US20200046110A1 - Systems and methods for improved dental hygiene - Google Patents
Systems and methods for improved dental hygiene Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200046110A1 US20200046110A1 US16/506,608 US201916506608A US2020046110A1 US 20200046110 A1 US20200046110 A1 US 20200046110A1 US 201916506608 A US201916506608 A US 201916506608A US 2020046110 A1 US2020046110 A1 US 2020046110A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tip
- dental
- region
- supporting member
- dental cleaning
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- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/0095—Removable or interchangeable brush heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/02—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner
- A46B7/023—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner where the bristle carrier retracts or collapses, i.e. for storage
- A46B7/026—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body in an expanding or articulating manner where the bristle carrier retracts or collapses, i.e. for storage where the bristle carrier collapses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
- A46B7/044—Sliding connections for bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/005—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body where the brushing material is not made of bristles, e.g. sponge, rubber or paper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/028—Bristle profile, the end of the bristle defining a surface other than a single plane or deviating from a simple geometric form, e.g. cylinder, sphere or cone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1026—Gum massaging brush, i.e. specifically designed for massaging the gums
-
- 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
- A46B2200/108—Inter-dental toothbrush, i.e. for cleaning interdental spaces specifically
Definitions
- the disclosure generally relates to a dental hygiene system and more specifically to a flexible interdental brush and gum stimulator for improved dental hygiene and improved ease of use.
- An interdental or interproximal (“proxy”) brush can, in examples, be a small brush, typically disposable, either supplied with a reusable angled plastic handle or an integral handle, used for cleaning between teeth or between the wires of dental braces and the teeth.
- the use of interdental brushes in conjunction with tooth brushing, has been shown to reduce both the amount of plaque and the incidence of gingivitis when compared to toothbrushing alone.
- a standalone tool called a gum stimulator can be designed to massage the gum line and the bases of the areas between the teeth. Gum stimulators help to increase circulation to the gum line and to clear away bacteria which might not be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
- An oral irrigator can, in examples, be a home dental care device which uses a stream of high-pressure pulsating water intended to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gum line. Regular use of an oral irrigator is believed to improve gingival health and may also provide easier cleaning for braces and dental implants.
- interdental brushes, gum stimulators and oral irrigators (“at home interdental systems”) are difficult to operate and inefficient, leading to ineffective use, non-use and/or user injury.
- users of at home interdental systems find that it can be difficult to clean gaps in between teeth and stimulate gums situated further back in the mouth.
- at home interdental systems often cause injury to gums and teeth by use of stiff or strong materials.
- At home interdental systems may also be very time consuming to use, addressing only single areas of concern at a time, leading to frustration and non-use by users.
- FIG. 1 is a front unassembled elevational view of a dental hygiene system in according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a front assembled elevational view of the dental hygiene system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a dental cleaning tip according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3B is a side view of the dental cleaning tip of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a supporting member according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the assembled tip of FIG. 3A and the supporting member of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a handle according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the dental hygiene system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the dental hygiene system of FIG. 1 in use according to an embodiment.
- a dental hygiene system having the ability to perform interdental brush, gum stimulator, oral irrigator, and toothbrushing capabilities is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip allowing the user to gently stimulate gums and clean teeth is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having a removable tip which may be replaced by a user with a second tip, or various other attachments is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having a dental cleaning tip with at least one flat surface free from protrusions, and oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip, to massage gums is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having generally conical rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which are configured for gentle insertion of the dental cleaning tip in between teeth, as the base of the generally conical rounded protrusions is smallest at the apex of the dental cleaning tip and increases as nearing the base of the dental cleaning tip, is provided.
- the volume of first protrusions e.g., first generally conical rounded protrusions; any suitable protrusion shape; etc.
- second protrusions e.g., second generally conical rounded protrusions; any suitable protrusion shape; etc.
- a dental hygiene system can include a dental cleaning tip with a collapsible apex region allowing for bending of the dental cleaning tip in use, where the material and/or shape (e.g., in embodiments) allow the dental cleaning tip (e.g., the collapsible apex region of the dental cleaning tip, etc.) to fit a multitude of areas of varying sizes and/or shapes (e.g., across one or more users with mouth regions of varying sizes and/or shapes, etc.), and where the dental cleaning tip (e.g., with the collapsible apex region; associated materials and/or shapes; etc.) can result in gentle cleaning.
- the material and/or shape e.g., in embodiments
- the dental cleaning tip e.g., the collapsible apex region of the dental cleaning tip, etc.
- the dental cleaning tip e.g., with the collapsible apex region; associated materials and/or shapes; etc.
- a dental hygiene system having a multi-part angled handle allowing for the ability to clean hard to reach areas of a user's mouth is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having multiple rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which may spray fluid to gently clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.
- a dental hygiene system having the ability to allow a user to accurately, efficiently, safety and ergonomically clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.
- Embodiments for improved dental hygiene can include: a tip (e.g., a dental cleaning tip; a conical tip; etc.) including a set of protrusions (e.g., spicules, conical formations, etc.) extending from a surface (e.g., an exterior surface; etc.) of the tip, where the set of protrusions can be adapted (e.g., in relation to geometric characteristics; materials characteristics; construction characteristics; etc.) to facilitate dental cleaning (e.g., interdental cleaning, etc.); a supporting member (e.g., a supporting head attachable at an end of a handle component, etc.) including an extending core (e.g., where the extending core acts as a core of the tip when the tip is attached to the supporting member, etc.), a tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., an annular ring protrusion extending radially from a surface of the extending core;
- a tip-coupling mechanism e.g.,
- embodiments can include a fluid-provision tip including a set of fluid channels (e.g., including perforations for fluid to travel through, etc.) for facilitating fluid delivery to one or more dental regions; and/or any other suitable components.
- the system can facilitate fluid delivery to a plurality of dental regions simultaneously and in a gentler, less harsh manner than conventional approaches.
- the set of fluid channels e.g., the one or more protrusions allowing fluid to exit the fluid-provision tip, etc.
- the one or more fluid channels may exit (e.g., include one or more end regions, etc.) at or through one or more protrusions (e.g., at one or more end regions of the one or more protrusions; at any suitable region of the one or more protrusions; etc.), and/or through one or more flat surfaces of a dental cleaning tip.
- the fluid channels can begin, continue through, and/or exit at any suitable regions of one or more tips (e.g., one or more fluid-provision tips, etc.).
- Embodiments can function to provide physically adapted components tailored—such as in relation to materials, geometry, construction, coupling, and/or other suitable aspects—for cleaning, stimulation, dislodging (e.g., of foreign particles such as food, debris, and/or other particles; such as for preventing the gathering and accumulating of foreign particles in gaps that form in between teeth and/or other dental regions, etc.), and/or massaging of dental regions, mouth regions, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and/or other suitable physiological regions, such as without causing user discomfort or harm.
- embodiments of the system can facilitate interdental cleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions of the tip; including the removal of bacteria residing between teeth, general cleaning of the teeth; with the application of toothpaste onto the set of protrusions of the tip and/or onto other suitable components of the system; etc.) as well as gum stimulation (e.g., with the apex region of the tip; with the protrusions; etc.).
- embodiments of the system can be adapted to be durable over multiple instances of use (e.g., over multiple dental periods of cleaning) without loss of functionality.
- different components of the system can be characterized by varying degrees of reusability.
- a supporting member and a handle component can have a greater degree of reusability than a tip, which can be replaced with an increased frequency for optimizing dental hygiene.
- embodiments of the system can include any suitable functionality.
- the components of the system can be physically and/or logically integrated in any manner (e.g., with any suitable distributions of functionality across the components, etc.), where embodiments of the system can include any suitable combination of components described herein, associated (e.g., mechanically coupleable; functionally related; etc.) in any suitable manner.
- any suitable components of the system can be coupled to (e.g., attached to), decoupleable from (e.g., detachable from, etc.), and/or integrated with (e.g., mechanically integrated with, so as to hinder detachability, etc.) any other suitable components of the system.
- a tip, a supporting member, and a handle component can be manufactured as, provided to one or more users, and/or otherwise constructed and/or provided in a decoupled mode (e.g., as separate parts, etc.), a coupled mode (e.g., with the tip coupled to the supporting member, etc.), and/or in any suitable configuration.
- a decoupled mode e.g., as separate parts, etc.
- a coupled mode e.g., with the tip coupled to the supporting member, etc.
- different variations of tips can be used with or without a supporting member and/or handle component (e.g., where a fluid-provision tip couples to a fluid-provision device as opposed to a supporting member, etc.).
- a tip can couple directly to a handle without the use of an intervening supporting member (e.g., for tips adapted to be used without mechanical support by an extending core of a supporting member, etc.).
- components of the system can be integrated with any suitable existing components (e.g., existing fluid-provision devices, existing dental cleaning systems, etc.).
- Components of the system can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at, integrated with, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., of other suitable components).
- Individual components and/or combination of components of the system can be characterized by any lengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or any suitable dimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.
- Components of the system can be manufactured using any one or more of: molding (e.g., injection molding, overmolding, etc.), microlithography, doping, thin films, etching, bonding, polishing, patterning, deposition, microforming, treatments, drilling, plating, routing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining & casting, stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), PolyJet additive manufacturing technologies, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), suitable prototyping approaches, and/or any other suitable manufacturing techniques.
- molding e.g., injection molding, overmolding, etc.
- microlithography doping, thin films, etching, bonding, polishing, patterning, deposition, microforming, treatments, drilling, plating, routing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining & casting, stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), PolyJet additive manufacturing technologies, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), suitable prototyping approaches, and/or any other suitable manufacturing techniques.
- Components of the system can be constructed with any suitable materials, including elastomers, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.), composite materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), antimicrobial materials (e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), metals (e.g., steel, alloys, copper, etc.), recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, glass, ceramic, and/or any other suitable materials.
- plastics e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.
- composite materials e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.
- antimicrobial materials e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.
- therapeutic materials e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.
- metals e.g.,
- the dental cleaning tip can be constructed with at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, an elastomer material, a silicone material, and a tear-resistant material for facilitating the collapsible apex region and/or other suitable functionality.
- the system can be configured in any suitable manner.
- FIG. 1 in a specific example, shown is a front unassembled elevational view of a dental hygiene system 10 , including a dental cleaning tip 12 , a supporting member 14 , and an angled handle 16 .
- the dental cleaning tip 12 is attached to the supporting member 14 .
- the supporting member 14 connects the dental cleaning tip 12 to the angled handle 16 .
- a user removably places the dental cleaning tip 12 on to the supporting member 14 .
- the supporting member 14 may be removably connected to the angled handle 16 .
- FIG. 2 in a specific example, shown is a front assembled elevational view of the dental hygiene system 10 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3A in a specific example, shown is a front elevational view of the dental cleaning tip 12 of FIG. 1 , including a first subset of protrusions 18 , a second subset of protrusions 20 , a dental cleaning tip apex region 22 , a dental cleaning tip base region 24 , and inter-subset regions of the protrusions 26 .
- first subset of protrusions 18 and the second subset of protrusions 20 are staggered along the conical axis of the dental cleaning tip 12 .
- the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 may be rounded and may be generally conical in configuration.
- the first subset of protrusions 18 can be radially aligned with one another.
- the second subset of protrusions 20 can be radially aligned with one another.
- the staggered placement of the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 allows for toothpaste to be held in the inter-subset regions of the protrusions 26 during dental cleaning. Additionally or alternatively, in specific examples, the staggered placement of the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 allows for increased surface coverage of a dental region by the dental cleaning tip 12 during use.
- the dental cleaning tip apex region 22 can be collapsible and can allow for bending of the dental cleaning tip 12 in use.
- the dental cleaning tip may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer.
- the tip may also be constructed with any suitable soft, or tear-resistant material.
- the dental cleaning tip 12 and/or any suitable components of the dental cleaning tip 12 may include a fluid channel for gently applying fluid to dental regions.
- the first subset of rounded protrusions 18 and the second subset of rounded protrusions 20 may be another rounded form (e.g., spicules, conical formations, etc.).
- the base of the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 is smallest at the apex of the dental cleaning tip 22 and increases as nearing the base of the dental cleaning tip 24 to allow for gentle insertion of the dental cleaning tip 12 into a user's mouth.
- FIG. 3B in a specific example, shown is the side view of the dental cleaning tip 12 of FIG. 3B , including a first flat surface 28 and a second flat surface 30 .
- the first flat surface 28 and the second flat surface 30 are oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip.
- the first flat surface 28 and second flat surface 30 may be placed directly upon a user's gums for gum stimulation.
- the first flat surface 28 and second flat surface 30 can allow the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 to improve dental cleaning and to clean periodontal pockets.
- the first flat surface 28 and the second flat surface 30 provide easier manufacturability.
- FIG. 4 in a specific example, shown is a front elevational view of the supporting member 14 , including an extending core 32 , tip coupling mechanism 34 , handle coupling region 36 , body region 38 and handle coupling mechanism 40 .
- the body region 38 connects the extending core 32 to the handle coupling region 36 .
- the tip coupling mechanism 34 is attached to the extending core 32 .
- the tip coupling mechanism 34 may be an annular ring protrusion.
- the tip coupling mechanism 34 is adapted for coupling with one or more dental cleaning tips 12 .
- the handle coupling region 36 includes a handle coupling mechanism 40 .
- the handle coupling region 36 may include a button.
- the handle coupling mechanism 40 may include a locking mechanism including one or more prongs to hinder detachability of the supporting member coupling region 42 .
- the handle coupling mechanism 40 includes a locking mechanism including a single prong.
- the tip coupling mechanism 34 allows for the removal and replacement of the dental cleaning tip 12 by the user.
- the handle coupling mechanism 40 can allow for the release or locking of the handle 16 .
- the dental cleaning tip 12 is hollow and attaches onto the extending core 32 of the supporting member 14 by the tip coupling mechanism 34 .
- the dental cleaning tip 12 may include a fluid channel and perforations within the first subset of protrusions 18 and second subset of protrusions 20 to allow for oral irrigator properties of the dental hygiene system 10 .
- FIG. 6 shown is a front elevational view of the handle 16 , including a supporting member coupling region 42 , a user grip region 44 , and an intermediary region 46 .
- the intermediary region 46 connects the supporting member coupling region 42 to the user grip region 44 .
- the intermediary region 46 may include a curved bend.
- the user grip region 44 may include a channel or curve.
- the intermediary region 46 may include an increasing diameter as the distance increases from the supporting member coupling region 42 to the user grip region 44 .
- a curved bend of the intermediary region 46 may facilitate accessibility of the dental cleaning tip 12 to various areas of a user's mouth.
- the user grip region 44 may include a channel to improve ergonomics.
- the handle 16 may include a multi-part angle to better reach areas in the back of a user's mouth.
- the angled handle 16 may be formed in one piece.
- the handle coupling mechanism 40 may include a button.
- the handle coupling mechanism 40 may be used in conjunction with oral irrigator functions.
- a button may be used to power on and off a motor.
- components of the dental hygiene system 10 may be physically and/or logically integrated in any manner, such as different variations of tips can be used with or without a supporting member and/or handle component, or a fluid provision tip may be coupled to a fluid provision device as opposed to a supporting device.
- components of the dental hygiene system 10 may be integrated with any suitable existing components (e.g., existing fluid-provision devices, existing dental cleaning systems, etc.).
- Components of the dental hygiene system 10 can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at, integrated with, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., of other suitable components).
- Individual components and/or combinations of components of the dental hygiene system 10 can be characterized by any lengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or any suitable dimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.
- FIG. 8 in a specific example, shown is an assembled perspective view of the dental hygiene system 10 in use 48 .
- the dental cleaning tip 12 may be inserted in between a user's teeth for interdental cleaning and gum stimulation.
- the apex 22 of the dental cleaning tip 12 may be collapsible to provide gentle dental cleaning and stimulation of the gums.
- the system can include one or more tips including one or more protrusions.
- the one or more tips can function to facilitate dental cleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions; interdental cleaning; etc.), gum stimulation (e.g., with an apex region of the tip, etc.), dental massaging, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable actions for improving dental health.
- the one or more tips can function to be removably coupleable to one or more system components (e.g., a supporting member), which can facilitate the replacement of, substitution of, and/or other use of different types of tips and/or additional tips of the same type (e.g., while reusing one or more system components, etc.).
- the one or more tips can be physically integrated with one or more system components, thereby hindering decoupling of the one or more tips from the one or more system components.
- the one or more tips can have any suitable functionality.
- a tip is preferably physically coupleable (e.g., physically attachable to, physically mountable on, fittable around, etc.) to a supporting member (e.g., an extending core of the supporting member), such as facilitated by a tip-coupling mechanism of the supporting member, and/or by a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the tip.
- a supporting member e.g., an extending core of the supporting member
- one or more tips can be physically coupleable and/or integrated with any suitable components of the system (e.g., a handle component; a fluid provision device; etc.).
- the tip can be coupleable and/or otherwise related to any other suitable components.
- the tip is preferably conically shaped, such as including an apex region including a first end of the tip; a base region including a second end of the tip; and/or a body region connecting the apex region and the base region.
- a conically-shaped tip can facilitate both dental cleaning (e.g., with a shape that improves area and volumetric coverage by the set of protrusions of the tip; etc.) as well as gum stimulation (e.g., with an apex region providing a sharpness adapted to gum stimulation; etc.).
- the tip can include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- any suitable multi-dimensional shapes e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.
- the tip can include any suitable dimensions, such as in relation to length, width, height, and/or diameter (e.g., for any suitable regions of the tip, etc.).
- the tip can include a length (e.g., from a first end to a second end; from a base region to an apex region; along a conical axis extending from a center of the base region through the center of the apex region; etc.) of any suitable dimensions.
- the tip can include a length greater than 10 mm and less than 20 mm, but can include any suitable dimensions.
- the tip can include a diameter (e.g., at the base region) between 2-6 mm, such as where the diameter can decrease as the distance increases between the center of the tip base and a position along the conical axis (e.g., as the distance decreases between the position and the apex of the tip, etc.); alternatively the dimeter can remain the same along the distance.
- the dimensions of a tip can be adapted to facilitate accessibility of the tip to deeper dental regions, and/or for enabling the tip to reach and/or otherwise physically interact with any suitable dental regions.
- the dimensions of the tip can be determined based on populations, subgroups, and/or other suitable sets of users (e.g., through experimentation with a set of users; based on average sizes of dental regions across the set of users; etc.).
- different tips can include different sets of dimensions, such as for accommodating different sizes of user dental regions, different dental hygiene applications, and/or or for any other suitable purposes.
- the system can include a first tip including a first diameter, and a second tip including a second diameter, such as where the dimensions of the first and the second tips can be different or the same from each other (e.g., a same or different diameter dimension, a same or different length, etc.).
- one or more tips can be dimension-adjustable, where a user and/or other suitable entity (e.g., the tip itself; automatically; the supporting member; etc.) can adjust one or more dimensions of the one or more tips (e.g., through collapsible materials of the tips; through coupling and/or decoupling of different components of a tip to form different configurations of the tip, where different configurations can include different dimensions; etc.).
- a user and/or other suitable entity e.g., the tip itself; automatically; the supporting member; etc.
- can adjust one or more dimensions of the one or more tips e.g., through collapsible materials of the tips; through coupling and/or decoupling of different components of a tip to form different configurations of the tip, where different configurations can include different dimensions; etc.
- different tips can be differentiated based on one or more indicators (e.g., color indicators, other graphical indicators, verbal indicators, numerical indicators, geometric indicators, etc.), such as where a first tip (e.g., a tip classified as a small tip, such as due to a smaller base diameter relative a large tip, etc.) can be identified by a first color, and where a second tip (e.g., a tip classified as a large tip, such as due to a larger base diameter relative a small tip, etc.) can be identified by a second color.
- first tip e.g., a tip classified as a small tip, such as due to a smaller base diameter relative a large tip, etc.
- a second tip e.g., a tip classified as a large tip, such as due to a larger base diameter relative a small tip, etc.
- different tips and/or adjustable tips can be configured in any suitable manner (e.g., with any suitable similarities and/or differences with other tips, etc.).
- the tip preferably includes dimensions adapted for coupling to (e.g., mounting to, wrapping around, etc.) an extending core of a supporting member (and/or to other suitable components, such as other components of the supporting member, etc.).
- the tip can include an inner cavity (e.g., hole, hollowness, etc.) adapted to couple to (e.g., fit around, etc.) an extending core of the supporting member.
- An inner cavity of the tip is preferably conically shaped (e.g., where the inner cavity and the tip share a similar shape, with the inner cavity including dimensions smaller than the tip, etc.), such as to be adapted to coupling to a conically shaped extending core of the supporting member.
- the inner cavity can include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- any suitable multi-dimensional shapes e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.
- the inner cavity (and/or the tip) is preferably dimensioned to form a remaining cavity (e.g., remaining gap, etc.) when the tip is coupled to an extending core of the supporting member (e.g., the inner cavity remains partially unfilled, etc.), such as where the remaining cavity can reside between an end of the inner cavity (e.g., proximal the apex region) and an end of the extending core (e.g., at the apex region of the extending core; at the end distal the handle-coupling region; etc.).
- a remaining cavity e.g., remaining gap, etc.
- an extending core of the supporting member e.g., the inner cavity remains partially unfilled, etc.
- the remaining cavity can include a length of 0.4-2 mm (e.g., a distance between the inner cavity end proximal the tip apex region, and the extending core end proximal the extending core apex region, etc.).
- Remaining cavities can include any suitable shape described herein.
- the inner cavity and/or tip can include any suitable dimensions, such as for resulting in any suitable dimensions of one or more remaining cavities upon coupling between the tip and the supporting member (e.g., extending core of the supporting member).
- the extending core can include dimensions (e.g., can be fitted, etc.) for occupying the entire inner cavity (e.g., of the tip), and/or any suitable portion of the inner cavity and/or tip.
- the inner cavity preferably forms a single remaining cavity (e.g., proximal the tip apex region) when the tip is coupled to the supporting member, but any suitable number of remaining cavities can be formed.
- a body region and base region of a conically shaped tip is coupled in a physically contiguous manner with an extending core of the supporting member when the tip is coupled to the supporting manner, such as where the single remaining cavity resides proximal the apex region of the tip (e.g., and distal the body region and base region, etc.).
- Such physical coupling between the extending core surface and the interior surfaces of a tip body region and/or tip base region can enable reinforcing support for the tip when manipulated by a user (e.g., where the tip is reinforced to hinder collapsibility when pressure is applied by a user with the tip against a dental region, etc.).
- a remaining cavity proximal a tip apex region can facilitate gum stimulation without causing discomfort and/or harm to a user (e.g., by facilitating collapsibility of the tip end when the user applies pressure with the apex region of the tip against a dental region, etc.).
- remaining cavities and/or other suitable formations associated with coupling of the tip and supporting member can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the tip (and/or other suitable components) is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic vulcanizates, styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers, thermoplastic polyerethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, etc.), but can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., softer materials, tear-resistance materials).
- the tip can be constructed with materials including one or more of antimicrobial agents, recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, (e.g., materials and/or agents complying with government regulations), and/or any other suitable materials.
- one or more tips can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the tip can include one or more protrusions, which can function as physical formations facilitating dental cleaning, gum stimulation, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable purposes, such as when a user applies pressure, rotational motion, and/or other suitable actions with the protrusions in relation to one or more dental regions (e.g., interdental regions, etc.).
- protrusions can function as physical formations facilitating dental cleaning, gum stimulation, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable purposes, such as when a user applies pressure, rotational motion, and/or other suitable actions with the protrusions in relation to one or more dental regions (e.g., interdental regions, etc.).
- the protrusions can be physically integrated with the non-protrusion regions of the tip (e.g., where the protrusion regions and non-protrusion regions of the tip form a single physical component, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be separate components from the non-protrusion regions of the tip (e.g., where a subset or all of the protrusions are removably coupleable to the surface of the tip, such as through adhesive mechanisms and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms; etc.).
- the protrusions preferably include conically shaped protrusions (e.g., spicules), but the protrusions can additionally or alternatively include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- any suitable type and number of shapes including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or
- the set of protrusions preferably extend from a surface of the tip (e.g., where the base of a protrusion physically interfaces with a surface of the tip; where a base of the protrusion is flush with the surface of the tip; where an axis co-extensive with the length of the protrusion is normal to the tip surface from which the protrusion extends; etc.).
- the protrusion conical axis is normal to the tip surface from which the protrusion extends.
- any suitable axes and/or dimensions associated with the protrusions can be angled relative components and/or regions of the tip in any suitable manner.
- Protrusions of the set of protrusions are preferably located at the body region of a tip (e.g., with distance separating the ends of the tip and the regions of the tip at which the set of protrusions are located, etc.), such as where protrusions are not located at the apex region and/or base region of the tip.
- Protrusions are preferably located at a plurality of locations around a circumference of the tip (e.g., located at a plurality of locations radially around the body region of the tip, etc.), such as around the circumference of the tip at multiple points along the length of the tip (e.g., the length of the body region, etc.).
- the locations of the protrusions can be based on a parting line running through a central axis of the tip, where the locations of the protrusions can be adapted to not interfere with the parting line (e.g., for facilitating improved manufacturability, etc.).
- the set of protrusions includes a plurality of subsets of protrusions (e.g., six subsets of protrusions, etc.), where each subset of protrusions includes protrusions radially aligned (e.g., at the same and/or similar radial position along the circumference of the tip at a given point along the length of the tip, etc.) and located at different positions along the length of the tip (e.g., where each conical axis and/or other central axis of each protrusion of a given subset of protrusions is parallel each other, etc.).
- each subset of protrusions includes protrusions radially aligned (e.g., at the same and/or similar radial position along the circumference of the tip at a given point along the length of the tip, etc.) and located at different positions along the length of the tip (e.g., where each conical axis and/or other central axis of each protrusion of
- protrusions of a subset of protrusions can include varying dimensions, such as varying base diameters (e.g., with increasing base diameter as the distance decreases between protrusion location and tip base region, etc.), varying volumes (e.g., for different subsets of protrusions; for different subsets of protrusions at different radial positions about a conical axis of the tip, etc.).
- any subset and/or other grouping of protrusions can include protrusions of similar dimensions, varying dimensions, and/or any other suitable geometric characteristics, and/or any grouping of protrusions can include any number and/or type of protrusions.
- the set of protrusions preferably includes a plurality of staggered subsets of protrusions, such as staggered along a length of the tip (and/or conical axis and/or other central axis of the tip).
- Protrusion staggering can improve dental cleaning and/or other suitable purposes such as by increasing the surface area of physical interfacing between the tip and one or more dental regions (e.g., where increased friction between the protrusions and the dental areas can increase effectiveness of cleaning, etc.).
- a first subset of protrusions can include protrusions [with base centers] each located at first positions along a tip length (e.g., different positions along the tip length, but same or similar radial positions in relation to a circumference of the tip at the position along the tip length, etc.) (and/or tip central axis), where the first positions are each distinct from second positions along the tip length (and/or tip central axis) for base centers of protrusions of a second subset, such as where the first subset of protrusions is adjacent and/or proximal the second subset of protrusions.
- the set of protrusions can include a first pair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset of the first pair including 5 protrusions, etc.); a first intermediary subset of protrusions positioned radially between and staggered (e.g., in relation to protrusion positions along a tip length; the first intermediary subset including 6 protrusions; etc.) relative the first pair of subsets; a second pair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset of the first pair including 5 protrusions, etc.); and a second intermediary subset of protrusions (e.g., the second intermediary subset including 6 protrusions; etc.) positioned radially between and staggered relative the second pair of subsets, and where the first pair and second pair of subsets are non-staggered.
- a first pair of subsets of protrusions e.g., each subset of the first pair including 5 protrusions
- different subsets of protrusions can be staggered and/or non-staggered relative any other subset of protrusions, and staggering (e.g., along any suitable tip dimension, axis, and/or component, etc.) of protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner.
- Protrusions are preferably constructed with the same or similar materials as the non-protrusion regions of the tip, but can alternatively be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., different from the non-protrusion regions of the tip). Protrusions can be collapsible, non-collapsible, and/or have any suitable softness, thickness, and/or support facilitating any suitable purpose. In a variation, different protrusions (e.g., grouped by radial position, by position along a length of the tip, staggering relationship with other protrusions, etc.) can be constructed with different materials.
- protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the system can include one or more supporting members, which can include one or more extending cores; one or more tip-coupling mechanisms; and/or one or more handle-coupling regions.
- the supporting member can function to facilitate coupling with one or more tips (e.g., friction-based coupling through an annular ring protrusion coupling mechanism; etc.), to provide physical support for the one or more tips (e.g., using the extending core to mechanically provide reinforcing support to a coupled tip with an interior surface physically engaged with the extending core, such as where the extending core partially fills the inner cavity of the tip, etc.), to provide functional flexibility (e.g., with handle-coupling mechanisms providing detachable functionality for substituting out the supporting member for an alternative supporting member and/or other suitable handle-coupleable components, such as a component adapted for facilitating flossing, etc.), and/or other suitable functionality.
- handles e.g., friction-based coupling through an annular ring protrusion coupling mechanism; etc.
- the supporting member can function to facilitate coupling with one or more tips (e.g., friction-based coupling through an annular ring protrusion coupling mechanism; etc.), to provide physical support for
- the diameter of the annular ring can be between 1 mm and 5 mm (and/or around 1 mm to 5 mm and/or any suitable diameter) and can be consistent across different types of supporting members (e.g., to facilitate consistent coupling to suitable dental cleaning tips and/or other suitable tips; etc.).
- the length of the extending core can be between 10 mm and 14 mm (and/or around 10 mm to 14 mm and/or any suitable diameter) from the annular ring to the apex of the extending core, and can be consistent across different types of supporting members (e.g., to facilitate consistent coupling to suitable dental cleaning tips and/or other suitable tips; etc.).
- components of the supporting member can include any suitable dimensions.
- the supporting member is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic polymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., providing stiffness, durability, aesthetic features, recyclability, light weight, etc.).
- the supporting member can be constructed with glass-filled polypropylene.
- different components of the supporting member e.g., extending core, tip-coupling mechanism, handle-coupling region, etc.
- the supporting member and/or components of the supporting member can be constructed with any suitable materials.
- the supporting member can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the supporting member preferably includes one or more extending cores, which can function to provide a coupling region for a tip, to provide a physical core of mechanical support for the tip (e.g., to reduce collapsibility of the tip when a user applies pressure with the tip against one or more dental regions, etc.), to facilitate dislodging of foreign particles, and/or to provide any other suitable functionality.
- the extending core is preferably physically coupleable to the tip, such as by entering and filling (e.g., partially, wholly, etc.) an inner cavity of the tip, but can couple to the tip through any other suitable mechanisms (e.g., other friction fit, adhesives, clip, mechanical fasteners, interference fit, overmolding, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the extending core can couple to any other suitable components of the system.
- the extending core preferably extends from a body region of the supporting member (e.g., where the body region connects the supporting member and the handle-coupling region, etc.), but can extend from any suitable region of the supporting members.
- the extending core is preferably conically shaped (e.g., shaped for coupling with and filling a conically shaped inner cavity of the tip, etc.), but can include any suitable shapes described herein (e.g., a cylindrical shape).
- the extending core can include a conical axis (e.g., through the center of a base region of the extending core, and through an apex at an end of the extending core, etc.), such as where the extending core conical axis is co-axial with a tip conical axis when the tip is coupled to the extending core.
- any suitable axes (e.g., central axes) of the extending core can be co-axial and/or have any other suitable positional relationship with axes and/or other regions of the tip.
- the extending core is preferably dimensioned to facilitate coupling with a tip and/or provision of mechanical support for a tip (e.g., when coupled with the tip, etc.).
- the extending core is preferably dimensioned to be longer than a teeth width (e.g., an average teeth width; a 75 th percentile and/or other suitable metric regarding teeth width; etc.), which can facilitate improved coverage for cleaning in between teeth.
- the extending core can include a length (e.g., from the center of a base region of the extending core to an apex of the extending core) of 11-17 mm.
- the extending core can include a length (and/or other suitable dimension, such as diameter, etc.) that is less than a tip length (and/or other suitable dimension) and/or inner cavity length (e.g., where a remaining cavity remains when the tip is fully coupled to the extending core, etc.) (and/or other suitable dimension) by a predetermined amount.
- the extending core preferably defines an elongation axis (e.g., conical axis), such as extending through the center of an extending core base region and the center of an extending core end region proximal an apex region of the tip when coupled with the tip.
- the elongation axis can be angled perpendicularly to an axis along the length of a handle-coupling region (and/or to an axis along the length of a supporting member-coupling region of the handle component), angled (e.g., at an angle between 90-180 degrees, etc.) relative an axis along the length of a user-grip region of the handle component, and/or angled in any suitable configuration relative any other suitable reference features of components of the system.
- the extending core can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the supporting member preferably includes one or more tip-coupling mechanisms, which can function to facilitate physical and/or other suitable coupling between one or more supporting members (e.g., an extending core of the supporting member, etc.) and one or more tips.
- the tip-coupling mechanism is preferably physically integrated with the extending core, but can be additionally or alternatively be detachably coupled to the extending core (e.g., via any suitable coupling mechanisms described herein, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip-coupling mechanism can be physically integrated and/or otherwise associated with other suitable components of the supporting member (e.g., where the tip-coupling mechanism is integrated with a body region of the supporting member, etc.).
- the tip-coupling mechanism preferably provides friction-based coupling between the extending core and tip (e.g., interior surface of the tip, etc.), which can facilitate coupling between the supporting member and a plurality of different types of tips (e.g., at different times; serially; alternatively; in parallel; etc.) for interchangeability of tips for the supporting member, such as for interchangeability of tips including different durometers (e.g., for modulating patient comfort), different colors (e.g., for personalization), different dimensions (e.g., to accommodate different gap sizes associated with dental regions, etc.), different weights, different functionality, and/or any other suitable differences.
- durometers e.g., for modulating patient comfort
- different colors e.g., for personalization
- different dimensions e.g., to accommodate different gap sizes associated with dental regions, etc.
- weights e.g., to accommodate different gap sizes associated with dental regions, etc.
- the tip-coupling mechanism can provide any suitable coupling mechanisms including any one or more of adhesives, clips, mechanical fasteners (e.g., latch, strap, rubber, etc.), interference fit, overmolding, magnetic locking features, propulsion-type systems (e.g., springs, etc.), and/or any other suitable coupling mechanisms.
- the coupling between a supporting member and a tip can result in a physical bulge proximal a base of the tip-coupling mechanism, which can aid in stimulating a gum region and/or other suitable dental regions.
- the tip-coupling mechanism e.g., friction-based coupling mechanism, etc.
- the tip-coupling mechanism can provide a stronger foundational base for the extending core, which can help with durability (e.g., for an extended lifespan of the dental hygiene system, etc.).
- the tip-coupling mechanism can be shaped to provide one or more gaps (e.g., space, etc.) between a tip and an extending core (e.g., of a supporting member) when the tip and supporting member are coupled, such as where the one or more gaps can facilitate collapsibility, molding, and fitting of the tip (e.g., of the rubber of the tip, etc.) into one or more dental regions (e.g., difficult to reach regions, etc.) for improving functionality associated with the system, which can improve cleaning (e.g., by friction) in a manner more effective than conventional approaches.
- gaps e.g., space, etc.
- an extending core e.g., of a supporting member
- the one or more gaps can facilitate collapsibility, molding, and fitting of the tip (e.g., of the rubber of the tip, etc.) into one or more dental regions (e.g., difficult to reach regions, etc.) for improving functionality associated with the system, which can improve cleaning (e.g., by
- the tip-coupling mechanism can be shaped for coupling to and/or filling of the shape of a tip inner cavity region adapted to couple (e.g., fit around, etc.) to the tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., where the tip inner cavity region and the tip-coupling mechanism are substantially shaped as an annular ring, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip-coupling mechanism can include any suitable shapes (e.g., described herein, etc.).
- the tip-coupling mechanism is preferably constructed with the same or similar materials as an extending core (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be constructed with different materials (e.g., materials adapted for facilitating an improved friction-based coupling between the tip and supporting member, etc.).
- an extending core e.g., a thermoplastic polymer, etc.
- different materials e.g., materials adapted for facilitating an improved friction-based coupling between the tip and supporting member, etc.
- the tip-coupling mechanism can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the supporting member preferably includes one or more handle-coupling regions, which can function to facilitate coupling between the supporting member and a handle component.
- the handle-coupling region preferably includes one or more handle-coupling mechanisms, such as a mechanical locking mechanism that hinders detachability of the supporting member from the handle during user utilization of components of the system (e.g., except when the user applies sufficient physical force, rotation, and/or other actions for detaching the supporting member from the handle component, etc.).
- the handle-coupling region can include a handle-coupling mechanism including one or more prongs constructed with a predetermined amount of mass at one or more specified regions of the prongs, such as for preventing the supporting member from rotation (e.g., about an axis, such as a central axis of the handle component, etc.) and for facilitating secure coupling between the supporting member and the handle component.
- the handle-coupling mechanisms can provide any suitable types of couple mechanisms (e.g., described herein, etc.).
- the handle-coupling mechanism is preferably dimensioned to facilitate coupling with a supporting member-coupling region (e.g., a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the supporting-member-coupling region, etc.) of a handle component, but can additionally or alternatively include any suitable dimensions, shapes, and/or other geometric characteristics.
- a supporting member-coupling region e.g., a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the supporting-member-coupling region, etc.
- the handle-coupling region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the handle component is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic polymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., a glass-filled polypropylene; the same materials as the supporting member), but the handle component and/or components of the handle component can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., different materials for different components of the handle component, etc.).
- suitable materials e.g., different materials for different components of the handle component, etc.
- the handle component can be constructed any suitable materials including elastomers, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.), composite materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), antimicrobial materials (e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), metals (e.g., steel, alloys, copper, etc.), recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, glass, ceramic, and/or any other suitable materials.
- plastics e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.
- composite materials e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.
- antimicrobial materials e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.
- therapeutic materials e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.
- metals e.g., steel, alloys
- the user-grip region is preferably dimensioned to enable a user to leverage the system to reach deeper dental regions, difficult-to-access dental regions, and/or other suitable dental regions.
- the user-grip region can include a length adapted for such purposes.
- the user-grip region can enable a more convenient and satisfying user experience.
- the user-grip region is preferably tubular shaped, such as where a user's hand can form a circular grip around the user-grip region.
- the user-grip region preferably includes a curved exterior surface, for facilitating a smooth interface between the user grip-region and a user's palm. Additionally or alternatively, the user-grip region can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes. However, the user-grip region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the intermediary region preferably includes a curved bend corresponding to the transition from the user-grip region to the intermediary region, which can facilitate accessibility by a tip (e.g., coupled to a supporting member coupled to the handle component, etc.) to deeper and/or other suitable dental regions.
- the intermediary region can include a decreasing diameter as the distance increases from the user-grip region (e.g., and as the distance decreases from the supporting member-coupling region).
- the intermediary region can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes.
- the intermediary region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the supporting member-coupling region preferably includes a supporting member-coupling mechanism facilitating coupling with a supporting member, such as where the supporting member-coupling mechanism is complementary to (e.g., physically complementary to, in the context of a locking mechanism; etc.) a handle-coupling mechanism.
- the supporting member-coupling mechanism can be positioned within an inner cavity of the supporting member-coupling region, where the handle-coupling mechanism of the supporting member can enter the inner cavity of the supporting member-coupling region of the handle component in order to interface with the supporting member-coupling mechanism.
- a central axis (e.g., along the length of the supporting member-coupling region) of the supporting member-coupling region is preferably angled relative a central axis of the user grip-region (e.g., along the length of the user grip-region, etc.) but can alternatively be parallel, and/or can include any suitable positional relationship relative other reference features.
- the supporting member-coupling region can be tubular shaped (e.g., similar to a user-grip region shape) and/or any suitable shape and/or dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting member-coupling region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the handle component can include a button associated with (e.g., coupleable to, fitted to, assembled with, etc.) a handle component end region (e.g., distal a supporting member-coupling region, and/or other suitable components.
- a button associated with (e.g., coupleable to, fitted to, assembled with, etc.)
- a handle component end region e.g., distal a supporting member-coupling region, and/or other suitable components.
- handle component can be configured in any suitable manner.
- the system can additionally or alternatively include one or more fluid-provision tips including one or more fluid channels (e.g., perforations).
- the fluid-provision tip can function to facilitate controlled, targeted delivery of one or more fluids to one or more dental regions.
- the fluid-provision tip is preferably adapted to facilitate provision of one or more fluids for improving dental hygiene.
- Fluids can include (e.g., the type of fluid itself; components within the fluid; etc.) any one or more of: water (e.g., saline solutions, non-saline water, etc.), anti-microbial agents (fluids and/or suitable chemical agents), cleaning agents, therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, medication, small molecules, etc.), and/or any other suitable types of fluid and/or other suitable components (e.g., adapted for delivery through fluids, etc.).
- water e.g., saline solutions, non-saline water, etc.
- anti-microbial agents fluids and/or suitable chemical agents
- cleaning agents e.g., therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, medication, small molecules, etc.)
- therapeutic agents e.g., drugs, medication, small molecules, etc.
- any other suitable types of fluid and/or other suitable components e
- fluids e.g., fluids that can be provided through one or more fluid-provision tips, such as fluids exiting through one or more fluid channels; etc.
- fluids that help improve oral health care e.g., fluids including fluoride, etc.
- the fluid-provision tip can be adapted to maintain stability by leveraging fluid pressure from the provided fluid traveling through the fluid-provision tip (and/or other suitable components), such as in an additional or alternative manner to the maintenance of stability from the stiffness and/or rigidity of the material of the fluid-provision tip (e.g., material used in the construction of a portion or all of the fluid-provision tip, etc.) and/or other suitable components).
- the fluid-provision tip is preferably coupleable to a fluid-provision device (e.g., an end channel of the fluid-provision device, such as where fluid exits the fluid-provision device through an opening of the exit channel, and such as where fluid exits through the end channel and enters the fluid-provision tip through an opening of a beginning channel of the fluid-provision tip, etc.).
- a fluid-provision device e.g., an end channel of the fluid-provision device, such as where fluid exits the fluid-provision device through an opening of the exit channel, and such as where fluid exits through the end channel and enters the fluid-provision tip through an opening of a beginning channel of the fluid-provision tip, etc.
- the system can include the fluid-provision tip while excluding non-fluid-provision tips, supporting members, and handle components, such as where the fluid-provision tip can couple to a third-party fluid-provision device.
- the fluid-provision tip can couple to a tip-coupling mechanism (e
- the fluid-provision tip preferably includes a set of protrusions extending from a surface of the fluid-provision tip, such as where the set of protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner described herein in relation to protrusions (e.g., including staggered subsets of protrusions, conical protrusions, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively include any suitable physical formations for facilitating fluid provision.
- fluid provision can facilitate fluid exiting through any suitable region of the fluid-provision tip (e.g., an apex of the fluid-provision tip; a protrusion proximal and/or forming the apex of the fluid-provision tip; through protrusions extending from a base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; through regions proximal the base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; etc.).
- any suitable region of the fluid-provision tip e.g., an apex of the fluid-provision tip; a protrusion proximal and/or forming the apex of the fluid-provision tip; through protrusions extending from a base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; through regions proximal the base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; etc.
- the fluid-provision tip preferably includes one or more fluid channels (e.g., inner cavities through which fluid travels, etc.), which preferably include one or more openings (e.g., perforations, etc.) through which fluid can enter (e.g., for an opening of a beginning channel, etc.) and/or exit (e.g., for an opening of an exit channel, etc.).
- the openings can include any suitable shape (e.g., circle, etc.) with any suitable dimensions (e.g., dimensioned to facilitate improved fluid exit pressure, velocity, acceleration, and/or other suitable fluid movement characteristics, etc.).
- the openings are preferably oriented to enable fluid to exit the fluid-provision tip in a plurality of directions (e.g., which can facilitate fluid provision in a gentler manner for improving patient comfort; where fluid channels positioned on one or more sides of the fluid-provision tip can enable a user to operate the fluid-provision tip for removing plaque, such as through friction via scrubbing, while fluid is exited in a plurality of directions; etc.), but can alternatively be oriented to focus fluid in a single direction.
- the fluid-provision tip can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., similar or different materials to the tip, etc.). However, the fluid-provision tip can be configured in any suitable manner.
- embodiments of the systems can be configured in any suitable manner.
- Embodiments of methods can include one or more of: providing a dental cleaning tip, the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums; providing a supporting member, wherein the supporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and/or providing an angled handle, wherein the angled handle is configured to couple to the supporting member and extends away from the supporting member.
- the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment and removal of the dental cleaning tip.
- the dental cleaning tip includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene.
- the bases of the rounded protrusions increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.
- Embodiments of methods can include manufacturing, using, transporting, modifying, selling, buying, and/or otherwise providing one or more components of embodiments of the systems, in any suitable combination and/or configuration.
- Embodiments of the systems and/or methods can include every combination and permutation of the various system components and the various method processes, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.).
- any of the variants described herein e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.
- any portion of the variants described herein can be additionally or alternatively combined, aggregated, excluded, used, and/or otherwise applied.
- Embodiments of the method and/or systems can include every combination and permutation of the various system components and the various method processes, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.), where portions of embodiments of the method and/or processes described herein can be performed asynchronously (e.g., sequentially), concurrently (e.g., in parallel), or in any other suitable order by and/or using one or more instances, elements, components of, and/or other aspects of the systems and/or other entities described herein.
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Abstract
A dental hygiene system can include a dental cleaning tip, the tip can include rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums; a supporting member, wherein the supporting member can include a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism can connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and an angled handle, wherein the angled handle can be coupled to the supporting member and extend away from the supporting member, wherein the tip coupling mechanism can permit removal of the dental cleaning tip; wherein the dental cleaning tip can include a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene; and wherein the bases of the rounded protrusions can increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/695,513, filed on 9 Jul. 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
- The disclosure generally relates to a dental hygiene system and more specifically to a flexible interdental brush and gum stimulator for improved dental hygiene and improved ease of use.
- An interdental or interproximal (“proxy”) brush can, in examples, be a small brush, typically disposable, either supplied with a reusable angled plastic handle or an integral handle, used for cleaning between teeth or between the wires of dental braces and the teeth. The use of interdental brushes in conjunction with tooth brushing, has been shown to reduce both the amount of plaque and the incidence of gingivitis when compared to toothbrushing alone.
- A standalone tool called a gum stimulator can be designed to massage the gum line and the bases of the areas between the teeth. Gum stimulators help to increase circulation to the gum line and to clear away bacteria which might not be removed by brushing and flossing alone. An oral irrigator can, in examples, be a home dental care device which uses a stream of high-pressure pulsating water intended to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gum line. Regular use of an oral irrigator is believed to improve gingival health and may also provide easier cleaning for braces and dental implants.
- Many users find that interdental brushes, gum stimulators and oral irrigators (“at home interdental systems”) are difficult to operate and inefficient, leading to ineffective use, non-use and/or user injury. Often, users of at home interdental systems find that it can be difficult to clean gaps in between teeth and stimulate gums situated further back in the mouth. During use, at home interdental systems often cause injury to gums and teeth by use of stiff or strong materials. At home interdental systems may also be very time consuming to use, addressing only single areas of concern at a time, leading to frustration and non-use by users.
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FIG. 1 is a front unassembled elevational view of a dental hygiene system in according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a front assembled elevational view of the dental hygiene system ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a dental cleaning tip according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3B is a side view of the dental cleaning tip ofFIG. 3A according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a supporting member according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the assembled tip ofFIG. 3A and the supporting member ofFIG. 4 according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a handle according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the dental hygiene system ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the dental hygiene system ofFIG. 1 in use according to an embodiment. - The following description of the embodiments (e.g., including variations of embodiments, examples of embodiments, specific examples of embodiments, other suitable variants, etc.) is not intended to be limited to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use.
- There is a need for a dental hygiene system which provides interdental brush as well as gum stimulator functions accurately, efficiently, safely, and ergonomically.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having the ability to perform interdental brush, gum stimulator, oral irrigator, and toothbrushing capabilities is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip allowing the user to gently stimulate gums and clean teeth is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having a removable tip which may be replaced by a user with a second tip, or various other attachments is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having a dental cleaning tip with at least one flat surface free from protrusions, and oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip, to massage gums is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having generally conical rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which are configured for gentle insertion of the dental cleaning tip in between teeth, as the base of the generally conical rounded protrusions is smallest at the apex of the dental cleaning tip and increases as nearing the base of the dental cleaning tip, is provided. In specific examples, the volume of first protrusions (e.g., first generally conical rounded protrusions; any suitable protrusion shape; etc.) proximal the base of the dental cleaning tip is larger than the volume of second protrusions (e.g., second generally conical rounded protrusions; any suitable protrusion shape; etc.) proximal the apex of the dental cleaning tip.
- In some embodiments, a dental hygiene system can include a dental cleaning tip with a collapsible apex region allowing for bending of the dental cleaning tip in use, where the material and/or shape (e.g., in embodiments) allow the dental cleaning tip (e.g., the collapsible apex region of the dental cleaning tip, etc.) to fit a multitude of areas of varying sizes and/or shapes (e.g., across one or more users with mouth regions of varying sizes and/or shapes, etc.), and where the dental cleaning tip (e.g., with the collapsible apex region; associated materials and/or shapes; etc.) can result in gentle cleaning.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having a multi-part angled handle allowing for the ability to clean hard to reach areas of a user's mouth is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having multiple rounded protrusions on a dental cleaning tip which may spray fluid to gently clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a dental hygiene system having the ability to allow a user to accurately, efficiently, safety and ergonomically clean teeth and stimulate gums is provided.
- Embodiments (e.g., of a dental hygiene system, etc.) for improved dental hygiene can include: a tip (e.g., a dental cleaning tip; a conical tip; etc.) including a set of protrusions (e.g., spicules, conical formations, etc.) extending from a surface (e.g., an exterior surface; etc.) of the tip, where the set of protrusions can be adapted (e.g., in relation to geometric characteristics; materials characteristics; construction characteristics; etc.) to facilitate dental cleaning (e.g., interdental cleaning, etc.); a supporting member (e.g., a supporting head attachable at an end of a handle component, etc.) including an extending core (e.g., where the extending core acts as a core of the tip when the tip is attached to the supporting member, etc.), a tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., an annular ring protrusion extending radially from a surface of the extending core; etc.) adapted for coupling with one or more tips, and a handle-coupling region adapted for coupling to a handle component; and a handle component coupleable to the supporting member and adapted for manipulation by a user (e.g., physical hand actions by a user gripping the handle component with a corresponding hand, etc.).
- Additionally or alternatively, embodiments can include a fluid-provision tip including a set of fluid channels (e.g., including perforations for fluid to travel through, etc.) for facilitating fluid delivery to one or more dental regions; and/or any other suitable components. In examples, the system can facilitate fluid delivery to a plurality of dental regions simultaneously and in a gentler, less harsh manner than conventional approaches. In specific examples, the set of fluid channels (e.g., the one or more protrusions allowing fluid to exit the fluid-provision tip, etc.) can function to facilitate fluid delivery simultaneously to a plurality of dental regions (e.g., mouth regions), which can enable convenience and time savings for one or more users. In specific examples, the one or more fluid channels (e.g., of one or more fluid-provision tips, etc.) may exit (e.g., include one or more end regions, etc.) at or through one or more protrusions (e.g., at one or more end regions of the one or more protrusions; at any suitable region of the one or more protrusions; etc.), and/or through one or more flat surfaces of a dental cleaning tip. However, the fluid channels can begin, continue through, and/or exit at any suitable regions of one or more tips (e.g., one or more fluid-provision tips, etc.).
- Embodiments can function to provide physically adapted components tailored—such as in relation to materials, geometry, construction, coupling, and/or other suitable aspects—for cleaning, stimulation, dislodging (e.g., of foreign particles such as food, debris, and/or other particles; such as for preventing the gathering and accumulating of foreign particles in gaps that form in between teeth and/or other dental regions, etc.), and/or massaging of dental regions, mouth regions, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and/or other suitable physiological regions, such as without causing user discomfort or harm. For example, embodiments of the system can facilitate interdental cleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions of the tip; including the removal of bacteria residing between teeth, general cleaning of the teeth; with the application of toothpaste onto the set of protrusions of the tip and/or onto other suitable components of the system; etc.) as well as gum stimulation (e.g., with the apex region of the tip; with the protrusions; etc.). Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the system can be adapted to be durable over multiple instances of use (e.g., over multiple dental periods of cleaning) without loss of functionality. In an example, different components of the system can be characterized by varying degrees of reusability. In a specific example, a supporting member and a handle component can have a greater degree of reusability than a tip, which can be replaced with an increased frequency for optimizing dental hygiene. However, embodiments of the system can include any suitable functionality.
- The components of the system can be physically and/or logically integrated in any manner (e.g., with any suitable distributions of functionality across the components, etc.), where embodiments of the system can include any suitable combination of components described herein, associated (e.g., mechanically coupleable; functionally related; etc.) in any suitable manner. In variations, any suitable components of the system can be coupled to (e.g., attached to), decoupleable from (e.g., detachable from, etc.), and/or integrated with (e.g., mechanically integrated with, so as to hinder detachability, etc.) any other suitable components of the system. In an example, a tip, a supporting member, and a handle component can be manufactured as, provided to one or more users, and/or otherwise constructed and/or provided in a decoupled mode (e.g., as separate parts, etc.), a coupled mode (e.g., with the tip coupled to the supporting member, etc.), and/or in any suitable configuration. In an example, different variations of tips can be used with or without a supporting member and/or handle component (e.g., where a fluid-provision tip couples to a fluid-provision device as opposed to a supporting member, etc.). In an example, a tip can couple directly to a handle without the use of an intervening supporting member (e.g., for tips adapted to be used without mechanical support by an extending core of a supporting member, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, components of the system can be integrated with any suitable existing components (e.g., existing fluid-provision devices, existing dental cleaning systems, etc.).
- Components of the system can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at, integrated with, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., of other suitable components). Individual components and/or combination of components of the system can be characterized by any lengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or any suitable dimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.
- Components of the system can be manufactured using any one or more of: molding (e.g., injection molding, overmolding, etc.), microlithography, doping, thin films, etching, bonding, polishing, patterning, deposition, microforming, treatments, drilling, plating, routing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining & casting, stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), PolyJet additive manufacturing technologies, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), suitable prototyping approaches, and/or any other suitable manufacturing techniques. Components of the system can be constructed with any suitable materials, including elastomers, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.), composite materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), antimicrobial materials (e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), metals (e.g., steel, alloys, copper, etc.), recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, glass, ceramic, and/or any other suitable materials. In specific examples, the dental cleaning tip can be constructed with at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, an elastomer material, a silicone material, and a tear-resistant material for facilitating the collapsible apex region and/or other suitable functionality. However, the system can be configured in any suitable manner.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , in a specific example, shown is a front unassembled elevational view of adental hygiene system 10, including adental cleaning tip 12, a supportingmember 14, and anangled handle 16. Thedental cleaning tip 12 is attached to the supportingmember 14. In a specific example, the supportingmember 14 connects thedental cleaning tip 12 to theangled handle 16. In operation, in a specific example, a user removably places thedental cleaning tip 12 on to the supportingmember 14. The supportingmember 14 may be removably connected to theangled handle 16. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in a specific example, shown is a front assembled elevational view of thedental hygiene system 10 ofFIG. 1 . - Referring now to
FIG. 3A , in a specific example, shown is a front elevational view of thedental cleaning tip 12 ofFIG. 1 , including a first subset ofprotrusions 18, a second subset ofprotrusions 20, a dental cleaningtip apex region 22, a dental cleaningtip base region 24, and inter-subset regions of theprotrusions 26. - In specific examples, the first subset of
protrusions 18 and the second subset ofprotrusions 20 are staggered along the conical axis of thedental cleaning tip 12. The first subset ofprotrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 may be rounded and may be generally conical in configuration. The first subset ofprotrusions 18 can be radially aligned with one another. The second subset ofprotrusions 20 can be radially aligned with one another. - In specific examples, in operation, the staggered placement of the first subset of
protrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 allows for toothpaste to be held in the inter-subset regions of theprotrusions 26 during dental cleaning. Additionally or alternatively, in specific examples, the staggered placement of the first subset ofprotrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 allows for increased surface coverage of a dental region by thedental cleaning tip 12 during use. The dental cleaningtip apex region 22 can be collapsible and can allow for bending of thedental cleaning tip 12 in use. For example, the dental cleaning tip may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The tip may also be constructed with any suitable soft, or tear-resistant material. Additionally or alternatively, thedental cleaning tip 12 and/or any suitable components of the dental cleaning tip 12 (e.g., rounded protrusions, etc.) may include a fluid channel for gently applying fluid to dental regions. In some embodiments, the first subset of roundedprotrusions 18 and the second subset of roundedprotrusions 20 may be another rounded form (e.g., spicules, conical formations, etc.). In some embodiments, the base of the first subset ofprotrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 is smallest at the apex of thedental cleaning tip 22 and increases as nearing the base of thedental cleaning tip 24 to allow for gentle insertion of thedental cleaning tip 12 into a user's mouth. - Referring to
FIG. 3B , in a specific example, shown is the side view of thedental cleaning tip 12 ofFIG. 3B , including a firstflat surface 28 and a secondflat surface 30. In a specific example, the firstflat surface 28 and the secondflat surface 30 are oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip. In operation, the firstflat surface 28 and secondflat surface 30 may be placed directly upon a user's gums for gum stimulation. The firstflat surface 28 and secondflat surface 30 can allow the first subset ofprotrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 to improve dental cleaning and to clean periodontal pockets. In examples, the firstflat surface 28 and the secondflat surface 30 provide easier manufacturability. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , in a specific example, shown is a front elevational view of the supportingmember 14, including an extendingcore 32,tip coupling mechanism 34,handle coupling region 36,body region 38 and handlecoupling mechanism 40. In a specific example, thebody region 38 connects the extendingcore 32 to thehandle coupling region 36. Thetip coupling mechanism 34 is attached to the extendingcore 32. In some embodiments, thetip coupling mechanism 34 may be an annular ring protrusion. Thetip coupling mechanism 34 is adapted for coupling with one or moredental cleaning tips 12. Thehandle coupling region 36 includes ahandle coupling mechanism 40. In some embodiments, thehandle coupling region 36 may include a button. Thehandle coupling mechanism 40 may include a locking mechanism including one or more prongs to hinder detachability of the supportingmember coupling region 42. In a specific example, thehandle coupling mechanism 40 includes a locking mechanism including a single prong. In operation, in a specific example, thetip coupling mechanism 34 allows for the removal and replacement of thedental cleaning tip 12 by the user. Thehandle coupling mechanism 40 can allow for the release or locking of thehandle 16. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , in a specific example, shown is a front elevational view of the assembleddental cleaning tip 12 and supportingmember 14 ofFIG. 1 . In a specific example, thedental cleaning tip 12 is hollow and attaches onto the extendingcore 32 of the supportingmember 14 by thetip coupling mechanism 34. In some embodiments, thedental cleaning tip 12 may include a fluid channel and perforations within the first subset ofprotrusions 18 and second subset ofprotrusions 20 to allow for oral irrigator properties of thedental hygiene system 10. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , shown is a front elevational view of thehandle 16, including a supportingmember coupling region 42, auser grip region 44, and anintermediary region 46. In a specific example, theintermediary region 46 connects the supportingmember coupling region 42 to theuser grip region 44. Theintermediary region 46 may include a curved bend. Theuser grip region 44 may include a channel or curve. Theintermediary region 46 may include an increasing diameter as the distance increases from the supportingmember coupling region 42 to theuser grip region 44. - In operation, a curved bend of the
intermediary region 46 may facilitate accessibility of thedental cleaning tip 12 to various areas of a user's mouth. Theuser grip region 44 may include a channel to improve ergonomics. In some embodiments, thehandle 16 may include a multi-part angle to better reach areas in the back of a user's mouth. In some embodiments, theangled handle 16 may be formed in one piece. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , in a specific example, shown is a side view of thedental hygiene system 10 ofFIG. 1 , including thehandle coupling mechanism 40. Thehandle coupling mechanism 40 may include a button. In some embodiments, thehandle coupling mechanism 40 may be used in conjunction with oral irrigator functions. In some embodiments, a button may be used to power on and off a motor. In some embodiments, components of thedental hygiene system 10 may be physically and/or logically integrated in any manner, such as different variations of tips can be used with or without a supporting member and/or handle component, or a fluid provision tip may be coupled to a fluid provision device as opposed to a supporting device. Additionally, or alternatively, components of thedental hygiene system 10 may be integrated with any suitable existing components (e.g., existing fluid-provision devices, existing dental cleaning systems, etc.). Components of thedental hygiene system 10 can be positioned at (e.g., mounted at, integrated with, located proximal, etc.) any suitable location (e.g., of other suitable components). Individual components and/or combinations of components of thedental hygiene system 10 can be characterized by any lengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or any suitable dimensions, which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in a specific example, shown is an assembled perspective view of thedental hygiene system 10 inuse 48. - In operation, the
dental cleaning tip 12 may be inserted in between a user's teeth for interdental cleaning and gum stimulation. The apex 22 of thedental cleaning tip 12 may be collapsible to provide gentle dental cleaning and stimulation of the gums. - The system can include one or more tips including one or more protrusions. The one or more tips can function to facilitate dental cleaning (e.g., with the set of protrusions; interdental cleaning; etc.), gum stimulation (e.g., with an apex region of the tip, etc.), dental massaging, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable actions for improving dental health. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more tips can function to be removably coupleable to one or more system components (e.g., a supporting member), which can facilitate the replacement of, substitution of, and/or other use of different types of tips and/or additional tips of the same type (e.g., while reusing one or more system components, etc.). Alternatively, the one or more tips can be physically integrated with one or more system components, thereby hindering decoupling of the one or more tips from the one or more system components. However, the one or more tips can have any suitable functionality.
- A tip is preferably physically coupleable (e.g., physically attachable to, physically mountable on, fittable around, etc.) to a supporting member (e.g., an extending core of the supporting member), such as facilitated by a tip-coupling mechanism of the supporting member, and/or by a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the tip. Additionally or alternatively, one or more tips can be physically coupleable and/or integrated with any suitable components of the system (e.g., a handle component; a fluid provision device; etc.). However, the tip can be coupleable and/or otherwise related to any other suitable components.
- The tip is preferably conically shaped, such as including an apex region including a first end of the tip; a base region including a second end of the tip; and/or a body region connecting the apex region and the base region. A conically-shaped tip can facilitate both dental cleaning (e.g., with a shape that improves area and volumetric coverage by the set of protrusions of the tip; etc.) as well as gum stimulation (e.g., with an apex region providing a sharpness adapted to gum stimulation; etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip can include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- The tip can include any suitable dimensions, such as in relation to length, width, height, and/or diameter (e.g., for any suitable regions of the tip, etc.). In an example, the tip can include a length (e.g., from a first end to a second end; from a base region to an apex region; along a conical axis extending from a center of the base region through the center of the apex region; etc.) of any suitable dimensions. In a specific example, the tip can include a length greater than 10 mm and less than 20 mm, but can include any suitable dimensions. In an example, the tip can include a diameter (e.g., at the base region) between 2-6 mm, such as where the diameter can decrease as the distance increases between the center of the tip base and a position along the conical axis (e.g., as the distance decreases between the position and the apex of the tip, etc.); alternatively the dimeter can remain the same along the distance. In examples, the dimensions of a tip can be adapted to facilitate accessibility of the tip to deeper dental regions, and/or for enabling the tip to reach and/or otherwise physically interact with any suitable dental regions. In examples, the dimensions of the tip can be determined based on populations, subgroups, and/or other suitable sets of users (e.g., through experimentation with a set of users; based on average sizes of dental regions across the set of users; etc.).
- In variations, different tips can include different sets of dimensions, such as for accommodating different sizes of user dental regions, different dental hygiene applications, and/or or for any other suitable purposes. In a specific example, the system can include a first tip including a first diameter, and a second tip including a second diameter, such as where the dimensions of the first and the second tips can be different or the same from each other (e.g., a same or different diameter dimension, a same or different length, etc.). In a specific example, one or more tips can be dimension-adjustable, where a user and/or other suitable entity (e.g., the tip itself; automatically; the supporting member; etc.) can adjust one or more dimensions of the one or more tips (e.g., through collapsible materials of the tips; through coupling and/or decoupling of different components of a tip to form different configurations of the tip, where different configurations can include different dimensions; etc.). In a specific example, different tips can be differentiated based on one or more indicators (e.g., color indicators, other graphical indicators, verbal indicators, numerical indicators, geometric indicators, etc.), such as where a first tip (e.g., a tip classified as a small tip, such as due to a smaller base diameter relative a large tip, etc.) can be identified by a first color, and where a second tip (e.g., a tip classified as a large tip, such as due to a larger base diameter relative a small tip, etc.) can be identified by a second color. However, different tips and/or adjustable tips can be configured in any suitable manner (e.g., with any suitable similarities and/or differences with other tips, etc.).
- The tip preferably includes dimensions adapted for coupling to (e.g., mounting to, wrapping around, etc.) an extending core of a supporting member (and/or to other suitable components, such as other components of the supporting member, etc.). In a variation, the tip can include an inner cavity (e.g., hole, hollowness, etc.) adapted to couple to (e.g., fit around, etc.) an extending core of the supporting member. An inner cavity of the tip is preferably conically shaped (e.g., where the inner cavity and the tip share a similar shape, with the inner cavity including dimensions smaller than the tip, etc.), such as to be adapted to coupling to a conically shaped extending core of the supporting member. Additionally or alternatively, the inner cavity can include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- The inner cavity (and/or the tip) is preferably dimensioned to form a remaining cavity (e.g., remaining gap, etc.) when the tip is coupled to an extending core of the supporting member (e.g., the inner cavity remains partially unfilled, etc.), such as where the remaining cavity can reside between an end of the inner cavity (e.g., proximal the apex region) and an end of the extending core (e.g., at the apex region of the extending core; at the end distal the handle-coupling region; etc.). In an example, the remaining cavity can include a length of 0.4-2 mm (e.g., a distance between the inner cavity end proximal the tip apex region, and the extending core end proximal the extending core apex region, etc.). Remaining cavities can include any suitable shape described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the inner cavity and/or tip can include any suitable dimensions, such as for resulting in any suitable dimensions of one or more remaining cavities upon coupling between the tip and the supporting member (e.g., extending core of the supporting member). In a specific example, the extending core can include dimensions (e.g., can be fitted, etc.) for occupying the entire inner cavity (e.g., of the tip), and/or any suitable portion of the inner cavity and/or tip.
- The inner cavity preferably forms a single remaining cavity (e.g., proximal the tip apex region) when the tip is coupled to the supporting member, but any suitable number of remaining cavities can be formed. In an example, a body region and base region of a conically shaped tip is coupled in a physically contiguous manner with an extending core of the supporting member when the tip is coupled to the supporting manner, such as where the single remaining cavity resides proximal the apex region of the tip (e.g., and distal the body region and base region, etc.). Such physical coupling between the extending core surface and the interior surfaces of a tip body region and/or tip base region can enable reinforcing support for the tip when manipulated by a user (e.g., where the tip is reinforced to hinder collapsibility when pressure is applied by a user with the tip against a dental region, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a remaining cavity proximal a tip apex region can facilitate gum stimulation without causing discomfort and/or harm to a user (e.g., by facilitating collapsibility of the tip end when the user applies pressure with the apex region of the tip against a dental region, etc.). However, remaining cavities and/or other suitable formations associated with coupling of the tip and supporting member can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The tip (and/or other suitable components) is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic vulcanizates, styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers, thermoplastic polyerethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, etc.), but can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., softer materials, tear-resistance materials). In an example, the tip can be constructed with materials including one or more of antimicrobial agents, recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, (e.g., materials and/or agents complying with government regulations), and/or any other suitable materials.
- However, one or more tips can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The tip can include one or more protrusions, which can function as physical formations facilitating dental cleaning, gum stimulation, dislodging of foreign particles, and/or other suitable purposes, such as when a user applies pressure, rotational motion, and/or other suitable actions with the protrusions in relation to one or more dental regions (e.g., interdental regions, etc.).
- The protrusions can be physically integrated with the non-protrusion regions of the tip (e.g., where the protrusion regions and non-protrusion regions of the tip form a single physical component, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be separate components from the non-protrusion regions of the tip (e.g., where a subset or all of the protrusions are removably coupleable to the surface of the tip, such as through adhesive mechanisms and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms; etc.).
- The protrusions preferably include conically shaped protrusions (e.g., spicules), but the protrusions can additionally or alternatively include any suitable type and number of shapes, including any one or more of: cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, pyramids, prisms, circles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, polygons, quadrangles, shapes with concave regions, shapes with parabolic regions, and/or any other suitable multi-dimensional shapes (e.g., with any suitable number of edges, vertices, faces, sides, dimensions, etc.) with any suitable areas and/or volumes.
- The set of protrusions preferably extend from a surface of the tip (e.g., where the base of a protrusion physically interfaces with a surface of the tip; where a base of the protrusion is flush with the surface of the tip; where an axis co-extensive with the length of the protrusion is normal to the tip surface from which the protrusion extends; etc.). In an example, for each protrusion of a set of protrusions, the protrusion conical axis is normal to the tip surface from which the protrusion extends. However, any suitable axes and/or dimensions associated with the protrusions can be angled relative components and/or regions of the tip in any suitable manner.
- Protrusions of the set of protrusions are preferably located at the body region of a tip (e.g., with distance separating the ends of the tip and the regions of the tip at which the set of protrusions are located, etc.), such as where protrusions are not located at the apex region and/or base region of the tip. Protrusions are preferably located at a plurality of locations around a circumference of the tip (e.g., located at a plurality of locations radially around the body region of the tip, etc.), such as around the circumference of the tip at multiple points along the length of the tip (e.g., the length of the body region, etc.). In examples, the locations of the protrusions can be based on a parting line running through a central axis of the tip, where the locations of the protrusions can be adapted to not interfere with the parting line (e.g., for facilitating improved manufacturability, etc.). In an example, the set of protrusions includes a plurality of subsets of protrusions (e.g., six subsets of protrusions, etc.), where each subset of protrusions includes protrusions radially aligned (e.g., at the same and/or similar radial position along the circumference of the tip at a given point along the length of the tip, etc.) and located at different positions along the length of the tip (e.g., where each conical axis and/or other central axis of each protrusion of a given subset of protrusions is parallel each other, etc.). In a specific example, protrusions of a subset of protrusions can include varying dimensions, such as varying base diameters (e.g., with increasing base diameter as the distance decreases between protrusion location and tip base region, etc.), varying volumes (e.g., for different subsets of protrusions; for different subsets of protrusions at different radial positions about a conical axis of the tip, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, any subset and/or other grouping of protrusions can include protrusions of similar dimensions, varying dimensions, and/or any other suitable geometric characteristics, and/or any grouping of protrusions can include any number and/or type of protrusions.
- The set of protrusions preferably includes a plurality of staggered subsets of protrusions, such as staggered along a length of the tip (and/or conical axis and/or other central axis of the tip). Protrusion staggering can improve dental cleaning and/or other suitable purposes such as by increasing the surface area of physical interfacing between the tip and one or more dental regions (e.g., where increased friction between the protrusions and the dental areas can increase effectiveness of cleaning, etc.). In an example, a first subset of protrusions can include protrusions [with base centers] each located at first positions along a tip length (e.g., different positions along the tip length, but same or similar radial positions in relation to a circumference of the tip at the position along the tip length, etc.) (and/or tip central axis), where the first positions are each distinct from second positions along the tip length (and/or tip central axis) for base centers of protrusions of a second subset, such as where the first subset of protrusions is adjacent and/or proximal the second subset of protrusions. In an example, the set of protrusions can include a first pair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset of the first pair including 5 protrusions, etc.); a first intermediary subset of protrusions positioned radially between and staggered (e.g., in relation to protrusion positions along a tip length; the first intermediary subset including 6 protrusions; etc.) relative the first pair of subsets; a second pair of subsets of protrusions (e.g., each subset of the first pair including 5 protrusions, etc.); and a second intermediary subset of protrusions (e.g., the second intermediary subset including 6 protrusions; etc.) positioned radially between and staggered relative the second pair of subsets, and where the first pair and second pair of subsets are non-staggered. Additionally or alternatively, different subsets of protrusions can be staggered and/or non-staggered relative any other subset of protrusions, and staggering (e.g., along any suitable tip dimension, axis, and/or component, etc.) of protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner.
- Protrusions are preferably constructed with the same or similar materials as the non-protrusion regions of the tip, but can alternatively be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., different from the non-protrusion regions of the tip). Protrusions can be collapsible, non-collapsible, and/or have any suitable softness, thickness, and/or support facilitating any suitable purpose. In a variation, different protrusions (e.g., grouped by radial position, by position along a length of the tip, staggering relationship with other protrusions, etc.) can be constructed with different materials.
- However, protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The system can include one or more supporting members, which can include one or more extending cores; one or more tip-coupling mechanisms; and/or one or more handle-coupling regions.
- The supporting member can function to facilitate coupling with one or more tips (e.g., friction-based coupling through an annular ring protrusion coupling mechanism; etc.), to provide physical support for the one or more tips (e.g., using the extending core to mechanically provide reinforcing support to a coupled tip with an interior surface physically engaged with the extending core, such as where the extending core partially fills the inner cavity of the tip, etc.), to provide functional flexibility (e.g., with handle-coupling mechanisms providing detachable functionality for substituting out the supporting member for an alternative supporting member and/or other suitable handle-coupleable components, such as a component adapted for facilitating flossing, etc.), and/or other suitable functionality. In specific examples, the diameter of the annular ring can be between 1 mm and 5 mm (and/or around 1 mm to 5 mm and/or any suitable diameter) and can be consistent across different types of supporting members (e.g., to facilitate consistent coupling to suitable dental cleaning tips and/or other suitable tips; etc.). In specific examples, the length of the extending core can be between 10 mm and 14 mm (and/or around 10 mm to 14 mm and/or any suitable diameter) from the annular ring to the apex of the extending core, and can be consistent across different types of supporting members (e.g., to facilitate consistent coupling to suitable dental cleaning tips and/or other suitable tips; etc.). Additionally or alternatively, components of the supporting member can include any suitable dimensions.
- The supporting member is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic polymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., providing stiffness, durability, aesthetic features, recyclability, light weight, etc.). For example, the supporting member can be constructed with glass-filled polypropylene. In a variation, different components of the supporting member (e.g., extending core, tip-coupling mechanism, handle-coupling region, etc.) can be constructed with different materials. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting member and/or components of the supporting member can be constructed with any suitable materials.
- However, the supporting member can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The supporting member preferably includes one or more extending cores, which can function to provide a coupling region for a tip, to provide a physical core of mechanical support for the tip (e.g., to reduce collapsibility of the tip when a user applies pressure with the tip against one or more dental regions, etc.), to facilitate dislodging of foreign particles, and/or to provide any other suitable functionality. The extending core is preferably physically coupleable to the tip, such as by entering and filling (e.g., partially, wholly, etc.) an inner cavity of the tip, but can couple to the tip through any other suitable mechanisms (e.g., other friction fit, adhesives, clip, mechanical fasteners, interference fit, overmolding, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the extending core can couple to any other suitable components of the system.
- The extending core preferably extends from a body region of the supporting member (e.g., where the body region connects the supporting member and the handle-coupling region, etc.), but can extend from any suitable region of the supporting members. The extending core is preferably conically shaped (e.g., shaped for coupling with and filling a conically shaped inner cavity of the tip, etc.), but can include any suitable shapes described herein (e.g., a cylindrical shape). In an example, the extending core can include a conical axis (e.g., through the center of a base region of the extending core, and through an apex at an end of the extending core, etc.), such as where the extending core conical axis is co-axial with a tip conical axis when the tip is coupled to the extending core. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable axes (e.g., central axes) of the extending core can be co-axial and/or have any other suitable positional relationship with axes and/or other regions of the tip.
- The extending core is preferably dimensioned to facilitate coupling with a tip and/or provision of mechanical support for a tip (e.g., when coupled with the tip, etc.). The extending core is preferably dimensioned to be longer than a teeth width (e.g., an average teeth width; a 75th percentile and/or other suitable metric regarding teeth width; etc.), which can facilitate improved coverage for cleaning in between teeth. In an example, the extending core can include a length (e.g., from the center of a base region of the extending core to an apex of the extending core) of 11-17 mm. In an example, the extending core can include a length (and/or other suitable dimension, such as diameter, etc.) that is less than a tip length (and/or other suitable dimension) and/or inner cavity length (e.g., where a remaining cavity remains when the tip is fully coupled to the extending core, etc.) (and/or other suitable dimension) by a predetermined amount.
- The extending core preferably defines an elongation axis (e.g., conical axis), such as extending through the center of an extending core base region and the center of an extending core end region proximal an apex region of the tip when coupled with the tip. The elongation axis can be angled perpendicularly to an axis along the length of a handle-coupling region (and/or to an axis along the length of a supporting member-coupling region of the handle component), angled (e.g., at an angle between 90-180 degrees, etc.) relative an axis along the length of a user-grip region of the handle component, and/or angled in any suitable configuration relative any other suitable reference features of components of the system.
- However, the extending core can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The supporting member preferably includes one or more tip-coupling mechanisms, which can function to facilitate physical and/or other suitable coupling between one or more supporting members (e.g., an extending core of the supporting member, etc.) and one or more tips. The tip-coupling mechanism is preferably physically integrated with the extending core, but can be additionally or alternatively be detachably coupled to the extending core (e.g., via any suitable coupling mechanisms described herein, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip-coupling mechanism can be physically integrated and/or otherwise associated with other suitable components of the supporting member (e.g., where the tip-coupling mechanism is integrated with a body region of the supporting member, etc.).
- The tip-coupling mechanism preferably provides friction-based coupling between the extending core and tip (e.g., interior surface of the tip, etc.), which can facilitate coupling between the supporting member and a plurality of different types of tips (e.g., at different times; serially; alternatively; in parallel; etc.) for interchangeability of tips for the supporting member, such as for interchangeability of tips including different durometers (e.g., for modulating patient comfort), different colors (e.g., for personalization), different dimensions (e.g., to accommodate different gap sizes associated with dental regions, etc.), different weights, different functionality, and/or any other suitable differences. Additionally or alternatively, the tip-coupling mechanism can provide any suitable coupling mechanisms including any one or more of adhesives, clips, mechanical fasteners (e.g., latch, strap, rubber, etc.), interference fit, overmolding, magnetic locking features, propulsion-type systems (e.g., springs, etc.), and/or any other suitable coupling mechanisms. In examples, the coupling between a supporting member and a tip can result in a physical bulge proximal a base of the tip-coupling mechanism, which can aid in stimulating a gum region and/or other suitable dental regions. In specific examples, the tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., friction-based coupling mechanism, etc.) can provide a stronger foundational base for the extending core, which can help with durability (e.g., for an extended lifespan of the dental hygiene system, etc.). In examples, the tip-coupling mechanism can be shaped to provide one or more gaps (e.g., space, etc.) between a tip and an extending core (e.g., of a supporting member) when the tip and supporting member are coupled, such as where the one or more gaps can facilitate collapsibility, molding, and fitting of the tip (e.g., of the rubber of the tip, etc.) into one or more dental regions (e.g., difficult to reach regions, etc.) for improving functionality associated with the system, which can improve cleaning (e.g., by friction) in a manner more effective than conventional approaches.
- The tip-coupling mechanism is preferably substantially shaped as an annular ring, such as protruding (e.g., radially, etc.) from the extending core (e.g., physically flush and integrated with the extending core). In an example, the annular ring can be curved at exterior regions facing a distal end of the extending core, and with a flat surface at an exterior region facing the base region of the extending core, where the curved and flat surfaces can facilitate improved coupling (e.g., hindering unintentional detachability of the tip from the extending core; etc.) and/or mechanical support for the tip. In an example, the tip-coupling mechanism can be shaped for coupling to and/or filling of the shape of a tip inner cavity region adapted to couple (e.g., fit around, etc.) to the tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., where the tip inner cavity region and the tip-coupling mechanism are substantially shaped as an annular ring, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the tip-coupling mechanism can include any suitable shapes (e.g., described herein, etc.).
- The tip-coupling mechanism is preferably constructed with the same or similar materials as an extending core (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively be constructed with different materials (e.g., materials adapted for facilitating an improved friction-based coupling between the tip and supporting member, etc.).
- However, the tip-coupling mechanism can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The supporting member preferably includes one or more handle-coupling regions, which can function to facilitate coupling between the supporting member and a handle component. The handle-coupling region preferably includes one or more handle-coupling mechanisms, such as a mechanical locking mechanism that hinders detachability of the supporting member from the handle during user utilization of components of the system (e.g., except when the user applies sufficient physical force, rotation, and/or other actions for detaching the supporting member from the handle component, etc.). In a specific example, the handle-coupling region can include a handle-coupling mechanism including one or more prongs constructed with a predetermined amount of mass at one or more specified regions of the prongs, such as for preventing the supporting member from rotation (e.g., about an axis, such as a central axis of the handle component, etc.) and for facilitating secure coupling between the supporting member and the handle component. Additionally or alternatively, the handle-coupling mechanisms can provide any suitable types of couple mechanisms (e.g., described herein, etc.). The handle-coupling mechanism is preferably dimensioned to facilitate coupling with a supporting member-coupling region (e.g., a supporting member-coupling mechanism of the supporting-member-coupling region, etc.) of a handle component, but can additionally or alternatively include any suitable dimensions, shapes, and/or other geometric characteristics. However, the handle-coupling region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The system can include one or more handle components, which can function to be gripped by one or more users for user manipulation of components of the system in facilitating dental hygiene; to couple to one or more supporting members (e.g., thereby facilitating indirect coupling between the handle component and a tip physically coupled to the supporting member, etc.); and/or provide any suitable functionality.
- The handle component is preferably constructed with a thermoplastic polymer and/or other suitable materials (e.g., a glass-filled polypropylene; the same materials as the supporting member), but the handle component and/or components of the handle component can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., different materials for different components of the handle component, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the handle component can be constructed any suitable materials including elastomers, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics such as polypropylene, etc.), composite materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.), antimicrobial materials (e.g., antimicrobial materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), therapeutic materials (e.g., therapeutic materials approved for use by relevant government agencies, etc.), metals (e.g., steel, alloys, copper, etc.), recyclable materials, reusable materials, biodegradable materials, compostable materials, glass, ceramic, and/or any other suitable materials.
- The handle component can include a user-grip region (e.g., adapted for a user to physically interface with, etc.), a supporting member-coupling region (e.g., for coupling with the supporting member, etc.), an intermediary region (e.g., physically between the user-grip region and the supporting member-coupling region, etc.), and/or any other suitable regions.
- The user-grip region is preferably dimensioned to enable a user to leverage the system to reach deeper dental regions, difficult-to-access dental regions, and/or other suitable dental regions. For example, the user-grip region can include a length adapted for such purposes. In specific examples, the user-grip region can enable a more convenient and satisfying user experience. The user-grip region is preferably tubular shaped, such as where a user's hand can form a circular grip around the user-grip region. The user-grip region preferably includes a curved exterior surface, for facilitating a smooth interface between the user grip-region and a user's palm. Additionally or alternatively, the user-grip region can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes. However, the user-grip region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The intermediary region preferably includes a curved bend corresponding to the transition from the user-grip region to the intermediary region, which can facilitate accessibility by a tip (e.g., coupled to a supporting member coupled to the handle component, etc.) to deeper and/or other suitable dental regions. The intermediary region can include a decreasing diameter as the distance increases from the user-grip region (e.g., and as the distance decreases from the supporting member-coupling region). Additionally, the intermediary region can include any suitable dimensions and/or shapes. However, the intermediary region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The supporting member-coupling region preferably includes a supporting member-coupling mechanism facilitating coupling with a supporting member, such as where the supporting member-coupling mechanism is complementary to (e.g., physically complementary to, in the context of a locking mechanism; etc.) a handle-coupling mechanism. The supporting member-coupling mechanism can be positioned within an inner cavity of the supporting member-coupling region, where the handle-coupling mechanism of the supporting member can enter the inner cavity of the supporting member-coupling region of the handle component in order to interface with the supporting member-coupling mechanism. A central axis (e.g., along the length of the supporting member-coupling region) of the supporting member-coupling region is preferably angled relative a central axis of the user grip-region (e.g., along the length of the user grip-region, etc.) but can alternatively be parallel, and/or can include any suitable positional relationship relative other reference features. The supporting member-coupling region can be tubular shaped (e.g., similar to a user-grip region shape) and/or any suitable shape and/or dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, the supporting member-coupling region can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The handle component can include a button associated with (e.g., coupleable to, fitted to, assembled with, etc.) a handle component end region (e.g., distal a supporting member-coupling region, and/or other suitable components.
- However, the handle component can be configured in any suitable manner.
- The system can additionally or alternatively include one or more fluid-provision tips including one or more fluid channels (e.g., perforations). The fluid-provision tip can function to facilitate controlled, targeted delivery of one or more fluids to one or more dental regions.
- The fluid-provision tip is preferably adapted to facilitate provision of one or more fluids for improving dental hygiene. Fluids can include (e.g., the type of fluid itself; components within the fluid; etc.) any one or more of: water (e.g., saline solutions, non-saline water, etc.), anti-microbial agents (fluids and/or suitable chemical agents), cleaning agents, therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, medication, small molecules, etc.), and/or any other suitable types of fluid and/or other suitable components (e.g., adapted for delivery through fluids, etc.). In examples, fluids (e.g., fluids that can be provided through one or more fluid-provision tips, such as fluids exiting through one or more fluid channels; etc.) can include fluids that help improve oral health care (e.g., fluids including fluoride, etc.). In a variation, the fluid-provision tip can be adapted to maintain stability by leveraging fluid pressure from the provided fluid traveling through the fluid-provision tip (and/or other suitable components), such as in an additional or alternative manner to the maintenance of stability from the stiffness and/or rigidity of the material of the fluid-provision tip (e.g., material used in the construction of a portion or all of the fluid-provision tip, etc.) and/or other suitable components). In examples, an extending core can be integrated with one or more fluid-provision systems (e.g., including one or more fluid-provision tips, etc.), such as where any suitable fluids can be propelled around the one or more components (e.g., and exiting through the one or more fluid channels, etc.).
- The fluid-provision tip is preferably coupleable to a fluid-provision device (e.g., an end channel of the fluid-provision device, such as where fluid exits the fluid-provision device through an opening of the exit channel, and such as where fluid exits through the end channel and enters the fluid-provision tip through an opening of a beginning channel of the fluid-provision tip, etc.). In an example, the system can include the fluid-provision tip while excluding non-fluid-provision tips, supporting members, and handle components, such as where the fluid-provision tip can couple to a third-party fluid-provision device. In another example, the fluid-provision tip can couple to a tip-coupling mechanism (e.g., described herein, such as physical annular ring-shaped protrusion of an extending core of a supporting member, etc.).
- The fluid-provision tip preferably couples to a fluid-provision device through a friction-based fit, but can couple to the fluid-provision device through any suitable coupling mechanisms (e.g., described herein, etc.).
- The fluid-provision tip preferably includes a set of protrusions extending from a surface of the fluid-provision tip, such as where the set of protrusions can be configured in any suitable manner described herein in relation to protrusions (e.g., including staggered subsets of protrusions, conical protrusions, etc.), but can additionally or alternatively include any suitable physical formations for facilitating fluid provision. In specific examples, fluid provision can facilitate fluid exiting through any suitable region of the fluid-provision tip (e.g., an apex of the fluid-provision tip; a protrusion proximal and/or forming the apex of the fluid-provision tip; through protrusions extending from a base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; through regions proximal the base diameter of the fluid-provision tip; etc.). The fluid-provision tip preferably includes one or more fluid channels (e.g., inner cavities through which fluid travels, etc.), which preferably include one or more openings (e.g., perforations, etc.) through which fluid can enter (e.g., for an opening of a beginning channel, etc.) and/or exit (e.g., for an opening of an exit channel, etc.). The openings can include any suitable shape (e.g., circle, etc.) with any suitable dimensions (e.g., dimensioned to facilitate improved fluid exit pressure, velocity, acceleration, and/or other suitable fluid movement characteristics, etc.). The openings are preferably oriented to enable fluid to exit the fluid-provision tip in a plurality of directions (e.g., which can facilitate fluid provision in a gentler manner for improving patient comfort; where fluid channels positioned on one or more sides of the fluid-provision tip can enable a user to operate the fluid-provision tip for removing plaque, such as through friction via scrubbing, while fluid is exited in a plurality of directions; etc.), but can alternatively be oriented to focus fluid in a single direction.
- The fluid-provision tip can be constructed with any suitable materials (e.g., similar or different materials to the tip, etc.). However, the fluid-provision tip can be configured in any suitable manner.
- However, embodiments of the systems can be configured in any suitable manner.
- Embodiments of methods can include one or more of: providing a dental cleaning tip, the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums; providing a supporting member, wherein the supporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and/or providing an angled handle, wherein the angled handle is configured to couple to the supporting member and extends away from the supporting member. In some embodiments, the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment and removal of the dental cleaning tip. In some embodiments, the dental cleaning tip includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene. In some embodiments, the bases of the rounded protrusions increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.
- Embodiments of methods can include manufacturing, using, transporting, modifying, selling, buying, and/or otherwise providing one or more components of embodiments of the systems, in any suitable combination and/or configuration.
- However, embodiments of methods can be performed in any suitable manner.
- Embodiments of the systems and/or methods can include every combination and permutation of the various system components and the various method processes, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.).
- Any of the variants described herein (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.) and/or any portion of the variants described herein can be additionally or alternatively combined, aggregated, excluded, used, and/or otherwise applied.
- Embodiments of the method and/or systems can include every combination and permutation of the various system components and the various method processes, including any variants (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, figures, etc.), where portions of embodiments of the method and/or processes described herein can be performed asynchronously (e.g., sequentially), concurrently (e.g., in parallel), or in any other suitable order by and/or using one or more instances, elements, components of, and/or other aspects of the systems and/or other entities described herein.
- As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to embodiments of the methods, systems, and/or variants without departing from the scope defined in the claims. Variants described herein not meant to be restrictive. Certain features included in the drawings may be exaggerated in size, and other features may be omitted for clarity and should not be restrictive. The figures are not necessarily to scale. The absolute or relative dimensions or proportions may vary. Section titles herein are used for organizational convenience and are not meant to be restrictive. The description of any variant is not necessarily limited to any section of this specification.
Claims (20)
1. A dental hygiene system, comprising:
a dental cleaning tip, the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and gum stimulation;
a supporting member, wherein the supporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and
an angled handle, wherein the angled handle is configured to couple to the supporting member and extends away from the supporting member when the supporting member is coupled to the angled handle,
wherein the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment and removal of the dental cleaning tip;
wherein the dental cleaning tip includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene; and
wherein the bases of the rounded protrusions increase in size from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.
2. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the rounded protrusions are generally conical in configuration.
3. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the dental cleaning tip comprises at least one fluid channel for facilitating fluid delivery through any suitable region of the dental cleaning tip to one or more dental regions, and wherein the at least one fluid channel is adapted to gently apply fluid to the one or more dental regions.
4. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the rounded protrusions include at least a first subset of protrusions and second subset of protrusions staggered along the conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to permit an application of toothpaste to a dental region.
5. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit stimulating a user's gums, and wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit the rounded protrusions to clean periodontal pockets.
6. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the dental cleaning tip includes a collapsible apex region for allowing bending of the dental cleaning tip in use.
7. The dental hygiene system of claim 6 , wherein the dental cleaning tip is constructed with at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, an elastomer material, a silicone material, and a tear-resistant material for facilitating the collapsible apex region.
8. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the tip coupling mechanism provides friction-based coupling that permits removal of the dental cleaning tip and interchanging with a second dental cleaning tip by a user.
9. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the supporting member comprises:
an extending core, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is attachable to the extending core;
a handle coupling region comprising a handle coupling mechanism for coupling and decoupling to a handle; and
a body region for connecting the extending core and the handle coupling region.
10. The dental hygiene system of claim 9 , wherein the tip coupling mechanism comprises an annular ring protrusion adapted for coupling by mechanical interference with one or more dental cleaning tips, and wherein the tip coupling mechanism is constructed to prevent the one or more dental cleaning tips from detaching from the supporting member.
11. The dental hygiene system of claim 1 , wherein the angled handle comprises:
a supporting member coupling region;
a user grip region adapted for manipulation by a user; and
an intermediary region connecting the supporting member coupling region and the user grip region.
12. The dental hygiene system of claim 11 , wherein the intermediary region includes a curved bend to facilitate accessibility by the dental cleaning tip to various dental regions.
13. The dental hygiene system of claim 12 , wherein the intermediary region includes an increasing diameter as the distance increases from the supporting member coupling region to the user grip region.
14. A method of providing a dental hygiene system, comprising:
providing a dental cleaning tip, the tip comprising rounded protrusions configured to optimize teeth cleaning and stimulating gums;
providing a supporting member, wherein the supporting member includes a tip coupling mechanism, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is configured to connect the dental cleaning tip to the supporting member; and
providing an angled handle, wherein the angled handle is configured to couple to the supporting member and extends away from the supporting member,
wherein the tip coupling mechanism permits attachment and removal of the dental cleaning tip;
wherein the dental cleaning tip includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface oriented parallel along a conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to maximize dental hygiene; and
wherein the bases of the rounded protrusions increase from an apex of the dental cleaning tip to a base of the dental cleaning tip.
15. The method claim 14 , wherein the rounded protrusions include at least a first subset of protrusions and second subset of protrusions staggered along to the conical axis of the dental cleaning tip to permit an application of toothpaste to a dental region.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit stimulating a user's gums, and wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface of the dental cleaning tip are configured to permit the rounded protrusions to clean periodontal pockets.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein providing the dental cleaning tip includes providing a collapsible apex region for allowing bending of the dental cleaning tip in use.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein providing the supporting member comprises:
providing an extending core, wherein the tip coupling mechanism is attached to the extending core;
providing a handle coupling region comprising a handle coupling mechanism for coupling and decoupling to a handle; and
providing a body region connecting the extending core and the handle coupling region.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the tip coupling mechanism comprises an annular ring protrusion adapted for coupling with one or more dental cleaning tips.
20. The method of claim 14 , wherein the angled handle comprises:
providing a supporting member coupling region;
providing a user grip region adapted for manipulation by a user; and
providing an intermediary region connecting the supporting member coupling region and the user grip region,
wherein providing the intermediary region includes providing a curved bend to facilitate accessibility by the dental cleaning tip to various dental regions; and
wherein providing the intermediary region includes providing a decreasing diameter as the distance increases from the supporting member coupling region to the user grip region.
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/506,608 US20200046110A1 (en) | 2018-07-09 | 2019-07-09 | Systems and methods for improved dental hygiene |
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US201862695513P | 2018-07-09 | 2018-07-09 | |
US16/506,608 US20200046110A1 (en) | 2018-07-09 | 2019-07-09 | Systems and methods for improved dental hygiene |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2022198309A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-29 | Deilami Mohammad | Brush head for an oral hygiene device |
USD994340S1 (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2023-08-08 | The Gillette Company Llc | Toothbrush |
-
2019
- 2019-07-09 US US16/506,608 patent/US20200046110A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD994340S1 (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2023-08-08 | The Gillette Company Llc | Toothbrush |
WO2022198309A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-29 | Deilami Mohammad | Brush head for an oral hygiene device |
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