Light-emitting dental floss

DE602019064749T2Active Publication Date: 2025-01-08ZHOU XING GUANGZHOU
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE602019064749
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-11-28
Filing Date
2019-05-24
Publication Date
2025-01-08
Estimated Expiration
2039-05-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing dental floss tools struggle to effectively clean deep gaps between teeth, particularly between molars, due to lack of illumination, leading to potential gum damage and inefficiency in cleaning, especially in dark oral environments.

Method used

A luminous dental floss tool with a light source system integrated into the handle, using a light guide material for illumination and a detachable connection mechanism, ensuring clear observation of the cleaning area and preventing accidental gum damage, while being safe and hygienic.

Benefits of technology

The tool provides effective illumination for clear observation during cleaning, preventing gum damage and ensuring thoroughness, with a safe and convenient design that includes a timing function for battery conservation and easy replacement.

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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a luminous dental floss tool for cleaning a gap between teeth.BACKGROUND

[0002] Due to reasons such as aging, pathology, and the like, gingival atrophy is easily caused, and a gap between teeth is easily expanded, thereby causing food residues. If the residues are not cleaned in time, not only oral odor may be generated, but also various dental diseases, oral diseases, and especially periodontitis are easily caused.

[0003] Dental floss is an important interdental cleaning tool on the market. Although there are various products with different structures and specifications on the market, the existing products are generally difficult to observe the gap between teeth. Especially, when a gap between a third molar and a second molar, or a gap between the second molar and a first molar, or a gap between the first molar and the second molar is cleaned, because a position of the gap between the teeth to be cleaned is located deep in an oral cavity, light in a cleaned part is very dark. When there is no external lighting, a user can only operate by feeling, which will easily cause bleeding or damage to gums. Therefore, the existing dental floss needs to be improved.

[0004] US 2008 / 041412 A1 describes a reusable handle for use with a disposable dental flosser having an electrical circuit located within the handle for operating an illumination source to illuminate floss of the flosser and an area of interest during use of the flosser at the area of interest.

[0005] CN 104905547 A describes a built-in interdental brush having an interdental brush body that is arranged in a bend of a guide head of a delivery device. After the guide head is aligned with gaps between teeth, a sliding mechanism on the delivery device is pushed to drive a working part of the interdental brush body made of elastic materials to be automatically bent along the radian of the bend to be aligned with and enter the gaps between the teeth. The working part of the interdental brush body moves in the gaps between the teeth back and forth by repeatedly pushing and pulling a sliding block on the sliding mechanism of the delivery device to clean the gaps between the teeth. The delivery device has good rigidity such that after an outlet of the bend of the guide head of the delivery device is aligned with the gaps between the teeth, the pushed-out interdental brush body directly enters the gaps between the teeth. As the outlet of the bend of the guide head of the delivery device is almost attached to the gaps between the teeth and is quite close to the gaps between the teeth, the interdental brush body is not prone to being bent and the controllability of the interdental brush body is improved. A lighting system and an observing system are additionally arranged in the built-in interdental brush to illuminate the mouth cavity.

[0006] US 2008 / 257378 A1 describes a flosser illumination system which provides a flosser and an illumination device that is removably positionable on the flosser for illuminating the mouth during flossing.SUMMARY

[0007] The invention is defined by a luminous dental floss tool with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] The luminous dental floss of the present application is illuminated by a light source system to ensure that a cleaned part may be clearly observed in a cleaning process, thereby effectively preventing accidental damage to gums while ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0009] The illumination system 2 is designed on the handle 3 of the luminous dental floss of the present application, and the illumination light emitted by the light source system 21 of the illumination system 2 can illuminate the oral cavity. The dental floss is used to clean a gap between teeth with enough light, thereby effectively preventing the dental floss from accidentally damaging gums during cleaning while ensuring the cleaning effect. Through the detachable connection mode, the dental floss 1 can be replaced in time after use, so that the use process is cleaner and more hygienic.

[0010] The observation window 11 provided between the working portion 13 and the connecting portion 12 may better observe the clean part, and the observation window 11 is usually designed as a triangle.

[0011] The dental floss 1 is made of a light guide material. The dental floss 1 may be made of a light guide material to transmit the illumination light emitted by the light source system 21 to inside of the oral cavity to achieve illumination.

[0012] A light guide channel 14 is disposed on the dental floss 1. The light guide channel 14 may also be designed on the dental floss 1 to achieve transmission of the illumination light. The applicant herein only specifies the foregoing two ways of transmitting the illumination light. In actual application, those skilled in the art may design other ways of transmitting various light as required without departing from the protection scope of this application.

[0013] The dental floss 1 and the handle 3 are connected in a rotating manner, a concave-convex snap fit manner, or an interference fit manner. The applicant herein only lists the foregoing three connection manners. Those skilled in the art may design various connection manners as required without departing from the protection scope of this application.

[0014] The dental floss 1 and the handle 3 are connected in a concave-convex snap fit manner; the connecting portion 12 includes a positioning convex step 12-1, and the connecting end 31 includes a positioning groove 31-1, the positioning convex step 12-1 being embedded in the positioning groove 31-1 during connection.

[0015] The connecting end 31 further includes a fixing sleeve 31-2, the fixing sleeve 31-2 being pushed upward during connection and being capable of being fixed outside the positioning convex step 12-1 and the positioning groove 31-1. The fixing sleeve 31-2 is sleeved outside the positioning convex step 12-1 and the positioning groove 31-1, which can further ensure firmness of the connection between the dental floss 1 and the handle 3.

[0016] The power supply system 21 is mounted in the handle 3, and a front end of the handle 3 is made of a light guide material. The front end of the handle 3 is made of the light guide material, so that illumination light of the light source system 21 can be transmitted from the handle 3, thereby achieving illumination of the cleaning process. The light source system 21 is designed in the handle 3, which can effectively isolate potential safety hazards caused by an electronic component entering the oral cavity, so that the use process is safer.

[0017] The power supply system 24 is a battery 24-1, the battery 24-1 being mounted in the handle 3. The power supply system 24 uses the battery 24-1 as a power supply, which is convenient for carrying and usage. In addition, because the battery 24-1 may be sealed in the handle 3, there will be no potential safety hazard of accidental electric shock during use, so that the use process is safer.

[0018] The illumination system 2 has a timing function, and the light source system 21 is automatically turned off within a specified time after the switch 23 is turned on. The timing function of the illumination system 2 can automatically turn off the illumination system 2 after a certain period of time when the user forgets to turn off the illumination system 2, thereby ensuring the battery life of the battery 24-1 and prolonging the service life of the product. Moreover, even if the illumination system 2 is turned on by mistake during carrying, the illumination system can be automatically turned off after a certain period of time, so that the use process is safer.

[0019] The handle 3 is provided with an end cover 33, the battery 24-1 disposed in the handle 3 being replaced after the end cover 33 is removed. The detachable design of the end cover 33 can facilitate the replacement of the battery 24-1.

[0020] The luminous dental floss 100 is capable of being placed on a tabletop in an upright manner. The luminous dental floss 100 is capable of being placed on a tabletop in an upright manner, and especially in public places, this upright placing method can effectively ensure that the dental floss 1 is not contaminated, so that the use process is cleaner and hygienic.

[0021] The illumination light emitted by the light source system 21 may illuminate the oral cavity, so that the cleaned part may be clearly observed in the cleaning process, thereby effectively preventing accidental damage to gums while ensuring the cleaning effect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 is first embedded at a front end of a handle 3, then a fixing sleeve 31-2 is pushed forward, and the dental floss 1 is fixed at the front end of the handle 3 by positioning the fixing sleeve 31-2 forward. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss during detachment of dental floss according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the fixing sleeve 31-2 is pushed backward so that the fixing sleeve 31-2 is positioned backward, and a concave-convex snap-fit connection mechanism between the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 is exposed and unlocked, so that the dental floss 1 can be separated from the front end of the handle 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss in an unlocked state according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the fixing sleeve 31-2 is positioned backward, and a concave-convex snap-fit connection mechanism between the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 is in an unlocked state, so that the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 can be assembled and disassembled. FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss in a locked state according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the fixing sleeve 31-2 is positioned forward, and a concave-convex snap-fit connection mechanism between the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 is in a locked state, so that the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 cannot be assembled and disassembled due to being fixed together. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss according to the present application. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss in an unlocked state according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 is flat dental floss 132. FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss in a locked state according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 is flat dental floss 132. FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of luminous dental floss rotatably connected according to the present application. In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 and the front end of the handle 3 are connected by using threads, and assembly and disassembly between the dental floss 1 and the handle 3 can be achieved by rotating in different directions.

[0023] In the foregoing figure: 100 represents luminous dental floss of the present application. 1 represents dental floss, 2 represents an illumination system, 3 represents a handle. 11 represents an observation window; 12 represents a connecting portion of dental floss, 12-1 represents a positioning convex step, 12-2 represents a connecting screw; 13 represents a working portion of dental floss, 131 represents round dental floss, 132 represents flat dental floss; 14 represents a light guide channel. 21 represents a light source system, 22 represents a circuit system, 23 represents a switch, 24 represents a power supply system; 24-1 represents a battery. 31 represents a connecting end, 32 represents a body of a handle, 33 represents an end cover, 34 represents a sealing ring; 31-1 represents a positioning groove, 31-2 represents a fixing sleeve, and 31-3 represents a connecting nut. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSEmbodiment 1: luminous dental floss connected in a concave-convex snap fit manner of the present application

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, luminous dental floss of the present embodiment includes dental floss 1, an illumination system 2, and a handle 3.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 includes an observation window 11, a connecting portion 12, and a working portion 13. The observation window 11 is provided between the working portion 13 and the connecting portion 12, so that a cleaned part can be clearly observed. The observation window 11 is generally triangular in shape, and has a good observation field while maintaining strength.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the working portion 13 of the dental floss 1 is round dental floss 131 with good cleaning effects.

[0027] The dental floss 1 is made of a light guide material. The dental floss 1 may be made of the light guide material to transmit the illumination light emitted by the illumination system 2 to inside of the oral cavity to achieve illumination.

[0028] The illumination system 2 includes a light source system 21, a circuit system 22, a switch 23, and a power supply system 24. The light source system 21 is connected to the power supply system 24 through the circuit system 22.

[0029] The handle 3 is provided with a connecting end 31 connected to the dental floss 1.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 is detachably connected to the handle 3 in a concave-convex snap fit manner. The connecting portion 12 includes a positioning convex step 12-1, and the connecting end 31 includes a positioning groove 31-1. The positioning convex step 12-1 is embedded in the positioning groove 31-1 during connection.

[0031] The connecting end 31 further includes a fixing sleeve 31-2, the fixing sleeve 31-2 being pushed upward during connection and being capable of being wrapped outside the positioning convex step 12-1 and the positioning groove 31-1. The fixing sleeve 31-2 is wrapped outside the positioning convex step 12-1 and the positioning groove 31-1, which can further ensure firmness of the connection between the dental floss 1 and the handle 3.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the light source system 21, the circuit system 22, and the power supply system 24 are mounted in the handle 3, and the switch 23 is mounted on the handle 3.

[0033] The front end of the handle 3 is made of the light guide material, so that illumination light of the light source system 21 can be transmitted from the handle 3, thereby achieving illumination of the cleaning process.

[0034] The light source system 21 is designed in the handle 3, which can effectively avoid potential safety hazards caused by an electronic component entering the oral cavity, so that the use process is safer.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the power supply system 24 is a battery 24-1, the battery 24-1 being mounted in the handle 3, and the battery 24-1 can be replaced by removing the end cap 33 of the handle 3. In the present embodiment, the end cover 33 is connected to the body 32 of the handle 3 through screw connection. To prevent short circuit caused by liquid entering the handle 3 during use and cleaning, the end cover 33 and the body 32 are sealed by using a sealing ring 34. The end cover 33 may further be sealed with the body 32 in other manners such as concave-convex snap fit, interference fit, and the like. The applicant will not list the manners one by one by using an example herein, which do not depart from the protection scope of this application.

[0036] The power supply system 24 uses the battery 24-1 as a power supply, which is convenient for carrying and usage. In addition, because the battery 24-1 may be sealed in the handle 3, there will be no potential safety hazard of accidental electric shock during use, so that the use process is safer.

[0037] The illumination system 2 has a timing function, and the light source system 21 is automatically turned off within a specified time after the switch 23 is turned on. The timing function of the illumination system 2 can automatically turn off the illumination system after a certain period of time when the user forgets to turn off the illumination system 2, thereby ensuring the battery life of the battery 24-1 and prolonging the service life of the product. Moreover, even if the illumination system 2 is turned on by mistake during carrying, the illumination system can be automatically turned off after a certain period of time, so that the use process is safer.

[0038] The luminous dental floss 100 is capable of being placed on a tabletop in an upright manner, and especially in public places, this upright placing method can effectively prevent the dental floss 1 from being contaminated, so that the use process is cleaner and hygienic.

[0039] During use, the positioning step 12-1 of the dental floss 1 is embedded in the positioning groove 31-1 of the handle 3, and then the fixing sleeve 31-2 is pushed upward. The fixing sleeve 31-2 is sleeved outside the positioning convex step 12-1 and the positioning groove 31-1, that is, the connection between the dental floss 1 and the handle 3 is completed. When the switch 23 is pressed, the light source system 21 emits illumination light to illuminate the oral cavity, and the dental floss 1 can be used to clean the gap between teeth.

[0040] The luminous dental floss of the present embodiment illuminates the oral cavity through the illumination light emitted by the light source system 21 and the observation window 11, so that the cleaned part may be clearly observed in the cleaning process, thereby effectively preventing accidental damage to gums while ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0041] In addition, the dental floss 1 may further be flat dental floss 132. The flat dental floss 132 has a thinner thickness and can enter a thinner gap between teeth, which is especially suitable for young people, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.Embodiment 2: luminous dental floss connected through threads of the present application

[0042] Referring to the figure, a difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that in the present embodiment, the dental floss 1 is connected to the handle 3 through threaded connection.

[0043] A connecting screw 12-2 is disposed on a connecting portion 12 of the dental floss 1, and a connecting nut 31-3 is disposed on the connecting end 31 of the handle 3. The dental floss 1 is rotated to achieve the connection between the dental floss 1 and the handle 3.

[0044] In the present embodiment, a light guide channel 14 is disposed on the dental floss 1. The illumination light emitted by the light source system 21 is transmitted into the oral cavity through the light guide channel 14 to illuminate the oral cavity.

[0045] During use, the connecting screw 12-2 of the dental floss 1 is screwed into the connecting nut 31-3, and the dental floss 1 is connected to the handle 3. By pressing the switch 23, the light source system 21 emits illumination light, the illumination light being transmitted into the oral cavity through the light guide channel 25, and the dental floss 1 can be used to clean the oral cavity conveniently while illuminating the oral cavity.

[0046] The threaded connection manner of the present embodiment leads to a more simple and convenient connection process. The illumination light provided by the illumination system 2 illuminates the oral cavity, so that the cleaned part may be clearly observed in the cleaning process, thereby effectively preventing accidental damage to gums while ensuring the cleaning effect.

Claims

1. A luminous dental floss tool (100), comprising: a detachable dental floss component (1), an illumination system (2), and a handle (3), wherein the detachable dental floss component (1) includes: a connecting portion (12) connecting the detachable dental floss component (1) and the handle (3), a working portion (13) comprising a dental flossing thread (131, 132), the working portion having a first opening and configured such that the dental flossing thread (131, 132) can enter between the teeth of a user, and an observation window (11) provided between the working portion (13) and the connecting portion (12), the observation window (11) including a second opening distinct from the first opening, the second opening facilitating observation of the teeth of the user during cleaning; the illumination system (2) includes a light source system (21), a circuit system (22), a switch (23), and a power supply system (24), the light source system (21) is connected to the power supply system (24) through the circuit system (22); the handle (3) includes a connecting end (31) configured to connect to the detachable dental floss component (1); and the dental floss component (1) is detachably connected to the handle (3), the circuit system (22) and the power supply system (24) are mounted in the handle (3); and the switch (23) is mounted on the handle (3).

2. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the detachable dental floss component (1) is made of a light guide material.

3. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein a light guide channel (14) is disposed on the detachable dental floss component (1).

4. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the detachable dental floss component (1) and the handle (3) are connected in a rotating manner, a concave-convex snap fit manner, or an interference fit manner.

5. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 4, wherein the detachable dental floss component (1) and the handle (3) are connected in a concave-convex snap fit manner, the connecting portion (12) comprises a positioning convex step (12-1), and the connecting end (31) comprises a positioning groove (31-1), the positioning convex step (12-1) being embedded in the positioning groove (31-1) during connection.

6. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 5, wherein the connecting end (31) further comprises a fixing sleeve (31-2), the fixing sleeve (31-2) being pushed upward during connection and being capable of fixing the positioning convex step (12-1) and the positioning groove (31-1).

7. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the light source system (21) is mounted in the handle (3), and a front end of the handle (3) is made of a light guide material.

8. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the power supply system (24) is a battery (24-1), the battery (24-1) being mounted in the handle (3).

9. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the illumination system (2) has a timing function, and the light source system (21) is automatically turned off within a specified time after the switch (23) is turned on.

10. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 8, wherein the handle (3) is provided with an end cover (33), the battery (24-1) disposed in the handle (3) being replaced after the end cover (33) is removed.

11. The luminous dental floss tool according to claim 1, wherein the luminous dental floss tool (100) is capable of being placed on a tabletop in an upright manner.