Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
IMPROVED DENTAh STRIP
2118s2
BACKGROUND Or TIi>; INVENTION
rield of the Invention
The gresent invention relates, generally, to an improved
dental strip for cleaning one's teeth which is used to clean
food particles from between one's teeth. More particularly,
tlae present invention relates to an improved dental strip
wllerein the rubber floss utilized to make the dental strip is
impregnated with a fluoride medicament and dentifrice. By
the addition of flavoring to the dental strip, it can be
expected that consumer acceptance of the improved dental
strip of the present invention and, thus, the encouragement
of routine flossing to aid therapeutic results will be
improved.
Additionally, the inversion of the rubber floss strip,
or tube, during manufacture of the same, improves utilization
of the strip by providing the dental strip with a more
rounded shape than conventional tube.
_1_
Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, dental strips have been manufactured by die
cutting a latex rubber tube. In the manufacturing of such
tubes, a silicon coating is applied to the outer surface in
order to prevent the same from becoming tacky. The inner
surface of the conventional dental tube, or strip, is coated
with talcum powder in order to prevent the dental tube from
sticking together.
The latex rubber with the silicon coating and talcum
powder, unfortunately, leaves a foul taste and odor in one's
mouth. As a result, notwithstanding the benefits~from
flossing on a regular basis, persons are inclined to avoid
flossing as much as might be beneficial.
This type of dental strip is disclosed and claimed in my
earlier patent, U.S. Patent No. 3,860,013, issued January
14th, 1975.
As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the
present invention overcomes the prior art deficiencies
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encountered when the tube of the dental strip becomes stuck
together, as well as avoiding the deficiencies encountered
when users of the dental strips, presently known to the art,
seek to avoid proper and regular usage of such strip due to
the foul taste and odor.
Finally, the present invention seeks to overcome the
deficiencies inherent in the prior art in a manner which is
economically competitive for conventional dental strips.
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21 18629
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a dental strip comprising: a latex rubber
tube having a silicon layer with a flavoring compound atop the
silicon layer, the latex rubber tube being provided with a
series of slits cut circumferentially, wherein the flavoring
compound is applied on an inner surface and an outer surface
of the latex rubber tube.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a dental strip in combination with
a dispenser pack in the form of a matchbook, wherein the dental
strip comprises: a die cut latex rubber tube having a silicone
layer with a flavoring compound atop the silicone layer to
eliminate any rubber taste or odor, the latex rubber tube being
provided with a series of slits cut circumferentially; the
flavoring compound being applied on both an inner surface and
an outer surface of the latex rubber tube, and wherein the
dental strip is inverted, i.e. turned inside out, before die
cutting so as to ensure a more rounded shape by allowing the
dental strip to spring up into an oval shape allowing easier
removal from the dispenser pack.
The dental strip, in preferred forms, includes a dental
rubber tube with a reduced silicon coating and wherein the
talcum powder generally used between the inner surfaces of the
rubber tube is replaced with a flavoring compound, which is
preferably in the form of a tooth powder, such as baking soda.
Many flavoring compounds may be used, such as those which
impart a fresh mint taste plus a medicament (e. g., fluoride),
which is effective to inhibit the formation of dental caries.
Baking soda, as eluded to above will neutralize the odor.
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21 18629
A further improvement, and alternative embodiment of the
present invention involves improving the appearance of the
dental strip and making it easier to remove from a conventional
dental strip pack.
As will be explained in greater detail below, the
conventional dental strip, i.e., the dental strip known to the
prior art, is a tube with a thin wall and ends which are in
elongated form. When the tube is die cut in the manufacturing
process, the tube lies in a flat position. This configuration
makes removal of the dental strip from the
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dispenser difficult, as well as not giving the dental strip a
good appearance)
In connection with the manufacturing process of the
present invention, the dental strip tube is inverted, i.e.,
turned inside out, after die cutting. This inversion process
ensures a more rounded-shape for the dental strip which, as a
result, allows the dental strip to spring up in an oval shape
thereby making it easier to remove from the dispenser pack
and providing it with a better appearance.
The advantages of the present invention include the fact
that the improved dental strip is easier to use, in the sense
that it has a circular handle. It is easier to carry in
that, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
improved dental strip, the casing of the dental strip is in a
form similar to a matchbook cover. The dental strip of the
present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is provided in
its dispenser with a removable adhesive backing for easy
peel-off.
The improved dental unit of the present invention should
preferably be made out of a reasonably soft material in that
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it will be easy on the user's gums and, thereby, not cut the
gums of the user.
The improved dental strip of the present invention is
designed to be easy to use, as for example, like a toothpick
might be used between one's teeth. however, unlike a
toothpick, the improved dental strip of the present invention
is both safer and more efficient.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the
rubber latex of the present invention constitutes an
efficient rubber cleaning surface; a slitted band further
providing a scrubbing action.
Finally, because of the good flavor embodied by the
dental strip of the present invention, persons of a11 ages,
particularly children, will be encouraged to floss on a much
more frequent basis. Such increased flossing, it can be
expected, will significantly reduce tooth decay and gum
disease.
It should, of course, be recognized that many
modifications to the foregoing are possible and a11 such
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modifications should be considered within the scope of the
present invention.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects,
the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated
in the accompanying drawing figures, attention being called
to the fact, however, that the drawing figures are intended
to be illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the
specific construction illustrated and described within the
scope of the appended claims.
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211Sb~.29
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals
denote similar features throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a conventional dental
strip known to the prior art;
FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the improved dental
strip of the present invention, including the preferred
dispenser, with adhesive, for containing the dental strip,
prior to utilization of the same by a user;
FIG. 3 is a lengthwise prospective view of the improved
dental strip of the present invention showing the dental
strip tubing, as slitted, and the dispenser with the adhesive
backing for the dental strip tubing;
FIG. 4 is a lengthwise prospective view of the improved
dental strip of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3,
with the dental strip tubing being shown in an expanded
state; and,
_g_
FIG. 5 is a cross-section view, taken from a prospective
angle, along the 5-5 line of FIG. 4, said FIG. 5 showing the
several layers, coatings, adhesive and dispenser comprising
the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now, in detail, to an analysis of the
accompanying drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a prospective view of
a conventional dental strip 10 known to the prior art. Such
a dental strip is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,013, the
pertinent portions of which, such as those relating to the
construction of a dental strip per se, are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
Dental strip 10, of the prior art, is produced by die
cutting a latex rubber tube 14. In the manufacturing process
of such tubes 14, a silicon coating is applied to the outer
surface 12 of said tube. This is to prevent the tube from
becoming tacky. The inner surface 16 of tube 14 is to be
coated with talcum powder in order to prevent the opposite
inner surfaces 16 of rubber tube 14 from sticking to one
another. The conventional dental strip 10 of the prior art,
unfortunately, suffers from the drawback that the combined
rubber with the silicon and talcum powder layers leave behind
a foul taste and odor in the user's mouth.
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._.
FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the improved dental
strip rubber tube 20 of the present invention, including the
preferred dispenser 24, with adhesive 26, for containing the
dental strip 20, prior to utilization of the same by a user.
In FIG. 2, dental rubber tube 22 is provided with a
reduced silicon coating and the talcum powder, which had been
provided on the inner surface of such tubing, is now replaced
with a flavoring compound. Many flavoring compounds may be
used, such as an added fresh mint taste plus a medicament,
preferably containing fluoride. The flavoring compound may
be made as part of a conventional tooth power, which may
optionally include baking soda.
The flavoring compound may either be applied to just the
inner surface or outer surface of the tubing of the present
' invention, however, there is no reason as to why it cannot,
and should not, be applied to the entire area, i.e., both
inner and outer surface of said tubing.
The use of flavored Dental Strips as opposed to the
unflavored variety provides extraordinary advantages to the
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._ '$
Dental. Strip. People do not like the rubber taste and odor
in the mouth. The present Denial gloss is made of nylon,
rayon, cotton, and other staple fibers, which are tasteless
and have no odor. The disadvantage of the Dental Strip,
which is make of a rubber material, has a foul odor and
taste. A flavoring must be added. Its a part that when left
out it won't sell. rlavoring is an essential element.
To improve the Dental Strip the rubber floss utilized to
make the Dental Strip is impregnated with fluoride medicament
and dentifrice.
The present day commercial brands of toothpaste, tooth
powder and dental rinse etc., are provided with medicament
and flavor that can be used to coat or impregnate the~Dental
Strip, encouraging better oral hygiene practices.
A11 dentifrice consist of sodium, an acid forming
ingredient, starches as cornstarch and the like. When
applied to the dentifrice the starch keeps the sodium in the
dentifrice dry and prevents it from acting (stays dormant)
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2~~8~~~
until liquid is added, as dissolved by the liquid saliva in
the mouth when the Dental Strip is applied to the teeth,
thereby releasing flavor to the teeth and mouth. The starch
prevents the acid forming ingredients of sodiums from
reacting. This also prevents deterioration of the rubber
Dental Strip, providing a long shelf-life.
Flavoring of the Dental Strip can be achieved by a
number of different methods. One or a combination of
different dentifrice can be applied to the Dental Strip with
a starch added. One method to impregnate a dentifrice on
Dental Strip is to roll a coat of toothpaste, using a sponge
rubber roller, and while the coating is still tacky by means
of directed guides, cornstarch is sifted or dusted on the
toothpaste, coating the rubber tube. The sifting or dusting
is controlled to give the desired flavor concentration. The
mixture of toothpaste provides a good adhesion for adequately
holding tooth powder and cornstarch mixture by providing a
thick coating achieving a strong noticeable flavor. The tube
after being coated with dentifrice and starch is inverted,
leaving the dentifrice coating in the innermost portion of
the tube. This new technique creates a more attractive
appearance.
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Another method for achieving the flavored Dental Strip
of the present invention, is a mixture of 25~ starch and
dental rinse (flax commercial brand) by weight. The rubber
tube is dipped in this solution and dried by means of a
microwave oven or tumbled in as heated drum or similar
techniques. This process provides a semi-transparent coating
of dentifrice to a11 surfaces of the tube and providing an
attractive appearance to Dental Strip.
There are many different combinations in using the
dentifrice for flavoring the Dental Strip. This determines
the process and cost of manufacturing and the quality of
the product. The active ingredients, the commercial brands
of toothpaste, tooth powder, dental rinse and etc., may be
absorbed or coated in any suitable manner with starch or the
like. These mixtures may be uniformly applied to the Dental
Strip by rolling, brushing, dipping, dusting, sifting,
sprayed, or similar techniques or otherwise applied on a
rubber material in such a manner as to absorb or coat it
thereon. While the foregoing set forth specific features of
the invention, modification may be made without departing
from the spirit of the present invention.
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~~~8~
The Dispenser is made of a cardboard, the inner portion
has a double coated glazed finish. This provides a hard
surface for die cutting rubber tubes. As stated, the outside
portion of the dispenser is the absorb side (has no coating)
this side is treated with pleasant odors, i.e. peppermi.nt.
The product is sold in a plastic ziplock bag which holds the
scent for a greater length of time. This is attractive to
the buyers. The plastic ziplock bag gives a person the
preference to keep the dispenser in said bag during usage of
the Dental Strip which keeps them fresh and clean for a
greater period of time.
Now there is a scent and flavor with the same
characteristic (peppermint and the like). The dispenser
scent which gives off a gas absorbs into the dentifrice
(flavor on dental strip) and into the rubber Dental Strip.
The plastic bag enclosure provides a greater scent in Dental
Strip. Providing a more refreshing product. (Principle -
all scents give off a gas)
The customary way of removing food particle lodged
between the teeth after a meal is to use a toothpick. The
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Dental Strip can be a combination of dental floss and a
toothpick and more effective in removing food particles. The
Dental Strip can be used for on the spot flossing whenever
discomfort occurs. The Dental Strip can be disguised and
less conspicuous when flossing in public. Change the color
of the Dental Strip from a bright yellow to a tan color
blends in with the color of the human skin and acts as a
camouflage. This product can originate a new concept in
flossing teeth, because of its advantages.
The circular band is easy to handle, a small portion of
the band is exposed when flossing because the band is
stretched, fitting snugly around the fingers. With the new
camouflage coloring the Dental Strip is almost unnoticeable
when flossing. Because of the circular band flossing can be
done using one hand. The elastic band measures 3/4 of an
inch in a flat position, and stretches to about four inches
when in use and comes back to its original small shape which
is easy to dispose of.
Dispenser - A peal off unit flexible similar to a
matchbook and is easy to carry. The Dental Strip is not
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harsh and will not cut into the gums. It is compressible to
work in narrow spaces. The Dental Strip makes it.easy to form
healthy flossing habits, which helps reduce tooth decay and gum
disease.
In order to improve the appearance of the rubber tubing
22 of the present invention, as well as to make the same more
efficient and easier to~'remove from the dispenser 24,
following a die cutting of the tube, wherein the thin wall
and elongated ends are formed, the tube 22 is inverted such
that the original outer surface is on the inside and the
original inner surface is now on the outside.
This procedure provides the tubing 22 with a more
rounded shape, or somewhat oval shape, which makes it easier
to remove the dental strip from the dispensing packet.
'rhe dispensing packet 24 is preferably made .in a manner
which is similar to that of a matchbook cover and which may
readily be unfolded as, for example, along creases 2Q.
Dispensing packet 24 is, further, preferably provided
with an adhesive strip from which the rubber tubing 22 may be
_lp_.
readily removed therefrom. This adhesive strip is preferably
a double-sided adhesive with one side affixed to the
dispenser and the opposite side being removably affixed to
tubing 22. This embodiment is designed to allow for an easy
peel-off of tubing 22 from dispenser 24.
FIG. 3 is a lengthwise prospective view of the improved
dental strip 20 of the present invention showing the dental
strip tubing 22, as slitted 30, and the dispenser 24 with the
adhesive backing 26 for the dental strip tubing 22.
FIG. 4 is a lengthwise prospective view of the improved
dental strip of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3,
with the dental strip tubing 22 being shown in an expanded
state.
' FIG. 5 is a cross-section view, taken from a prospective
angle, along the 5-5 line of FIG. 4, said FIG. 5 showing the
several layers, coatings, adhesive and dispenser comprising
the present invention.
Reference numeral 24, as explained above, represents the
dispenser pack. In FIG. 5, the adhesive is shown as tape 26
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with double-sided adhesive glue thereon) Reference numeral
22 represents the rubber tubing. This rubber tubing includes
a silicon layer thereon and is, thereafter, preferably fully
coated with the flavoring compound, as described heretofore.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that
numerous modifications may be made to the present invention,
with a11 such modifications being intended to be included
with the scope of the present invention.
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It will be understood that each of the a ement
described above, or two or more together, may also find a
useful application in other types of methods differing from
the type described above.
While certain novel features of the present invention
have been shown and described and are pointed out in the
annexed claims, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the details above, since it will be understood
that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated
and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art
without departing in any way from the spirit of the present
invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will be fully
reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by
applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various
applications without omitting features that, from the
standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential
characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this
invention.
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