Interdental toothpick and stimulator tool

• US 5,419,346 A
• Filed: 04/07/1994
• Issued: 05/30/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Raymond P. Tipp
• Original Assignee: Raymond P. Tipp
• Inventors: Tipp, Raymond P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirsh, Paul
• Application Number:
  US08/224,308
• Time in Patent Office: 418 Days
• Field of Search: 132/321, 132/322, 132/329, 132/328, 433/141, 433/144
• US Class Current: 132/329
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/02 Toothpicks

Abstract

A dental instrument comprises an angular-fashioned metal pick 12 secured to a solid rectangular or square handle and projects from one end thereof. The pick is shaped in an angular configuration, with its stem embedded into the handle, then extended outward along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The stem is bent to provide a section that extends at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis outward to an essentially straight section. The straight section forms a transition section to a probe section. The probe section extends in a spiral curved from the end of the straight section to a blunt distal end. The probe projects forwardly on the order of approximately 8 mm or more to a tapered distal end of the probe.

Claims

1. A personal toothpick and interdental stimulator instrument comprising handle means adapted to be gripped between a user'"'"'s thumb and forefinger, and pick means extending outward from said handle means along a longitudinal axis of said handle means for insertion into the user'"'"'s mouth;

said pick means comprising a stainless elongated metal member having a first straight section longitudinally extending from said handle means, a second section extending from said first section and angled outwardly from said first section at an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, an essentially straight third section extending from said second section, and a probe section means extending from said straight third section;

said straight third section being displaced from said longitudinal axis and being generally parallel thereto; and

said probe section means being provided in the form of a tapered metal shaft shaped in the form of a reverse spiral with its radius of curvature progressively lengthening from its point of connection with said straight third section so that the extent of said probe section means terminates at a distal end and forms an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, and having a circular cross-section and a length of at least about 8 mm, and being tapered from a larger diameter at its point of connection with said straight third section of about 0.0047 inches to a blunt end having a smaller diameter at its distal end of about 0.0017 inches so that said probe section means may be inserted between a user'"'"'s tooth and gum;

said pick means, as a consequence of the configuration of said probe section means, providing a long, smooth surface, capable of being inserted between a user'"'"'s tooth and gum for stimulating and massaging the user'"'"'s gums as an alternative to flossing.

2. The instrument of claim 1 including a bead chain means inserted through an aperture provided therefore in the end of said handle means, said bead chain means having a length and being oriented with respect to said handle means that a user may loop said bead chain means about his index finger whereby said handle means is secured when pinched between the user'"'"'s thumb and index finger so that said bead chain means provides an extension of said handle means to aid in the control and manipulation of said pick means.

3. The instrument of claim 1 including sheath means adapted to be inserted longitudinally over said pick means and secured to said handle means whereby said pick means is protected.

4. A personal toothpick and interdental stimulator instrument comprising handle means adapted to be gripped between a user'"'"'s thumb and forefinger;

a bead chain means inserted through an aperture provided therefore in the end of said handle means, said bead chain means having a length and being oriented with respect to said handle means that a user may loop said bead chain means about his index finger whereby said handle means is secured when pinched between the user'"'"'s thumb and index finger so that said bead chain means provides an extension of said handle means to aid in the control and manipulation of a pick means;

pick means extending outward from said handle means along a longitudinal axis of said handle means for insertion into the user'"'"'s mouth; and

sheath means adapted to be inserted longitudinally over said pick means and secured to said handle means whereby said pick means is protected

said pick means comprising a stainless elongated metal member having a first section longitudinally extending from said handle means, a second section extending from said first section and angled outwardly from said first section at an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, an essentially straight third section extending from said second section and a probe section means extending from said straight third section;

said straight third section being displaced from said longitudinal axis and being generally parallel thereto;

said probe section means being provided in the form of a tapered metal shaft shaped in the form of a reverse spiral with its radius of curvature progressively lengthening from its point of connection with said straight third section so that the extent of said probe section means terminates at a distal end and forms an acute angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, and having a circular cross-section and a length of at least about 8 mm, and being tapered from a larger diameter of about 0.0047 inches at its point of connection with said arcuate third section to a blunt end having a smaller diameter of about 0.0017 inches at its distal end so that said probe section means may be inserted between a user'"'"'s tooth and gum;

said pick means, as a consequence of the configuration of said probe section means, providing a long, smooth surface, capable of being inserted between a user'"'"'s tooth and gum for stimulating and massaging the user'"'"'s gums as an alternative to flossing.