Disposable tooth cleaning device

Abstract

A disposable tooth cleaning device is disclosed for use with an application member. The device includes a support element having a first and a second surface, and a plurality of bristles project from the first surface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the second surface of the support element and is adapted for releasably securing the support element to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

1 . A disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member, said device comprising: 
 a support element having first and second surfaces;    a plurality of bristles projecting from the first surface of said support element;    a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and    an attachment mechanism secured to the second surface of said support element and adapted for releasably securing said support element to an application member for use of said device.    
   
   
       2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support element comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving an application member.  
   
   
       3 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said sheath comprises a pair of elongated members each having a closed end carrying said bristles, said elongated members forming a joint open end for receiving a pair of application members in the form of an individual's thumb and index finger.  
   
   
       4 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to said support element second surface.  
   
   
       5 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said support element sheath includes an extension portion projecting outwardly from said closed end, said extension portion mounting said bristles.  
   
   
       6 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form of a finger or an elongated stick-like member.  
   
   
       7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support element comprises a pad having said bristles disposed on one surface thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a finger end.  
   
   
       9 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said support element comprises a pair of said pads for releasable attachment to the ends of an individual's thumb and index finger for cooperative tooth cleaning movement.  
   
   
       10 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an application member to said support element second surface, and Wherein said sheath is made from materials selected from the group consisting of latex rubber, injection molded plastic, woven fabric and treated paper.  
   
   
       11 . A disposable tooth cleaning device comprising: 
 a support element having first and second members with said member having an outer and an inner surface;    a plurality of bristles projecting from the outer surface of each said support element member;    a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and    an attachment mechanism secured to the inner surface of each said support element member and adapted for releasably securing said first and second support element members to an individual's thumb and index finger, respectively, for use of said device.    
   
   
       12 . The device as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein each said first and second support element members comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving an individual's finger or thumb.  
   
   
       13 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said first and second support element members form a joint open end for receiving an individual's thumb and index finger therein.  
   
   
       14 . The device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removably securing an individual's index finger and thumb to said support element members inner surfaces.  
   
   
       15 . The device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each said support element member comprises a pad having said bristles disposed on the outer surface thereof, and wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a finger or thumb end for cooperative tooth cleaning movement.  
   
   
       16 . A disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member, said device comprising: 
 a support element having inner and outer surfaces;    a plurality of bristles projecting from the outer surface of said support element;    a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and    an attachment mechanism in the form of a plurality of gripping elements secured to the inner surface of said support element and adapted for releasably securing said support element to an application member for use of said device.    
   
   
       17 . The device as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said support element comprises a sheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving said application member.  
   
   
       18 . The device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form of a finger.  
   
   
       19 . The device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removably securing an application member in the form Of an elongated stick-like member, one end of said stick-like member including a tooth flossing brush projecting outwardly therefrom.  
   
   
       20 . The device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said device includes said elongated stick-like application member having a front portion for attachment to said support element, and a rear portion in the form of a flat, curved blade adapted to scrape the surface of an individual's tongue to clean the same.