DE202004021484U1 - Dental care conditioning system with a learning device and a child toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

learning machine for toddlers with a holder (4, 5) and one on the holder (4, 5) formed brush head (8) with bristles (9), characterized characterized in that the bristles (9) in the manner of pin or bolt-like massage elements are formed and so from each other spaced apart are that predefined cleaning gaps (12) are present.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a learning device for toddlers with a holder and a brush head formed on the holder with bristles. Further, the invention relates to a dental care conditioning system for toddlers, comprising a learning device for Toddlers and a child toothbrush.

State of the art

in the Handel children's teething rings are available, which have a toothbrush (cf., for example, "Infant-O-Brush" from Hager & Werken GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg). Behind this is the idea, the toddler early with the Bring the brush into contact with the way To improve the learning and habituation of dental hygiene.

Teething rings for toddlers, such as. B. from the GB 2 288 126 A are known to have various elements to give the toddler visual, auditory and tactile stimuli.

The The "Infant-O-Brush" intended brush is educational psychological seen interesting, but is fraught with hygienic problems: If the teething ring falls to the ground, the brush becomes dirty and can not be cleaned well. In addition, has itself shown that the toddlers too little long and intense with put the "Infant-O-Brush" apart to the required habituation to reach the brush.

Presentation of the invention

task The invention is a, the above-mentioned technical field belonging learning device to create, which for the learning of dental hygiene useful and hygienic is harmless.

The Solution to the problem is due to the features of the claim 1 defined. According to the invention, the bristles are in the Type of pin or bolt-like massage elements designed and spaced apart such that predefined cleaning spaces available.

in the Unlike the prior art, the invention does not attempt even to the toddler who later used children's toothbrushes used to set bristle heads. Rather, as it were "Dummies" used. These "dummies" are constructively designed that they can be cleaned easily. So it's up to that ensured that between the bristles so-called cleaning spaces available. This means that every bristle is accessible from all sides for a cleaning agent. The bristles do not form tufts between which bacteria and dust can nest.

For the habituation of the toddler to the toothbrush and the tooth cleaning becomes in addition to the learning device (Kinderbeissring) a specially developed children's toothbrush used for tooth cleaning by the caregiver. The children's toothbrush has the usual in principle (fine) bristles and not the bristle dummies. The outer one Material properties and / or shape of the brush head The child toothbrush is the one of the bristle carrier adapted to the learning device. It becomes so conscious and targeted created a tactile and / or visual similarity. The child toothbrush is then no longer perceived by the toddler as something new, alien (and possibly rejected), but as something familiar and beloved.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment the bristles and the bristle carrier of a piece. This means they form a single piece and they are not columns or other material transitions exist, in which dirt could settle.

One simple and practical aid to ensure hygiene is a tape with which the learning device z. On the bed, on the stroller, on the child's clothing or on his wrist is connected. Even if the child lets go of the device it does not fall on the ground. The band is an advantage relatively short (eg 20-25 cm). It is important to avoid that the toddler in an unpleasant or dangerous way caught in the tape.

The Bristles are relatively short and thick. They preferably have a relationship from length to diameter, not larger than 20, in particular 10 or less. The ends of the bristles should can move back and forth relative to the bristle carrier part, so that a massage effect is possible when the toddler bites on the brush. Accordingly, the ratio From length to diameter normally larger be as 2

On the flexibility of the bristle ends in addition to the ratio of length to diameter and the hardness or elasticity of the plastic has an influence. It is therefore not excluded that also thinner bristles, so bristles are used with a greater ratio of length to diameter. It should be noted that the inherent stability of the boron decreases as the ratio increases. If the intrinsic stability is too low, then the bristles lean against each other and form tufts, which is disadvantageous in terms of cleaning technology. in the Thus, according to the invention, the bristles should be designed and arranged such that no tufts can form.

Quality Results can be with pin-like or bolt-like bristles reach a length of at least 2 mm and a maximum of 7 mm. That means the bristles are relatively short. If indeed The bristles are too long, then they bend while biting so strong to the side that actually no massage effect more is possible. Of course, it is not excluded that longer bristles can be used. Normally, however, bristles of a length of 10 mm no longer the desired inventive Realize effects.

As already mentioned between the bristles so-called Cleaning gaps may be formed. This requires, that the bristles maintain a mutual minimum distance. This should be at least 0.2 mm, in particular between 0.3 mm and 1 mm lie. A direct mutual touching of the bristles So it's not wanted, not even where the bristles are emerge from the bristle carrier. It is natural not so that the bristles must be arranged so that all have the same distance to the nearest neighbor. It is sufficient if the minimum distance is in the stated range. As far as this minimum distance is maintained, the bristles should preferably not further apart than necessary. Otherwise, the character of a brush is lost. It should indeed be achieved that the toddler the inventive Brush gets to know as a precursor to the toothbrush.

There the bristle carrier and the bristles of the same material exist, and there a certain softness of the surface of the bristle carrier is desired, should be a material chosen with a not too big Shore hardness become. It is therefore proposed to use a soft plastic with a Shore hardness in the range of 75-100. This area but is primarily to be understood as an example and not as basic restriction.

Preferably The learning device offers a certain while biting Resistance and essentially maintains the shape. Around To achieve this, the learning device preferably has one hard core and a soft surface. So the core can Made of hard plastic and covered with an elastic plastic layer be.

So long the core is completely covered, it does not come depending on what material it consists of. But if he wants to be certain Places come to the surface, then you have to pay attention that it is pleasant for the toddler to bite. Of the Plastic should be impact-resistant and not brittle. It is by no means necessary that the whole surface with elastic plastic coated. It may be desirable be that the toddler can make various biting experiences. In this sense, the surface of the learning device be different hard at different places. This is possible the easiest way to realize that the coating on reduced in certain thicknesses or omitted altogether.

Of the Holder should be designed so that he the playful discovery needs of the toddler. So he should be the sense of touch, the sense of hearing and activate the sense of sight of the toddler. Because of practical reasons It is advantageous if the holder is designed as a ring. Of the Ring should be so big that it is comfortable by an adult with his hand can be taken. That means the opening of the ring should not be too small, but quite room for several Leave fingers. On the other hand, the cross section of the ring should be sized that it can be well grasped by the little hand of the child.

The Brush should not be too far out of the otherwise approximate projecting annular shape of the holder. In order to Prevents the toddler brushing too far into the throat (danger of vomiting). Imagine a level Test opening before, whose dimension of the maximum opening corresponds to the child's mouth, then the front end of the brush do not protrude further into the test opening than the maximum Dimension of the test opening corresponds. It is obvious that an elliptical retaining ring whose small semi-axis only slightly greater than the test opening is that mentioned Test criterion will not meet, because the retaining ring in Direction of the big half-axis too far into the test opening can be introduced.

At Position of a ring can also be chosen other shapes become. Preferred are flat shapes, which from the toddler in the Mouth can be taken. For safety reasons It is recommended to form the learning device in one piece. So it is better if the brush is not from the teething ring can be removed. A security lock can indeed prevent that the toddler disassembles the brush. Tends to be but this increases the production cost.

A known possibility for activating the auditory sense of the toddler is to equip the teething ring with a rattle. Preferably, the core has a cavity in which loose beads are enclosed. To activate the baby's sense of the sea with movements, the cavity came to be surrounded by a transparent wall, so that the movement of the beads is visible. Preferably, the cross section of the cavity is much larger than the cross section of the rest of the ring. There may also be (solid or mobile) glittering or reflective particles in the cavity, which create a play of light.

It Of course it is also possible to separate the rattle from the ring (that is, as an independent body) and to connect it easily with the ring. In this way You can also attach several rattles to the ring. By the same principle, other elements can also be used visual or other stimuli (mirrors, figures, whistling etc.) be attached. It could also built tone generators which are sensitive to certain movements (eg tilting, shaking, press) react and z. B. an animal sound or a melody produce.

The sense of touch can be stimulated in many ways. Preferably, the teething ring local projections, in particular knobs, grooves and annular beads of different shape. Suitable embodiments of such nubs are for example from GB 2,288,126 known.

Of the inventive Kinderbeissring is not actually but as part of an overall system. To This complete system includes all devices, products and techniques that are used today in the course of a human life Use in oral hygiene. The Kinderbeissring should to Example to facilitate the transition to the children's toothbrush and give the child access to proper oral hygiene. Around To achieve this, the brush of the Kinderbeissrings formally approximated to the children's toothbrush. That means the brush head is in relation to Length relatively short. Before preferably he is z. B. tongue-shaped educated. That means he is in the back, which is the transition to the ring, wider than in the front part. He is also in the front Part roundish or semi-circular designed.

The Inventive learning device can in various Be fashioned. One possibility is the Rattle to arrange at one point of the ring, the brush head is diametrically opposite. This creates a more or less symmetrical shape, which the toddler with both Can grab hands.

in the It may also make sense to use the learning device as part of the system concept to be provided with a flavor dispenser. This way you can The toddler carefully with the toothpaste or toothpaste flavor be brought into contact. The dispenser can be through, for example an insertable plastic part with an absorbent Material be formed. The plastic part is thrown away when the taste has evaporated. It is natural also possible to apply the toothpaste superficially z. B. by the brush is dipped in toothpaste. The For example, parents can give the toddler too much give the taste of toothpaste at certain times. In practice a taste or fragrance will be used wisely, so as not to provoke allergies in toddlers.

in principle It is not excluded that the plastic part is reusable is. He then does not necessarily need interchangeable on Kinderbeissring to be attached. However, then it must be ensured be that no hygienic problems arise (eg, because creep in bacteria in the dispenser). The plastic part or dispenser can then be charged with a suitable liquid. The plastic part has a part of absorbent material as a dispenser, it simply becomes a suitable liquid inserted, so that he can suck himself fully. To ensure, that no bacteria settle in to protect the dispenser used a semipermeable, bacteria-proof membrane.

It It is also conceivable that the bristles by a suitable miniature drive be excited to a vibration. It can be individual Bristles or even the bristle carrier vibrates as a whole become, so that an increased massage effect arises. When Micromotor can z. B. serve a piezoelectric actuator, which a small Thorn vibrates, which protrudes into the bristle foot.

The specially developed children's toothbrush has a handle and a brush head, wherein the brush head a Bristle carrier has, its transverse dimensions in proportion to handle are small. According to the system idea, the brush head is on its exterior material and / or form adapted to the bristle carrier of the Kinderbeissrings. The means, the handle and the bristle carrier have a surface made of soft plastic.

Out the following detailed description and the totality of the claims arise further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The used to explain the embodiment Drawings show:

1 perspective view of a child bite ring according to the invention;

2 schematic representation of a Ge schmacksdispensers;

3 perspective view of a child toothbrush according to the invention.

in principle are the same parts in the drawings with the same reference numerals Mistake.

Ways to execute the invention

1 shows a preferred embodiment of an inventive learning device. It forms a ring 1 on which a brush 2 and a rattle 3 are formed. The brush 2 and the rattle 3 are in places of the ring 1 arranged opposite each other. The ring 1 has two grip areas 4 and 5 , In the grip area 4 are various pimples 6 and in the grip area 5 various annular beads 7 provided, which stimulate the sense of touch of the toddler. In the area where the brush 2 is formed, forms the ring 1 a convex, deviating from the circular or oval shape outside section 10 ,

The brush 2 has a tongue-shaped bristle carrier 8th , That means, the bristle carrier 8th is widest where he is at the ring 1 attaches and then gradually tapers towards its front end, which is rounded paraboloidal or u-shaped. On the upper side of the bristle carrier 8th is a bristle field with a variety of bristles 9 educated. These bristles 9 are made of a soft plastic and are together with the bristle carrier 8th sprayed in one go. The bristles 9 are relatively short. That is, they have the form of bolts or cones. Furthermore, they are clearly spaced from each other. As a result, cleaning gaps 12 educated.

In the present example, the brush has about 30 to 40 bristles. The bristles 9 are about 4 mm long and have a diameter of the order of about 1 mm. The bristle field is in the rear area (ie where the brush 2 on the ring 1 is formed) about 10 mm wide and runs forward trapezoidal together. It has a maximum length of z. B. 15 mm. The bristle carrier 8th is a few millimeters wider and longer than the bristle field. At the point where the brush is attached, the ring provides an additional convex section 10 , This makes it easier for the toddler to brush 2 to take in the mouth.

The ring 1 has a diameter in the range of 5 to 10 cm and a cross-sectional diameter in the range of 5 to 10 mm. The bristle carrier 8th is thicker in the area of the ring than at the top. He tapers thus wedge-shaped. The rattle 3 is formed by a barrel-shaped, transparent container made of hard plastic, in which the beads 11 can roll. The container is z. B. from the same plastic as the core of the learning device. The two grip areas 4 and 5 as well as the bristle carrier 8th and the bristles 9 are made of the same soft plastic. It is almost a coating of the hard core. Only the transparent wall of the rattle 3 is free from the coating.

The geometric dimensions of the described learning device of course, can vary. To strive for are all sides rounded shapes. This applies both to the outside dimensions of the ring (top view) as well as for the cross sections. The learning device should therefore be rounded off, in which direction and in whatever cross section you look at it. rectangle Close and square-shaped shapes with their straight lines, in edges or Corners collide, are undesirable. You like be tolerable in individual places, but in any case to a minimum be reduced.

In Regarding the bristle density is to be noted that they are orders of magnitude less than a standard adult toothbrush. While z. B. 50 bristles per square centimeter a good Mean value is a density of 200 bristles per square centimeter rather represent an upper limit of the preferred value range.

The intense biting appetite of the infant can with the inventive, elastic teething ring be satisfied. The core of the hard Thermoplastics gives the teething ring its basic shape and stability. It provides enough resistance even with heavy chewing pressure and prevents biting through the ring. According to one preferred embodiment, it combines hard and soft Surfaces. By the design of the surface structure with differently shaped pimples and grooves both the Tongues as well as the lips stimulates. The latter is particular important for disabled children. Myofunctional stimulation promotes the strengthening of infants with Down syndrome characteristic weak masticatory muscles and the lip closure and prevents mouth breathing. An existing mouth breathing Among other things, the caries and infection risk in the pharynx promote.

The Wide oval ring shape allows the infant with both hands believe it. Likewise, the caregiver can use the teething ring with one hand Hold (by placing two to four fingers in the ring opening grips) and use the brush for playful cleaning. The large shape of the ring also prevents the toddler The brush can push too far back into the throat and thereby also reduces the risk of injury.

The advantage of using the Kinderbeissrings invention is that the Toddler playfully deals with a toothbrush. Now if the caregiver starts to clean the toddler's teeth, then she uses a special brush (cf. 3 ) which resembles the brush head formed on the child teething ring with respect to the shape of the brush head. The baby then recognizes and accepts the special toothbrush developed for this purpose in the daily cleaning of the teeth by the caregivers, as it has a similar shape of the brush part. The caregivers can therefore daily care in a, not unfamiliar to the child way the teeth. The brushing thus loses the character of an unpleasant and strenuous duty.

2 shows the back of the brush head or the bristle carrier 8th , According to a preferred embodiment is an absorbent foam 13 intended as a dispenser for flavorings or odors. That is, in the pores of the foam 13 is z. B. stored a solid, which is released from the baby's saliva and slowly washed out. Whenever the toddler bites or sucks on the brush head, it experiences the specific taste or smell of the foam 13 stored substance.

The foam 13 can z. B. be interchangeable, taking care that he can not be taken out and swallowed by the toddler. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the foam 13 can be placed in a suitable solution and charges with the desired substance. Instead of a foam, a bladder or bag of dense plastic with very fine dispenser holes may be provided so that the solution contained in the bladder volume slowly exits as the toddler sucks on the brush.

Of course the dispenser can also be provided at another location. The taste or odors can z. B. in the bristle field be stored.

3 shows a specially developed children's toothbrush. She has a thick grip 14 and a little head in proportion 15 , At the bottom has the handle 14 a foot 16 , whose base surface is preferably at least twice as large as the cross section of the cylindrical holding portion 17 , The smooth holding section 17 has a length of for example 4-5 cm and a diameter of z. B. 1.5 cm. In cross section, it is essentially circular disk-shaped. The foot 16 is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the holding portion 17 and widens wedge-shaped forward ("forward" is defined by the direction of the bristles). His stand can be designed as a suction cup, so he z. B. can be fixed at the edge of the sink. But it can also contain a magnet to be attached to a ferrous base. Of course, on or in the toothbrush, only one iron piece may be provided instead of a magnet, so that the brush can adhere to a magnetic base (eg a plate-shaped or rod-shaped holder), which in turn can be placed or fastened somewhere. Other mounting options are possible (clamp etc.).

At the upper end of the holding section 17 is a gripping section 18 intended. This is characterized by three-dimensional deformations (ribs, grooves, annular beads, pimples, etc.). In the present case four annular beads are provided. After the gripping section 18 follows a neck section 19 , This forms the transition to the head 15 and is increasingly rejuvenating.

The child brush is curved slightly forward in the present example, and just so strong that it on the foot 16 can stand. It has an ergonomic shape that is suitable for both the caregiver and the toddler.

The surface of the handle 14 is formed by an elastic soft plastic. This can hide a hard but flexible core. The head has a bristle carrier made of hard plastic and thin bristles. According to the system concept explained above, the bristle carrier is wrapped with a soft plastic and forms a rounded shape on all sides. The soft plastic is preferably the same as the soft plastic on the surface of the Kinderbeissrings. This creates a visual and tactile parallelism to the brush of the Kinderbeissrings. The consistency in the material causes the toddler to perceive the child toothbrush as similar to the child teething ring. It makes sense to offer the children's toothbrush and the Kinderbeissring in retail as a set. It is the togetherness and the benefits of the two devices for the buyer identifiable.

In summary It should be noted that the Kinderbeissring at the same time many senses (Sense of hearing, sense of touch, sight, taste and smell) of the Toddler can animate. With the bite on it becomes the development of the jaw and teeth activated and teething (engl. teething) the pain is relieved. Hard and soft surfaces with various nubs, grooves and rings or beads provide for Variety. A core made of a transparent hard thermoplastic can simultaneously form the rattle container. A softer Sheath made of colored soft thermoplastic protects on the one hand Injuries and animates pleasant to bite.

Together with the specially adapted Pediatric toothbrush results in a dental prophylaxis system, which is adapted to the respective stage of development of the child and thereby enables optimal prophylaxis conditioning.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• GB 2288126 A [0003]
• GB 2288126 [0023]

Claims (17)

Infant learning device with a holder ( 4 . 5 ) and one on the holder ( 4 . 5 ) trained brush head ( 8th ) with bristles ( 9 ), characterized in that the bristles ( 9 ) are formed in the manner of pin-like or massaging elements and are arranged spaced apart from each other such that predefined cleaning gaps ( 12 ) available. Learning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristles ( 9 ) in one piece in one piece with the brush head ( 8th ) are formed. Learning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristles ( 9 ) have a length to diameter ratio that is not greater than 20, in particular 10 or smaller, and greater than 2, and that the bristles ( 9 ) have a length of at least 2 mm and a maximum of 7 mm. Learning device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bristles ( 9 ) have a mutual distance of at least 0.2 mm, in particular between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. Learning device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bristles ( 9 ) consist of a soft plastic with a Shore hardness of 75-100. Learning device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holder ( 4 . 6 ) has a hard core and a soft plastic coating. Learning device according to claim 1 to 6, characterized in that the holder ( 4 . 5 ) is designed as a ring so that it can be easily grasped by a toddler. Learning device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the holder ( 4 . 5 ) a rattle ( 3 ) is integrated, which generates a noise when moving. Learning device according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that on the ring local projections ( 6 . 7 ), in particular knobs and annular beads are formed. Learning device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the brush head ( 8th ) from the holder ( 4 . 5 ) protrudes tongue-shaped. Learning device according to claim 7 to 10, characterized in that the brush head ( 2 ) and the rattle ( 3 ) are formed on diametrically opposite points of the ring. Learning device according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is an odor or flavor dispenser having. Children's toothbrush with a handle ( 14 ) and a brush head ( 15 ), wherein the brush head ( 15 ) has a bristle carrier whose transverse dimensions relative to the handle ( 14 ) are small. Child's toothbrush according to claim 13, characterized in that the handle ( 14 ) one foot ( 16 ) on which the child toothbrush can stand. Child's toothbrush according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the handle ( 14 ) and the bristle carrier have a soft plastic surface. Tooth care conditioning system for infants comprising a learning device according to one of the claims 1 to 12 and a child toothbrush especially after one of claims 13 to 15. A dental care conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that the child toothbrush a Brush head has a similar outer Material texture and / or shape, as the brush head of the learning device.