# US 2012/0073066 A1 · Tongue-mounted cleaning article

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- Number: US 2012/0073066 A1
- Document ID: US20120073066A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/311,741
- Filed: 2011-12-06
- Published: 2012-03-29
- Earliest claimed: 2011-12-06
- Assignees: Adel ELSERI
- Inventors: Adel ELSERI
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20120073066A1

## CPC

- A46B 5/04: shaped as gloves or finger-stalls {or other special holding ways, e.g. by the tongue}
- A46B 1/00: Brush bodies and bristles moulded as a unit
- A46B 2200/1026: Gum massaging brush, i.e. specifically designed for massaging the gums
- A46B 2200/1066: Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures (A61C17/16 takes precedence; bristles arrangements for toothbrushes A46B9/04)
- A46B: BRUSHES (handles not integral with brushware B25G)

## Abstract

The invention is directed to a tongue-mounted cleaning article for caring for the teeth and gums having an elongated body defining an inner cavity having a contour of the tongue and optionally, apertures therethrough; an open end having an annular elastic member for removably attaching the article to the tongue; and a closed end having pyramidal protuberances disposed over a portion or the entirety of its surface to project outwardly for cleaning the teeth and gums.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A tongue-mounted cleaning article for caring for the teeth and gums comprising:
a) an elongated body defining an inner cavity having a contour of the tongue;
b) an open end comprising an annular elastic member for removably attaching the article to the tongue; and
c) a closed end comprising a plurality of pyramidal protuberances disposed over a portion or the entirety of its surface, wherein the pyramidal protuberances project outwardly for cleaning the teeth and gums.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The article of claim 1, wherein each pyramidal protuberance comprises a polygonal base and a plurality of triangular faces which converge at an apex.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The article of claim 2, wherein each pyramidal protuberance comprises at least three triangular faces.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The article of claim 3, wherein each pyramidal protuberance comprises four triangular faces.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The article of claim 2, wherein one or more abrasive elements are provided on one or more of the triangular faces.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The article of claim 2, wherein the pyramidal protuberances range between about 2 mm to about 8 mm in length, about 1 mm to about 5 mm in height, and about 1 mm to about 5 mm in width.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The article of claim 6, wherein the pyramidal protuberances range between about 4 mm to about 6 mm in length; about 2 mm to about 4 mm in height; and about 2 mm to about 4 mm in width.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The article of claim 2, wherein each pyramidal protuberance is disposed to directly abut an adjacent pyramidal protuberance to define a channel between the protuberances.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The article of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a plurality of apertures therethrough.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The article of claim 1, comprising an elastomer.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The article of claim 1, further comprising a coating on one or both of the body and the protuberances, the coating being at least one of antibacterial agent, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, a tissue ingrowth promoter, a dentrifice, a tooth whitening agent, a breath freshener, a flavoring, a polishing agent, or combinations thereof.