AIR-DRIVEN INTERPROXIMAL TOOTHBRUSH

摘要

The interproximal toothbrush includes an appliance body and neck with a nozzle member having a nozzle tip shaped to fit into interproximal teeth spaces. Bursts of air or air/liquid mixture are generated, exiting through the nozzle tip. A helix member or, alternatively, a spring, is supported within a channel in the nozzle member. The helix member is free to rotate as air or the air/liquid mixture is moved through the channel. A set of bristles is attached to a forward end of the helix member, so that it rotates with the helix member. Alternatively, a set of bristles is attached to the distal end of the spring so that successive bursts of air or the air/liquid mixture produce an in-and-out movement of the set of bristles toward and away from the teeth.

主权项

1. An air-driven interproximal cleansing appliance, comprising:
an appliance body having a handle portion and a nozzle having an extended neck, with a nozzle tip, with an exit opening at a distal end of the nozzle, shaped to fit into interproximal teeth spaces; a source of air for providing bursts of air or an air/liquid mixture in response to the appliance being activated successively, via control member by a user; and a solid helix member having at least one full turn, supported within a channel in the nozzle tip, so that the helix member is free to rotate as air or the air/liquid mixture is moved through the channel, the helix member further having a set of bristles attached to a forward end thereof, such that the set of bristles rotate with rotation of the helix member in response to air or the air/liquid mixture being moved through the channel and out the exit opening of the nozzle tip, rotating the set of bristles for cleansing of the interproximal teeth surfaces.