Mouthguard with cleaning function

Abstract

To provide a device that allows for easy oral care by directly supplying liquid medication to the teeth. [Solution] The mouthguard with a cleaning function 1 consists of a first member 2 that can be attached to the teeth T, a second member 3, and a liquid storage compartment 4 sandwiched between the first member 2 and the second member 3. The innermost part of the first member 2 is provided with a pair of pump housings 2c, and the surface of the first member 2 facing the teeth T is provided with a number of holes 2a and grooves 2b connecting the number of holes 2a. The liquid storage compartment 4 is provided with a hose 4a and a pair of pumps P connected to the hose 4a, and the surface of the liquid storage compartment 4 facing the first member 2 is provided with a number of small holes 4b, and the liquid storage compartment 4 is provided with a liquid inlet 4c for injecting liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] This invention relates to a mouse guard with a cleaning function.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices have been proposed as whitening devices and oral cleaning devices.

[0003] For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a mouthpiece-type whitening device incorporating a plurality of light-emitting elements that project light from the convex side to the tooth row while being held in the mouth has been proposed.

[0004] In this device, a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged side by side on the LED substrate on each of the upper jaw side and the lower jaw side, and the whitening device is configured to irradiate light on the front surface of the user's teeth while being held in the user's mouth.

[0005] Also, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, a device related to a photoactive antibacterial system for oral hygiene has been proposed.

[0006] In this device, a disposable / replaceable sleeve removably connected to a lighting strip is bitten by the subject, and during use, a part or all of the lighting part is configured to be placed in the subject's mouth with the neck and handle protruding from the subject's mouth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The devices proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are all whitening devices that use light irradiation, such as LEDs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventor of this invention devised a device that allows for easy oral care by directly supplying a liquid agent to the teeth, and has now completed this invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a mouthguard with a cleaning function, the mouthguard with a cleaning function comprising a first member that can be attached to the teeth, a second member that can be attached to the first member, and a liquid storage chamber sandwiched between the first member and the second member, the innermost part of the first member being provided with a pair of pump housings, the surface of the first member facing the teeth being provided with numerous holes, the surface with numerous holes being provided with grooves connecting the numerous holes, the innermost part of the second member being provided with a pump operating section, the liquid storage chamber being provided with a hose and a pair of pumps connected to the hose, the surface of the liquid storage chamber facing the first member being provided with numerous small holes, and the liquid storage chamber being provided with a part that functions as a liquid inlet for injecting liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the mouthguard with cleaning function of this invention, oral care can be easily and effectively performed by directly supplying a liquid agent to the teeth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention relating to this disclosure, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the wearing state of a mouthguard with a cleaning function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the entire mouthguard with a cleaning function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a side view from direction B in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the first member and the second member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a rear view of a liquid storage unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a mouthguard 1 with a cleaning function, according to one embodiment of the present invention, attached to a tooth T.

[0015] The explanation below will focus on the self-cleaning mouthguard 1 worn on the lower teeth (T). The self-cleaning mouthguard worn on the upper teeth has a similar configuration, so its explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, it is acceptable to use both the upper and lower self-cleaning mouthguards simultaneously, or to use them separately.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the mouthguard with a cleaning function 1 consists of a first member 2 that can be attached to the teeth T, a second member 3 that can be attached to the first member 2, and a liquid storage compartment 4 that is sandwiched between the first member 2 and the second member 3.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the first member 2 is shown by a solid line, the second member 3 that is mounted so as to cover the first member 2 is shown by a two-dot chain line as a virtual line, and the liquid agent reservoir 4 that is sandwiched between the first member 2 and the second member 3 is shown by a solid line. The shapes of the front side surfaces of the first member 2 and the second member 3 are the same as the outer shape of the tooth T so as to follow the tooth T to be mounted, and the aesthetic appearance is ensured even when the mouse guard 1 with a cleaning function is mounted on the tooth (see FIG. 2). Therefore, even when eating or the like in the mounted state, there is no sense of incongruity in appearance. Regarding the outer shape of the front side surface similar to the tooth shape, in FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, it is shown in a simplified planar shape.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. The first member 2 is mounted on the tooth T, the liquid agent reservoir 4 is arranged on the upper surface portion of the first member 2, the second member 3 sandwiches the liquid agent reservoir 4 with the first member 2, and is mounted on the first member 2 so as to cover the first member 2. As described above, regarding the shapes of the front side surfaces of the first member 2 and the second member 3, they are the same as the outer shape of the tooth T so as to follow the tooth T to be mounted and the aesthetic appearance is ensured. On the other hand, regarding the shapes of the back side surfaces of the first member 2 and the second member 3, an aesthetic appearance is not required, so a flat surface may be used, but they may also have the same outer shape as the tooth T similar to the front side surface.

[0019] The liquid agent L is supplied from the numerous small holes 4b provided in the liquid agent reservoir 4 to the first member 2, and further supplied to the back surface side of the first member 2 through the numerous holes 2a of the first member 2 provided at positions substantially facing the numerous small holes 4b. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a groove 2b so as to connect the numerous holes 2a, because the liquid agent L is supplied over the entire tooth T like capillary action through this groove 2b.

[0020] It is preferable that a liquid stop wall 2d is provided around the upper surface of the first member 2 so that the liquid agent L does not leak out. By this liquid stop wall 2d, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent L from leaking into the oral cavity.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an overall exploded perspective view of the mouse guard 1 with a cleaning function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] <First component 2> At the innermost part of the first member 2, a pair of pump housings 2c, 2c for housing the pump P are provided. These pump housings 2c, 2c are provided with notches or the like for passing the hose 4a through (not shown).

[0023] Numerous holes 2a are provided on the upper surface of the first member 2. The liquid agent L is supplied to the upper surface of the first member 2 from numerous small holes 4b provided in the liquid agent storage chamber 4, flows through the numerous holes 2a to the back surface of the first member 2, and is supplied to the entire tooth T.

[0024] Liquid formulation L can be applied not only to common xylitol and fluorine but also to liquid formulations of newly developed products.

[0025] A groove 2b is provided on the back side of the upper surface of the first member 2, connecting a number of holes 2a. The liquid agent L that flows into the back side of the first member 2 through the number of holes 2a is distributed throughout the tooth T by capillary action through this groove 2b.

[0026] It is preferable that a liquid-stopping wall 2d is provided around the upper surface of the first member 2 to prevent the liquid L from leaking out. This liquid-stopping wall 2d prevents the liquid L from leaking into the opening.

[0027] Furthermore, similar to the above, it is also preferable to provide grooves on the surface side of the upper surface of the first member 2 so as to connect the numerous holes 2a. These grooves allow the liquid agent L to spread across the entire surface of the upper surface of the first member 2 through capillary action and effectively flow into the back side of the first member 2 through the numerous holes 2a.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferable that protrusions 2e are provided on the back surfaces of the front and side surfaces of the first member 2. These protrusions 2e allow for appropriate stimulation to be applied to the periodontal pocket through the gum area.

[0029] Furthermore, this projection 2e can also improve the mounting force of the first member 2 to the tooth T.

[0030] Furthermore, for similar reasons, it is also preferable to provide protrusions on the back surface and the back surface of the side surface of the first member 2.

[0031] From the viewpoint of the attachment force to the tooth T, rubber or resin is preferred as the material of the first member 2.

[0032] <Second component 3> At the innermost part of the second member 3, a pair of pump operating parts 3a for operating the pump P are provided. Preferably, a protrusion 3b for pushing the pump P is provided on the back side of the pump operating parts 3a (see Figure 4).

[0033] Furthermore, as will be described later, it is also preferable to provide a magnet on the back side of the pump operating section 3a. In this case, a magnet M1 is provided at the upper end of the pump P, and a magnet is provided on the back side of the pump operating section 3a such that the surface facing this magnet M1 has the same polarity.

[0034] Furthermore, a magnet M2 is provided at the lower end of the pump P, and the magnet M2 is provided at the lower end of the pump P such that the surface facing the magnet M1 provided at the upper end of the pump P has the same polarity.

[0035] By positioning the opposing surfaces of each magnet so that they have the same polarity, the repulsive force between the magnets can efficiently operate the pump P.

[0036] The shape of the pump P is not particularly limited as long as it can move up and down smoothly, but a bellows structure is preferable. Rubber or resin is preferred as the material.

[0037] The liquid storage unit 4 is sandwiched between the first member 2 and the second member 3, and since the first member 2 and the second member 3 are interchangeable, a single wall 3c is provided on the front and side of the front side of the second member 3, but no wall is provided on the back side of the second member 3 (see Figure 5).

[0038] In this way, the second member 3 is attached to the first member 2 so as to sandwich the liquid storage container 4 together with the first member 2 and to cover the first member 2.

[0039] From the viewpoint of the mounting force between the second member 3 and the first member 2, the material of the second member 3 is preferably rubber or resin, and in terms of hardness, it is preferable that the second member 3 is harder than the first member 2. By making the second member 3 a harder material than the first member 2, the rigidity of the wall 3b provided on the second member 3 allows the first member 2 to be attached and held more securely.

[0040] The dimensions and shape of the upper surface of the first member 2 are such that they match or are slightly larger than the outer circumference of the liquid storage chamber 4, and in cooperation with the liquid-stopping wall 2d, the liquid L is prevented from leaking out of the first member 2 or the second member 3 or into the opening (see Figure 4).

[0041] <Liquid storage room 4> A hose 4a is provided in the liquid storage unit 4, and a pump P is connected to the end of this hose 4a.

[0042] Near the outer periphery of the surface of the liquid storage chamber 4 facing the first member 2, numerous small holes 4b are provided along this outer periphery for supplying the liquid L. Preferably, these small holes 4b are located at approximately the same positions as the holes 2a formed in the first member 2, so that the liquid L can be reliably supplied to the teeth T through the holes 2a (see Figure 6).

[0043] The liquid agent L can be not only xylitol or fluorine, but also liquid agents under development. The liquid agent inlet 4c for filling the liquid agent L into the liquid agent storage container 4 can be located anywhere that is easy to inject. This liquid agent inlet 4c is designed so that the liquid agent L does not flow out of the liquid agent storage container 4 after it has been injected. For example, it may have a check valve structure.

[0044] The material of the liquid storage container 4 can be any flexible rubber or resin. If the material is flexible, the liquid inlet 4c can simply be a hole, which will expand when injected and contract to close after injection is complete.

[0045] Furthermore, when filling the liquid storage container 4 with liquid L, if the liquid is filled into the thickened portion of the liquid storage container 4 using a needle like a syringe, the part into which the needle is inserted will function as the liquid inlet 4c. For example, if the surface of the liquid storage container 4 on which the hose 4a is provided is made into a thickened structure, the liquid L can be filled into this thickened portion by inserting a needle like a syringe.

[0046] The pump operating part 3a can apply pressure to the pump P, for example, by biting it with the back teeth. As described above, when the pump operating part 3a of the second member 3 is pressed, or when the pump P is pressed by the repulsive force of the magnet, air flows through the hose 4a into the liquid storage chamber 4, the liquid L is pushed out and flows out from the small hole 4b.

[0047] The liquid agent L that flows out from the small hole 4b flows through the hole 2a of the first member 2 to the back side of the first member 2, and also travels along the groove 2b by capillary action, spreading from the entire upper surface to the sides of the tooth T, so that the liquid agent L is directly applied to the tooth and oral care can be easily performed.

[0048] Once oral care is complete, the cleaning mouthguard 1 is removed from the teeth T, then the second component 3 is detached from the first component 1 to release the attachment, and finally the liquid storage compartment 4 is removed. In this way, all components are removed separately and can be cleaned individually.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a side view taken from direction B in Figure 3. The innermost part of the first member 2 is a pump housing 2c that houses the pump P, and a liquid-stopping wall 2d is provided around the upper surface. The presence of this liquid-stopping wall 2d further prevents the liquid L from leaking into the opening.

[0050] As mentioned above, although not visible from the surface, it is preferable that there are protrusions 2e on the back surfaces of the front and side surfaces of the first member 2. These protrusions 2e allow for appropriate stimulation of the periodontal pocket through the gum area and also improve the attachment force of the first member 2 to the tooth T.

[0051] A pump operating part 3a for operating the pump P is provided at the innermost part of the second member 3, and a protrusion 3b for pushing the pump P is provided on its back side. As previously mentioned, a magnet can be provided instead of the protrusion 3b, and magnets can be provided at the upper and lower ends of the pump P.

[0052] A single wall 3c is provided on the front and side of the front side of the second member 3, but no wall is provided on the back side of the second member 3.

[0053] A hose 4a is provided in the liquid storage unit 4, and a pump P is connected to the end of this hose 4a. As previously mentioned, magnets M1 and M2 are provided at the upper and lower ends of this pump P.

[0054] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the material of the liquid storage container 4 is made of elastic rubber or resin, and the surface of the liquid storage container 4 where the hose 4a is installed is made of a thick-walled structure, then the liquid L can be filled into this thick-walled portion by puncturing it with a needle like a syringe.

[0055] As can be seen from Figure 4, the first member 2 is attached to the tooth T, and the dimensions and shape of the upper surface of the first member 2 are such that they match or are slightly larger than the outer circumference of the liquid storage chamber 4, and in cooperation with the liquid-stopping wall 2d, the liquid L is prevented from leaking out of the first member 2 or the second member 3. The second member 3 is attached so as to sandwich the liquid storage chamber 4 together with the first member 2 and to cover the first member 2.

[0056] Figure 5 shows the rear views of the first member 2 and the second member 3. At the innermost part of the first member 2, a pair of pump housing sections 2c, 2c for housing the pump P are provided.

[0057] The upper surface of the first member 2 is provided with numerous holes 2a, and the back surface of the upper surface of the first member 2 is provided with grooves 2b that connect the numerous holes 2a.

[0058] Furthermore, projections 2e are provided on the back surfaces of the front and side surfaces of the first member 2, and these projections 2e allow for appropriate stimulation to be applied to the periodontal pocket through the gum area.

[0059] Furthermore, the projection 2e can also improve the attachment force of the first member 2 to the tooth T. For similar reasons, it is preferable that projections 2e are also provided on the back surface and the back surface of the side surface of the first member 2.

[0060] At the innermost part of the second member, a pair of pump operating parts 3a for operating the pump P are provided. On the back side of the pump operating parts 3a, a protrusion 3b for pushing the pump is provided.

[0061] The second member 3 is attached to the first member 2 so as to sandwich the liquid storage container 4 together with the first member 2, and to cover the first member 2.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a rear view of the liquid storage unit 4. The liquid storage unit 4 is equipped with a hose 4a, and a pump P is connected to the end of this hose 4a. The liquid inlet 4c for filling the liquid storage unit 4 with liquid L can be located anywhere that is easy to inject. This liquid inlet 4c is designed so that the liquid L does not flow out of the liquid storage unit 4 after it has been injected. For example, it may have a check valve structure.

[0063] As mentioned above, if the liquid storage container 4 is made of a flexible rubber or resin material, and the surface of the liquid storage container 4 where the hose 4a is located (the right side in Figure 6) is made thick-walled, then the liquid L can be filled into this thick-walled section by puncturing it with a needle, like a syringe. In other words, the part into which the needle is inserted functions as the liquid inlet 4c.

[0064] As a modification of the mouthguard 1 with a cleaning function according to the present invention, the magnet M1 or M2 provided at at least one of the upper and lower ends of the pump P is made cylindrical, and a coil is arranged around it. In this case, when the pump operating part 3a is moved up and down with the molars to supply the liquid L, an electric current can be generated in the coil wound around the magnet M1 or M2 by the principle of electromagnetic induction.

[0065] Therefore, by placing a small LED on the back side of the first component 2 and connecting it to a coil, the LED can be made to emit light. By arranging appropriate LEDs, either individually or in combination, with wavelengths that remove bacteria adhering to teeth or wavelengths that are effective for whitening, oral care can be further improved.

[0066] By using the mouthguard 1 with cleaning function according to this invention in various ways, it becomes possible not only to perform oral care by supplying liquid agents such as xylitol, fluoride, and the developed product, but also to remove bacteria and whiten teeth by emitting light from an LED. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Mouthguard with cleaning function 2. First Member 3. Second Member 4. Liquid storage room T tooth P Pump M1 Magnet M2 magnet

Claims

1. It is a mouthguard with a cleaning function, The aforementioned mouthguard with a cleaning function comprises a first member that can be attached to the teeth, a second member that can be attached to the first member, and a liquid storage compartment that is sandwiched between the first member and the second member. A pair of pump housings are provided at the innermost part of the first member. The surface of the first member facing the teeth is provided with numerous holes, On the surface where the numerous holes are provided, grooves are provided so as to connect the numerous holes. A pump operating section is provided at the innermost part of the second member. The liquid storage facility is equipped with a hose and a pair of pumps connected to the hose. The surface of the liquid storage chamber facing the first member is provided with numerous small holes. A mouthguard with a cleaning function, characterized in that the liquid storage compartment is provided with a portion that functions as a liquid injection port for injecting the liquid.

2. The mouthguard with a cleaning function according to claim 1, wherein a liquid-stopping wall is provided on the side of the first member that is in contact with the liquid storage chamber.

3. The mouthguard with a cleaning function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the first member that contacts the gums of the teeth is provided with a number of protrusions.

4. The mouthguard with a cleaning function according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a bellows pump.

5. A mouthguard with a cleaning function according to claim 4, wherein magnets are provided above and below the bellows pump.

6. The mouthguard with a cleaning function according to claim 1, wherein the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is xylitol or fluorine.

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