US20240398102A1

US20240398102A1 - Oral Mouth Swab Device

Info

Publication number: US20240398102A1
Application number: US18/325,382
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-05-30
Filing date: 2023-05-30
Publication date: 2024-12-05

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of oral hygiene. More specifically, the present invention relates to an oral mouth swab device. The device is primarily comprised of a head, further comprised of at least one edge that allows for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the mouth. Further, the device is comprised of a handle, further comprised of a grip area that allows for a user to use the device with minimal effort. The device provides a novel way for maintaining oral hygiene. Further, the device allows a user to be able to conveniently clean their teeth, gums, tongue, and tonsils throughout the day. In one embodiment, the device further provides a user with a way to apply medication and antiseptic directly to the mouth.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of oral hygiene. More specifically, the present invention relates to an oral mouth swab device primarily comprised of a head, further comprised of at least one edge that allows for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the mouth. The device provides a novel way of maintaining oral hygiene by allowing a user to be able to conveniently clean their teeth, gums, tongue, and tonsils throughout the day. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of an individual's health. Oral care products can help to improve the condition of gums and teeth. However, brushing and flossing can only accomplish so much. Individuals are often looking for new ways to help care for their gums and teeth. Further, there is often no easy way for individuals to clean their tongues and tonsils. Also, brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash throughout the day can be time-consuming and tedious.
Bacteria causes many mouth diseases such as dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, thrush, and many more. The United States spends over $124 billion on dental care each year as well as 34 million school hours are lost each year as a result of dental emergencies. More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their teeth. More than half of adolescents have had a cavity in at least one tooth. One-quarter of adults have untreated cavities, and more than 90% of adults have had a cavity. About 4 out of 10 adults had gum periodontal diseases and gingivitis. All of these diseases and statistics could be avoided with proper oral hygiene.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved oral hygiene device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a simple and effective way to keep teeth, gums, and the tongue clean and sanitized throughout the day. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a user to cleanse the mouth and tongue of microscopic residue more conveniently. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved way to protect against a variety of mouth diseases by effectively eliminating the number of bacteria in an individual's mouth.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an oral mouth swab device. The device is primarily comprised of a head, further comprised of at least one edge that allows for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the mouth. Further, the device is comprised of a handle, further comprised of a grip area that allows for a user to use the device with minimal effort. The head may secrete liquid through the head and into the user's mouth simultaneously while cleaning their mouth.
In this manner, the oral mouth swab device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a novel way to clean the gums, teeth, tongue, and other regions of the mouth. Further, the device allows a user to partake in oral hygiene practices throughout the day more conveniently.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an oral mouth swab device. The device is primarily comprised of a head, further comprised of at least one edge that allows for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the mouth. Further, the device is comprised of a handle, further comprised of a grip area that allows for a user to use the device with minimal effort.
In one embodiment, the handle is comprised of an interior container that allows a user to insert the desired oral care liquid via a cap. The handle and the head are further in fluid communication via at least one continuous opening. The head then secretes the liquid through the head and into the user's mouth simultaneously while cleaning their mouth. In one embodiment, the handle is a flexible material that allows the user to squeeze the liquid through the continuous openings and out the head. In another embodiment, the handle is a ridged material with flexible grip areas allowing a user to squeeze the grip areas pushing the liquid through the continuous openings and out of the head. In yet another embodiment the device is completely made of a ridged material and gravity pushes the liquid through the continuous openings and out of the head.
In another embodiment, the handle is a telescoping handle that can be changed to a plurality of lengths. The desired length can be locked by a locking mechanism prohibiting the device from changing lengths while in use.
Accordingly, the oral mouth swab device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a novel device for maintaining oral hygiene. Further, the device allows a user to be able to conveniently clean their teeth, gums, tongue, and tonsils throughout the day. In one embodiment, the device further provides a user with a way to apply medication and antiseptic directly to the mouth. In this manner, the oral mouth swab device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of oral cleaning known in the art.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this device will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of potential embodiments of an oral mouth swab device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an oral mouth swab device of the present invention while being used to clean a mouth in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of one potential method of using one potential embodiment of the oral mouth swab device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved oral hygiene device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a simple and effective way to keep teeth, gums, and the tongue clean and sanitized throughout the day. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a user to cleanse the mouth and tongue of microscopic residue more conveniently. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved way to protect against a variety of mouth diseases by effectively eliminating the number of bacteria in an individual's mouth.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an oral mouth swab device. The device is primarily comprised of a head, further comprised of at least one edge that allows for easy cleaning and disinfecting of the mouth. Further, the device is comprised of a handle, further comprised of a grip area that allows for a user to use the device with minimal effort.
In one embodiment, the handle is comprised of an interior container that allows a user to insert the desired oral care liquid via a cap. The handle and the head are further in fluid communication via at least one continuous opening. The head then secretes the liquid through the head and into the user's mouth simultaneously while cleaning their mouth. In one embodiment, the handle is a flexible material that allows the user to squeeze the liquid through the continuous openings and out the head. In another embodiment, the handle is a ridged material with flexible grip areas allowing a user to squeeze the grip areas pushing the liquid through the continuous openings and out of the head. In yet another embodiment the device is completely made of a ridged material and gravity pushes the liquid through the continuous openings and out of the head.
In another embodiment, the handle is a telescoping handle that can be changed to a plurality of lengths. The desired length can be locked by a locking mechanism prohibiting the device from changing lengths while in use.
Accordingly, the oral mouth swab of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that allows a user to apply an oral mouth care product while simultaneously cleaning their teeth. The device allows the user to save time and energy by providing a complete mouth care device that can easily and quickly remove residue and bacteria from the teeth, gums, and tongue. In this manner, the oral mouth swab device provides a novel means of oral care by allowing a user to simultaneously remove residue and bacteria while applying mouth care products.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of potential embodiments of an oral mouth swab device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a head 140, further comprised of at least one edge 142. Further, the device 100 is comprised of a handle 120, further comprised of a grip area 122. The handle 120 of the device 100 can be made from any material that is known in the art but is preferably made from a plastic material. The plastic material may be any plastic such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, biodegradable plastic, etc. Further, the handle 120 may be any size or shape known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 120 is comprised of a grip area 122 such as, but not limited to, a textured area or a contoured area to allow the user to hold onto the device 100 easier. In a differing embodiment, the handle 120 may be a telescoping handle 120, further comprised of a locking mechanism 128. This allows the user to be able to adjust the handle 120 to a multitude of lengths. The locking mechanism 128 locks the handle 120 at the desired length. The locking mechanism 128 can be a plurality of types of locks such as, but not limited to: twist lock, push-button lock, etc.
In yet another embodiment, the handle 120 may be comprised of an interior container 124 and a cap 126. The interior container 124 may be filled with any liquid 125 known in the art such as, but not limited to: mouthwash, medication, toothpaste, fluoride, etc. Further, the handle 120 and the head 140 are in liquid communication via at least one continuous opening 130 such that the liquid 125 can flow from the interior container 124 and out the opening 130 of the head 140. In one embodiment, the handle 120 may be made from a flexible plastic, rubber, or any other material known to one skilled in the art that allows the user to squeeze the handle 120 to push the liquid through the handle 120 and out of the head 140. In another embodiment, the handle 120 may be made from a ridged or semi-ridged plastic with a flexible rubber, or plastic grip area 122 that allows the user to squeeze the grip area pushing the liquid through the handle 120 and out of the head 140.
The handle 120 also may be comprised of a cap 126 that allows a user to fill the interior container 124 with the liquid. The cap 126 can be any fastener such as, but not limited to, a snap cap, a threaded cap, etc. The head 140 and the handle 120 are further connected via at least one fastener 132. In the preferred embodiment, the head 140 and the handle 120 have reciprocating fasteners 132 such as, but not limited to: snap button, threaded fastener, etc. The fasteners 132 allow for the user to be able to attach/detach different heads 140 for different purposes and uses without having to purchase a new handle 120.
In another embodiment, the head 140 is fixed to the handle 120 to prevent the device from coming apart during use. In the preferred embodiment, the head 140 is rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the head 140 may be any shape such as, but not limited to: circular, ovular, cone shaped, toothbrush shaped, triangular, octagonal, hexagonal, pentagonal, etc. Further, the head 140 may be a plurality of materials. In one embodiment, the head 140 may be made from a sponge material such as, but not limited to: cellulose sponge, compressed cellulose sponge, natural sea sponge, woven sponge, polyethylene sponge, dental sponge, etc. In another embodiment, the head 140 may be made from a foam material such as, but not limited to: polyurethane foam, polyester foam, Ethafoam, memory foam, lux foam, rebond foam, latex foam, etc. In yet another embodiment, the head 140 may be made from a fabric material such as, but not limited to: terry cloth, micro-fiber cloth, cotton, rayon, modal fabric, hemp, wool, etc.
The head 140 is further comprised of at least one edge 142 located around the perimeter of the head 140. The edge 142 can be in any form such as, but not limited to: grooves, ridges, indentations, etc. The edge 142 allows a user to clean the mouth more effectively. Further, the head 140 may be comprised of a coating 144. The coating 144 may be any coating 144 known in the art such as, but not limited to: medicated coating, mouthwash, antiseptic, disinfectant, whitener, etc. The head 140 may be either impregnated or coated with the coating 144. In one embodiment, the head 140 and coating 144 are flavorless. In another embodiment, the head 140 may have a flavored coating 144 that allows the user to taste the flavor while using the device 100. The coating can be any flavor such as, but not limited to: mint, strawberry, wintergreen, spearmint, grape, cherry, lime, lemon, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an oral mouth swab device of the present invention while being used to clean a mouth in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the head 140 may be absorbent to allow users to apply the coating 144 while using the device (i.e., when the user presses the device 100 against the teeth 20 or the gums, the coating 144 will be applied). In another embodiment, the head 140 is not absorbent and is used to push away bacteria and saliva from the gums and teeth 20. In yet another embodiment, the head 140 is water activated. Once the head 140 becomes wet, the coating 144 secretes from the head 140 and into the user's mouth 10.
In one embodiment of the device 100 wherein the handle 120 and head 140 are made from a rigid material, the liquid naturally flows via gravity from the interior container 124 to the head 140 and out the head 140 while the user uses the device 100. In an embodiment wherein the head 140 is made of a deformable material, the liquid may flow via gravity from the interior container 124 to the head 140 and out the head 140 while the user uses the device 100 to clean their mouth and presses the head 140 down against their teeth, gums, or tongue, which expels the liquid from the head 140. In a further embodiment wherein the handle 120 is made of a deformable material, the liquid may flow from the interior container 124 to the head 140 once the handle 120 is squeezed by the hand of the user. After this occurs, the liquid flows out the head 140 while the user uses the device 100 to clean their mouth.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of one potential method 200 of using one potential embodiment of the oral mouth swab device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. First, the user opens the cap 126 on the handle 120 [Step 202]. Second, the user fills the interior container 126 with a liquid [Step 204]. Next, the user closes the cap 126 [Step 206]. Then, the user places the device 100 in the user's mouth and cleans the teeth, gums, and tongue, thereby allowing the liquid to flow through the continuous openings 130 and into the user's mouth. [Step 208]. In a different embodiment the user may squeeze the handle 120 and/or press the head 140 against their teeth, gums, or tongue to expel the liquid through the head 140, and into the user's mouth while brushing [Step 210].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “oral mouth swab device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the oral mouth swab device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the oral mouth swab device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the oral mouth swab device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the oral mouth swab device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the oral mouth swab device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the oral mouth swab device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An oral mouth swab device comprising:

a handle comprised of a grip area; and

a head comprised of an edge, wherein the head is attached to the handle.

2. The oral mouth swab device of claim 1, wherein the handle is a telescopic handle.

3. The oral mouth swab device of claim 2, wherein the handle is further comprised of a locking mechanism.

4. The oral mouth swab device of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism locks the telescopic handle at a desired length.

5. The oral mouth swab device of claim 1, wherein the head is comprised of a foam material.

6. The oral mouth swab device of claim 1, wherein the handle is a deformable handle.

7. An oral mouth swab device comprising:

a handle comprised of an interior container and a cap; and

a head comprised of an edge, wherein the head is attached to the handle.

8. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the interior container is filled with a liquid.

9. The oral mouth swab device of claim 8, wherein the liquid is a mouthwash, a medication, a toothpaste or a fluoride.

10. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the head is further comprised of a continuous opening.

11. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the cap is a snap cap or a threaded cap.

12. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the head and the handle are connected via a fastener.

13. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the head is comprised of a sponge material.

14. The oral mouth swab device of claim 13, wherein the sponge material is an absorbent material.

15. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the edge is a grooved edge.

16. The oral mouth swab device of claim 7, wherein the head is further comprised of a coating.

17. The oral mouth swab device of claim 16, wherein the coating is a water-activated coating.

18. The oral mouth swab device of claim 17, wherein the coating is a medication, a mouthwash, an antiseptic, a disinfectant or a whitener.

19. The oral mouth swab device of claim 18, wherein the coating is flavored.

20. A method of using an oral mouth swab device, the method comprising the steps of:

opening a cap on a handle of the oral mouth swab device;

filling an interior container of the handle with a liquid;

closing the cap; and

using the oral mouth swab device to clean a tooth, a gum, or a tongue such that the liquid flows from the interior container to a head of the oral mouth swab device and out of the head via a continuous opening therein.