WO2000030559A1

WO2000030559A1 - Disposable dental inner and outer pick

Info

Publication number: WO2000030559A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerardo Pablo; Jacob Peretz
Original assignee: Novopick Inc.
Priority date: 1999-01-20
Filing date: 1999-01-22
Publication date: 2000-06-02
Also published as: AU2145399A; CA2259020A1

Abstract

Our invention relates to a 'DISPOSABLE DENTAL INNER PICK.' A particular application is for the device to be able to effectively clean the inside and outside teeth (in-between) and gumlines from food debris, plaque, tartar and other such foreign material imbedded in-between one's teeth in particular after having a meal. While the device's main focus is to clean in-between one's teeth inside and outside, it is also highly effective in massaging and stimulating gum tissue which prevents GINGIVITIS (a minor inflammation of the gum caused by plaque building up above one's gumline) when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral and dental care. Because of the nature of its intended use and purpose, for personal use in one's oral hygiene and dental care and for safety and health reasons the device is designed and manufactured for use as one-time use disposable item.

Description

TITLE - DISPOSABLE DENTAL INNER AND OUTER PICK

DISCLOSURE

The invention relates to a " DISPOSABLE DENTAL INNER AND OUTER

PICK ", such PICK is the embodiment of the invention. Such device will be an effective, functional safe and hygienic way and means of cleaning in-between one's teeth and gumline free of food debris, plaque, tartar and other foreign material lodged in- between one's teeth in particular after having a meal. The device will also be an effective tool in massaging and stimulating one's gum tissue.

The invention in particular is designed much like a conventional toothpick with one major difference. A conventional toothpick is one straight shaft cut to a certain length with pointed tips at both ends, because of it's straight forward design it is only functional in cleaning the front portion of one's teeth, it is highly ineffective and nonfunctional in cleaning the inner recesses of one's mouth. Trying to insert a conventional toothpick inside one's mouth and trying to clean in-between one's teeth and gumline is not only awkward but highly impossible to accomplish. It is also risky and will cause injury most likely to the tongue, the mouth and gumlines, if not careful the chance of accidentally swallowing something not designed for internal use will increase the chance of choking.

The major difference in a conventional toothpick and the invention lies in it's unique design and functionality, described forthcoming

The invention in particular is designed with one end having a straight rounded shaft with a sharp tip at it's end much like a pick, it has a body, a straight rounded shaft that joins together the opposite end. On the opposite end is a unique curved angled pick that conforms to the size of a regular adult molar, at the end of the angled curved pick is a sharp tip much like the other end of the device another pick. The picks on both ends are like needle points and are fine enough to insert in-between one's teeth for cleaning. The device is functionally cut and measured to its certain length for easy access of the curved angled pick for easy and accessible cleaning of one's inside teeth.

Our invention is illustrated in the accompanying sketch and explained accordingly. The device has a frame of resilient flexible material, preferably of a suitable plastic material. The device lends itself in a practical way to be produced in pressed, die- cut or moulded plastic material. Such material is unalterable and resistant. Any material can be used as long as the material is resiliently flexible.

The device which is in the form of a long thin rounded shaft, cut to a certain length with sharp pointed tips on both opposite ends acting as picks is divided into (3) three integral parts. Part #1, The CURVED ANGLED HOOK PICK, Part #2, The BODY and Part #3, The STRAIGHT PICK are described as follows:

Part #1, The CURVED ANGLED HOOK PICK, at one end of the device at the top is a uniquely designed curved angled hook pick (Pick #1) much looks like a half- moon circle conforming to the form of a regular adult molar tooth which allows the pick to be easily positioned inside one's inner mouth for cleaning in-between one's teeth. At the exact end of tip of the curved angled hook is the pick which is fashioned much like a needle point for easy in-between teeth cleaning and massaging one's gumline.

The curved angled hook picks main purpose is to clean the BACK INNER teeth inside the mouth itself. Part #2, The BODY, is the middle portion of the device, it plays a secondary role in the process, the body joins part #1, the curved angled hook pick and part #3, the straight pick together. The body is a long rounded shaft in the center portion of the device, centrally located for it's main function. It's main function and role with its long shaft gives the device depth and distance for it to be inserted inside one's mouth. The body also comes equipped with finger grips for maintaining a firm and secure hold when using the device.

Part #3, The STRAIGHT PICK, at the bottom of the device at the opposite end of the curved angled hook pick is the straight pick (pick #2). The straight pick is a thin rounded shaft that is the extension of the body. Cut and designated to a certain length tapered towards it's very tip sharply much like a pick in the shape of a needle point. The pick end with it's needle point tip makes it an effective and functional tool for getting in- between one's teeth and cleaning it of food debris, plaque, tartar and other foreign matter after a meal. The straight pick is designed specifically for cleaning the front portion of one's teeth.

While the object and focus of the invention is to clean in-between one's teeth after a meal in particular, the invention is also an effective tool in massaging the gumline and gum tissue as well as stimulating both. When used in a regular conscientiously applied program of oral and dental care will prevent Gingivitis (a minor inflammation of the gum caused by plaque build-up above one's gumline) causing tooth decay and loss. HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT

Gerardo Pablo first conceived the invention on August 18, 1997 at London, Ontario, Canada. Various designs and variations and prepared numerous sketches and proto-types incorporating these ideas. Over the next few weeks ending September 23, 1997 the sketches evolved to the design illustrated in the appended sketch.

The appended sketch was made by Gerardo Pablo of London, Ontario Canada with the assistance of Jacob Peretz of London Ontario, Canada on October 20, 1997 to record the results of the invention to that date.

Claims

CLAIMTHE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A "Disposable Dental Inner and Outer Pick" a device to effectively clean the inside and outside teeth (in-between) and gumlines from food debris, plaque, tartar and other such foreign material imbedded in-between one's teeth, in particular after having a meal.

2. The device is also an effective tool in massaging and stimulating gum tissue which prevents GINGIVITIS (a minor inflammation of the gum caused by plaque build-up above one's gumline) when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral and dental care.

3. The device is of a disposable, one-time use tool, because of it's intended use and purpose, for personal use in one's oral hygiene and dental care and for safety and health reasons the device is manufactured and designed for a one-time use only item.

4. The device is divided into (3) three integral parts. Part #1, The curved angled hook pick (Pick #1). Part #2, The body and Part #3, The straight pick (Pick #2).

5. Such material must be flexible and resilient preferably plastic which lends itself in a practical manner and way to be produced in pressed, die-cut or moulded form. Any material can be used as long as the material is resiliently flexible.

6. Part #1, The Curved Angled Hook Pick, at the top of the device, much like a half- moon circle conforming to the form of a regular adult molar tooth. Its unique curved angled hook design allows the pick to be easily positioned with ease inside one's mouth for cleaning the inside back areas of one's tooth. At the end of the curved angled hook is a needle point tip for easy in-between cleaning and massaging of one's gumline from food debris, plaque, tartar and other foreign material after a meal. The curved angled hook pick's main purpose is to clean the inner and inside back of one's teeth.

7. Part #2, The Body, is the middle portion of the device, it play's a secondary role in the process, the body joins part #1 (the curved angled hook pick) and part #3 (straight pick) together. The body is a long rounded shaft in the center part of the device. The main function and role it play's is it's ability to be extended inside the mouth itself because of it's long shaft. With it's long shaft gives the device depth and distance for it to be inserted INSIDE one's mouth without putting one's finger or hand inside the mouth, by holding the device outside one's mouth, it becomes a highly effective and functional tool in controlling the mechanics of in-between cleaning of one's teeth. The body is equipped with finger grips for maintaining a firm secure hold when using the device.

8. Part #3, The Straight Pick, at the bottom of the device at the opposite end the curved angled hook pick (part #1) is the straight pick (part #2). The straight pick is a thin rounded shaft that is basically the extension of the body, cut to a designated length tapering to it's very end. The tip much like a needle point, makes the pick an effective and functional tool for getting in-between one's teeth and cleaning it of food debris, plaque, tartar and other foreign material after a meal. The straight pick is designed specifically the front portion of one's teeth. In operation when desired for use, the disposable dental inner and outer picks both pick ends should be used in a slow up-down motion to clean in-between one's teeth from food debris, plaque, tartar and other foreign material after a meal. TO use the device as a massaging tool and to stimulate gum tissue after cleaning in-between one's teeth is just to follow the same procedure in a gentle stroking up-down and sideways motion.