FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed generally to a device for removing tooth stain and particularly to a portable device comprising an interproximal brush and/or an abrasive impregnated rubber body and a holder therefor, similar in size to a pen.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that is within a holder similar in size to a pen so as to be portable and readily available for use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that is inconspicuous and does not draw attention from others when in the closed position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that includes a number of interproximal brushes with different profiles for providing flexibility in having available the proper shaped brush whenever needed.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that includes a replaceable brush, which may have abrasive particles, and a handle therefor, wherein a brush when worn out is discarded and replaced with a new one.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that includes an abrasive impregnated rubber body formulated to remove tooth stain.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing tooth stain that provides a convenient handle that also provides a storage space for the brushes when not in use.

In summary, the present invention provides a device for removing tooth stain, comprising a longitudinal handle including longitudinal first and second portions, the first portion being hingedly secured to the second portion. The handle has a closed position when the first and second portions are on top of one another, and an open position when the first and second portions

are separated from each other, substantially in the manner of a clam shell. The first and second portions each include cooperating first and second cavities that define a chamber when the handle is in the closed position. A tool designed for removing tooth stain, which may be in the form of an interproximal brush, is removably secured to one end of the handle. The brush may be a truncated cone or cylindrical in shape. One end of the handle includes cooperating grooves and the tool includes an end portion adapted to be received within the cooperating grooves when the handle is in the closed position. The handle includes a lock mechanism disposed adjacent the cooperating grooves to better secure the tool to the handle. The lock mechanism includes a groove disposed in the first portion and a cooperating projection disposed on the second portion.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device made in accordance with the present invention for removing tooth stain, shown in the closed position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, shown with the handle in an open position to reveal the cavities used to store the interproximal brush and/or brushes when not in use.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a truncated cone embodiment of a brush used in the present invention, shown removed from the handle.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cylindrical embodiment of a brush used in the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a truncated cone embodiment of a brush made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 9 is a left side elevational view of Figure 1, shown with the brush removed.

Figure 10 is a right side elevational view of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a top plan view of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A device R made in accordance with the present invention for removing tooth stain is disclosed in Figure 1. The device R comprises a longitudinal handle 2 and a tool 4 removably secured to one end of the handle. The handle 2 is similar in size to a pen so as to be portable and readily available for use. The

device R may be made from plastic or other suitable materials.

The handle 2 includes a longitudinal base portion 6 and a longitudinal cover portion 8 secured to the base portion 6 in a hinging manner by means of an elongate hinge 10 made from plastic or other suitable materials. The handle 2 may be injection molded as one integral unit.

The base and cover portions 6 and 8 are locked together by means of projections 12 and 14 that are frictionally retained in their respective slots 16 and 18, as best shown in Figures 2,3 and 4. Tabs 20 and 22 provide a convenient finger hold for opening the cover portion 8.

The base portion 6 includes a plurality of cavities 24 adapted to hold a respective tool 4, as best shown in Figure 4.

The cover portion 8 has a cooperating cavity 26 which is co- extensive with the plurality of cavities 24, as best shown in Figure 4. The cavity 26 provides additional storage headroom for the tool 4.

An end portion of the base and cover portions 6 and 8 have cooperating grooves 28 and 30 adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped base portion 32 of the tool 4. The grooves 28 and 30, and the base portion 32 are preferably cylindrical in shape, although other shapes are envisioned.

Smaller grooves 34 and 36 communicate with respective grooves 28 and 30 and are adapted to receive a support portion 38 of the tool 4. A pair of projections 40 are receivable within respective openings 42 to provide a locking mechanism

advantageously adjacent the base portion 32 to better hold the tool 4 in place. The projection 14 and the slot 18, being adjacent and across from the other locking mechanism to frame the base portion 32, provide additional holding power to secure the tool 4 in place during use.

The tool 4 when held in place in the handle 2 is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The brush includes a plurality of bristles 44 formed into a truncated cone or cylindrical shape, as best shown in Figures 6 and 7. The bristles 44 are made from monofilaments, either non- abrasive or with abrasive particles, such as aluminum oxide.

White aluminum oxide, about 8-1200 grit, is preferable; however, other abrasive or polishing particles may be used. White aluminum oxide is a type of abrasive well known in the industry.

The filament used is about 3 mil in diameter, although other sizes may be also suitable. The abrasive particles are advantageously integrated into the filament during manufacture of the filament by mixing the resin with the particles prior to the extrusion process.

As an example, Nylon 612 resin is mixed with aluminum oxide particles with average particle size of 10 microns, with a range of 4-27 microns. The abrasive particles preferably make up about 2k-10W by weight of the total mixture. The mixture is then extruded in a conventional way to form a monofilament, 0.002"-0.004" in diameter. It should be understood that some of the abrasive particles will be disposed near the surface of the

monofilament after extrusion and, thereby be exposed. Nylon 612, available from DuPont, is a polyamide with desirable characteristics for use in making industrial brushes, paint brushes, etc.

Referring to Figure 8, the bristles 44 are secured to a support 45 made from twisted wires. The middle portions of the bristles are sandwiched between the twisted wires. The base member 32 is secured to the support portion 38 by standard means, such as by molding the base member 32 directly around the support portion 38.

The handle 2 has a larger diameter portion 46 and a smaller diameter portion 48.

In use, one of the brushes, either the truncated cone or cylindrical type, is removed from its storage cavity and secured in the cooperating grooves 28 and 30 at the end of the handle 2.

Using light pressure and a gentle back and forth motion, the brush is generally applied in spaces between the teeth where there are stains. After use, the brush is removed and placed in its respective storage cavity. When worn out, the brush is discarded and replaced with a new one.

The tool 4 is shown as an interproximal brush, although other tools are envisioned. For example, the tool 4 may take the form of a conical body 50 made from resilient material, such as neoprene rubber impregnated with abrasive particles made from aluminum oxide or other suitable materials. White aluminum oxide is preferable; however, other abrasive or polishing

particles may be used. White aluminum oxide is a type of abrasive well known in the industry. The abrasive particles are distributed throughout the rubber mass. The body 50 is pointed and has a generally convex outer surface to aid in reaching the irregular surfaces of one's teeth. The body 50 is attached by conventional means to a support 52, which is in turn attached to the base portion 32. It should be understood that other suitable materials or shape may be used for the body 50.

The body 50 is removed from its storage cavity and secured in the cooperating grooves 28 and 30 at the end of the handle 2.

Using light pressure and a circular or back and forth action, such as when using an eraser, the body 50 is applied on the stained areas of one's teeth.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.