US20240423353A1

US20240423353A1 - Multi-Sided Toothbrush Device

Info

Publication number: US20240423353A1
Application number: US18/753,298
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell Stromer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-26
Filing date: 2024-06-25
Publication date: 2024-12-26

Abstract

A multi-sided toothbrush device is provided. The device is comprised of a toothbrush with a multi-sided head to reach all surfaces when cleaning teeth. In addition to a multi-surfaced head, the toothbrush has a tongue-scraping feature to improve the overall oral hygiene of users. Finally, the device is comprised of a raised or recessed grip area to improve the grip while using the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/523,214, which was filed on Jun. 26, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of toothbrushes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided toothbrush device comprised of a head with a plurality of bristled surfaces which reduces the amount of time and effort required to effectively brush teeth. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

When brushing teeth, existing toothbrushes require more time than necessary to adequately clean an individual's teeth. Traditional toothbrushes are unable to effectively clean teeth due to hard-to-reach tooth surfaces, requiring the repositioning of the toothbrush to remove food particles and built-up plaque or clean gums and tongue to meet a desired level of oral hygiene. After a long period of time, the plaque build-up eats away at the enamel on teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis or severe periodontal disease. Over time, neglecting oral hygiene may also lead to the loss of one or more teeth. Once plaque remains on the teeth for several days, it hardens and turns into tartar and its bacteria can cause halitosis, mouth sores and turn teeth yellow.
With the increase in a number of individuals with braces, crowns, bridges, root canals, and other dental procedures that can lead to plaque build-up, tooth decay, or gum disease, the development of new improved toothbrushes is needed. While flossing and brushing teeth multiple times a day is recommended, the development of plaque, tartar, gum disease, and other oral health-related issues are often unavoidable. Additionally, while young children are developing daily oral hygiene routines, they often need assistance and guidance when brushing teeth, as they struggle reaching and cleaning all surfaces of their teeth. Failing to properly clean teeth at a young age can lead to tooth decay and other dental-related issues. Creating good oral hygiene habits at a young age will decrease future potential dental issues. Generally, individuals need a toothbrush device that enables them to reach and clean all surfaces of their teeth effectively to maintain healthy oral hygiene and prevent future potential dental issues.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush device to improve the quality of teeth cleaning. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with multiple surfaces to reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean teeth effectively. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush device that provides multiple oral hygiene uses within one device.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-sided toothbrush device. The device is comprised of a grip area that may be raised or recessed and may also be contoured to improve grip. Additionally, the grip area may be made from a plastic or rubber material for added control. The head of the device is preferably U-shaped and made of a horizontal member and two vertical members. A plurality of bristles are located on the vertical and horizontal members to provide cleaning on all surfaces of a tooth and tongue.
In this manner, the multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that improves the quality of teeth cleaning. More specifically, the head with bristled multiple surfaces reduces the time and effort needed to clean all surfaces of teeth. Additionally, the device has a tongue-scraping tool that promotes healthy oral hygiene. Furthermore, the device is multi-functional as it can provide numerous oral hygiene cleaning roles with the use of one tool.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-sided toothbrush device comprised of a body, head, a horizontal member, and two vertical members. The device is designed to decrease the amount of time needed to adequately clean teeth. The device allows individuals to brush their teeth and clean all surfaces without having to reposition the toothbrush throughout the process, as with traditional toothbrushes.
The device is comprised of a body with a grip area and a multi-surfaced head that can be manufactured preferably from an antimicrobial plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material known in the field. The grip area may be raised or recessed to improve grip and avoid potential injury to the mouth. Additionally, the grip area may be contoured and made from a soft non-slip material to meet the desired comfort level of the user. The head of the device is U-shaped comprised of a horizontal member and two vertical members. The U-shape form allows the bristles on the head of the toothbrush to clean hard to reach surfaces and provides a comprehensive cleaning of all the teeth.
The present invention is also comprised of at least one bristle on each of the two vertical side members and at least one bristle on the horizontal side member. The bristles can be manufactured of a nylon, polyester, or other suitable material. The bristle material may also vary based upon an individual's needs and desired comfort level. Additionally, the bristles may vary in height and stiffness or softness to meet the user's preferences. Varying height in bristles provides access to hard-to-reach tooth surfaces. Furthermore, individuals with gum sensitivity may prefer a softer bristle. The variances in the bristles provide optimal cleaning and desired outcomes for each user.
Furthermore, the present invention is also comprised of a bottom surface with at least one bristle on the bottom surface of the head of the toothbrush to serve as a tongue scraper. The tongue scrubbing feature removes bacteria that has developed on the tongue, improves taste, and reduces bad breath. Additionally, tongue scraping activates internal organs by removing toxins that have developed on the tongue overnight. As a result, the tongue scrubbing tool reduces the probability of developing bacteria or halitosis in the mouth and improves the overall oral hygiene of users.
Finally, the present invention is comprised of bristles containing toothpaste that is activated with water. Pre-pasted toothbrush bristles may be manufactured with a variety of flavors to meet the user's desired taste. The convenience of not having to apply toothpaste manually makes the device desirable for school, work, travel, or in-office brushing stations that do not have readily available toothpaste and a toothbrush. As a result, individuals are more likely to increase oral hygiene habits when it is easy and convenient.
Accordingly, the multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that eliminates the need to reposition a toothbrush multiple times while using and cleans all surfaces of each tooth easily. More specifically, the device has multiple surfaces to reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean teeth effectively. Further, the device is used to brush teeth and clean tongues, providing multiple oral hygiene uses within one device. In this manner, the multi-sided toothbrush device overcomes the limitations of existing toothbrushes known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a head of one potential embodiment of a multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a multi-sided toothbrush device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush device to improve the quality of teeth cleaning. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with multiple surfaces to reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean teeth effectively. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush device that provides multiple oral hygiene uses within one device.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a multi-sided toothbrush device. The device is designed to clean all surfaces of each tooth without the need to reposition the toothbrush multiple times throughout use. Daily use of the multi-sided toothbrush promotes healthy oral hygiene and assists in preventing future dental and gum-related issues.
More specifically, the device is comprised of a grip area, head, and bristles. Each component of the device is preferably made from an antimicrobial plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material known in the field. Said material provides users with a secure grip while cleaning teeth to assist in preventing potential injuries when moving the toothbrush up and down or back and forth while cleaning. Also, the grip area may be raised or recessed to improve grip and be contoured for grip comfort. The device's improved grip area provides individual comfort and assists in achieving the user's desired level of oral hygiene.
Additionally, the device is comprised of a U-shaped head, with three sides, a horizontal member, a first vertical member, and a second vertical member. Each member of the U-shaped head has bristles in order to reach all surfaces of a tooth during use. The bristles on the device can be manufactured from nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fiber used in the art. The material used must not break down in water or in the ingredients commonly used in toothpaste. Furthermore, the device may be comprised of varying levels of stiffness or softness to meet an individual's desired outcome. Generally, softer bristles are preferred by users with sensitive gums or those that suffer from dental erosion. Others prefer firmer bristles for removing stains, plaque, or tarter from teeth. Finally, the bristles on the toothbrush may vary in height or alternate in height to reach uneven surfaces of the tooth.
The present invention is also comprised of a tongue scrubbing/cleaning tool, located on the bottom surface of the horizontal member. The tongue scrubbing tool may be manufactured from a plastic, stainless steel, or other material that is flexible, durable, and easy to clean. Generally, tongue cleaners or scrubbers are used to remove bacteria, improve sense of taste, remove excess debris, improve digestion, and remove bad breath.
During use, the user holds the device in the grip area while proceeding to place the toothbrush in the mouth. Once the head of the toothbrush is in the mouth, the user places a tooth within the head such that the bristles contact three sides of the tooth. Then, continue this process while brushing each tooth. As a result, all surfaces of each tooth are brushed and cleaned. Finally, the bottom surface of the horizontal member of the toothbrush will be rotated and resting on the surface of the tongue. Once the tongue scraper is in place, from the back of the tongue, individuals will pull the scraper forward in the direction of the tip of the tongue and repeat to the desired level.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multi-sided toothbrush device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110, a grip area 112, a head 120, a horizontal member 130, a top surface 132, a first vertical member 140 with bristles 142, a second vertical member 150 with bristles 152 and bottom surface bristles 138. The device 100 is designed to improve the overall cleaning of all surfaces of teeth easily and efficiently by providing a head 120 that cleans 3 surfaces of a tooth at once.
In one embodiment, the grip area 112, located on the body 110, is preferably made from an antimicrobial plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material of the like. The grip area 112 may be comprised of a raised or recessed texture to provide an improved grip while using the toothbrush. Additionally, in one embodiment, the grip area 112 may be contoured to meet the desired comfort level of the individual using the device 100. The grip area 112 provides individuals with a secure comfortable hold on the device 100 in motion to prevent accidental injury to the mouth while brushing teeth.
In one embodiment, the head 120 of the device 100 is generally U-shaped. In this embodiment, the head 120 is comprised of at least one horizontal member 130. The head 120 may also be comprised of at least one first vertical member 140, but preferably a first vertical member 140 and a second vertical member 150. The U-shape of the head 120 enables bristles 134, 142,152 of the head 120 to clean at least three surfaces of a tooth simultaneously (top/bottom, left side, right side).
More specifically, the horizontal member 130 has at least one bristle 134, the first vertical member 140 has at least one bristle 142, and the second vertical member 150 has at least one bristle 152. The bristles 134, 142, 152 are preferably manufactured from nylon, polyester, or other natural/synthetic fiber of the like. Additionally, the bristles 134, 142, 152 may be manufactured in varying heights and levels of softness and stiffness to meet the desired needs and comfort of individuals. The bristles 134, 142, and 152 clean all surfaces of each tooth, remove lodged debris from the mouth, remove plaque and tartar, and improve the overall oral hygiene of users.
In one embodiment, all/some bristles 134, 138, 142, and 152 may be comprised of water-activated toothpaste 160. In this manner, users not need to apply toothpaste manually. Additionally, various flavors of toothpaste 160, such as, peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon, fruit, bubblegum, or other flavors can be used. Furthermore, toothpaste 160 already on the device 100 provides convenience for individuals that travel, young children, or those at work.
The device 100 is also comprised of a bottom surface 136. The bottom surface may be comprised of at least one tongue-scraping surface/bristle 138 which serves as a tongue scraper, as seen in FIG. 2 . The bristles 138 serve as a tongue-scraping tool to remove bacteria, improve the sense of taste, removes excess debris, improve digestion, and reduce or eliminate bad breath. The bristle 138 may be any tongue scraping/cleaning structure known in the art.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3 . First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 with a grip area 112 and a U-shaped head 120 with a horizontal member 130, first vertical member 140 and second vertical member 150. [Step 202]. Then, a user can apply (or activate toothpaste already on the bristles 134, 142, 152) water to the head 120 [Step 204] Then, a user can place the head 120 around at least one tooth such that the bristles 134, 142, 152 contact three sides of the tooth/teeth and brush the teeth until clean [Step 206].
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4 . First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 with a grip area 112 and a U-shaped head 120 with a horizontal member 130, first vertical member 140 and second vertical member 150. [Step 302]. Then, a user can apply (or activate toothpaste already on the bristles 134, 142, 152) water to the head 120 [Step 304] Then, a user can place the head 120 around at least one tooth such that the bristles 134, 142,152 contact three sides of the tooth/teeth and brush the teeth until clean [Step 306]. Then, a user can place the bottom surface 136 of the head 120 on the top surface of a user's tongue [Step 308]. Then, a user can use the bottom surface 136 to scrape/clean a user's tongue [Step 310].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multi-sided toothbrush device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multi-sided toothbrush device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-sided toothbrush device comprising:

a body;

a head comprised of a first member comprised of a first bristle, a second member comprised of a second bristle, and a third member comprised of a third bristle.

2. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a grip area.

3. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the grip area is comprised of an antimicrobial material.

4. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the grip area is comprised of a raised or a recessed texture.

5. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the first member is parallel to the second member.

6. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 5, wherein the third member is perpendicular to the first member and the second member.

7. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the first bristle, the second bristle, and the third bristle are comprised of a synthetic material.

8. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the first bristle, the second bristle, and the third bristle are comprised of a natural material.

9. A multi-sided toothbrush device comprising:

a body;

a head comprised of a first member comprised of a first bristle, a second member comprised of a second bristle, a third member comprised of a third bristle, and a bottom surface comprised of tongue scraping structure.

10. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the body is comprised of a grip area.

11. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 10, wherein the grip area is comprised of an antimicrobial material.

12. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 10, wherein the grip area is comprised of a raised or a recessed texture.

13. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the first member is parallel to the second member.

14. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 13, wherein the third member is perpendicular to the first member and the second member.

15. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the first bristle, the second bristle, and the third bristle are comprised of a synthetic material.

16. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the first bristle, the second bristle, and the third bristle are comprised of a natural material.

17. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the first bristle, the second bristle, or the third bristle are comprised of a toothpaste.

18. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 17, wherein the toothpaste is comprised of a water-activated toothpaste.

19. The multi-sided toothbrush device of claim 9, wherein the tongue scraping structure is comprised of a bristle.

20. A method of using a multi-sided toothbrush device, the method comprising the following steps:

providing a multi-sided toothbrush device comprised of a body comprised of a head, the head comprised of a first member comprised of a first bristle, a second member comprised of a second bristle, and a third member comprised of a third bristle;

applying a toothpaste to the head; and

brushing a tooth using the multi-sided toothbrush device wherein the first bristle contacts a first surface of the tooth, the second bristle contacts a second surface of the tooth, and the third bristle contacts a third surface of the tooth.