WO1995023538A1

WO1995023538A1 - Double brush for cleaning detachable dentures

Info

Publication number: WO1995023538A1
Application number: PCT/SI1995/000003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter FLORJANC^¿ic^¿
Original assignee: Florjancic Peter
Priority date: 1994-03-01
Filing date: 1995-02-28
Publication date: 1995-09-08
Also published as: AU1724295A

Abstract

The invention relates to a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures which provides successful cleaning of detached dentures on both sides at the same time, and simultaneous holding of the dentures while cleaning them. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention basically consists of two detachable brush bits (2, 20b, 20b', 20b', 20b''', 20b'''') with brushes (3, 30) facing each other, said brush bits being linked with a spring support (1, 10, 10', 10', 10''', 10'''') or a spring element (7). The position and mounting of said brush bits and brushes provide pressure onto a denture from both sides at the same time, while the adjustable position of detachable brush bits provides an effective and thorough cleaning, also at places not accessible by a normal toothbrush.

Description

DOUBLE BRUSH FOR CLEANING DETACHABLE

DENTURES

The invention concerns a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures which provides successful cleaning of detached dentures on both sides at the same time, and simultaneous holding of the dentures while cleaning them. The invention belongs to the IPC class A 46 B 5/02.

The technical problem which is successfully solved by the claimed invention consists in constructing a device which would provide successful cleaning of detachable dentures and similar orthodontic devices.

The problem presenting itself in cleaning detachable dentures is how to clean them successfully when removed from the oral cavity. Because of the shape of a detachable denture and the material it is made of, there is great risk of dropping the denture when holding it with one hand while brushing it with a toothbrush held with the other hand. Also, as dentures are usually cleaned with normal toothbrushes, which are not made for the purpose, the effect of cleaning is poor.

Specially shaped brushes are known which are primarily intended for cleaning detachable dentures and have the outer side of a bent rim fitted with brushes. Although the effect of cleaning is better, the deficiency regarding the holding of the detachable denture while it is being cleaned is not eliminated.

A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment I has two detachable brush bits with bristles facing each other and linked with a spring support, whereas according to embodiment II it has two detachable brushes with a holder with bristles facing each other and linked with a spring element, whereby both the detachable brush bits and the detachable brushes with a holder can be mounted under a certain angle with regard to the position of the spring support or the spring element. According to embodiment III, brush bits are mounted onto the end of the support arms which are slightly bent outwards, whereas at the other end the support is reinforced by means of a linking belt. According to embodiment IV, the support has the shape of capital letter H, and on its upper arms, which are bent slightly outwards, detachable brush bits are mounted, while the lower arms are straight and lie in parallel. Embodiment V has the support made of two individual arms which are bound together in a flexible way, whereas the arms in embodiments VI and VII are bound together in such a way that by moving them an arbitrary position between the brush bits can be achieved.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view and a front view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment I;

Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment II with an inserted detachable denture;

Figure 3 is a plan view and a side view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment II with one detachable brush removed;

Figure 4 is a front and a rear view illustrating a detachable brush; Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a detachable brush;

Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment III;

Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment IV;

Figure 8 is a plan view and a partial cross-section of a contact surface of arms illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment V;

Figure 9 is a plan view, a side view and a top view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment VI;

Figure 10 is a plan view, a side view and a cross-section illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment VII;

Figure 11 is a plan view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures and a detail of a brush bit support;

Figure 12 is a side view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures and a detail of a brush bit support;

Figure 13 is a cross-section of a brush bit support;

Figure 14 is a cross-section of a brush^' bit support with the brush bit mounted;

Figure 15 is a top view and a side view in partial and lateral cross-section illustrating a brush bit with a brush;

Figure 1 illustrates a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment I, which consists of a spring support 1 which has an approximate shape of capital letter U and a rectangular cross-section. At the free ends of said support 1 extension arms 6 are provided having the shape of lengthened and thinned square planes, which are also illustrated in Figure 3. Onto said extension arms 6 brush bits 2 are mounted in a detachable way to the one end of which brushes 3 are attached. Said brushes 3 on said extension arms 6 face each other. Said brush bits 2 are protected against detachment in such a way that the end of said extension arm 6 is bent. The brush bits 2 and the brushes 3 can lie in parallel with the spring support 1 , or they can be turned sideways by a certain angle which should be smaller than 90.

Figure 2 illustrates a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment II the basis of which is a U-shaped spring element 7 with an approximately square cross-section. Each arm of said element 7 is carried out with a groove into which brushes 3' with holders 2' are fitted. Said brushes 3' on said holders 2' are facing each other. Said brushes 3' may lie in parallel with said holders 2', or brushes 3' may be turned sideways by a certain angle which should be smaller than 90 with regard to holders 2'. When pressed together, a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention holds well the brushes 3', and when moved, cleans a detachable denture b.

The position or distance between the bits 2 and brushes 3 as well as brushes 3' when pressed together is defined by two limiters 4 or 4' which are carried out at the inner side of the support 1 or the holders 2'. Said limiters 4, 4' make it impossible for the support 1 or the holders 2' to be pressed together to such an extent as to damage the brushes 3' or the denture 5. Besides, the fitting of the bits 4, 4' gives the user the feeling that the grip is reliable but not so strong as to damage the denture.

Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment III. It consists of a spring support 10 which continues into arms 20. A linking belt 40 is carried out on the lower part of said support 10 which forms, on the one side, a round opening 50. Said arms 20, which are slightly bent outwards approximately at the middle of the support 10, end up in brush bits 30 which are fitted onto both ends 20a. Said ends 20a onto which said brush bits 30 are fitted, are slightly bent inwards so that, in normal position, the brushes of the brush bits 30 lie in parallel. Said round opening 50 may also serve for hanging double brushes for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention. Said linking belt 40 provides the springing of both arms 20 of the support 10, so that during the cleaning, the arms 20 can open up as illustrated with hatching in Figure 6. Because of the linking belt 40, the force applied by the brush bits 30 and through it the force applied between the brushes is strong enough for the brushes to hold the denture during the cleaning procedure, which facilitates the cleaning of the denture.

Figure 7 illustrates a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment IV. According to this embodiment, support 10' has the shape of capital letter H and a square cross-section. On the one side, arms 20a' of said support 10' are slightly bent outwards, while both ends 20b' on which brush bits 30' are fitted are slightly bent inwards, so that in normal position, the brushes of the brush bits 30' lie in parallel. At the holding side, arms 20c' of said support 10' are straight and lying in parallel. When both arms 20c' on the holding side of the support 10' are pressed together the two arms 20a' with fitted brush bits 30' open up, so that a denture can be placed between the brushes. The holding and cleaning of the denture is the same as in embodiment I, with the difference that the shape of the support 10' allows for various twisting of such improved double brush in accordance with the invention, which results in a better adjustment of the brushes to the shape of the denture and thereby its better cleaning. The possible twisting upon pressing at different spots of the support 10' is illustrated with hatching in Figure 7. Figure 8 illustrates a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment V, in which support 10" consists of two arms 20a" shaped as in embodiment III, but connected, at the one end, by means of a screw or a similar connection. To this purpose each of the arms 20a" is carried out on this spot as two round-shaped surfaces A or A', while the connection itself is carried out in such a way that the surfaces A of one arm 20a" are alternatively engaged with the surfaces A' of the other arm, as illustrated on a cross-section in Figure 8.

Figure 9 is a plan view, a side view and a top view illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment VI. The shape of support 10'" is similar to that of the support in embodiment IV, the change being in that arms 20a'", owing to their special, flexible interconnection, are adjustable by means of an insert B in such a way that the brushes of brush bits 30 no longer lie in parallel in the initial position. When both ends 20c'" are pressed together at the holding side of the support 10'", both ends 20b'" of the arms 20a'" with fitted brush bits 30 open up, so that a denture can be placed between the brushes. The holding and cleaning of the denture is the same as in embodiment II, whereas the shape of the support 10'" and the different adjustments by means of said insert B of flexibly interconnected arms 20a'" allow for better adjustment of brush bits 30 to the shape of the denture.

Figure 10 is a plan view and a cross-section illustrating a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention and according to embodiment VII. The shape of support 10"" is similar to that in embodiments IV and V, and it is also possible here to adjust arms 20a"", owing to their special, flexible interconnection, by means of an insert C, so that the brushes of brush bits 30 no longer lie in parallel in the initial position. The use, the performance and the advantages of a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures according to embodiment VII are the same as in the previous embodiment, the difference being in that the insert C is carried out in such a way that it lies between both arms 20a"". Its thickness is smaller than the width of the arms 20a'", so that it does not increase the external dimensions of the double brush in accordance with the invention.

Figures 11 to 15 illustrate the structural solution and mounting of the brush bit 30 onto the arm 20a, 20a', 20a", 20a'", 20a"" of the support.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a detail of a brush bit support. At the ends 20b, 20b', 20b", 20b'", 20b"" of arms 20a, 20a', 20a", 20a'", 20a"" profiled elements 60 are carried out at the inner side. These profiled elements can be additionally fixed to the ends 20b, 20b', 20b", 20b'", 20b"" of the arms 20a, 20a', 20a", 20a'", 20a"", or they can be carried out as their part. Such an execution is illustrated by Figure 11. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a cross-section of the end 20b, 20b', 20b", 20b'", 20b"" of the arm 20a, 20a', 20a", 20a'", 20a"" with profiled elements 60 and mounted brush bit 30, respectively.

Figure 15 is a top view and a side view in partial cross-section and a lateral cross-section illustrating a brush bit 30 with a brush. At the one side the brush bit 30 is fitted with brushes 70, and at the other side it has a deepened inner part whose sides have slightly impressed longitudinal grooves 30' which agree in dimensions with the extended bits 60' of the profiled elements 60. The two longer sides of the brush bit 30 are additionally interconnected at the inner side by linking belts 80.

The application of a double brush for cleaning detachable dentures in accordance with the invention makes it possible to exert pressure onto the denture from both sides, while the adjustable position of detachable brush bits or supports provides effective and thorough cleaning also at places not accessible by a normal toothbrush.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures,

characterised in that two detachable brush bits (2) fitted with brushes (3) facing each other are linked with a spring support (1), while two holders (2) fitted with brushes (3) facing each other are linked with a spring element (4).

2. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 1 , characterized in that said brush bits (2) with an inner profiled groove are mounted on two extension arms (6) lying in parallel to each other of said spring support (1), or turned by a certain angle which should be smaller than or equal to 90.

3. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 1 , characterised in that detachable brushes (3') with holders (2') lie so that said holders (2') are parallel to each other in the extension of a spring element (7), whereas the brushes (3') themselves can be turned by a certain angle which should be smaller than or equal to 90.

4. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at the inner sides of said spring support (1) or holder (2') limiters (4) or (4') are carried out which prevent the deformation of the brushes (3) or (3').

5. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 1 , characterised in that at the lower holding part of support (10) a linking belt (40) is carried out forming on the one side a round opening (50), while the arms (20) of said support (10) are slightly bent outwards, and the ends (20a) of said arms (20) on which said brush bits (30) are mounted are slightly bent inwards.

6. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 1 , characterised in that

support (10') has the shape of capital letter H, whereby arms (20a') of said support (10') are slightly bent outwards, and the ends (20b') of said arms (20a') on which brush bits (30') are mounted are slightly bent inwards, whereas arms (20c') are straight and lying in parallel.

7. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 1 , characterised in that support (10") consists of two arms (20a") which are flexibly interconnected at the one end by means of a screw or similar connection via two parallel round-shaped surfaces (A) on one of said arms (20a"), or (A') on the other arm (20"), whereby said surfaces (A) of the one arm (20a") lie in alternate engagement with the surfaces (A') of the other arm (20a").

8. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that arms (20a'") of support (10'") are interconnected in a flexible way with an insert (B), so that it is also possible to adjust the brushes of brush bits (30'") into a non-parallel position.

9. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that arms (20a"") of support (10"") are interconnected in a flexible way with an insert (C), so that it is also possible to adjust the brushes of brush bits (30"") into a non-parallel position, whereby the thickness of said insert (C) is smaller than the width of said arms (20a"").

10. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claims 5 to 9, characterised in that at the ends (20b, 20b', 20b", 20b'", 20b"") of the inner side of each of said arms (20a, 20a', 20a", 20a'", 20a"") of said supports (10, 10', 10", 10'", 10'") profiled elements (60) with pulled out bits (60') are carried out, so that a brush bit (70) is mounted on two or three profiled elements (60).

11. A double brush for cleaning detachable dentures as claimed in Claims 5 to 10, characterised in that brushes (80) are mounted on the one side of said brush bit (70), while on the other side a deepened inner part is carried out whose sides have slightly impressed longitudinal grooves (70b) which agree in dimensions with the pulled out bits (60') of said profiled elements (60), while the two longer sides of said brush bit (70) are at the inner side additionally interconnected by linking straps (90).