it is also possible to apply the toothpaste superficially e.g. by dipping the brush in toothpaste.
  • parents can give toddlers the taste of toothpaste at specific times.
  • a flavor or fragrance will be used wisely, so as not to provoke allergies in the infant.
  • the plastic part is reusable. He then does not necessarily have to be attached to the Kinderbeissring necessarily interchangeable. However, it must then be ensured that no hygienic problems arise (for example, because in the dispenser bacteria creep in).
  • the plastic part or dispenser can then be loaded with a suitable liquid. If the plastic part has a part of absorbent material as a dispenser, then it is simply inserted into a suitable liquid so that it can suck itself fully. To ensure that no bacteria settle in, a semipermeable, bacteria-proof membrane is used to protect the dispenser.
  • the bristles are excited by a suitable miniature drive to vibrate.
  • Individual bristles or the bristle carrier as a whole can be vibrated, resulting in an increased massaging effect.
  • a micromotor for example, serve a piezoelectric actuator, which vibrates a small mandrel which protrudes into the bristle foot.
  • a not according to the invention specially developed children's toothbrush has a handle and a brush head, wherein the brush head has a bristle carrier whose transverse dimensions are small in relation to the handle.
  • the brush head on its outside is adapted in terms of material and / or form to the bristle carrier of the child bite ring. That is, the handle and the bristle carrier have a soft plastic surface.
  • Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an inventive learning device. It forms a ring 1, on which a brush 2 and a rattle 3 are formed. The brush 2 and the rattle 3 are disposed at positions of the ring 1 which are opposed to each other.
  • the ring 1 has two gripping areas 4 and 5. In the grip area 4 are various knobs 6 and in the grip area 5 various annular beads 7 are provided, which stimulate the sense of touch of the toddler. In the area where the brush 2 is formed, the ring 1 forms a convex, outwardly of the circular or oval shape portion 10th
  • the brush 2 has a tongue-shaped bristle carrier 8. That is, the bristle carrier 8 is widest where it attaches to the ring 1 and then increasingly tapers towards its front end, which is rounded paraboloidal or U-shaped.
  • a bristle field with a plurality of bristles 9 is formed on the upper side of the bristle carrier 8.
  • These bristles 9 are made of a soft plastic and are molded together with the bristle carrier 8 in one casting.
  • the bristles 9 are relatively short. That is, they have the form of bolts or cones. Furthermore, they are clearly spaced from each other. As a result, cleaning gaps 12 are formed.
  • the brush has about 30 to 40 bristles.
  • the bristles 9 are about 4 mm long and have a diameter of the order of about 1 mm.
  • the bristle field is about 10 mm wide in the rear area (i.e., where the brush 2 is formed on the ring 1) and trapezoidally converges forward. It has a maximum length of e.g. 15 mm.
  • the bristle carrier 8 is a few millimeters wider and longer than the bristle field.
  • the ring provides an additional convex portion 10. This facilitates the infant to take the brush 2 in the mouth.
  • the ring 1 has a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 cm and a cross-sectional diameter in the range of 5 to 10 mm.
  • the bristle carrier 8 is thicker in the region of the ring than at its tip. He tapers thus wedge-shaped.
  • the rattle 3 is formed by a barrel-shaped, transparent container made of hard plastic, in which the beads 11 can roll.
  • the container is z. B. from the same plastic as the core of the learning device.
  • the two grip areas 4 and 5 and the bristle carrier 8 and the bristles 9 are made of the same soft plastic. It is almost a coating of the hard core. Only the transparent wall of the rattle 3 is free of the coating.
  • the geometric dimensions of the described learning device can of course vary.
  • the aim is to have rounded shapes on all sides. This applies both to the outer dimensions of the ring (top view) and to the cross sections.
  • the learning device should therefore be rounded off be in which direction and in which cross-section you always look at it. Rectangular and square shapes with their straight lines that meet at edges or corners are undesirable. They may be tolerable in individual places, but should in any case be reduced to a minimum.
  • bristle density it is noted that it is orders of magnitude smaller than a conventional adult toothbrush. While e.g., assuming a good average of 50 bristles per square centimeter, a density of 200 bristles per square centimeter will tend to be an upper bound on the preferred range of values.
  • the intensive biting pleasure of the infant can be satisfied with the inventive elastic teething ring.
  • the hard thermoplastic core gives the teething ring its basic shape and stability. It provides sufficient resistance even with heavy chewing pressure and prevents biting through of the ring.
  • it combines hard and soft surfaces.
  • the design of the surface structure with differently shaped pimples and grooves stimulates both the tongues and the lips. The latter is especially important for disabled children.
  • the myofunctional stimulation promotes the strengthening of the characteristic in males with Down syndrome weak masticatory muscles and the lip closure and thus prevents the mouth breathing. Existing mouth breathing can also promote the caries and infection risk in the pharynx.
  • the baby can grasp the broad oval ring shape with both hands. Likewise, the caregiver can hold the teething ring with one hand (by two to four fingers in the ring opening) and use the brush for playful cleaning.
  • the large shape of the ring also prevents the toddler, the brush can push too far back into the throat and thereby reduces the risk of injury.
  • the advantage of using the child bite ring according to the invention is that the toddler playfully deals with a toothbrush.
  • the caregiver starts with the teeth cleaning of the toddler, then she uses a special brush (see eg Fig. 3 ) which resembles the brush head formed on the child teething ring with respect to the shape of the brush head.
  • the baby then recognizes and accepts the special toothbrush developed for this purpose in the daily cleaning of the teeth by the caregivers, as it has a similar shape of the brush part.
  • the caregivers can therefore daily care in a, not unfamiliar to the child way the teeth.
  • the brushing thus loses the character of an unpleasant and strenuous duty.
  • Fig. 2 shows the back of the brush head or the bristle carrier 8.
  • an absorbent foam 13 is provided as a dispenser for flavorings or odors. That is, in the pores of the foam 13 z. B. stored a solid, which is released from the baby's saliva and slowly washed out. Whenever the toddler bites or sucks on the brush head, it experiences the specific taste or smell of the substance stored in the foam 13.
  • the foam 13 may, for. B. be interchangeable, taking care that he can not be taken out and swallowed by the toddler. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the foam 13 can be placed in a suitable solution and charges with the desired substance. Instead of a foam, a bladder or bag of dense plastic with very fine dispenser holes may be provided so that the solution contained in the bladder volume slowly exits as the infant sucks on the brush.
  • the dispenser may also be provided at another location.
  • the taste or odors can z. B. embedded in the bristle field.
  • Fig. 3 shows by way of illustration a specially developed children's toothbrush not according to the invention. It has a thick handle 14 and a relative small head 15. At the bottom of the handle 14 has a foot 16 whose footprint is preferably at least twice as large as the cross section of the cylindrical holding portion 17.
  • the smooth holding portion 17 has a length of for example 4-5 cm and a diameter of eg 1.5 cm. In cross section, it is essentially circular disk-shaped.
  • the foot 16 is asymmetrically formed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the holding portion 17 and widens wedge-shaped forward ("forward" is defined by the direction of the bristles). His stand can as Suction cup be designed so that he z. B. can be fixed at the edge of the sink.
  • a magnet to be attached to a ferrous base.
  • a piece of iron instead of a magnet may be provided, so that the brush on a magnetic pad (eg a plate-shaped or rod-shaped holder) can adhere, which in turn can be placed or fastened anywhere.
  • a magnetic pad eg a plate-shaped or rod-shaped holder
  • Other mounting options are possible (clamp etc.).
  • a gripping portion 18 is provided at the upper end of the holding portion 17. This is characterized by three-dimensional deformations (ribs, grooves, annular beads, pimples, etc.). In the present case four annular beads are provided. After the gripping portion 18 follows a neck portion 19. This forms the transition to the head 15 and tapers progressively.
  • the child brush is curved slightly forward in the present example, and just enough so that it can stand on the foot 16. It has an ergonomic shape that is suitable for both the caregiver and the toddler.
  • the surface of the handle 14 is formed by an elastic soft plastic. This can hide a hard but flexible core.
  • the head has a bristle carrier made of hard plastic and thin bristles. According to the system concept explained above, the bristle carrier is wrapped with a soft plastic and forms a rounded shape on all sides.
  • the soft plastic is preferably the same as the soft plastic on the surface of the Kinderbeissrings. This creates a visual and tactile parallelism to the brush of the Kinderbeissrings. The consistency in the material causes the toddler to perceive the child toothbrush as similar to the child teething ring. It makes sense to offer the children's toothbrush and the Kinderbeissring in retail as a set. It is the togetherness and the benefits of the two devices for the buyer identifiable.
  • the child's teething ring can simultaneously animate many senses (sense of hearing, sense of touch, sense of sight, taste and smell) of the infant. By biting on it, the development of the jaw and the teeth is activated and during teething the pain is alleviated.
  • Hard and soft surfaces with various nubs, grooves and rings or beads provide variety.
  • a core of a transparent rigid thermoplastic can simultaneously form the rattle container.
  • a soft coat made of colored soft thermoplastic protects against injuries and makes it pleasant to bite on.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

One of the devices is designed in the shape of a teething ring (1) and provided with opposite positioned rattle (3) and toothbrush elements (2). The toothbrush (2) extends outward from a convex segment (10) of the ring (1) and is fitted with a small number of soft stick-shaped projections (9), creating the imagination of brushing ones teeth while leaving wide spaces for cleaning. A textured outer surface (6, 7) facilitates a firm grip on the ring (1). An adult and later the child itself can brush the teeth of the infant with a specifically toothbrush in a shape referring to the already familiar ring.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Lerngerät für Kleinkinder mit einem Halter und einem am Halter ausgebildeten Bürstenkopf mit Borsten.The invention relates to a learning device for toddlers with a holder and a trained on the holder brush head with bristles.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Im Handel sind Kinderbeissringe (engl. teether) erhältlich, welche eine Zahnbürste aufweisen (vgl. z.B. "Infant-O-Brush" von Hager & Werken GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg). Dahinter steht die Idee, das Kleinkind frühzeitig mit der Bürste in Kontakt zu bringen, um den Weg für das Erlernen und Angewöhnen der Zahnhygiene zu ebnen.Commercially child teething rings are available which have a toothbrush (see, for example, "Infant-O-Brush" by Hager & Werken GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg). The idea behind this is to bring the toddler into contact with the brush early on in order to pave the way for learning and getting used to dental hygiene.

Beissringe für Kleinkinder, wie sie z. B. aus der GB 2 288 126 A bekannt sind, haben verschiedene Elemente, um dem Kleinkind visuelle, akustische und taktile Reize zu vermitteln.Teething rings for toddlers, such as. B. from the GB 2 288 126 A are known to have various elements to give the toddler visual, auditory and tactile stimuli.

Die beim "Infant-O-Brush" vorgesehene Bürste ist zwar erziehungspsychologisch gesehen interessant, ist aber mit hygienischen Problemen behaftet: Fällt der Beissring zu Boden, wird die Bürste schmutzig und lässt sich nicht mehr gut reinigen. Zudem hat sich gezeigt, dass sich die Kleinkinder zu wenig lange und intensiv mit dem "Infant-O-Brush" auseinander setzen, um die erforderliche Gewöhnung an die Bürste zu erreichen.Although the brush provided for the "Infant-O-Brush" is interesting in terms of educational psychology, it is subject to hygienic problems: If the teething ring falls to the floor, the brush becomes dirty and can not be cleaned well. In addition, it has been shown that toddlers do not spend too long and intensively dealing with the "Infant-O-Brush" in order to achieve the necessary habituation to the brush.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein dem eingangs genannten technischen Gebiet zugehörendes Lerngerät zu schaffen, welches für das Erlernen der Zahnhygiene dienlich und hygienemässig unbedenklich ist.The object of the invention is to provide a learning device belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which is useful and hygienic for learning dental hygiene.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe ist durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 definiert. Gemäss der Erfindung sind die Borsten in der Art von zapfen bzw. bolzenartigen Massageelementen ausgebildet und derart voneinander beabstandet angeordnet, dass vordefinierte Reinigungszwischenräume vorhanden sind und dass der Bürstenkopf vom Halter zungenförmig absteht, wobei der Bürstenkopf in einem hinteren Teil, welcher einen Übergang zum Halter bildet, breiter ist als in einem rundlich bzw. halbkreisförmig gestalteten vorderen Teil.The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the bristles are formed in the manner of pin-like massage elements and spaced from each other so that predefined cleaning gaps are present and that the brush head protrudes from the holder tongue-shaped, wherein the brush head in a rear part, which forms a transition to the holder , wider than in a rounded or semicircular shaped front part.

Im Unterschied zum Stand der Technik versucht die Erfindung nicht, schon dem Kleinkind die bei später anzuwendenden Kinderzahnbürsten benutzten Borstenköpfe vorzusetzen. Vielmehr werden gleichsam "Attrappen" verwendet. Diese "Attrappen" werden konstruktiv so ausgebildet, dass sie sich problemlos reinigen lassen. Es wird also dafür gesorgt, dass zwischen den Borsten so genannte Reinigungszwischenräume vorhanden sind. Das heisst, jede Borste ist von allen Seiten zugänglich für ein Reinigungsmittel. Die Borsten bilden keine Büschel, zwischen denen sich Bakterien und Staub einnisten kann.In contrast to the prior art, the invention does not try to pre-set the toddler the bristle heads used in later applicable children's toothbrushes. Rather, as it were "dummies" are used. These "dummies" are designed to be easy to clean. It is therefore ensured that between the bristles so-called cleaning gaps are present. This means that every bristle is accessible from all sides for a cleaning agent. The bristles do not form tufts between which bacteria and dust can nest.

Für die Gewöhnung des Kleinkindes an die Zahnbürste und die Zahnreinigung wird zusätzlich zum Lerngerät (Kinderbeissring) eine speziell entwickelte Kinderzahnbürste für die Zahnreinigung durch die Bezugsperson verwendet. Die Kinderzahnbürste hat im Prinzip die üblichen (feinen) Borsten und nicht die Borstenattrappen. Die äussere Materialbeschaffenheit und/oder Form des Bürstenkopfes der Kinderzahnbürste ist an diejenige des Borstenträgers des Lerngerätes angepasst. Es wird also bewusst und gezielt eine taktile und/oder visuelle Gleichartigkeit geschaffen. Die Kinderzahnbürste wird dann vom Kleinkind nicht mehr als etwas Neuartiges, Fremdes wahrgenommen (und möglicherweise abgelehnt), sondern als etwas Bekanntes und Geliebtes.For the accustoming of the toddler to the toothbrush and the tooth cleaning a specially developed children's toothbrush for tooth cleaning by the caregiver is used in addition to the learning device (Kinderbeissring). The children's toothbrush has in principle the usual (fine) bristles and not the bristle dummies. The outer material condition and / or shape of the brush head of the child toothbrush is adapted to that of the bristle carrier of the learning device. It is thus consciously and purposefully created a tactile and / or visual similarity. The infant toothbrush is then no longer perceived by the toddler as something new, alien (and possibly rejected), but as something familiar and beloved.

Gemäss einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform bestehen die Borsten und der Borstenträger aus einem Guss. Das heisst sie bilden ein einziges Stück und es sind keine Spalten oder sonstige Materialübergänge vorhanden, in welchen sich Verschmutzungen einnisten könnten.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bristles and the bristle carrier consist of a cast. That is, they form a single piece and there are no gaps or other material transitions, in which dirt could einnisten.

Ein einfaches und praktisches Hilfsmittel zur Sicherung der Hygiene ist ein Band, mit welchem das Lerngerät z.B. am Bett, am Kinderwagen, an der Kleidung des Kindes oder an dessen Handgelenk angebunden wird. Auch wenn das Kind das Gerät loslässt fällt es nicht auf den Boden. Das Band ist mit Vorteil relativ kurz (z.B. 20-25 cm). Es gilt zu vermeiden, dass sich das Kleinkind in unangenehmer oder gefährlicher Weise im Band verfängt.A simple and practical means of ensuring hygiene is a tape with which the learning device can be used e.g. tied to the bed, to the stroller, to the child's clothing or to his wrist. Even if the child lets go of the device, it does not fall to the ground. The tape is advantageously relatively short (e.g., 20-25 cm). It should be avoided that the toddler gets caught in an unpleasant or dangerous way in the tape.

Die Borsten sind relativ kurz und dick. Sie haben vorzugsweise ein Verhältnis von Länge zu Durchmesser, das nicht grösser als 20, insbesondere 10 oder kleiner ist. Die Enden der Borsten sollen sich relativ zum Borstenträgerteil hin und her bewegen können, sodass ein Massageeffekt möglich ist, wenn das Kleinkind auf die Bürste beisst. Entsprechend wird das Verhältnis von Länge zu Durchmesser im Normalfall grösser als 2 sein.The bristles are relatively short and thick. They preferably have a length to diameter ratio which is not greater than 20, in particular 10 or smaller. The ends of the bristles should be able to move back and forth relative to the bristle carrier part, so that a massage effect is possible when the toddler bites on the brush. Accordingly, the ratio of length to diameter will normally be greater than 2.

Auf die Flexibilität der Borstenenden hat neben dem Verhältnis von Länge zu Durchmesser auch die Härte bzw. Elastizität des Kunststoffes einen Einfluss. Es ist deshalb nicht ausgeschlossen, dass auch schlankere Borsten, also Borsten mit einem grösseren Verhältnis von Länge zu Durchmesser einsetzbar sind. Zu beachten ist, dass die Eigenstabilität der Borsten abnimmt, je grösser das genannte Verhältnis wird. Ist die Eigenstabilität zu gering, dann lehnen sich die Borsten aneinander an und bilden Büschel, was reinigungstechnisch nachteilig ist. Im Rahmen der Erfindung sollen also die Borsten so ausgebildet und angeordnet sein, dass sich keine Büschel bilden können.On the flexibility of the bristle ends in addition to the ratio of length to diameter and the hardness or elasticity of the plastic has an influence. It is therefore not excluded that also thinner bristles, so bristles are used with a greater ratio of length to diameter. It should be noted that the inherent stability of the bristles decreases, the greater the said ratio becomes. If the intrinsic stability is too low, then the bristles lean against each other and form tufts, which is disadvantageous in terms of cleaning technology. In the context of the invention, therefore, the bristles should be designed and arranged so that no tufts can form.

Gute Ergebnisse lassen sich mit zapfenartigen bzw. bolzenartigen Borsten einer Länge von mindestens 2 mm und maximal 7 mm erreichen. Das heisst die Borsten sind relativ kurz. Wenn nämlich die Borsten zu lang sind, dann biegen sie sich beim Daraufbeissen derart stark zur Seite, dass eigentlich gar keine Massagewirkung mehr möglich ist. Es ist natürlich nicht ausgeschlossen, dass auch längere Borsten eingesetzt werden können. Im Normalfall werden aber Borsten einer Länge von 10 mm nicht mehr die gewünschten erfindungsgemässen Effekte realisieren.Good results can be achieved with pin-like or bolt-like bristles of a length of at least 2 mm and a maximum of 7 mm. That means the bristles are relatively short. If the bristles are too long, they bend so hard when biting them that no massage effect is actually possible. Of course, it is not excluded that longer bristles can be used. Normally, however, bristles with a length of 10 mm will no longer realize the desired inventive effects.

Wie bereits erwähnt sollen zwischen den Borsten sogenannte Reinigungszwischenräume gebildet sein. Dies setzt voraus, dass die Borsten einen gegenseitigen Minimalabstand wahren. Dieser soll mindestens bei 0,2 mm, insbesondere zwischen 0,3 mm und 1 mm liegen. Ein direktes gegenseitiges Berühren der Borsten ist also nicht erwünscht, auch nicht dort, wo die Borsten aus dem Borstenträger austreten. Es ist natürlich nicht so, dass die Borsten so angeordnet sein müssen, dass alle den gleichen Abstand zum nächsten Nachbarn haben. Es genügt, wenn der Mindestabstand im genannten Bereich liegt. Soweit dieser Mindestabstand eingehalten ist, sollen die Borsten vorzugsweise nicht weiter als nötig auseinander stehen. Anderenfalls geht der Charakter einer Bürste verloren. Es soll ja erreicht werden, dass das Kleinkind die erfindungsgemässe Bürste als Vorstufe zur Zahnbürste kennen lernt.As already mentioned, so-called cleaning intermediate spaces should be formed between the bristles. This assumes that the bristles maintain a mutual minimum distance. This should be at least 0.2 mm, in particular between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. A direct mutual contact of the bristles is therefore not desirable, not even where the bristles emerge from the bristle carrier. Of course, it is not the case that the bristles must be arranged so that they all have the same distance to the nearest neighbor. It is sufficient if the minimum distance is in the stated range. As far as this minimum distance is maintained, the bristles should preferably not be apart as necessary. Otherwise, the character of a brush is lost. It should indeed be achieved that the toddler learns the brush according to the invention as a precursor to the toothbrush.

Da der Borstenträger und die Borsten aus dem gleichen Material bestehen, und da eine gewisse Weichheit der Oberfläche des Borstenträgers erwünscht ist, sollte ein Material mit einer nicht allzu grossen Shore-Härte gewählt werden. Es wird deshalb vorgeschlagen, ein Weichplastik zu verwenden mit einer Shore-Härte im Bereich von 75-100. Dieser Bereich ist aber primär als Beispiel zu verstehen und nicht als grundsätzliche Einschränkung.Since the bristle carrier and the bristles are made of the same material, and since some softness of the surface of the bristle carrier is desired, a material with a not too high Shore hardness should be selected. It is therefore proposed to use a soft plastic having a Shore hardness in the range of 75-100. This area is to be understood primarily as an example and not as a general restriction.

Vorzugsweise bietet das Lerngerät beim Daraufbeissen einen gewissen Widerstand und behält die Form im Wesentlichen bei. Um dies zu erreichen, hat das Lerngerät vorzugsweise einen harten Kern und eine weiche Oberfläche. Der Kern kann also aus Hartplastik bestehen und mit einer elastischen Kunststoffschicht überzogen sein.Preferably, the learning device offers a certain resistance when bite-on and essentially retains the shape. To achieve this, the learning device preferably has a hard core and a soft surface. The core can thus consist of hard plastic and be covered with an elastic plastic layer.

Solange der Kern vollständig überzogen ist, kommt es nicht darauf an, aus welchem Material er besteht. Wenn er aber an gewissen Stellen an die Oberfläche tritt, dann ist darauf zu achten, dass er für das Kleinkind angenehm zum Beissen ist. Der Kunststoff soll schlagfest und nicht brüchig sein. Es ist keineswegs nötig, dass die ganze Oberfläche mit elastischem Kunststoff überzogen ist. Es kann durchaus erwünscht sein, dass das Kleinkind verschiedene Beisserfahrungen machen kann. In diesem Sinn kann die Oberfläche des Lerngerätes an unterschiedlichen Stellen unterschiedlich hart sein. Dies lässt sich am einfachsten dadurch realisieren, dass der Überzug an gewissen Stellen in der Dicke reduziert oder ganz weggelassen wird.As long as the core is completely covered, it does not matter what material it consists of. But if it comes to the surface in certain places, then it must be ensured that it is pleasant for the toddler to bite. The plastic should be impact resistant and not brittle. It is by no means necessary that the entire surface is covered with elastic plastic. It may well be desirable for the toddler to have various biting experiences. In this sense, the surface of the learning device in different places can be different hard. This is most easily realized by reducing or eliminating the coating at certain points in thickness.

Der Halter soll so ausgebildet werden, dass er dem spielerischen Entdeckungsbedarf des Kleinkindes entspricht. Er soll also den Tastsinn, den Hörsinn und den Sehsinn des Kleinkindes aktivieren. Aus praktischen Gründen ist es von Vorteil, wenn der Halter als Ring ausgebildet ist. Der Ring soll so gross sein, dass er von einem Erwachsenen mit der Hand bequem ergriffen werden kann. Das heisst die Öffnung des Ringes soll nicht zu klein sein, sondern durchaus Platz für mehrere Finger lassen. Andererseits soll der Querschnitt des Ringes so bemessen werden, dass er von der kleinen Hand des Kindes gut erfasst werden kann.The holder should be designed so that it corresponds to the playful discovery needs of the toddler. So he should activate the sense of touch, the sense of hearing and the sense of sight of the toddler. For practical reasons, it is advantageous if the holder is designed as a ring. The ring should be so large that it can be comfortably gripped by an adult by hand. This means that the opening of the ring should not be too small, but leave room for several fingers. On the other hand, the cross-section of the ring should be sized so that it can be well grasped by the little hand of the child.

Die Bürste soll nicht zu weit aus der ansonsten näherungsweise kreisringförmigen Gestalt des Halters hervorstehen. Damit wird verhindert, dass das Kleinkind die Bürste zu weit in den Rachen nehmen kann (Brechreizgefahr). Stellt man sich eine ebene Testöffnung vor, deren Abmessung der maximalen Öffnung des Kindermundes entspricht, dann soll das vordere Ende der Bürste nicht weiter in die Testöffnung hineinragen als der maximalen Abmessung der Testöffnung entspricht. Es ist offensichtlich, dass ein elliptischer Haltering, dessen kleine Halbachse nur geringfügig grösser als die Testöffnung ist, das erwähnte Testkriterium nicht erfüllen wird, weil der Haltering in Richtung der grossen Halbachse zu weit in die Testöffnung eingeführt werden kann.The brush should not protrude too far from the otherwise approximately circular shape of the holder. This prevents the toddler from taking the brush too far into the throat (risk of vomiting). If one imagines a flat test opening whose dimension corresponds to the maximum opening of the child's mouth, then the front end of the brush should not protrude further into the test opening than corresponds to the maximum dimension of the test opening. It is obvious that an elliptical retaining ring, whose small half-axis is only slightly larger than the test opening, will not fulfill the mentioned test criterion because the retaining ring can be inserted too far into the test opening in the direction of the large half-axis.

An Stelle eines Ringes können auch andere Formen gewählt werden. Bevorzugt sind flache Formen, welche vom Kleinkind in den Mund genommen werden können. Aus Sicherheitsgründen empfiehlt es sich, das Lerngerät einteilig auszubilden. Es ist also besser, wenn die Bürste nicht vom Beissring entfernt werden kann. Ein Sicherheitsverschluss kann zwar verhindern, dass das Kleinkind die Bürste demontiert. Tendenziell wird dadurch aber der Herstellungsaufwand erhöht.Instead of a ring, other shapes can be chosen. Preferred are flat shapes, which can be taken by the toddler in the mouth. For safety reasons It is recommended to form the learning device in one piece. So it is better if the brush can not be removed from the teething ring. A safety lock can indeed prevent the toddler dismantling the brush. However, this tends to increase the production cost.

Eine an sich bekannte Möglichkeit zum Aktivieren des Hörsinns des Kleinkindes besteht darin, den Beissring mit einer Rassel auszustatten. Vorzugsweise hat der Kern einen Hohlraum, in welchem lose Kügelchen eingeschlossen sind. Um den Seesinn des Kleinkindes mit Bewegungen zu aktivieren, kam der Hohlraum von einer transparenten Wand umgeben sein, sodass die Bewegung der Kügelchen sichtbar ist. Vorzugsweise ist der Querschnitt des Hohlraumes viel grösser als der Querschnitt des restlichen Ringes. Es können auch (feste oder bewegliche) glitzernde oder reflektierende Partikel im Hohlraum vorhanden sein, welche ein Lichtspiel erzeugen.A known possibility for activating the auditory sense of the toddler is to equip the teething ring with a rattle. Preferably, the core has a cavity in which loose beads are enclosed. To activate the baby's sense of the sea with movements, the cavity was surrounded by a transparent wall, so that the movement of the beads is visible. Preferably, the cross section of the cavity is much larger than the cross section of the rest of the ring. There may also be (solid or mobile) glittering or reflective particles in the cavity, which create a play of light.

Es ist natürlich auch möglich, die Rassel getrennt vom Ring (d.h. als eigenständigen Körper) auszubilden und ihn einfach gelenkig mit dem Ring zu verbinden. Auf diese Weise können auch mehrere Rasseln am Ring angebracht werden. Nach demselben Prinzip können auch weitere Elemente mit visuellen oder anderen Reizen (Spiegel, Figuren, Pfeifbalg etc.) angebracht werden. Es könne auch Tongeneratoren eingebaut werden, welche auf bestimmte Bewegungen (z.B. kippen, schütteln, drücken) reagieren und z.B. einen Tierlaut oder eine Melodie erzeugen.Of course, it is also possible to form the rattle separately from the ring (i.e., as a self-contained body) and to easily connect it to the ring in an articulated manner. In this way, several rattles can be attached to the ring. According to the same principle, other elements with visual or other stimuli (mirrors, figures, whistling bellows, etc.) can also be attached. Tone generators may also be incorporated which react to certain movements (e.g., tilt, shake, press) and e.g. produce an animal sound or a melody.

Der Tastsinn kann in vielfältiger Weise angeregt werden. Vorzugsweise hat der Beissring lokale Vorsprünge, insbesondere Noppen, Rillen und Ringwulste von unterschiedlicher Form. Geeignete Ausgestaltungen solcher Noppen sind zum Beispiel aus der GB 2.288.126 bekannt.The sense of touch can be stimulated in many ways. Preferably, the teething ring local projections, in particular knobs, grooves and annular beads of different shape. Suitable embodiments of such nubs are for example from GB 2,288,126 known.

Der erfindungsgemässe Kinderbeissring ist eigentlich nicht isoliert zu betrachten, sondern als Teil eines Gesamtsystems. Zu diesem Gesamtsystem gehören alle Geräte, Produkte und Techniken, welche heute im Verlauf eines Menschenlebens zur Anwendung bei der Mundhygiene kommen. Der Kinderbeissring soll zum Beispiel den Übergang zur Kinderzahnbürste erleichtern und dem Kind den Einstieg in eine korrekte Mundhygiene geben. Um dies zu erreichen, wird die Bürste des Kinderbeissrings formmässig an die Kinderzahnbürste angenähert. Das heisst der Bürstenkopf ist im Verhältnis zur Länge relativ kurz. Vorzugsweise und zungenförmig ausgebildet. Das heisst er ist im hinteren Teil, welcher den Übergang zum Ring bildet, breiter als im vorderen Teil. Zudem ist er im vorderen Teil rundlich bzw. halbkreisförmig gestaltet.The Kinderbeissring according to the invention is actually not to be considered in isolation, but as part of an overall system. This complete system includes all the devices, products and techniques that are being used in oral hygiene over the course of a lifetime. The Kinderbeissring should, for example, facilitate the transition to the child's toothbrush and give the child the entry into a proper oral hygiene. To achieve this, the brush of the Kinderbeissrings is approximated form-fitting to the child's toothbrush. This means that the brush head is relatively short in relation to the length. Preferably and tongue-shaped. This means that it is wider in the rear part, which forms the transition to the ring, than in the front part. In addition, it is roundish or semicircular in the front part.

Das erfindungsgemässe Lerngerät kann in verschiedenster Weise geformt sein. Eine Möglichkeit besteht darin, die Rassel an einer Stelle des Ringes anzuordnen, die dem Bürstenkopf diametral gegenüber liegt. Auf diese Weise entsteht eine mehr oder weniger symmetrische Form, welche das Kleinkind mit beiden Händen ergreifen kann.The learning device according to the invention can be shaped in many different ways. One possibility is to place the rattle at a point on the ring diametrically opposite the brush head. This creates a more or less symmetrical shape that the toddler can grasp with both hands.

Im Rahmen des Systemgedankens kann es auch Sinn machen, das Lerngerät mit einem Geschmacksdispenser zu versehen. Auf diese Weise kann das Kleinkind vorsichtig mit der Zahnpaste bzw. dem Zahnpasten-Geschmack in Kontakt gebracht werden. Der Dispenser kann zum Beispiel durch einen einsetzbaren Kunststoffteil mit einem saugfähigen Material gebildet sein. Der Kunststoffteil wird weggeworfen, wenn sich der Geschmack verflüchtigt hat. Es ist natürlich auch möglich, die Zahnpaste oberflächlich aufzutragen z.B. indem die Bürste in Zahnpaste getaucht wird. Die Eltern können also dem Kleinkind zum Beispiel zu genau bestimmten Zeiten den Geschmack von Zahnpasta geben. In der Praxis wird ein Geschmacks- oder Geruchsstoff mit Bedacht einzusetzen sein, um beim Kleinkind nicht Allergien zu provozieren.Within the framework of the system concept, it may also make sense to provide the learning device with a flavor dispenser. In this way, the toddler can be carefully brought into contact with the toothpaste or toothpaste flavor. The dispenser may be formed, for example, by an insertable plastic part with an absorbent material. The plastic part is thrown away when the taste has evaporated. Of course, it is also possible to apply the toothpaste superficially, e.g. by dipping the brush in toothpaste. For example, parents can give toddlers the taste of toothpaste at specific times. In practice, a flavor or fragrance will be used wisely, so as not to provoke allergies in the infant.

Grundsätzlich ist es nicht ausgeschlossen, dass der Kunststoffteil wiederverwendbar ist. Er braucht dann auch nicht unbedingt auswechselbar am Kinderbeissring angebracht zu sein. Allerdings muss dann dafür gesorgt werden, dass keine hygienischen Probleme entstehen (z.B. weil sich im Dispenser Bakterien einschleichen). Der Kunststoffteil bzw. Dispenser kann dann mit einer geeigneten Flüssigkeit geladen werden. Hat der Kunststoffteil einen Teil aus saugfähigem Material als Dispenser, dann wird er einfach in eine geeignete Flüssigkeit eingelegt, sodass er sich voll saugen kann. Um sicherzustellen, dass sich keine Bakterien einnisten wird zum Schutz des Dispensers eine semipermeable, bakteriendichte Membran verwendet.In principle, it is not excluded that the plastic part is reusable. He then does not necessarily have to be attached to the Kinderbeissring necessarily interchangeable. However, it must then be ensured that no hygienic problems arise (for example, because in the dispenser bacteria creep in). The plastic part or dispenser can then be loaded with a suitable liquid. If the plastic part has a part of absorbent material as a dispenser, then it is simply inserted into a suitable liquid so that it can suck itself fully. To ensure that no bacteria settle in, a semipermeable, bacteria-proof membrane is used to protect the dispenser.

Es ist weiter denkbar, dass die Borsten durch einen geeigneten Miniaturantrieb zu einer Vibration angeregt werden. Es können einzelne Borsten oder auch der Borstenträger als Ganzes vibriert werden, so dass eine verstärkte Massagewirkung entsteht. Als Mikromotor kann z.B. ein Piezoaktuator dienen, welcher einen kleinen Dorn vibriert, der in den Borstenfuss hineinragt.It is also conceivable that the bristles are excited by a suitable miniature drive to vibrate. Individual bristles or the bristle carrier as a whole can be vibrated, resulting in an increased massaging effect. As a micromotor, for example, serve a piezoelectric actuator, which vibrates a small mandrel which protrudes into the bristle foot.

Eine nicht efindungsgemässe, speziell entwickelte Kinderzahnbürste hat einen Griff und einem Bürstenkopf, wobei der Bürstenkopf einen Borstenträger hat, dessen Querabmessungen im Verhältnis zum Griff klein sind. Entsprechend dem Systemgedanken ist der Bürstenkopf an seiner Aussenseite materialmässig und/oder formmässig an den Borstenträger des Kinderbeissrings angepasst. Das heisst, der Griff und der Borstenträger haben eine Oberfläche aus Weichplastik.A not according to the invention, specially developed children's toothbrush has a handle and a brush head, wherein the brush head has a bristle carrier whose transverse dimensions are small in relation to the handle. According to the system concept, the brush head on its outside is adapted in terms of material and / or form to the bristle carrier of the child bite ring. That is, the handle and the bristle carrier have a soft plastic surface.

Aus der nachfolgenden Detailbeschreibung und der Gesamtheit der Patentansprüche ergeben sich weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und Merkmalskombinationen der Erfindung.From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Die zur Erläuterung des Ausführungsbeispiels verwendeten Zeichnungen zeigen:

Fig. 1
perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemässen Kinderbeissrings;
Fig. 2
schematische Darstellung eines Geschmacksdispensers;
Fig. 3
perspektivische Darstellung einer nicht erfindungsgemässene Kinderzahnbürste.
The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:
Fig. 1
perspective view of a child bite ring according to the invention;
Fig. 2
schematic representation of a flavor dispenser;
Fig. 3
perspective view of a not according to the invention children's toothbrush.

Grundsätzlich sind in den Zeichnungen gleiche Teile mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.Basically, the same parts are given the same reference numerals in the drawings.

Wege zur Ausführung der ErfindungWays to carry out the invention

Fig. 1 zeigt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Lerngerätes. Es bildet einen Ring 1, an welchem eine Bürste 2 und eine Rassel 3 ausgeformt sind. Die Bürste 2 und die Rassel 3 sind an Stellen des Ringes 1 angeordnet, die einander gegenüberliegen. Der Ring 1 hat zwei Griffbereiche 4 und 5. Im Griffbereich 4 sind diverse Noppen 6 und im Griffbereich 5 diverse Ringwulste 7 vorgesehen, welche den Tastsinn des Kleinkindes anregen. Im Bereich, wo die Bürste 2 angeformt ist, bildet der Ring 1 einen konvexen, von der Kreis- bzw. Ovalform nach aussen abweichenden Abschnitt 10. Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an inventive learning device. It forms a ring 1, on which a brush 2 and a rattle 3 are formed. The brush 2 and the rattle 3 are disposed at positions of the ring 1 which are opposed to each other. The ring 1 has two gripping areas 4 and 5. In the grip area 4 are various knobs 6 and in the grip area 5 various annular beads 7 are provided, which stimulate the sense of touch of the toddler. In the area where the brush 2 is formed, the ring 1 forms a convex, outwardly of the circular or oval shape portion 10th

Die Bürste 2 hat einen zungenförmigen Borstenträger 8. Das heisst, der Borstenträger 8 ist am breitesten dort, wo er am Ring 1 ansetzt und verjüngt sich dann zunehmend zu seinem vorderen Ende hin, welches parabolförmig oder u-förmig abgerundet ist. Auf der oberen Seite des Borstenträgers 8 ist ein Borstenfeld mit einer Vielzahl von Borsten 9 ausgebildet. Diese Borsten 9 bestehen aus einem weichen Plastik und sind zusammen mit dem Borstenträger 8 in einem Guss gespritzt. Die Borsten 9 sind relativ kurz. Das heisst, sie haben die Form von Bolzen oder Zapfen. Ferner sind sie deutlich voneinander beabstandet. Dadurch werden Reinigungszwischenräume 12 gebildet.The brush 2 has a tongue-shaped bristle carrier 8. That is, the bristle carrier 8 is widest where it attaches to the ring 1 and then increasingly tapers towards its front end, which is rounded paraboloidal or U-shaped. On the upper side of the bristle carrier 8, a bristle field with a plurality of bristles 9 is formed. These bristles 9 are made of a soft plastic and are molded together with the bristle carrier 8 in one casting. The bristles 9 are relatively short. That is, they have the form of bolts or cones. Furthermore, they are clearly spaced from each other. As a result, cleaning gaps 12 are formed.

Im vorliegenden Beispiel hat die Bürste etwa 30 bis 40 Borsten. Die Borsten 9 sind etwa 4 mm lang und haben einen Durchmesser in der Grössenordnung von etwa 1 mm. Das Borstenfeld ist im hinteren Bereich (d.h. dort wo die Bürste 2 am Ring 1 angeformt ist) etwa 10 mm breit und läuft nach vorne trapezförmig zusammen. Es hat eine maximale Länge von z.B. 15 mm. Der Borstenträger 8 ist um einige Millimeter breiter und länger als das Borstenfeld. An der Stelle, an welcher die Bürste angebracht ist, bietet der Ring einen zusätzlich konvexen Abschnitt 10. Dies erleichtert es dem Kleinkind, die Bürste 2 in den Mund zu nehmen.In the present example, the brush has about 30 to 40 bristles. The bristles 9 are about 4 mm long and have a diameter of the order of about 1 mm. The bristle field is about 10 mm wide in the rear area (i.e., where the brush 2 is formed on the ring 1) and trapezoidally converges forward. It has a maximum length of e.g. 15 mm. The bristle carrier 8 is a few millimeters wider and longer than the bristle field. At the point where the brush is mounted, the ring provides an additional convex portion 10. This facilitates the infant to take the brush 2 in the mouth.

Der Ring 1 hat einen Durchmesser im Bereich von 5 bis 10 cm und einen Querschnittsdurchmesser im Bereich von 5 bis 10 mm. Der Borstenträger 8 ist im Bereich des Ringes dicker als an seiner Spitze. Er verjüngt sich also keilförmig. Die Rassel 3 wird durch einen tonnenförmigen, transparenten Behälter aus hartem Kunststoff gebildet, in welchem die Kügelchen 11 rollen können. Der Behälter ist z. B. aus dem gleichen Kunststoff wie der Kern des Lerngerätes. Die beiden Griffbereiche 4 und 5 sowie der Borstenträger 8 und die Borsten 9 sind aus dem selben weichen Kunststoff hergestellt. Es handelt sich quasi um einen Überzug des harten Kerns. Nur die transparente Wand der Rassel 3 ist frei vom Überzug.The ring 1 has a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 cm and a cross-sectional diameter in the range of 5 to 10 mm. The bristle carrier 8 is thicker in the region of the ring than at its tip. He tapers thus wedge-shaped. The rattle 3 is formed by a barrel-shaped, transparent container made of hard plastic, in which the beads 11 can roll. The container is z. B. from the same plastic as the core of the learning device. The two grip areas 4 and 5 and the bristle carrier 8 and the bristles 9 are made of the same soft plastic. It is almost a coating of the hard core. Only the transparent wall of the rattle 3 is free of the coating.

Die geometrischen Dimensionen des beschriebenen Lerngerätes lassen sich natürlich variieren. Anzustreben sind allseitig abgerundete Formen. Dies gilt sowohl für die Aussenabmessung des Ringes (Draufsicht) als auch für die Querschnitte. Das Lerngerät soll also abgerundet sein, in welcher Richtung und in welchem Querschnitt man es auch immer betrachtet. Rechtecknahe und quadratnahe Formen mit ihren geraden Linien, die in Kanten bzw. Ecken aufeinander stossen, sind unerwünscht. Sie mögen an einzelnen Stellen tolerierbar sein, sollen in jedem Fall aber auf ein Minimum reduziert sein.The geometric dimensions of the described learning device can of course vary. The aim is to have rounded shapes on all sides. This applies both to the outer dimensions of the ring (top view) and to the cross sections. The learning device should therefore be rounded off be in which direction and in which cross-section you always look at it. Rectangular and square shapes with their straight lines that meet at edges or corners are undesirable. They may be tolerable in individual places, but should in any case be reduced to a minimum.

In Bezug auf die Borstendichte ist festzustellen, dass sie um Grössenordnungen geringer ist als bei einer üblichen Erwachsenenzahnbürste. Während z.B. 50 Borsten pro Quadratzentimeter einen guten Mittelwert darstellen, wird eine Dichte von 200 Borsten pro Quadratzentimeter eher eine obere Grenze des bevorzugten Wertebereiches darstellen.In terms of bristle density, it is noted that it is orders of magnitude smaller than a conventional adult toothbrush. While e.g. For example, assuming a good average of 50 bristles per square centimeter, a density of 200 bristles per square centimeter will tend to be an upper bound on the preferred range of values.

Die intensive Beisslust des Säuglings kann mit dem erfindungsgemässen, elastischen Beissring befriedigt werden. Der Kern aus dem harten Thermoplasten gibt dem Beissring die Grundform und Stabilität. Er liefert auch bei heftigem Kaudruck genügend Widerstand und verhindert ein Durchbeissen des Ringes. Gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform vereinigt er harte und weiche Oberflächen. Durch die Gestaltung der Oberflächenstruktur mit unterschiedlich geformten Noppen und Rillen werden sowohl die Zungen als auch die Lippen stimuliert. Letzteres ist insbesondere für behinderte Kinder wichtig. Die myofunktionelle Stimulation fördert die Kräftigung der bei Säuglingen mit Down-Syndrom charakteristisch schwachen Kaumuskulatur und den Lippenschluss und verhindert damit die Mundatmung. Eine bestehende Mundatmung kann unter anderem auch das Karies- und Infektionsrisiko im Rachenraum fördern.The intensive biting pleasure of the infant can be satisfied with the inventive elastic teething ring. The hard thermoplastic core gives the teething ring its basic shape and stability. It provides sufficient resistance even with heavy chewing pressure and prevents biting through of the ring. According to a preferred embodiment, it combines hard and soft surfaces. The design of the surface structure with differently shaped pimples and grooves stimulates both the tongues and the lips. The latter is especially important for disabled children. The myofunctional stimulation promotes the strengthening of the characteristic in males with Down syndrome weak masticatory muscles and the lip closure and thus prevents the mouth breathing. Existing mouth breathing can also promote the caries and infection risk in the pharynx.

Die breite ovale Ringform kann der Säugling mit beiden Händen fassen. Ebenso kann die Bezugsperson den Beissring einhändig halten (indem sie mit zwei bis vier Fingern in die Ringöffnung greift) und die Bürste zum spielerischen Putzen benutzen. Die grosse Form des Ringes verhindert zudem, dass das Kleinkind die Bürste zu weit nach hinten in den Rachen schieben kann und reduziert dadurch auch die Verletzungsgefahr.The baby can grasp the broad oval ring shape with both hands. Likewise, the caregiver can hold the teething ring with one hand (by two to four fingers in the ring opening) and use the brush for playful cleaning. The large shape of the ring also prevents the toddler, the brush can push too far back into the throat and thereby reduces the risk of injury.

Der Vorteil der Verwendung des erfindungsgemässen Kinderbeissrings liegt darin, dass das Kleinkind sich spielerisch mit einer Zahnbürste beschäftigt. Wenn nun die Bezugsperson mit der Zahnreinigung des Kleinkindes beginnt, dann verwendet sie eine spezielle Bürste (vgl. z.B. Fig. 3), welche hinsichtlich der Form des Bürstenkopfs dem am Kinderbeissring ausgebildeten Bürstenkopf gleicht. Das Baby erkennt und akzeptiert dann bei der täglichen Zahnreinigung durch die Bezugspersonen die spezielle hierfür entwickelte Zahnbürste, da sie eine ähnliche Form des Bürstenteils aufweist. Die Bezugspersonen können somit täglich auf eine, für das Kind nicht fremd anmutende Weise die Zähne pflegen. Das Zähneputzen verliert dadurch den Charakter einer unangenehmen und anstrengenden Pflicht.The advantage of using the child bite ring according to the invention is that the toddler playfully deals with a toothbrush. Now, if the caregiver starts with the teeth cleaning of the toddler, then she uses a special brush (see eg Fig. 3 ) which resembles the brush head formed on the child teething ring with respect to the shape of the brush head. The baby then recognizes and accepts the special toothbrush developed for this purpose in the daily cleaning of the teeth by the caregivers, as it has a similar shape of the brush part. The caregivers can therefore daily care in a, not unfamiliar to the child way the teeth. The brushing thus loses the character of an unpleasant and strenuous duty.

Fig. 2 zeigt die Rückseite des Bürstenkopfes bzw. des Borstenträgers 8. Gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist ein saugfähiger Schaumstoff 13 als Dispenser für Geschmacks- oder Geruchsstoffe vorgesehen. Das heisst, in den Poren des Schaumstoffes 13 ist z. B. ein Feststoff eingelagert, der vom Speichel des Kleinkindes gelöst und langsam ausgewaschen wird. Immer wenn das Kleinkind auf den Bürstenkopf beisst oder an ihm lutscht, erfährt es den spezifischen Geschmack bzw. Geruch des im Schaumstoff 13 eingelagerten Stoffes. Fig. 2 shows the back of the brush head or the bristle carrier 8. According to a preferred embodiment, an absorbent foam 13 is provided as a dispenser for flavorings or odors. That is, in the pores of the foam 13 z. B. stored a solid, which is released from the baby's saliva and slowly washed out. Whenever the toddler bites or sucks on the brush head, it experiences the specific taste or smell of the substance stored in the foam 13.

Der Schaumstoff 13 kann z. B. auswechselbar sein, wobei darauf zu achten ist, dass er vom Kleinkind nicht herausgenommen und verschluckt werden kann. Ferner ist es denkbar, dass der Schaumstoff 13 in eine geeignete Lösung gelegt werden kann und sich mit dem gewünschten Stoff auflädt. Anstelle eines Schaumstoffes kann auch eine Blase oder Tasche aus dichtem Plastik mit ganz feinen Dispenserlöchern vorgesehen sein, so dass die im Blasenvolumen enthaltene Lösung langsam austritt, wenn das Kleinkind an der Bürste saugt.The foam 13 may, for. B. be interchangeable, taking care that he can not be taken out and swallowed by the toddler. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the foam 13 can be placed in a suitable solution and charges with the desired substance. Instead of a foam, a bladder or bag of dense plastic with very fine dispenser holes may be provided so that the solution contained in the bladder volume slowly exits as the infant sucks on the brush.

Selbstverständlich kann der Dispenser auch an einer anderen Stelle vorgesehen sein. Die Geschmacks- bzw. Geruchsstoffe können z. B. im Borstenfeld eingelagert sein.Of course, the dispenser may also be provided at another location. The taste or odors can z. B. embedded in the bristle field.

Fig. 3 zeigt zur Illustration eine nicht erfindungsgemässe speziell entwickelte Kinderzahnbürste. Sie hat einen dicken Griff 14 und einen im Verhältnis dazu kleinen Kopf 15. Am unteren Ende hat der Griff 14 einen Fuss 16, dessen Standfläche vorzugsweise mindestens doppelt so gross ist wie der Querschnitt des zylindrischen Halteabschnitts 17. Der glatte Halteabschnitt 17 hat eine Länge von beispielsweise 4-5 cm und einen Durchmesser von z.B. 1,5 cm. Im Querschnitt ist er im Wesentlichen kreisscheibenförmig. Der Fuss 16 ist asymmetrisch ausgebildet bezüglich der Längsachse des Halteabschnittes 17 und weitet sich keilförmig nach vorne aus ("nach vorne" ist durch die Richtung der Borsten definiert). Seine Standfläche kann als Saugnapf ausgebildet sein, damit er z. B. am Waschbeckenrand fixiert werden kann. Er kann aber auch einen Magneten enthalten, um an einer eisenhaltigen Unterlage angebracht zu werden. Selbstverständlich kann an bzw. in der Zahnbürste auch nur ein Eisenstück statt eines Magneten vorgesehen sein, so dass die Bürste an einer magnetischen Unterlage (z.B. einem plattenförmigen oder stabförmigen Halter) haften kann, welche ihrerseits aufgestellt oder irgendwo befestigt werden kann. Auch andere Befestigungsvarianten sind denkbar (Klemmhalter etc.). Fig. 3 shows by way of illustration a specially developed children's toothbrush not according to the invention. It has a thick handle 14 and a relative small head 15. At the bottom of the handle 14 has a foot 16 whose footprint is preferably at least twice as large as the cross section of the cylindrical holding portion 17. The smooth holding portion 17 has a length of for example 4-5 cm and a diameter of eg 1.5 cm. In cross section, it is essentially circular disk-shaped. The foot 16 is asymmetrically formed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the holding portion 17 and widens wedge-shaped forward ("forward" is defined by the direction of the bristles). His stand can as Suction cup be designed so that he z. B. can be fixed at the edge of the sink. But it can also contain a magnet to be attached to a ferrous base. Of course, on or in the toothbrush, only a piece of iron instead of a magnet may be provided, so that the brush on a magnetic pad (eg a plate-shaped or rod-shaped holder) can adhere, which in turn can be placed or fastened anywhere. Other mounting options are possible (clamp etc.).

Am oberen Ende des Halteabschnitts 17 ist ein Greifabschnitt 18 vorgesehen. Dieser zeichnet sich durch dreidimensionale Verformungen (Rippen, Rillen, Ringwulste, Noppen etc.) aus. Im vorliegenden Fall sind vier Ringwulste vorgesehen. Nach dem Greifabschnitt 18 folgt ein Halsabschnitt 19. Dieser bildet den Übergang zum Kopf 15 und verjüngt sich zunehmend.At the upper end of the holding portion 17, a gripping portion 18 is provided. This is characterized by three-dimensional deformations (ribs, grooves, annular beads, pimples, etc.). In the present case four annular beads are provided. After the gripping portion 18 follows a neck portion 19. This forms the transition to the head 15 and tapers progressively.

Die Kinderbürste ist im vorliegenden Beispiel leicht nach vorn gekrümmt und zwar gerade so stark, dass sie auf dem Fuss 16 stehen kann. Sie hat eine ergonomische Form, die sich sowohl für die Bezugsperson als auch für das Kleinkind eignet.The child brush is curved slightly forward in the present example, and just enough so that it can stand on the foot 16. It has an ergonomic shape that is suitable for both the caregiver and the toddler.

Die Oberfläche des Griffs 14 ist durch einen elastischen Weichplastik gebildet. Darunter kann sich ein harter, aber flexibler Kern verbergen. Der Kopf weist einen Borstenträger aus Hartplastik und dünne Borsten auf. Entsprechend dem weiter oben erläuterten Systemgedanken ist der Borstenträger mit einem Weichplastik eingehüllt und bildet eine allseitig abgerundete Form. Der Weichplastik ist vorzugsweise der selbe wie der Weichplastik an der Oberfläche des Kinderbeissrings. Dadurch wird eine visuelle und taktile Parallelität zur Bürste des Kinderbeissrings geschaffen. Die Übereinstimmung im Material führt dazu, dass das Kleinkind die Kinderzahnbürste als ähnlich zum Kinderbeissring wahrnehmen wird. Sinnvollerweise werden die Kinderzahnbürste und der Kinderbeissring im Handel als Set angeboten. Es ist die Zusammengehörigkeit und der Nutzen der beiden Geräte für den Käufer gleich erkennbar.The surface of the handle 14 is formed by an elastic soft plastic. This can hide a hard but flexible core. The head has a bristle carrier made of hard plastic and thin bristles. According to the system concept explained above, the bristle carrier is wrapped with a soft plastic and forms a rounded shape on all sides. The soft plastic is preferably the same as the soft plastic on the surface of the Kinderbeissrings. This creates a visual and tactile parallelism to the brush of the Kinderbeissrings. The consistency in the material causes the toddler to perceive the child toothbrush as similar to the child teething ring. It makes sense to offer the children's toothbrush and the Kinderbeissring in retail as a set. It is the togetherness and the benefits of the two devices for the buyer identifiable.

Zusammenfassend ist festzustellen, dass der Kinderbeissring gleichzeitig viele Sinne (Hörsinn, Tastsinn, Sehsinn, Geschmacks- und Geruchssinn) des Kleinkindes animieren kann. Mit dem Daraufbeissen wird die Entwicklung des Kiefers und der Zähne aktiviert und beim Zahnen (engl. teething) wird der Schmerz gelindert. Harte und weiche Oberflächen mit diversen Noppen, Rillen und Ringen bzw. Wulsten sorgen für Abwechslung. Ein Kern aus einem transparenten Hart-Thermoplasten kann gleichzeitig den Rasselbehälter bilden. Ein weicher Mantel aus farbigem Weich-Thermoplast schützt einerseits vor Verletzungen und animiert angenehm zum Daraufbeissen.In summary, it can be stated that the child's teething ring can simultaneously animate many senses (sense of hearing, sense of touch, sense of sight, taste and smell) of the infant. By biting on it, the development of the jaw and the teeth is activated and during teething the pain is alleviated. Hard and soft surfaces with various nubs, grooves and rings or beads provide variety. A core of a transparent rigid thermoplastic can simultaneously form the rattle container. On the one hand, a soft coat made of colored soft thermoplastic protects against injuries and makes it pleasant to bite on.

Zusammen mit der nicht erfindungsgemässen, speziell angepassten Kinderzahnbürste ergibt sich ein Zahnprophylaxe-System, welches dem jeweiligen Entwicklungsstadium des Kindes angepasst ist und dadurch eine optimale Prophylaxe-Konditionierung ermöglicht.Together with the non-inventive, specially adapted children's toothbrush results in a dental prophylaxis system, which is adapted to the respective stage of development of the child, thereby enabling optimal prophylaxis conditioning.

Claims (11)

  1. Learning device for infants, having a holder (4, 5) and a brush head (8) which is formed on the holder (4, 5) and has bristles (9), characterized in that the bristles (9) are formed in the manner of peg-like or pin-like massage elements and are spaced apart from one another to provide predefined cleaning interspaces (12), and in that the brush head (8) projects in a tongue-like manner from the holder (4, 5), the brush head being wider in a rear part, which forms a transition to the holder (4, 5), than in a front part, which is of rounded or semicircular configuration.
  2. Learning device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bristles (9) are moulded in one piece with the brush head (8).
  3. Learning device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristles (9) have a ratio of length to diameter which is no greater than 20, in particular 10 or less, and is greater than 2, and in that the bristles (9) have a length of at least 2 mm and at most 7 mm.
  4. Learning device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bristles (9) are spaced apart from one another by a distance of at least 0.2 mm, in particular between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.
  5. Learning device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bristles (9) consist of a soft plastic with a Shore hardness of 75-100.
  6. Learning device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holder (4, 5) has a hard core and a coating made of soft plastic.
  7. Learning device according to Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holder (4, 5) is designed as a ring, in which case it can be easily gripped by an infant.
  8. Learning device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a rattle (3) is integrated in the holder (4, 5), and the rattle makes a noise when moved.
  9. Learning device according to either of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that local protrusions (6, 7), in particular protuberances and annular beads, are formed on the ring.
  10. Learning device according to Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the brush head (2) and the rattle (3) are formed at diametrically opposite locations of the ring.
  11. Learning device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it has a flavour or scent dispenser.
EP04405412A 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 Toothcleaning device for toddlers Active EP1611818B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE502004008207T DE502004008207D1 (en) 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 Dental care device for toddlers
EP04405412A EP1611818B1 (en) 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 Toothcleaning device for toddlers
AT04405412T ATE410097T1 (en) 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 DENTAL CARE DEVICE FOR SMALL CHILDREN
DE202004021484U DE202004021484U1 (en) 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 Dental care conditioning system with a learning device and a child toothbrush

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04405412A EP1611818B1 (en) 2004-07-02 2004-07-02 Toothcleaning device for toddlers

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EP1611818A1 EP1611818A1 (en) 2006-01-04
EP1611818B1 true EP1611818B1 (en) 2008-10-08

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EP (1) EP1611818B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE410097T1 (en)
DE (2) DE502004008207D1 (en)

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WO2014106287A1 (en) * 2013-02-01 2014-07-10 Theo Gotjamanos Teething device
USD745283S1 (en) 2014-12-12 2015-12-15 Live-Right, Llc Combined baby toothbrush and teether
US10306975B2 (en) 2017-06-01 2019-06-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement

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AT9374U1 (en) 2006-07-17 2007-09-15 Mam Babyartikel DEVICE FOR MASSING OR BZW. CLEANING THE JERRY BZW. THE TEETH AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
FR2952804B1 (en) * 2009-11-23 2012-08-24 Do Nascimento Desny ORAL CLEANING DEVICE WITH A CLEANING HEAD COVERED WITH A DEFORMABLE MEMBRANE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME
ITUD20100093A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-13 Graziosa Togni TOOTHBRUSH
DE102011102569A1 (en) * 2011-05-26 2012-03-15 Tina Milella Noise-grip-teat for e.g. baby, has holder gripped by hand of baby and infant and designed in shape of ring, pipe, line, and/or dome, and filled with material selected from plastic pieces, metal peaces, beads, sand, pebbles, rice or grains
CN106726616A (en) * 2016-12-09 2017-05-31 刘彩英 A kind of infant's teeth-grinding device with brushing directions

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JP3260243B2 (en) 1994-04-05 2002-02-25 ピジョン株式会社 Teeth
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US5683421A (en) * 1995-07-18 1997-11-04 Guarini, Jr.; Edward A. Teething apparatus
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Cited By (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014106287A1 (en) * 2013-02-01 2014-07-10 Theo Gotjamanos Teething device
USD745283S1 (en) 2014-12-12 2015-12-15 Live-Right, Llc Combined baby toothbrush and teether
US10306975B2 (en) 2017-06-01 2019-06-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US11122885B2 (en) 2017-06-01 2021-09-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1611818A1 (en) 2006-01-04
ATE410097T1 (en) 2008-10-15
DE202004021484U1 (en) 2008-08-28
DE502004008207D1 (en) 2008-11-20

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