US3943592A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tongue cleaning device
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1974-11-22
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Granted: 1976-03-16
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Expires: 1994-11-22
Abstract
Abstract The invention concerns a device for tongue brushing, the use of which maintains positive oral hygiene and application thereto controls proliferation of plaque forming bacteria and the like. It is the object of this invention to remove from the tongue populations of bacteria and extraneous cellular debris associated with plaque formation, dental caries and gum diseases. A low vertical profile of the device alleviates severe gag reflexes thereby permitting the posterior, dorsal surface of the tongue to be cleaned.
Inventors
- 👤 Surindar N. Bhaskar
- 👤 Wayne J. Selting
- 👤 Eleanor L. Gilmore
- 👤 Arthur Gross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:52
CPC Classifications
A; A46; A46B; A46B9/00; A46B9/005; A46D; A46D1/00; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/24; A61B17/244; A46B2200/00; A46B2200/10; A46B2200/1066; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A device to remove bacteria, cellular particulates and the like from the dorsal surface of the tongue comprising a planar, elongated member, filamentous strands disposed to provide a high density per unit area supported on the planar surface at an end portion of said elongated member, wherein the free ends of said strands are hooks which are oriented in random directions and concentrated to provide a density of over 400 hooks per square inch and wherein said elongated member and said filamentous strands in combination have a vertical profile not exceeding 3 millimeters.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
93 words
A device to remove bacteria, cellular particulates and the like from the dorsal surface of the tongue comprising a planar, elongated member, filamentous strands disposed to provide a high density per unit area supported on the planar surface at an end portion of said elongated member, wherein the free ends of said strands are hooks which are oriented in random directions and concentrated to provide a density of over 400 hooks per square inch and wherein said elongated member and said filamentous strands in combination have a vertical profile not exceeding 3 millimeters.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-16 | 1979-09-15 | 1980-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-16 | 1983-09-15 | 1984-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-16 | 1987-09-15 | 1988-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |