US3910293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tooth cleaning implement
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-01-03
•
Granted: 1975-10-07
•
Expires: 1994-01-03
Abstract
Abstract A hand held implement is provided for cleaning food from the crevices between teeth. The implement is preferably molded of plastic and is shaped with an elongated shank which preferably tapers to a narrow tip at one end for use as a conventional toothpick. The other end contains a head portion which is curved and protrudes outwardly from the shank. The head portion is rounded and is tapered and shaped in such a manner as to permit it to be engaged and worked in the crevices between the teeth to easily remove food therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome H Lemelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:59
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C15/00; A61C15/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A dental implement comprising: an elongated, substantially straight shank portion, a head portion integrally formed at one end of said elongated shank portion, said head portion protruding a short distance outwardly from one side of said shank portion and formed with a tooth cleaning portion thereof which is disposed away from said shank portion, said tooth cleaning portion having an end portion shaped with a single tip defining the outer end thereof, said head portion having side walls which taper both upwardly towards the upper end of said head to a first edge and downwardly to the lower part of said head portion to a second edge, said first and second edges of said head portion converging towards each other and extending to said end portion of said head where they join to form said tip and defining a slender, wedge-like end of said head which may be disposed in the crevices between the teeth near the gums and may be employed to remove and clean food lodged between said teeth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A dental implement comprising: an elongated, substantially straight shank portion, a head portion integrally formed at one end of said elongated shank portion, said head portion protruding a short distance outwardly from one side of said shank portion and formed with a tooth cleaning portion thereof which is disposed away from said shank portion, said tooth cleaning portion having an end portion shaped with a single tip defining the outer end thereof, said head portion having side walls which taper both upwardly towards the upper end of said head to a first edge and downwardly to the lower part of said head portion to a second edge, said first and second edges of said head portion converging towards each other and extending to said end portion of said head where they join to form said tip and defining a slender, wedge-like end of said head which may be disposed in the crevices between the teeth near the gums and may be employed to remove and clean food lodged between said teeth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second edge extending along the lower part of said head portion extends substantially normal to the axis of said shank portion of said implement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said second edge is radially curved downwardly in the vicinity of said shank portion and extends as a straight edge outwardly from the curved portion thereof to said tip at the outer end of said head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first edge of said head portion is arcuately curved and extends downwardly towards the tip at the outer end of said head.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said shank portion is tapered in shape towards the end thereof opposite the head end of the implement and is provided with a narrow tip at its end which tip may be used to remove food from between the teeth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 which is between 2 inches and 4 inches in length and wherein said head portion extends between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch outwardly from the shank portion of the implement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 which is molded as an integral unit of a rigid polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said head portion is hook-shaped in configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A dental implement in accordance with claim 1 wherein a portion of the head portion thereof is formed of a flexible material capable of deforming when disposed between the teeth and against the gums.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
A dental implement in accordance with claIm 1 wherein the entire head portion of said implement is formed of a flexible material capable of deforming when pressed between the teeth and against the gums to permit it to be used as a massaging and tooth cleaning device.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |