Resin-based strip floss

Abstract

This invention provides a novel resin-based, strip-shaped floss that can be easily inserted between teeth, prevents tangling and breakage, and effectively scrapes away plaque from between teeth. [Solution] A strip-shaped resin floss 10 for cleaning between teeth, comprising: a plurality of interdental insertion portions 12 formed in the width direction that can be inserted between teeth; and a plurality of scraping portions 14 arranged longitudinally adjacent to the interdental insertion portions 12, which are thicker than the interdental insertion portions 12 and scrape off dirt between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after insertion into the interdental space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral care tool intended for interdental cleaning, and particularly to a resin strip floss having an interdental insertion portion and a scraping portion with different thicknesses. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, filamentous dental floss has been widely used as an oral care tool for interdental cleaning. For example, dental floss in which the floss thread is composed of solid threads or hollow threads has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-100153 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Conventional filamentous floss has problems of tangling or breaking between teeth during use. In addition, it is difficult to efficiently scrape off dirt adhering between teeth, which poses a problem in cleaning efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel resin strip floss that can be easily inserted between teeth, can prevent tangling and breaking, and can effectively scrape off interdental dirt. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] As a result of intensive research conducted by the present inventor to solve the above problems, the inventor has found that a resin strip floss having an interdental insertion portion and a scraping portion with different thicknesses can prevent tangling and breaking of the floss, improve the feeling of use, and effectively remove dirt between teeth, thereby completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] A strip-shaped resin floss for cleaning between teeth, Multiple interdental insertion portions formed in the width direction that can be inserted between teeth, Multiple scraping sections, which are arranged adjacent to the interdental insertion section in the longitudinal direction and are thicker than the interdental insertion section, scrape off debris between teeth by moving back and forth after insertion into the interdental space, A resin-based strip of floss characterized by having the following features. [2] The resin strip floss according to [1] above, characterized in that the interdental insertion portion is a part formed by stretching resin. [3] The resin strip floss according to [1] or [2] above, characterized in that the thickness of the interdental insertion portion is 0.01 to 0.05 mm. [4] A resin strip floss according to any one of [1] to [3] above, characterized in that the thickness of the scraped portion is 0.02 to 0.07 mm.

[0008] [5] The resin strip floss according to any one of [1] to [4] above, characterized in that the resin is at least one resin selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polystyrene, and polytetrafluoroethylene. [6] A resin strip floss according to any one of [1] to [5] above, characterized in that a cutting line is formed in the scraped portion. [7] A resin strip floss according to any one of the above [1] to [6], characterized in that it is composed of a multilayer structure of overlapping resin films. [8] The resin strip floss according to [7] above, characterized in that the end on the side inserted into the interdental space in the width direction has a folded portion formed by folding a resin film to create a multilayer structure. [9] A strip-shaped resin floss for cleaning between teeth, A strip of resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form multiple interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into the interdental spaces formed in the width direction, at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The portion with thickness adjacent to the interdental insertion portion in the longitudinal direction is used as a scraping portion that scrapes off debris between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after the interdental insertion portion has been inserted. A resin-based strip of floss characterized by the following features.

[10] A method for manufacturing a resin strip-shaped floss, characterized by having an interdental insertion portion / scraping portion integral molding step, wherein a strip-shaped resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into interdental spaces formed in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and portions adjacent to the interdental insertion portions in the longitudinal direction that maintain thickness are used as scraping portions that scrape off dirt from between teeth by moving back and forth after insertion into the interdental spaces, and the interdental insertion portions and scraping portions are formed alternately. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The resin-based strip floss of the present invention can be easily inserted between teeth, preventing tangling and breakage, while effectively scraping away debris between teeth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a resin strip-shaped floss according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the resin strip floss shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resin-based strip floss shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the usage of the resin-based strip floss. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention relates to a resin floss strip for cleaning interdental spaces, characterized by comprising: a plurality of interdental insertion portions formed in the width direction that can be inserted into the interdental spaces; and a plurality of scraping portions arranged longitudinally adjacent to the interdental insertion portions, which are thicker than the interdental insertion portions and scrape off debris from between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after insertion into the interdental spaces.

[0012] The resin strip floss of the present invention can be easily inserted between teeth, and does not require excessive force during insertion, thereby reducing the risk of damaging gums. In addition, it prevents tangling or breaking during use and provides a stable use feeling. Furthermore, by moving the scraping portion back and forth, dirt and plaque accumulated between teeth can be efficiently scraped off, thus significantly improving cleaning efficiency.

[0013] The back-and-forth movement according to the present invention refers to an operation of reciprocating a floss inserted between teeth along the interdental direction. Specifically, an operation may be mentioned in which a user holds both ends of the floss with fingers, inserts the floss between teeth, and alternately moves the floss forward and backward in the longitudinal direction to remove dirt while pressing the scraping portion against the tooth surface.

[0014] [Resin material] Examples of the resin material of the present invention include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The resin material of the present invention has appropriate flexibility and strength, and improves the durability and use feeling of the floss. In addition, safety in the oral cavity can also be ensured. It should be noted that additives and fillers may be blended as necessary to improve the durability and processability of the resin.

[0015] [Resin strip floss] The resin strip floss of the present invention is a resin floss for interdental cleaning formed in a strip shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The resin strip floss of the present invention includes a plurality of interdental insertion portions and scraping portions. When a scraping portion becomes soiled, the soiled portion can be cut off and an unused portion can be used continuously. That is, in the resin strip floss of the present invention, a plurality of interdental insertion portions and scraping portions are continuously formed, so that interdental cleaning can be performed efficiently. In addition, the resin strip floss of the present invention is preferably integrally formed. The term "integrally formed" is not limited to an integrally molded embodiment, but also includes an embodiment integrated by adhesion or welding.

[0016] [Interdental insertion portion] The interdental insertion portion is a portion configured to be insertable into interdental spaces, and a plurality of interdental insertion portions are provided. The thickness of the interdental insertion portion is preferably 0.001 to 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mm, and still more preferably 0.01 to 0.05 mm. Adjusting the thickness within this range ensures sufficient durability while facilitating insertion into interdental spaces.

[0017] The longitudinal length of the interdental insertion portion is preferably 1 to 30 mm, more preferably 3 to 20 mm, and still more preferably 5 to 10 mm. The width of the interdental insertion portion is preferably 5 to 50 mm, more preferably 7 to 30 mm, and still more preferably 10 to 20 mm.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the interdental insertion portion is, for example, an embodiment where it is a portion formed by stretching a resin. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0019] [Scraping portion] The scraping portion is disposed longitudinally adjacent to the interdental insertion portion. The scraping portion is formed thicker than the interdental insertion portion, and is configured to scrape off interdental dirt through back-and-forth movement after the interdental insertion portion is inserted into the interdental space. Furthermore, the scraping portion has appropriate rigidity due to its thickness, and can efficiently and effectively remove dirt by catching the dirt at the portion where the thickness increases from the boundary with the interdental insertion portion.

[0020] The thickness of the scraping portion is greater than that of the interdental insertion portion, and is preferably 0.005 to 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.01 to 0.3 mm, and still more preferably 0.02 to 0.07 mm. Forming the thickness within this range ensures sufficient rigidity and efficient dirt removal performance.

[0021] The longitudinal length of the scraped portion is preferably 1 to 40 mm, more preferably 5 to 25 mm, and even more preferably 10 to 15 mm. The width of the scraped portion is preferably 1 to 50 mm, more preferably 5 to 30 mm, and even more preferably 10 to 15 mm.

[0022] (Cut along the dotted line) The resin strip floss of the present invention may be cut to a predetermined length, but it is preferable that it be in a form that can be cut to a predetermined length as needed during work. In this case, it is preferable that the resin strip floss of the present invention has a perforation line formed in the scraping portion. This allows the user to easily cut off the soiled portion and immediately use a new portion. Examples of perforations include dotted lines or shallow groove-shaped perforations.

[0023] The resin strip floss of the present invention may be composed of a single resin film, or it may be composed of a multilayer structure made by overlapping resin films, and it is preferable that it is composed of a multilayer structure made by overlapping resin films. By being composed of a multilayer structure, strength and durability are improved and breakage and deformation during use can be suppressed. Methods for forming a multilayer structure include overlapping multiple resin films or folding a single resin film to make it multilayer. Furthermore, in the case where the floss is constructed as a multilayer structure by overlapping multiple resin films, if the entire floss is formed integrally, it is sufficient if any one of the resin films is formed integrally.

[0024] When the resin strip floss of the present invention is constructed in a multilayer structure by folding a resin film, it is preferable that at least one end in the width direction has a folded portion formed by folding the resin film into a multilayer structure. That is, it is preferable that the end on the side inserted into the interdental space in the width direction (for example, the lower side in Figure 4) has a folded portion formed by folding the resin film into a multilayer structure. This can suppress breakage and deformation of the floss when inserted into the interdental space. It can also further reduce the risk of damaging the gums when inserting the floss between teeth.

[0025] Another embodiment of the resin strip floss of the present invention is, for example, a strip of resin floss for interdental cleaning, in which a strip of resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into the interdental spaces formed in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and portions adjacent to the interdental insertion portions in the longitudinal direction that maintain thickness are used as scraping portions that scrape off dirt from between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after the interdental insertion portion has been inserted into the interdental spaces. The resin material, the thickness of the interdental insertion portion, and the thickness of the scraping portion are the same as those of the resin strip floss described above.

[0026] The strip-shaped resin of this embodiment can be modified to form interdental insertion sections and scraping sections by adjusting the resin material and manufacturing process according to the intended use. Flexibility allows for smooth insertion of the interdental insertion section, while strength improves the durability of the scraping section. By stretching the strip-shaped resin in the longitudinal direction, multiple interdental insertion sections and scraping sections are alternately formed in the width direction. This stretching method can be done manually or using mechanical equipment.

[0027] <Method for manufacturing resin-based strip floss according to the present invention> Next, the method for producing the resin-based strip floss of the present invention will be described. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a resin strip-shaped floss, characterized by comprising an interdental insertion portion and scraping portion molding step for forming the interdental insertion portion and scraping portion of the resin strip-shaped floss described above.

[0028] The molding method for the interdental insertion portion and the scraping portion is not particularly limited. Examples include forming an interdental insertion portion by stretching a strip of resin in the longitudinal direction to make it thin, and a scraping portion that maintains its thickness; forming a scraping portion by overlapping a strip of resin at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction to make it thick, and an interdental insertion portion that maintains its thickness; and forming a separate interdental insertion portion and scraping portion by connecting them.

[0029] A preferred method for manufacturing the resin strip-shaped floss of the present invention is to stretch a strip-shaped resin in the longitudinal direction to form an interdental insertion portion that is thinned and a scraping portion that maintains its thickness. Specifically, for example, a strip-shaped resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into interdental spaces formed in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and the portion that maintains its thickness adjacent to the interdental insertion portion in the longitudinal direction is used as a scraping portion that scrapes off dirt from between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after the interdental insertion portion is inserted into the interdental space. This embodiment has an interdental insertion portion / scraping portion integral molding process in which the interdental insertion portion and the scraping portion are formed alternately.

[0030] By using the manufacturing method of the present invention, the interdental insertion portion can be formed thin and flexible, while the scraping portion can be formed as a thicker, more rigid section. Furthermore, because it is integrally molded, the resin strip floss exhibits high precision and stable performance.

[0031] The strip-shaped resin of the present invention can be either an off-the-shelf product or a manufactured product. When using a manufactured product, the strip-shaping process can include, for example, melting the resin using an extruder and continuously forming it into a strip through a mold. The resin material can be the same as that described for the resin strip floss above. Alternatively, multiple strip-shaped resin films may be layered together to form the strip.

[0032] The process of integrally molding the interdental insertion portion and scraping portion involves stretching a strip of resin in the longitudinal direction to form multiple interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into interdental spaces formed in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and alternately forming interdental insertion portions and scraping portions, wherein portions adjacent to the interdental insertion portions in the longitudinal direction, maintaining their thickness, serve as scraping portions that scrape off debris from between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after insertion of the interdental insertion portion. Examples of methods for such a process include stretching a portion of the strip-shaped resin to form the interdental insertion portion and leaving the unstretched portion as the scraping portion, or stretching a portion of the strip-shaped resin to form the interdental insertion portion and stretching the remaining portion of the resin with a weaker force than the interdental insertion portion to form the scraping portion. The interdental insertion portion may be formed by stretching the strip of resin by hand or using a mechanical device.

[0033] The present invention's method for manufacturing a resin strip of floss may include a finishing step as needed. The finishing step may include a cutting step of cutting the molded strip of floss to a predetermined length, a step of adding a cutting line, or a step of winding it onto a winding reel.

[0034] The following describes specific embodiments of the resin-based strip floss of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0035] Here, Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a resin strip-shaped floss according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the resin strip-shaped floss shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resin strip-shaped floss shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of the resin strip-shaped floss shown in Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the resin strip-shaped floss 10 of the present invention comprises an interdental insertion portion 12 that can be inserted into the interdental space S, and a scraping portion 14 positioned longitudinally adjacent to the interdental insertion portion 12, which scrapes off dirt from the interdental space S by moving back and forth after the interdental insertion portion 12 is inserted into the interdental space S. The interdental insertion portion 12 and the scraping portion 14 are formed in a continuous strip shape, and the entire floss has a continuous structure along the longitudinal direction. In addition, a cutting line 16 is formed on the scraping portion 14. The base end of the resin strip-shaped floss 10 is wound around a winding reel 18.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the interdental insertion portion 12 has a thickness of 0.01 mm, a longitudinal length of 10 mm, and a width of 10 mm. The interdental insertion portion 12 is highly flexible and can be easily inserted into the interdental space S. The scraping portion 14 is thicker than the interdental insertion portion 12, with a thickness of 0.02 mm, a longitudinal length of 15 mm, and a width of 15 mm. Because the scraping portion 14 has appropriate rigidity, it can efficiently scrape off debris by moving back and forth after being inserted into the interdental space S.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, when using the floss, the user appropriately holds the resin strip floss 10 of the present invention with their fingers and inserts the interdental insertion portion 12 into the interdental space S. After insertion, by moving the scraping portion 14 in the back-and-forth direction, food debris, plaque, and other dirt attached to the interdental space S can be scraped off. Furthermore, since the resin strip floss 10 has multiple scraping portions 14, the soiled portion can be cut along the cutting line 16, and the unused portion can be used continuously.

[0039] Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the present invention will be described. First, polypropylene is used as the resin material. For example, after being melted in an extruder, it is molded through a mold into a strip of resin that is 15 mm wide and formed continuously in the longitudinal direction (strip molding process).

[0040] Next, a portion of the strip-shaped resin is stretched to a thickness of 0.01 mm to form the interdental insertion portion 12. Furthermore, the sides of the interdental insertion portion 12 in the longitudinal direction are left unstretched, maintaining their thickness to form the scraped-off portions 14. This results in the interdental insertion portions 12 and scraped-off portions 14 being arranged alternately (integrated molding process of interdental insertion portion and scraped-off portion). The interdental insertion portion 12 can be formed by stretching the strip-shaped resin manually or using machinery.

[0041] Next, the base end of the resin strip-shaped floss 10 is wound onto the winding reel 18. Note that winding onto the winding reel 18 is not mandatory; the floss may be provided in a form adjusted to the required length for use. In the finishing process, a cutting line 16 can be provided in the scraped-off section 14 as needed (finishing process).

[0042] As described above, the manufacturing method of the present invention allows for the precise formation of a thin and flexible interdental insertion portion 12 and a thicker scraping portion 14. Furthermore, by providing a cutting line 16, the soiled portion can be easily separated, and the unused portion can be efficiently utilized.

[0043] The resin-based strip floss 10 of the present invention combines the flexibility of the interdental insertion portion 12 with the rigidity of the scraping portion 14, resulting in superior cleaning performance and ease of use in the interdental spaces S. As a result, interdental cleaning can be performed more efficiently and effectively compared to conventional thread-type floss. [Industrial applicability]

[0044] The resin-based strip floss of the present invention is industrially useful because it can be used as an oral care tool. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10. Resin-based strip floss 12 Interdental insertion section 14. Scraped-off section 16 Cutting line 18 Reel S Interdental

Claims

1. A strip-shaped resin floss for cleaning between teeth, Multiple interdental insertion portions formed in the width direction that can be inserted between teeth, Multiple scraping sections, which are arranged adjacent to the interdental insertion section in the longitudinal direction and are thicker than the interdental insertion section, scrape off debris between teeth by moving back and forth after insertion into the interdental space, A resin-based strip of floss characterized by having the following features.

2. The resin strip floss according to claim 1, characterized in that the interdental insertion portion is a part formed by stretching resin.

3. The resin strip floss according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness of the interdental insertion portion is 0.01 to 0.05 mm.

4. The resin strip floss according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness of the scraped portion is 0.02 to 0.07 mm.

5. The resin strip floss according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the resin is at least one resin selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polystyrene, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. The resin strip floss according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a cutting line is formed in the scraped portion.

7. The resin strip floss according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is composed of a multilayer structure formed by overlapping resin films.

8. The resin strip floss according to claim 7, characterized in that the end portion on the side inserted into the interdental space in the width direction is provided with a folded portion formed by folding a resin film to create a multilayer structure.

9. A strip-shaped resin floss for cleaning between teeth, A strip of resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form multiple interdental insertion portions that can be inserted into the interdental spaces formed in the width direction, at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The portion with thickness adjacent to the interdental insertion portion in the longitudinal direction is used as a scraping portion that scrapes off debris between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after the interdental insertion portion has been inserted. A resin-based strip of floss characterized by the following features.

10. A method for manufacturing a resin strip-shaped dental floss, characterized by having an integrated molding step for interdental insertion parts and scraping parts, wherein a strip-shaped resin is stretched in the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of interdental insertion parts that can be inserted into interdental spaces formed in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and portions adjacent to the interdental insertion parts in the longitudinal direction that maintain thickness are used as scraping parts that scrape off dirt from between teeth with a back-and-forth motion after insertion into the interdental spaces, and the interdental insertion parts and scraping parts are formed alternately.

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