US5393229A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dental cleaning implement including toothpick, and method of cleaning teeth therewith
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-06-14
•
Granted: 1995-02-28
•
Expires: 2013-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A dental cleaning implement includes a handpiece graspable at one end by a user, an electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece for oscillating the handpiece at a frequency of at least 5 Khz, a head at the opposite end of the handpiece including attaching apparatus for releasably attaching a toothpick or toothbrush thereto, and a spray nozzle for discharging a liquid spray in the region of the toothpick or toothbrush when attached to the head.
Inventors
- 👤 Zeev Ram
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C17/00; A61C17/16; A61C17/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A dental cleaning implement, comprising: a handpiece graspable at one end by a user; an electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece for oscillating the handpiece at a frequency of at least 5 Khz; a head at the opposite end of the handpiece for releasably attaching a toothpick thereto; and a wooden toothpick removably attached to said head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A dental cleaning implement, comprising: a handpiece graspable at one end by a user; an electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece for oscillating the handpiece at a frequency of at least 5 Khz; a head at the opposite end of the handpiece for releasably attaching a toothpick thereto; and a wooden toothpick removably attached to said head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 1, further including a spray nozzle at said opposite end of the handpiece for discharging a liquid spray in the region of the toothpick when attached to said head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein said toothpick is releasably attached to said head substantially perpendicularly to the axis of said head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 3, wherein said head includes a stem formed with a transverse bore for receiving the toothpick, and a sleeve movable with respect to said stem to clamp the toothpick within the bore.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein said toothpick is releasably attached to said head substantially coaxially with respect to said head.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 5, wherein said head comprises a socket formed in an end of said head for receiving one end of the toothpick with a friction fit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The dental cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the axis of said head is at an angle to the axis of said handpiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The dental implement according to claim 1, wherein said toothpick is coated with a dental reagent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is a topical anesthetic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is an oil enhancing the removal of bacterial plaque.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is a fluoride to increase the resistance of the teeth to decay.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is a color-changeable pH indicator, which indicates an acidic or basic condition in the mouth of the user by using the toothpick.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is an antibiotic.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is an anti-inflammatory sensitivity-reducing reagent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The dental implement according to claim 8, wherein said dental reagent is an anti-calculus reagent.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
88 words
A method cleaning teeth, comprising: grasping a dental implement including a handpiece, and an electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece for oscillating the handpiece at a frequency of at least 5 Khz, a head at an end of the handpiece for releasably attaching a wooden toothpick thereto, and a toothpick releasably attached to said head; and applying said wooden toothpick to the space between the teeth, and also to the space between the teeth and gums, while oscillating the toothpick at a frequency of at least 5 Khz.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
88 words
A method cleaning teeth, comprising: grasping a dental implement including a handpiece, and an electrical oscillating drive within the handpiece for oscillating the handpiece at a frequency of at least 5 Khz, a head at an end of the handpiece for releasably attaching a wooden toothpick thereto, and a toothpick releasably attached to said head; and applying said wooden toothpick to the space between the teeth, and also to the space between the teeth and gums, while oscillating the toothpick at a frequency of at least 5 Khz.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 16, including the further step of discharging a spray of a liquid in the region of the toothpick while being used to clean the teeth.
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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) | 1998-02-27 | 1998-08-29 | 1999-02-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-08-29 | 2003-02-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-27 | 2006-08-29 | 2007-02-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |