EP2040577B1 - Device for massaging the jaw or cleaning the teeth, and method for the production of said device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for massaging or cleaning the jaw or the teeth of a baby with a handle and a substantially corresponding to the arch shape of the jaw curved, plate-shaped bite member having at least on a broadside massage or cleaning projections, wherein the handle has two cantilevered ends for connection to the bite member, and wherein the bite member is made of a softer material than the handle.

Such a device is already out of the US 5,615,443 A known. In this device, an arcuate brush head is provided which has depressions on both broad sides, in which a plurality of bristles is seated. The brush head can be plugged into an approximately "A" -shaped handle, for which purpose the two cantilevered legs of the "A" s are inserted via end flanges in slots on the outer edge of the arcuate brush head. Although such a device can be disassembled for transport purposes in a simple manner, but can not be left unattended to a toddler, since the handle relatively easily loosen undesirable by its detachable connection with the brush head and even disconnect, so that there is a risk that Toddler swallowed the brush head. This problem is compounded by the fact that the handle is relatively small in relation to the brush head and the joints (slots) are close to each other. Due to the small and relatively inconvenient shape of the handle, the toothbrush is also unwieldy, especially with regard to the reciprocating or back and forth movements of the toothbrush in use. Another disadvantage of this toothbrush is that an effective massaging of the jaw to calm a teething baby due to the loose connection between the handle and brush head is not possible.

From the US 5,175,901 a different toothbrush is known, in which two gripping parts are provided, which are connected via adhesive connections with a bristle part. Again, there is a risk that the handle parts to simple Release the way of the bristle part.

From the US 2004/0074035 A a toothbrush is known in which a cleaning part has an integrally formed connecting neck. However, a simple plug connection is provided between the handle and the connecting neck, so that there is also the danger of an unwanted loosening between the handle and the cleaning part.

Furthermore, a variety of devices in the form of bite bodies, for example from the GB 2288 126 A . US 5 160 344 A . US 2003/0181948 A1 or the US 2005/0004603 A1 Known to soothe a baby's jaw and / or alleviate irritation during baby's teething. Disadvantage of this known bite body, however, is that they consist entirely of either a relatively hard material or a relatively soft material, so that they do not allow cleaning of the teeth or due to the elasticity of the handle no efficient massage of the jaw due to the hardness of the bite. In addition, these bite bodies are generally annular, so that only the foremost part of the baby's jaw is detected. The posterior parts of the jaw in the area of the molars are left out of the "treatment". The calming and reduction of the irritation of the jaw in this area are therefore not possible.

From the WO 2003/065969 A1 For example, a device for supporting teething is known, which can also be used as a pacifier. The device consists of a U-shaped bite body, a shield and a handle, wherein the handle and the bite body are made of one piece, and thus consist of the same material.

In the DE 70 949 C a device for facilitating teething is shown with a palatal bar, is applied to the Kalksalzflüssigkeit or which is impregnated with the liquid. This should help prevent or at least alleviate diseases. The palate bar is connected with a safety disc and a handle.

In the GB 510 754 A For example, there is disclosed a teething ring having a bite portion and a hold portion. In the biting area knobs are formed. Also this ring consists of a single material.

In the CA 1 329 868 C a combination of toothbrush and toothed ring is disclosed wherein bristles are mounted on a ring; a bite of a softer material is not disclosed.

In the EP 1 611 818 A1 a dental care device for children is shown with a brush and a rattle attached to a ring. Between the opposite areas brush and rattle lie the grip areas, which are provided with nubs. Again, no comparatively soft bite is provided.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device of the type mentioned, which can be used unattended by infants and allows effective massaging or cleaning of the jaw or the teeth of a baby. In addition, the device should be easy and inexpensive to produce.

The object is achieved in that connecting elements are integrally formed on the bite for connection to the handle, which are positively received in each case a recess of the handle, or the handle and the bite piece is integrally formed as a two- or three-component injection molded part, so the handle and the bite part are permanently connected to each other. These types of connections enable a firm, durable and above all lasting hold of the hard handle on the soft bite part, so that the handle of the bite itself can not unintentionally loosen even with frequent use of the device and the device can therefore be used unattended by small children. In addition, the comparatively hard grip allows efficient transmission of force from the user to the comparatively soft biting part provided with massage or cleaning projections, so that cleaning of the young teeth as well as massage of the jaw is possible during toddler's teething.

With regard to an effective cleaning and massage of the jaw or the teeth of the baby, it is advantageous if the bite part has a circumferential wall projecting upwards and downwards beyond its plate-shaped base body, at least partially on the inside of which massage or cleaning projections , in particular bristle-like projections, are provided. The special shape and the particular bristle-like projections offer the advantage that the jaw or the teeth can be cleaned and massaged on all sides and comprehensively. This is guaranteed even with more or less intense biting movements of the baby on the biting part, whereby the Bite is naturally pushed back and forth guaranteed. The length and thickness of the projections may vary, wherein the base body, for example, may have shorter projections than the upwardly and downwardly projecting wall; Of course, also lamellar massage or cleaning projections can be provided instead of the bristles or nubs.

The wall may have the same height and thickness in its circulation around the main body. As an alternative to forming the wall at the same height, the wall sections may have different heights.

In this context, it is favorable if the bite part is shaped in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the entire mandibular arch of a baby. Thus, the entire jaw of the baby can be detected; The posterior region of the jaw can be cleaned and massaged simultaneously with the anterior jaw area. This is particularly advantageous because the teeth naturally form a time-shift. Especially in the time in which the incisors have already leaked out of the jaw, the canines are just piercing the jaw, the molars are not yet formed, the existing teeth can be cleaned and at the same time the irritated lateral and posterior jaw through the special shape of the bite part is massaged sensitively. This "treatment" can further be optimized by the length and thickness of the projections on the base body and on the inside of the main body rotating wall are varied. In particular, in the Essentially, a massage or cleaning done over the entire mandibular arch when the wall thickness of the plate-shaped body of the biting part increases, starting from its apex of curvature to its ends. Alternatively, it is also possible that the wall thickness of the plate-shaped base body is substantially constant and increases the height of the massage or cleaning projections, starting from the center of curvature of the bite towards its ends. This results in relation to the main body with expanding wall thickness advantageously a simplified production. These advantageous embodiments of the plate-shaped body can also be provided with detachable connections between the handle and bite.

In this regard, it is also advantageous if the connecting elements are integrally formed on the outer edge of the respective end portions of the Beißteils and extend substantially from a center of curvature of the arc shape of the Beißteils in the radial direction. This arrangement of the connecting elements on the bite part has the advantage that the device is designed to be stable overall and the biting part can be inserted entirely into the oral cavity, without the handle would be a hindrance.

A positive connection can be realized in concrete in various ways. A structurally simple positive connection is provided if at least one recess is provided in the handle, in which at least one elevation of the connecting element is received. The recesses and the surveys can be varied in their specific design as desired.

In addition, through holes may be provided in the connecting elements through which pins of the handle are performed for the positive connection between the handle and bite. For example, when the handle is divided into halves along a center plane horizontal in plan view of the handle, the pins may be respectively provided on the inside of the ends of the handle halves. In order to align the two handle halves in a simple manner to each other, it is advantageous if on the insides of the handle halves insert sleeves and corresponding insertion pins are provided for connecting the two halves. To the handle halves in a simple manner insoluble To connect with each other, the handle halves can be welded, in particular ultrasound-welded, or even glued or snapped.

As an alternative to a positive connection between the handle and the bite part, the handle and the bite part can be integrally formed as a two-component injection molded part for the permanent connection of the comparatively hard grip with the comparatively soft bite part. Also by this design a simple production and a firm cohesion of the individual components of the device is ensured.

According to a further feature, it is favorable if the handle essentially has a bow shape. In this case, for example, a simple general U-shape or arch shape can be selected, with a bow shape with two or three outer constrictions or inner bulges is preferred. The latter is particularly suitable for babies, as babies often hold an object with both hands to their mouths; Moreover, such a shape is appealing in its appearance.

In connection with the handling of the device, it is advantageous if the bite part is aligned concavely in the direction of the handle. Since this bite on the handle for the baby "bite-sized" is arranged, the biting for the baby is particularly light and pleasant.

With regard to the material, it is favorable if the handle is made of polypropylene, polycarbonate or the like. Here, for example, a softened polypropylene, as sold under the brand Adflex be used. With regard to the hardness of the handle, a Shore D hardness of from about 20 to about 50, preferably from about 30 to about 40, is preferred for efficient jaw cleaning.

On the other hand, as regards the biting part, it is favorable if it is made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers or the like. Advantageously, the bite portion has a Shore A hardness of from about 30 to about 70, preferably from about 45 to about 60.

The above object with regard to the method of manufacturing the device is achieved in the case of the grip integrally connected to the bite part, in that the device is manufactured in one piece by means of a two- or three-component injection molding process. If a three-component injection molding process is used, for example, individual massage projections can be made harder than the others. Likewise, the handle may have portions made of a softer material than the remainder of the handle, resulting in a different tactile sensation in the various portions.

Alternatively, if the handle and the bite member are positively connected and the handle is provided in the form of two handle halves to be joined, the device can be easily manufactured if, prior to joining the two handle halves, the fasteners of the bite member are connected to the respective ends of the handle halves be positively connected, after which the handle halves are heat-welded for permanent connection by means of ultrasound.

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;
• Fig. 2a eine Schnittansicht nach der Linie IIa-IIa in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 2b eine Schnittansicht nach der Linie IIb-IIb in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 2c eine Schnittansicht nach der Linie IIc-IIc in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht einer Griffhälfte der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 mit daran angebrachtem Beißteil;
• Fig. 4 eine Draufsicht einer als Zwei-Komponenten-Spritzgussstück ausgebildeten Vorrichtung; und
• Fig. 5 einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie V-V in Fig. 4.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Showing:

• Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a plan view of the device according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 2a a sectional view along the line IIa-IIa in Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 2b a sectional view along the line IIb-IIb in Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 2c a sectional view along the line IIc-IIc in Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 3 a plan view of a handle half of the device according to Fig. 1 with attached bite;
• Fig. 4 a plan view of a device designed as a two-component injection molded piece; and
• Fig. 5 a section along the line VV in Fig. 4 ,

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the device 1 according to the invention for massaging or cleaning the jaw or the teeth of a baby with a handle 2 and a thus inseparably connected, form-fitting connected bite part 3. The handle 2 is bow-shaped, wherein it has three inner bulges and two outer constrictions. For connection with the bite part 3, the handle 2 freely cantilevered ends 4 '. The top of the handle 2 is provided with a regular star pattern for a pleasing appearance of the device 1. The handle 2 has rounded edges or is arched in cross section, so that a sharp-edged design of the device 1 is avoided.

The bite member 3 is curved according to the arch shape of a baby's jaw, forming an angle of about 180 ° from a center of curvature of the arch form and grasping the entire jaw of a baby. For the permanent connection of the bite part 3 with the handle 2, two connecting elements 4 are formed on the outer edge of the respective end portions of the bite part 3, which extend radially outward from the center of curvature of the bite part 3 and are received in the projecting ends 4 'of the handle 2.

In Fig. 1 In particular, it can still be seen that the bite part 3 has a circumferential wall 6 which is formed rising from the legs of the substantially arcuate base body 3 'towards the central curvature.

Like from the Figures 2 and 2c can be seen, the bite member 3 has a plate-shaped base body 3 'and is aligned concavely in the direction of the handle 2, so that the device 1 is designed for the baby "bite-sized". The bite member 3 further has on its broad sides bristle-like projections 5, which are suitable for massaging or cleaning the jaw or the teeth of the baby, wherein the projections 5 made of relatively soft material of bite 3, such as silicone, having a Shore A hardness of from about 30 to about 70, preferably from about 45 to about 60.

Corresponding to the projections 5 on the broad sides of the bite part 3 projections 5 'are integrally formed on the inside of the peripheral wall. These are formed longer compared to the projections 5 on the broad sides of the bite part 3 in order to reach the outer upper and lower jaw of the baby easily. The height of the peripheral walls 6 is in this case formed by the outer leg ends of the substantially U-shaped bite part 3 to the central curvature increasing, which in particular from Fig. 1 is apparent.

In Fig. 3 is a plan view of a handle half 2 'of the device 1 according to Fig. 1 The handle 2 is divided into two symmetrically formed halves 2 ', 2 "along a horizontal plane horizontal in plan view of the handle 2. The handle halves 2', 2" have a half-shell-shaped cross section. On the inside of the handle half 2 'are arranged at regular intervals from each other arranged insertion pins 7 or insertion sleeves 7', for the assembly of the device 1 in corresponding insertion pins or sleeves 7, 7 'on the inside of the other (upper) handle half. 2 be plugged.

The connecting elements 4, which extend radially outward from the respective end section of the bite part 3, each consist of a connecting web 8 integrally formed on the bite part 3 and opening in each case into an enlarged connecting plate 9. The connection plate 9 are positively received for positive connection with the handle 2 in each correspondingly shaped recesses 10 in the free, projecting ends of the handle 2. The connecting plate 9 have elevations 11 on their lower and on their upper side, which are here exemplified in a star shape. The elevations 11 are in correspondingly shaped recesses 12 in the projecting ends 4 'of the handle halves 2', 2 "(see. Fig. 2, 2a and 2c ).

As additional support of the positive connection between the handle 2 and the bite part 3, the connection plate 9 Through holes 13 which are circumferentially arranged around the star-shaped elevations 11 around. The through holes 11 are provided for receiving pins 14 which are integrally formed on the inside of the recess 10 of the projecting ends 4 'of the handle half 2'.

The shape of the connection plate 9 as well as those of these receiving recesses 10 can of course be varied arbitrarily. Likewise, of course, other forms can be selected for the elevations 11 and the recesses 12 in a corresponding manner.

Before the mating of the two handle halves 2 ', 2 "on the pins 7 and the corresponding insertion sleeves 7' on the respective inner sides of the handle halves 2 ', 2", the connection plate 9 of the connecting elements 4 of the bite 3 in the recesses 10 of the projecting ends. 4 'the lower handle half 2' placed so that the pins 14 engage on the inside of the projecting ends of the handle half 2 'through the through holes 13 of the connection plate 9 of the connecting elements 4. When placing the upper handle half 2 "on the lower handle half 2 ', the upper handle half 2" in a simple manner via the Einsteckhülsen 7' and the insertion pins 7 on the inner sides of the handle halves 2 ', 2 "plugged together (see Fig. 2b ), wherein the elevations 11 extend through the recesses 12 in the handle halves 2 ', 2 "and are therefore visible from the outside.Afterwards, the edges of the two handle halves 2', 2" are ultrasonically welded together to make the positive connection unsolvable ,

As an alternative to the permanent, positive retention of the individual components, a snap connection may be provided, this being able to be formed, for example, by a flange circulating on the inner edge of the plug-in sleeves and by a peripheral flange surrounding the outer edge of the plug-in pins 7.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention 1. The device 1 per se is as in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 3 designed, in contrast to positive connection of the handle 2 with the bite part 3 is integrally formed as a two-component injection molded part. The freely projecting ends 4 'of the handle 2 are each provided with a channel 17 which widens radially outward from the recess 12 in the handle 2. The edge-side opening of the channel 17 substantially corresponds to the width (in plan view) of the connecting web 8 of the connecting element 4.

Thus, in comparison to the handle 2, softer material for forming the bite part 3 can easily penetrate into the recess 10 or the recesses 12 in the course of a two-component injection molding process, so that an insoluble, one-piece embodiment of the Device 1 yields. For example, using a three-component injection molding process, the stars shown on the handle 2 may be made of a softer material than the remainder of the handle 2.

In Fig. 5 It can still be seen that the plate-shaped base body 3 'of the bite part 3 can increase away from its centrally arranged apex of curvature towards its two cantilevered end regions, ie a greater material thickness is provided in the edge regions than in the region of the central vertex, so that both the usual In a toddler first piercing incisors and not yet so far pushed through molars on the plate-shaped body 3 'rest or get in touch with the massage or cleaning projections. This results in a cleaning or massage of the entire mandibular arch of a teething toddler. Such a thickening plate-shaped body can of course be used independently of the non-detachable connection between the handle 2 and bite 3 advantageously. The same effect of a cleaning or massage of the whole mandibular arch of a teething child is also with the in Fig. 5a achieved embodiment shown. Here, the base body 3 'has a substantially constant wall thickness, however, increases the height of the bristle-like projections 5 from the center of curvature of the bite 3 symmetrically towards the ends of the bite part 3, so that thereby a contact with the not so far through the Pine pierced molars is ensured.

Claims (15)

1. A device (1) for massaging or respectively cleaning the jaw and/or the teeth of an infant, with a handle (2) and a plate-shaped bite-on part (3), which is curved corresponding substantially to the curvature of the jaw, said bite-on part (3) having massage or respectively cleaning projections (5) at least on one broad side, wherein the handle (2) has two freely protruding ends (4') for connection with the bite-on part (3), and wherein the bite-on part (3) consists of a softer material compared with the handle (2), characterized in that connecting elements (4) are formed on the bite-on part (3) for connection with the handle (2), which connecting elements (4) are received in a form-fitting manner respectively in an recess (10) of the handle (2), or the handle (2) and the bite-on part (3) are integrally formed as a two- or three-component injection-moulded part, so that the handle (2) and the bite-on part (3) are connected with each other in a non-detachable manner.
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bite-on part (3) has an encircling wall (6) projecting upwards and downwards over its plate-shaped basic body (3'), on the inner side of which massage or respectively cleaning projections (5), in particular bristle-like projections (5'), are at least partially provided.
3. The device according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bite-on part (3) is shaped in such a way that it corresponds substantially to the entire curvature of an infant's jaw.
4. The device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the wall thickness of the plate-shaped basic body (3') of the bite-on part (3) increases from its curvature apex towards its ends.
5. The device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the wall thickness of the plate-shaped basic body (3') is substantially constant, and the height of the massage or respectively cleaning projections (5) increases from the curvature apex of the bite-on part (3) towards its ends.
6. The device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) are formed on the outer edge of the respective end sections of the bite-on part (3) and extend substantially in radial direction from a centre of the curvature of the arch shape of the bite-on part (3).
7. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by at least one recess (12) in the handle (2), in which at least one elevation (11) of the connecting element (4) is received.
8. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized by through-bores (13) in the connecting elements (4) through which pins (14) of the handle (2) are passed.
9. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle (2) is divided into two halves (2', 2") along a central plane extending horizontally when the handle (2) is viewed from above.
10. The device according to Claim 9, characterized in that insert sleeves and corresponding insert pins (7) are provided on the inner sides of the handle halves (2', 2") for connecting the two halves (2', 2").
11. The device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the handle halves (2', 2") are welded, in particular by means of ultrasonic welding.
12. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the handle (2) is substantially U-shaped.
13. The device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the bite-on part (3) is arranged concavely in the direction of the handle (2).
14. A method for producing a device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (1) is produced in one piece by means of a two-component injection moulding process.
15. The method for producing a device according to Claim 11, characterized in that prior to connecting the two handle halves (2', 2"), the connecting elements (4) of the bite-on part (3) are connected in a form-fitting manner with the respective ends (4') of the handle halves (2', 2"), after which the handle halves (2', 2") are welded, adhered or snapped together, particularly by means of ultrasonic hot welding, for non-detachable connecting.

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