DE102015005679B3 - Device and method for cleaning a tongue - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for cleaning a tongue and a method for cleaning a tongue are proposed, wherein the device (1) comprises a handle (2) and a head (3) on which cleaning elements (6) are arranged and the head (3) has at least one gap (4) which splits the head (3) into at least two head elements (5) such that a foreign body arranged on and / or in a tongue during use of the device (1) for cleaning a tongue within the gap (4) slides past the head elements (5) and thus does not constitute an obstacle to the cleaning elements (6) during the cleaning process of the tongue.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a tongue, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for cleaning a tongue, according to the preamble of claim 9.

Nowadays, oral hygiene is an important aspect of everyday life. Many people brush their teeth at least twice a day (morning and evening) to cleanse their teeth and gums. For this purpose, there are, in addition to a conventional toothbrush, equipment that can be used for cleaning teeth. For example, the document discloses CH 681 596 A5 a tooth cleaning device whose cleaning head having an opening is slipped over the tooth to be cleaned and moved back and forth across the teeth, whereby the teeth are cleaned from three sides.

Meanwhile, cleaning the surface of the tongue for oral hygiene is also part of the job. This eliminates debris and unwanted bacteria on the tongue surface, which can be a cause of bad breath. This is often a tongue cleaner used.

Tongue cleaner, as in the pamphlets DE 101 53 449 A1 and US 1 701 616 A disclosed belong to the state of the art for a long time. They are commercially available in different versions. For example, the document discloses GB 22 34 903 A a tongue cleaner that can be operated with both hands. As cleaning elements of the tongue cleaner either scraper-like elements, as in the document DE 20 2005 004 291 U1 disclosed, or brush elements, as in the document CH 34 123 A disclosed used. The publication DE 20 2005 005 806 U1 discloses a tongue cleaner in which the cleaning elements are configured in the form of tongue-adapted arches or a V-shape to increase the cleaning effect.

These tongue cleaners have a relatively wide head, which extends over a large part of the tongue, so that already with a movement of the tongue cleaner over the tongue, a large part of the tongue is swept over and effectively cleaned.

The problem is the handling of such tongue cleaners for people who have a foreign body on and / or in the tongue, such as a piercing, an injury and / or a wound, which complicates the proper cleaning.

Although there are tongue cleaners, which have a small head and are attached, for example, on the back of the head of a toothbrush, as in the document DE 20 2005 009 026 U1 discloses, or cleaning devices, which are attached to the rear end of a toothbrush, as in the document DE 299 22 205 U1 shown, so that you can clean around a foreign body around the tongue. However, this requires multiple movements of the tongue cleaner over the tongue. This also applies to that in the document DE 20 2007 001 472 U1 described cleaning device, the cleaning head has an anatomical right spoon-like mold with a small diameter, which makes it possible to exert specifically stronger pressure in places with particularly tight coverings. Thus, the entire cleaning process of the tongue takes longer and you can possibly forgot or omit a place so that the tongue is not thoroughly cleaned.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for cleaning a tongue, in which even with a movement of the tongue cleaner on the tongue, the tongue despite any disturbing foreign body, especially piercings, can be cleaned quickly, effectively and thoroughly ,

The object is achieved by an inventive device for cleaning a tongue according to claim 1 and an inventive method for cleaning a tongue according to claim 9.

The invention and its advantages

The inventive device for cleaning a tongue, with the characterizing features of claim 1, has the advantage that the head of the device according to the invention has at least one gap which splits the head into at least two head elements belonging to the head, so that the device despite at least a disturbing foreign body, in particular a piercing, a wound and / or an injury, is introduced into the oral cavity for cleaning the tongue, without the foreign body, injury and / or wound being an obstacle to the device during insertion of the device into the oral cavity or mouth ., the removal of the device from the oral cavity and / or during the cleaning process represents.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue, the gap is at least partially closed by a closing and / or adjusting and / or adjustable in width. Thus, it is possible to completely close the gap, then The inventive device for cleaning a tongue acts like a conventional tongue cleaner. It is also possible to open the gap far enough that a foreign body, in particular a piercing, fits through the gap and thus between the head elements, so that a cleaning of the tongue surface is also possible close to the foreign body. Depending on the size, the thickness and / or the geometry of the foreign body, the gap can be adjusted, so the gap can be set wider or narrower.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue, the device has a vibration device. The vibrations are transmitted to the cleaning elements and enhance the cleaning effect. The vibration intensity may be adjustable and / or various programs, such as pulsating vibration, increasing and / or decreasing vibration intensity, may be adjustable. Preferably, the vibration device or the vibration motor is arranged within the handle.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the inventive device for cleaning a tongue, the head has the same and / or different cleaning elements, such as brush elements or scraper-like cleaning elements, in the same and / or different size, design and / or arrangement. So that, for example, cleaning elements can be arranged on one or in each case opposite surfaces of the head elements. These may be cleaning elements of the same type, size and / or design, for. B. on both surfaces only brushes, and / or cleaning elements of different types, sizes and / or design, eg. Brushing on the upper surface and scrapers on the lower surface. Of course, other arrangements and combinations of cleaning elements are conceivable.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue, a flexible joint is arranged between the head and the handle. The flexible joint ensures that when used with too high pressure, the joint yields resiliently and thus any injuries to the tongue and / or the oral cavity are avoided or minimized.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue of the handle is ergonomically shaped. Additionally, the handle may be at least partially coated and / or made of a soft material, such as rubber or soft plastic. As a result, the handling of the device for cleaning a tongue is more comfortable for the user. The user thus has a firm, secure grip and thereby can more accurately use the device to clean a tongue. Furthermore, the handle can be adapted for left or right or for left and right traders adapted.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue, the head and the handle are connected to each other by means of a detachable connection, for example as a click connection or screw connection. Thus, you can replace the head if necessary, for example, if the cleaning elements are worn or defective and / or you want to use another possibly differently procured head and / or other cleaning elements.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue is / are the head and / or at least one head element spoon-shaped. Thus, the head or at least one head element adapts to the natural shape of the tongue and the cleaning elements lie more evenly on the tongue, whereby the cleaning effect is optimized.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive method for cleaning a tongue by means of a device for cleaning a tongue, wherein a foreign body, in particular a piercing, is arranged in and / or on the tongue, there is a fast, effective and thorough cleaning of the majority of the tongue a single cleaning movement of the device for cleaning a tongue along the tongue. The cleaning movement can be from behind to front, along the tongue, in the direction of the mouth opening (for example, a head with scraper as cleaning elements), as well as from front to back, along the tongue, toward the throat (for example, in a head with bristles as cleaning elements).

According to an additional embodiment of the method according to the invention for cleaning a tongue, the device for cleaning a tongue is a device for cleaning a tongue according to one of claims 1 to 8.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiment of the invention are the following description, the claims and the drawings removed.

drawing

Preferred embodiments of the subject invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

1 a view from below of an inventive device for cleaning a tongue,

2 a detail of a view from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

3 a detail of a view from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

4 a detail of a view from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

5 a detail of a view from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

6 a view from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

7 four sections of four views from the side of four further embodiments of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue,

8th a view from below of an inventive device for cleaning a tongue,

9 two views from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue and

10 two views from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning a tongue.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a view from below of a device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. The device 1 has a handle 2 and a head 3 on. A gap 4 share the head 3 in two to the head 3 belonging head elements 5 on. At the end of the head 3 are cleaning elements in the illustrated embodiment 6 arranged in the form of brushes.

To clean the tongue, the device 1 inserted into the oral cavity above the tongue, leaving the end of the head 3 at which the cleaning elements 6 are arranged, reaches the rear end of the tongue. For cleaning, a foreign body arranged on and / or in the tongue, in particular a piercing, is inserted into the gap 4 introduced and the device 1 long ago pulled out of the mouth over the tongue. The cleaning elements are touching 6 over the tongue and clean them. The foreign body, in particular a piercing, slides through the gap 4 at the two head elements 5 along and represents for the cleaning elements 6 no obstacle. The cleaning process can be repeated if necessary. It would also be conceivable that in the gap area cleaning elements 6 are arranged, whereby at least a partial cleaning of the piercing is made possible.

The cleaning can also be done from front to back, in the direction of the throat. This is the device 1 To clean a tongue, place it in front of the tip of the tongue and stroke it along the tongue towards the throat over the tongue. Again, the foreign body or the device 1 for cleaning a tongue so arranged on the tongue that the foreign body through the gap 4 is guided and no obstacle to the cleaning elements 6 represents.

Of course, both cleaning methods can be combined so that a back and forth cleaning along the tongue is possible.

2 shows a section of a view from below of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the section shown is the head 3 to see that from a gap 4 , towards the head end, where the cleaning elements 6 are arranged, becomes wider, in two head elements 5 is shared. These are designed to be highly rounded in order to avoid or at least minimize any possible injury to the oral cavity, for example due to aggressive use. If, due to the geometry of the oral cavity and the foreign body, in particular a piercing, for example a bar with at least one large ball, in and / or on the tongue, it should be necessary to remove the foreign body from the end of the head 3 the gap 4 Run along until the end of the head 3 can be placed at the rear end of the tongue to begin the cleaning process by a cleaning movement of the tongue along towards the mouth opening, which facilitates the end of the head 3 widening gap 4 the insertion of the device 1 or the head 3 , Of the Cleaning process can also begin by a cleaning movement of the tongue along towards the throat. Also in this case, it makes it easier for the end of the head 3 widening gap 4 the insertion of the device 1 or the head 3 ,

3 shows a section of a view from below of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 4 wider than in 2 executed and tapers towards the end of the head 3 , So the device 1 or the head 3 into the oral cavity, positioned over the tongue and then placed on the tongue. The widened gap 4 facilitates the insertion of the foreign body, in particular a piercing, into the gap 4 , By the rejuvenation of the gap 4 is the distance of the cleaning elements during the cleaning process 6 Lower to the foreign body, so that they clean the immediate environment of the foreign body and the cleaning of the elements 6 stripped tongue surface and thus the cleaned area is larger overall.

4 shows a section of a view from below of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. The geometric shape of the head 3 and its use is essentially the same as that of 3 illustrated embodiment. Different here is that at both ends of the gap 4 the headers 5 each a flexible joint 7 is arranged, which yields at a certain pressure, so that the side elements 8th springy on the head elements 5 are attached. Thus, a foreign body, for example a piercing in the form of a rod with at least one ball at the upper end of the rod, into the gap 4 be pressed into it. This will be the page elements 8th pushed apart, leaving the foreign body in the gap 4 can be pushed in and the head 3 can be placed on the tongue. The bar of the piercing is long enough to complete the ball of the piercing on the side elements 8th pass by, these spring back together under the ball and the gap 4 narrows again, so that a certain Einrasteffekt is achieved. By arrangement of cleaning elements 6 on the side elements 8th At least partial cleaning of the piercing would be possible. After the cleaning process, the device 1 either by a certain amount of force back up from the tongue away, or along the tongue in the direction of the mouth opening of the foreign body dissolved. This will make the head 3 , For example, in a centrally disposed on the tongue foreign body, centered on the tongue or fixed and the cleaning direction is given supportive. The joints 7 can also be in another place of the head 3 be arranged and / or the side elements 8th itself from a flexible, yielding material, such as rubber or soft plastic. It is also conceivable that the complete head 3 or at least parts of the head 3 made of flexible material.

5 shows a section of a view from below of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 4 as well as the head 3 , another geometry. Other embodiments with a different geometry are also conceivable.

6 shows a view from below of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the illustrated embodiment is between the handle 2 and the head 3 a flexible joint 9 arranged. This is resilient to high pressure and any injuries to the tongue and / or the oral cavity are avoided or minimized. Furthermore, the headers have 5 in each case at least one transverse strut 11 , on the cleaning elements 6 are arranged. Other numbers and arrangements of cleaning elements 6 at the head elements 5 are also conceivable, such as headers 5 without cross struts 11 and / or headers 5 with longitudinal struts. The headers 5 can also without openings between the cleaning elements 6 be designed. Furthermore, rubbers 10 on the handle 2 arranged for a better and more pleasant hold of the handle 2 and thus the device 1 to care.

7 shows four sections of four views from the side of four further embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. These embodiments show four possible combinations of cleaning elements 6 , in the form of brushes and in the form of scrapers, and the detachable connection 12 between handle 2 and the head 3 , in the form of a click connection and a screw connection. Of course, other combinations are also conceivable.

8th shows a view from below of a device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. At every head element 5 is at least one roller 13 arranged. At this point different and / or identical cleaning elements are at different locations 6 arranged so that by adjusting the roller 13 by, for example, the roller 13 twisted about its axis of rotation under some force until it engages in another position, the desired arrangement, type or size of the cleaning elements 6 to select for cleaning. They are also rollers 13 with continuous same and / or different cleaning elements 6 conceivable. The rollers 13 , as well as the cleaning elements 6 , in particular brushes, can be operated electrically rotating. The rotational speed is infinitely variable and / or adjustable in stages. The rollers 13 can also be in another place of the head 3 be arranged and the rotating elements a different shape than a roller 13 For example, a rotating large brush, similar to a head of an electric toothbrush, have.

9 shows two views from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the illustrated embodiment, the two head elements extend 5 through a guide clamp 14 in the handle 2 , In 9a) is the guide clamp 14 in the handle 2 farthest position, leaving the gap 4 takes on its narrowest form. In 9b) is the guide clamp 14 in the handle 2 next position, the guide clamp 14 pushes the two head parts 5 apart, leaving the gap 4 takes on its widest form. The gap 4 is not only wider, but also changes its form. Here takes a broadening of the gap 4 at the end of the head 3 stronger than at any other point in the gap 4 ,

It is also conceivable that the head elements 5 have a certain bias, so that the 9b) illustrates the relaxed position. Will the guide clamp 14 from the handle 2 pushed away, so are the two head elements 5 pressed together against their bias, as in 9a) illustrated. The guide clamp 14 could then be fixed in its set position due to the tension and / or due to depressions and / or elevations, not shown in the figures.

10 shows two views from below of another embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for cleaning a tongue. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustability of the two head elements 5 and thus the broadening of the gap 4 executed similar to a vise or a jaw chuck a drill. So it is possible the two head elements 5 flush with each other, so that the gap 4 completely disappears, as in 10a) shown. When diverging the two head elements 5 , the gap is formed or widened 4 , The broadening of the gap 4 happens evenly, the gap 4 is the same width at each point ( 10b) ).

All features shown here may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for cleaning a tongue

2

handle

3

head

4

gap

5

header

6

cleaning element

7

Flexible joint

8th

page element

9

Flexible joint

10

gumming

11

crossbars

12

Detachable connection

13

roller

14

terminal block

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, - with a handle ( 2 ), - with one head ( 3 ) on the at least one cleaning element ( 6 ) is arranged and the at least one gap ( 4 ), which the head ( 3 ) in at least two to the head ( 3 ) belonging header elements ( 5 ), characterized in that at least one cleaning element ( 6 ) outside the gap ( 4 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one gap ( 4 ) is at least partially closed by a closing and / or adjusting and / or adjustable in width. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has a vibration device. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head ( 3 ) identical and / or different cleaning elements ( 6 ) in the same and / or different size, design and / or arrangement. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the head ( 3 ) and the handle ( 2 ) a flexible joint ( 9 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle ( 2 ) is ergonomically shaped. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the head ( 3 ) and the handle ( 2 ) by means of a detachable connection ( 12 ) are interconnected. Contraption ( 1 ) for cleaning a tongue, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head ( 3 ) and / or at least one header element ( 5 ) is spoon-shaped. A method for cleaning a tongue by means of a device, on which a gap is arranged, for cleaning a tongue, wherein a foreign body, an injury and / or a wound is present in and / or on the tongue, characterized in that the device for cleaning a tongue is placed on the tongue, wherein the foreign body, the injury and / or the wound is introduced into the gap, and then cleaned with a single cleaning movement of the device for cleaning a tongue along the tongue a major part of the tongue, wherein the foreign body , the injury and / or the wound during the cleaning process is performed in the gap, so that the cleaning process by the foreign body, the injury and / or the wound is not hindered. Method for cleaning a tongue, according to claim 9, characterized in that for cleaning a tongue a device ( 1 ) is used for cleaning a tongue according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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