Dental strip

• US 5,293,886 A
• Filed: 02/18/1993
• Issued: 03/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Czapor Industries, LLC
• Original Assignee: Henry Czapor
• Inventors: Czapor, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lucchesi, Nicholas D.
• Application Number:
  US08/019,451
• Time in Patent Office: 390 Days
• Field of Search: 433/142, 433/216, 132/321, 132/323, 132/329
• US Class Current: 132/329
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/00 Devices for cleaning between the teeth

Abstract

An improved dental strip which includes a dental rubber tube with a reduced silicon coating and wherein the talcum powder generally used between the inner surfaces of the rubber tube is replaced with by a flavoring compound, which is preferably in the form of a tooth powder, such as baking soda. Many flavoring compounds may be used, such as those which impart a fresh mint taste plus a medicament (e.g., fluoride), which is effective to inhibit the formation of dental caries. Baking soda, as eluded to above will neutralize the odor. A further improvement, and alternative embodiment of the present invention involves improving the appearance of the dental strip and making it easier to remove from a conventional dental strip pack.

Claims

1. A dental strip comprising:

a latex rubber tube having a silicon layer with a flavoring compound atop said silicon layer,

said latex rubber tube being provided with a series of slits cut circumferentially, wherein

said flavoring compound is applied on an inner surface and an outer surface of said latex rubber tube.

2. A dental strip in combination with a dispenser pack in the form of a matchbook, wherein said dental strip comprises;

a die cut latex rubber tube having a silicone layer with a flavoring compound atop said silicone layer to eliminate any rubber taste or odor,

said latex rubber tube being provided with a series of slits cut circumferentially,

said flavoring compound being applied on both an inner surface and an outer surface of said latex rubber tube, and wherein

said dental strip is inverted, i.e. turned inside out, before die cutting so as to ensure a more rounded shape by allowing said dental strip to spring up into an oval shape allowing easier removal from said dispenser pack.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said flavoring compound on said latex rubber tube comprises;

a tooth powder including baking soda.

4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said flavoring compound on said latex rubber tube comprises;

fluoride medicament, dentifrice, and flavoring.

5. The combination of claim 2, wherein said flavoring compound on said latex rubber tube comprises;

a tacky layer of flavored toothpaste rolled on to said latex rubber tube with a sponge rubber roller,

a mixture of tooth powder and cornstarch dusted upon said toothpaste.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said mixture of tooth powder and cornstarch provides a non-tacky coating for said dental strip.

7. The combination of claim 5, wherein said latex rubber tube is turned inside-out after being coated with said flavoring compound so as to position said flavoring compound on the innermost portion of said latex rubber tube and create an attractive external appearance.

8. The combination of claim 2, wherein said flavoring compound on said latex rubber tube comprises;

a dental rinse mixed with starch to form a dipping solution for said latex rubber tube, wherein

said latex rubber tube is dipped in said dipping solution and then dried in a microwave oven.

9. The combination of claim 2, wherein said dental strip is colored so as to blend in with the color of the users skin and act as a camouflage.

10. The combination of claim 2, wherein said dental strip is highly elastic to allow stretching for ease of use.