Integrated oral hygiene system

• US 4,880,382 A
• Filed: 12/03/1986
• Issued: 11/14/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Les Produits Associes Lpa-Broxo SA
• Original Assignee: Les Produits Associes Lpa SA
• Inventors: Jousson, Pierre J., Moret, Michel A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, John J.
• Application Number:
  US06/937,566
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 128/62 A, 128/66, 132/84 A, 132/84 R, 132/89, 132/91, 132/92 R, 132/92 A, 132/93, 433/118, 433/119, 433/124, 433/125, 206/369, 15/22 R
• US Class Current: 433/118
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0055 Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0069 Brushes fitted with a interdental devices, e.g. toothpick A46B2200/108 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0075 Brushes with an additional massage device
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/1066 Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures A61C17/16 takes precedence; bristles arrangements for toothbrushes A46B9/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/00 Devices for cleaning between the teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/047 power-driven
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 17/222 Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 2204/007 using wear indicators

Abstract

An integral oral hygiene system which includes an electric toothbrush wherein the brush can be replaced by an interproximal gum stimulator, an interproximal brush or a floss holder, all of which are driven by the toothbrush motor.

Claims

1. An integrated oral hygiene system for facilitating a complete oral hygiene program comprising in combination:

a handle having a top end and a bottom end, a motor housed in said handle, and having a shaft having a longitudinal axis protruding therefrom, said shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotationally oscillated about said longitudinal axis responsive to said motor;

a plurality of accessories interchangeably mountable on said shaft and adapted to be used interchangeably and frequently;

said accessories comprising;

a toothbrush having bristles and a holder adapted to fit on the shaft;

a dental floss holder having one end adapted to fit on said shaft and another end divided into a pair of forks;

said forks having extremities bent along different axes having floss stretched therebetween;

an interproximal brush, rotationally symmetric about said longitudinal axis, having a holder removably mounted on said shaft; and

a gum stimulator, rotationally symmetric about said longitudinal axis, mountable upon said shaft.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor provides a frequency of oscillating motion ranging between 40 to 60 c/s.

3. A method of obtaining oral hygiene comprising the steps of:

utilizing an integrated oral hygiene system comprising;

a handle having a top end and a bottom end, a motor housed in said handle, and having a shaft having a longitudinal axis protruding therefrom, said shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotationally oscillated about said longitudinal axis responsive to said motor;

a plurality of accessories interchangeably mountable on said shaft;

said accessories comprising;

a toothbrush having bristles and a holder adapted to fit on the shaft;

a dental floss holder having one end adapted to fit on said shaft and another end divided into a pair of forks;

said forks having extremities bent along different axes having floss stretched therebetween;

an interproximal brush, rotationally symmetric about said longitudinal axis, having a holder removably mounted on said shaft; and

a gum stimulator, rotationally symmetric about said longitudinal axis, mountable upon said shaft, and

using said accessories interchangeably, frequently and in any sequence.