Dental Finger Toothbrush

The present invention generally relates to toothbrushes and dental hygiene packets, and more specifically, to a new and useful dental finger toothbrush and a dental hygiene packet including the new and useful dental finger toothbrush.

The convenience and availability of a clean and healthy mouth is important to most, if not all, people. Consequently, dental hygiene packets have been developed to meet the dental hygiene needs of people under circumstances where a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste are either burdensome to transport, or inconvenient to retrieve, or generally unavailable after a meal. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to: (1) military soldiers engaging in combat or field exercises; (2) camping, fishing and hunting trips; (3) travelers waiting at a bus depot, waiting at an airport, flying in an airplane, conducting a space mission, or driving for lengthy periods of time; (4) people who are bed ridden at home, in a hospital or in a nursing home, especially those individuals who must have their teeth brushed for them; (5) people patronizing a restaurant, a dance club or other night spots; (6) students at all educational levels, especially ones who eat their lunch in a school cafeteria; (7) people staying overnight at the homes of relatives or friends; (8) guests at hotels, motels and inns; and (9) people in jail or prison, especially individuals who have been labeled a security risk or who are in solitary confinement.

A dental finger toothbrush is one component that may be found in a dental hygiene packet. In past attempts to develop a dental hygiene packet, a dental finger toothbrush typically comprised a finger device, such as a latex condom, and a cleaning head having some form of cleaning element like bristles. The cleaning head is either integrally formed with the finger device, adhesively bonded to the finger device, or heat bonded to the finger device. However, there are two major problems associated with these current designs of dental finger toothbrushes that are separately addressed by the present invention. First, there are many manufacturing problems with the aforementioned approaches of attaching the cleaning head to the finger device. For instance, heat bonding the cleaning head to the finger device tends to melt the surfaces of the cleaning head, and finger device. In addition, the cleaning head does not provide rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush during brushing. Second, manufacturing a dental finger toothbrush so as to fit the masses can be an extensive and difficult process. Similarly, manufacturing varying sizes of dental finger toothbrushes can be inefficient from a cost standpoint.

What is therefore needed is a dental finger toothbrush having a more effective way to attach a cleaning head to a finger device that provides rotational and linear stability to the dental finger toothbrush. What is further needed is a dental finger toothbrush that can be efficiently and easily manufactured to fit all sizes.

The present invention relates to a dental finger toothbrush and a dental hygiene packet including the dental finger toothbrush. Various aspects of the present invention are novel, non-obvious, and provide various advantages. While the actual nature of the present invention described in detail herein can only be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto, certain features which are characteristic of the present invention disclosed herein can be described briefly.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a dental finger toothbrush comprises a finger device having a first end and a second end, a cleaning head and an inside platform. The cleaning head is coupled to the inside platform with the first end of the finger device disposed therebetween.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a dental finger toothbrush comprises a finger device having a first end and a second end, a cleaning head, an inside platform coupled to the cleaning head with the first end of the finger device disposed therebetween, and a locking strap adapted to be attached to the cleaning head. The locking strap is further adapted to wrap around the finger device so as to secure the dental finger toothbrush to a finger.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a dental hygiene packet comprises a package of toothpaste and either a dental finger toothbrush in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, or a dental finger toothbrush in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an easily manufacturable dental finger toothbrush.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dental finger toothbrush having rotational and linear stability on a finger during brushing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dental finger toothbrush that fits all sizes of fingers.

These and other objects as well as advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a bottom view of a dental finger toothbrush in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the dental finger toothbrush of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a first cleaning head in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the first cleaning head of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the first cleaning head of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a top view of a second cleaning head in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a side view of the second cleaning head of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the second cleaning head of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2G is a top view of a third cleaning head in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2H is a side view of the third cleaning head of FIG. 2G.

FIG. 2I is a bottom view of the third cleaning head of FIG. 2G.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a first inside platform in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the first inside platform of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a top view of a second inside platform in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a side view of the second inside platform of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 3E is an top view of a third inside platform in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a view of the third inside platform of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 4 is a view of a finger device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the first inside platform of FIGS. 3A-3B coupled to the first cleaning head of FIGS. 2A-2C with a closed end of the finger device of FIG. 4 disposed therebetween.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the second inside platform of FIGS. 3C-3D coupled to the second cleaning head of FIGS. 2D-2F with the closed end the finger device of FIG. 4 disposed therebetween.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the third inside platform of FIGS. 3E-3F coupled to the third cleaning head of FIGS. 2G-2I with the closed end of the finger device of FIG. 4 disposed therebetween.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of a dental finger toothbrush in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the dental finger toothbrush of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a cleaning head in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the cleaning head of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the cleaning head of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a top view of an inside platform in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the inside platform of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the inside platform of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a view of a first locking strap in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a view of a second locking strap in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a view the first locking strap of FIG. 9A partially connected to the cleaning head of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 10B is a view of the first locking strap of FIG. 9A completely connected to the cleaning head of FIG. 7A-7C.

FIG. 11A is a view the second locking strap of FIG. 9B partially connected to the cleaning head of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 11B is a view of the second locking strap of FIG. 9B completely connected to the cleaning head of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 12 is a view of a dental finger toothbrush in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention affixed on a finger.

FIG. 13A is a view of a plurality of components for a dental hygiene packet in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a view of a packaged dental hygiene packet of FIG. 13A.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless less be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated articles of manufacture, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a bottom view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a dental finger toothbrush 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Dental finger toothbrush 1 comprises a finger device 10, a cleaning head 20, and an inside platform 30. The cleaning head 20 is coupled to inside platform 30, and the finger device 10 is disposed therebetween. As described in detail herein, it is to be appreciated and understood that finger device 10 is adapted to be mounted on a finger, cleaning head 20 is adapted to brush teeth, and inside platform 30 is adapted to be fixed against the finger during brushing.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of a first cleaning head 20a. Cleaning head 20a includes a body 21 having a top side 21a and a bottom side 21b, a plurality of bristle holes 22 throughout body 21 extending from top side 21a to bottom side 21b, bristles 23 securely inserted in bristle holes 22, four grooves 24 disposed in bottom side 21b, and two slots 25 throughout body 21 extending from top side 21a to bottom side 21b. While bristles 23 as illustrated are the preferred cleaning element of cleaning head 20a, the present invention contemplates the use of any type of cleaning element that can be affixed to top side 21a of cleaning head 20a. Examples of alternative cleaning elements include a sponge spot, and a rubber cup. In addition, while four is the preferred number of grooves 24 and two is the preferred number of slots 25, the present invention contemplates that more or less number of grooves 24 and/or slots 25 can be utilized.

FIGS. 2D, 2E and 2F are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of a second cleaning head 20b. Cleaning head 20b includes the same elements as cleaning head 20a with the exception of two peg-shaped slots 26 in lieu of slots 25. Again, the present invention contemplates that an alternative cleaning element like a sponge spot or a rubber cup can be utilized, and that more or less number of grooves 24 and/or slots 26 can be utilized.

FIGS. 2G, 2H and 2I are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of a third cleaning head 20c. Cleaning head 20c includes the same elements as cleaning heads 20a and 20b except for slots 25 and slots 26. Again, the present invention contemplates that an alternative cleaning element like a sponge spot or a rubber cup can be utilized, and that more or less number of grooves 24 can be utilized.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a first inside platform 30a. Inside platform 30a includes a body 31 having a top side 31a, four prongs 32 adapted to mate with grooves 24, and two prongs 33 adapted to snap within slots 25 of cleaning head 20a. The present invention contemplates that there will be a one-to-one correlation in the number of prongs 32 to grooves 24, and prongs 33 to slots 25. Inside platform 30a can further include gripping holes 34 extending throughout body 31. Gripping holes 34 are intended to grip a finger so as to further hold inside platform 30a securely to a finger. While gripping holes 34 are the preferred elements for the further securing of inside platform 30a to a finger, the present invention contemplates that other securing means may be used.

FIGS. 3C and 3D are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a second inside platform 30b. Inside platform 30b includes body 31, four prongs 32 adapted to mate with grooves 24, and two prongs 35 adapted to tension fit within slots 26 of cleaning head 20b. The present invention contemplates that there will be a one-to-one correlation in the number of prongs 32 to grooves 24, and prongs 35 to slots 26. Inside platform 30b can also further include gripping holes 34 extending throughout body 31.

FIGS. 3E and 3F are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a third inside platform 30c. Inside platform 30c includes body 31, and four prongs 32 adapted to mate with grooves 24. The present invention contemplates that there will be a one-to-one correlation in the number of prongs 32 to grooves 24. Inside platform 30c can also further include gripping holes 34 extending throughout body 31.

FIG. 4 is a view of a finger device 10 in accordance with the present invention. Finger device 10 includes an first end 11 and a second end 12. Preferably, first end 11 is an open end of finger device 10 adapted to receive a finger within finger device 10 and second end 12 is a closed end of finger device 10 adapted to substantially form fit around the tip of a finger received within finger device 10. However, the present invention contemplates that second end 12 can also be an opened end of finger device 10. The present invention further contemplates that second end 12 can be a closed end of finger device 10 having a slit (not shown) adapted to receive a fingernail.

The present invention contemplates that finger device 10 is any device that can be received on or rolled onto a finger. The configuration of finger device 10 prior to be received on or rolled onto a finger can vary. However, it is preferred that finger device 10 have a configuration when received on or rolled onto a finger that is substantially similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 4. The advantage of a finger device 10 that can be received on or rolled onto a finger is the ability to package dental finger toothbrush 1 similar to the packaging of a condom. This allows for an easy insertion of dental finger toothbrush 1 into a dental hygiene packet as shown in FIG. 13B. Preferably, finger device 10 is substantially made from hygienically protective material such as latex rubber, polyethylene, cellophane and vinyl. In addition, it is preferred that finger device 10 be made from material having biodegradable properties. The advantage of a biodegradable finger device 10 is the ability to use dental finger toothbrush 1 as a disposal toothbrush without causing significant harm to the environment.

Referring back to FIGS. 2B and 3B, grooves 24 of cleaning head 20a and prongs 32 of inside platform 30a are adapted to mate when the finger device 10 is disposed between grooves 24 and prongs 32, while slots 25 of cleaning head 20a are adapted to couple with prongs 33 of inside platform 30a. FIG. 5A is cross-sectional illustration of a mating between groove 24 and prong 32, and a coupling between slot 25 and prong 33. As shown in FIG. 5A, with finger device 10 disposed between cleaning head 20a and inside platform 30a, groove 24 mates with prong 32 and prong 33 snaps within slot 25. It is to be understood and appreciated that prong 33 is intended to snap with slot 25, thus coupling cleaning head 20a and inside platform 30a. This provides rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush 1. It is also to be understood and appreciated that the mating of groove 24 and prong 32 is intended to further promote rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush 1.

Referring back to FIGS. 2E and 3D, grooves 24 of cleaning head 20b and prongs 32 of inside platform 30b are adapted to mate when the finger device 10 is disposed between grooves 24 and prongs 32, while prongs 35 of inside platform 30b are adapted to couple with slots 26 of cleaning head 20b. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional illustration of a mating between groove 24 and prong 32, and a coupling between slot 26 and prong 35. The present invention contemplates that prongs 35 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of slots 26, thus causing prongs 35 to tension fit within slots 26 after being forced within slots 26. As shown in FIG. 5B, the present invention anticipates that tension fitting prong 35 with slot 26 may cause prong 35 to slightly retract within slot 26. It is to be understood and appreciated that prong 35 is intended to tension fit within slot 26, thus coupling cleaning head 20b and inside platform 30b. This provides rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush 1. It is also to be understood and appreciated that the mating of groove 24 and prong 32 is intended to further promote rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush 1.

Referring back to FIGS. 2H and 3F, grooves 24 of cleaning head 20c and prongs 32 of inside platform 30c are adapted to mate when the finger device 10 is disposed between grooves 24 and prongs 32. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of such a mating between groove 24 and prong 32. As shown in FIG. 5C, with finger device 10 disposed between cleaning head 20c and inside platform 30c, groove 24 mates with prong 32. It is to be understood and appreciated that cleaning head 20c and inside platform 30c are both bonded to finger device 10, thus coupling cleaning head 20c with inside platform 30c. The present invention contemplates that cleaning head 20c and inside platform 30c can be bonded by any means to finger device 10, including improved methods of heat bonding and adhesive bonding. Preferably, the chosen bonding means does not damage finger device 10, cleaning head 20c, and/or inside platform 30c. It is also to be understood and appreciated that the mating of groove 24 and prong 32 is intended to promote rotational and linear stability to dental finger toothbrush 1.

It is to be further appreciated and understood that inside platform 30 is an essential component of the first embodiment of the present invention. One benefit of inside platform 30 is the ability to easily and effectively fasten cleaning head 20 to a delicate finger device 10. Another benefit of inside platform 30 is the ability to exert enormous force on cleaning head 20 when brushing while maintaining rotational and linear stability of finger device 10 on a finger.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the preferred manufacturing process for dental finger toothbrush 1 will now be described. The first step is to align and couple cleaning head 20 and inside platform 30 with a first layer of finger device 10 disposed therebetween. The second step is to place a second layer of finger device 10 over inside platform 30. The final step is seal and cut the first layer and second layer of finger device 10 in order to form dental finger toothbrush 1. It is to be appreciated and understood that the preferred manufacturing process is simple to implement and cost effective.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a bottom view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a dental finger toothbrush 2 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Dental finger toothbrush 2 comprises a finger device 10, a cleaning head 40, an inside platform 50, and a locking strap 60 (not shown). Cleaning head 40 is coupled to inside platform 50, and finger device 10 is disposed therebetween. As shown, the present invention contemplates that dental finger toothbrush 2 includes inside platform 50 so as to obtain the benefits of having inside platform 50. However, the second embodiment of the present invention is directed to the need of a dental finger toothbrush that can be efficiently and easily manufacture to fit all sizes. Consequently, the present invention contemplates that cleaning head 40 can be attached by any means to finger device 10, and inside platform 50 can be discarded.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of cleaning head 40. Cleaning head 40 includes a body 41 having a top side 41a and a bottom side 41b, a plurality of bristle holes 22 (not shown in FIG. 7B) throughout body 41 extending from top side 41a to bottom side 41b, bristles 23 (not shown) inserted in bristle holes 22, two grooves 43 disposed in bottom side 41b, and a locking hook 44. Cleaning head 40 may further include two grooves 42 disposed in top side 41a.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are a bottom view, a side view and a top view, respectively, of inside platform 50. Inside platform 50 includes a body 51 and two prongs 52 adapted to mate with grooves 43. The present invention contemplates that there will be a one-to-one correlation in the number of prongs 52 to grooves 43. The present invention further contemplates that grooves 43 and prongs 52 can be coupled similar to slot 25 and prong 33 as described herein and shown in FIG. 5A, similar to slot 26 and prong 35 as described herein and shown in FIG. 5B, and similar to groove 24 and prong 32 as described herein and shown in FIG. 5C. Inside platform 50 can further include gripping holes 34 (not shown) extending throughout body 51, or any other means for securing inside platform 50 to a finger.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of locking strap 60a. Locking strap 60a includes a first hole 61a and a second hole 61b. Holes 61a and 61b are adapted to be affixed around locking hook 44. FIG. 10A is illustrative of hole 61a affixed around locking hook 44 prior to wrapping locking strap 60a around finger device 10 and cleaning head 40, while FIG. 10B is illustrative of hole 61b affixed around locking hook 44 in front of hole 61a after the completion of wrapping locking strap 60a around finger device 10 and cleaning head 40. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the present invention contemplates that cleaning head 40 may include a second locking hook (not shown) on the opposing end of cleaning head 40. In such a case, holes 61a may be affixed around locking hook 44, while hole 61b may be affixed around the second locking hook.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of locking strap 60b. Locking strap 60b includes a first knot 62a and a second knot 62b. Knots 62a and 62b are adapted to be secured within either a slit 44a of locking hook 44 or a slit 44b of locking hook 44. FIG. 11A is illustrative of knots 62a secured within slit 44a prior to wrapping locking strap 60b around finger device 10 and cleaning head 40, while FIG. 11B is illustrative of knot 62a secured within slit 44a and knot 62b secured within slit 44b after the completion of wrapping locking strap 60b around finger device 10 and cleaning head 40. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the present invention contemplates that cleaning head 40 may include a second locking hook (not shown) on the opposing end of cleaning head 40. In such a case, knot 62a may be secured within either slit 44a or 44b of locking hook 44, while knot 62b may be secured within either slit of the second locking hook.

The present invention contemplates that locking straps 60a and 60b are substantially made from hygienically protective and elastic material such as latex rubber. In addition, it is preferred that locking straps 60a and 60b be made from material having biodegradable properties. The advantage of biodegradable locking straps 60a and 60b is the ability to use dental finger toothbrush 2 as a disposal toothbrush without causing significant harm to the environment. It is further preferred that locking straps 60a and 60b have elastic characteristics similar to a rubber band so as to be significantly stretched if desired.

Locking strap 60a and locking strap 60b are intended to be wrapped around finger device 10 along most of the length of finger device and coupled to locking hook 44. The present invention contemplates cleaning head 40 can further include grooves 42 so that locking strap 60a or locking strap 60b can be wrapped within grooves 42 to prevent either locking strap from slipping or moving while being wrapped around finger device 10. FIG. 12 is an illustration of the utilization of locking strap 60a. As shown in FIG. 12, locking strap 60a is wrapped around finger device 10 and wrapped within grooves 42. In addition, hole 61a is affixed around locking hook 44. It is to be appreciated and understood that by wrapping locking straps 60a or 60b along and around finger device 10 by wrapping locking straps 60a or 60b within grooves 42, and by securing locking straps 60a or 60b to cleaning head 40 creates a secure fit around a finger of a user of dental finger toothbrush 2. The advantage of locking straps 60a and 60b is the ability to manufacture a finger device sufficiently large enough to be received on or rolled onto any finger with the capability of being fitted to every finger. This simplifies the manufacturer of dental finger toothbrush 2.

Referring back to FIG. 6A and 6B, the preferred manufacturing process for dental finger toothbrush 2 is the same manufacturing process herein described for dental finger toothbrush 1. An alternative manufacturing process for dental finger toothbrush 2 will now be described. The first step is to align and couple cleaning head 40 and inside platform 50 with a first layer and a second layer of finger device 10 disposed therebetween. The second step is to seal and cut the first layer and the second layer of finger device 10 in order to form dental finger toothbrush 2 wherein finger device 10 includes a substantial tubular body, and a flap integral with the body and disposed between a coupled cleaning head 40 and inside platform 50.

The present invention contemplates that the flap of finger device 10 is wrapped around the body of finger device 10 when the body of finger device 10 is received on or rolled onto a finger. It is to be appreciated and understood that locking strap 60a or locking strap 60b is utilized to wrap and secure the flap of finger device 10 around the body of finger device 10 as locking strap 60a or locking strap 60b is being wrapped around finger device 10 and cleaning head 40 as previously described herein. As with the preferred manufacturing process, the alternative manufacturing process is also simple to implement and cost effective.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a dental hygiene packet 70. Dental hygiene packet 70 includes a packaged dental finger toothbrush 1 and/or a packaged dental finger toothbrush 2 with either locking strap 60a or locking strap 60b. Dental hygiene packet 70 can further include a toothpaste 71, a floss 72, and/or a mint 73. Any combination of these items can be placed within packet 70 and packaged with a box 74. However, toothpaste 71 must be included. The present invention further contemplates that toothpaste 71 can be packaged in a container as shown in FIG. 13a or pre-packaged within and/or on the cleaning elements of cleaning head 20 and cleaning head 40. FIG. 13B is an illustration of packet 70 with dental finger toothbrush 1, and toothpaste 71 inserted into box 74. It is to be appreciated and understood that FIGS. 13A and 13B are illustrative of only one possible version of packet 70. The present invention contemplates that a packaged dental finger toothbrush 1 and a packaged dental finger toothbrush 2 with either locking strap 60a or locking strap 60b can be sold individually, in a packet similar to packet 70 or by any means commercially desirable.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.