Dental cleaning and massaging apparatus
OwnerJames D. Quinbyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for cleaning teeth and the gingival crevices and for massaging the gums is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a mouthpiece having an upper channel member adapted to fit over at least a part of the upper dentation and to snugly engage the upper gum and a lower channel member adapted to fit over at least a part of the lower dentation and to snugly engage the lower gum. The upper and lower channels are joined by a membrane means which form fluid chambers. Pneumatic means are provided to move the upper and lower channel members upward and downward over the respective gums to massage the gums. In addition water or any suitable cleaning fluid is introduced into and out of the apparatus to clean the teeth and gingival crevices and to provide lubrication for the massaging action of the pneumatic means.
Claims15
Dental hygiene apparatus comprising:
- a mouthpiece having a generally U-shaped upper channel member open at the top and a generally U-shaped lower channel member open at the bottom;
- a first membrane and a second membrane, said first and second membranes each being secured to said upper and lower channel members such that a closed area is formed between said first and second membranes;
- a plurality of inflatable air-sacks located inside said closed area, adjacent to the bottom surface of said upper channel member and adjacent the upper surface of said lower channel member such that said plurality of air-sacks are located between said upper and lower channel members;
- a first plurality of bite blocks located in said upper channel member, said first plurality of bite blocks being spaced apart in said upper channel member;
- a second plurality of bite blocks equal in number to said first plurality of bite blocks, said second plurality of bite blocks being so located in said lower channel member such that each one of said second plurality of bite blocks is located directly opposite a different one of said first plurality of bite blocks;
- a plurality of connecting posts equal in number to the number of said first and second plurality of bite blocks, one end of each of said connecting posts being secured to a different one of said first plurality of bite blocks and the other end of each one of said plurality of connecting posts being secured to a different one of said second plurality of bite blocks;
- and
- means for periodically inflating said plurality of air-sacks such that said plurality of air-sacks are alternately inflated and deflated to cause said upper and lower channel members to alternately move away from and toward each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.