TOOTHBRUSH DEVICE WITH OVERSIZED HANDLE
An improved toothbrush device includes a handle grip having a slot with a handle configured to fit within the slot opening to hold a toothbrush in place. The device of the present invention is larger than conventional devices and, thus, minimizes the need to bring the hand into a tighter grip in order to hold the toothbrush while in use. The device of the present invention is provided as a two-piece kit, such that the first and second pieces fit together when in use or in storage.
The present invention relates to an improved toothbrush and, more particularly, to a toothbrush that allows oral hygiene access for patients that have problems with a fist-like gripping motion.
Oral hygiene is important in today's world. Gum disease and tooth decay are both serious teeth issues that can lead to even more serious general health problems. One of the most effective methods in preventing gum disease and tooth decay is to remove bacterial plaque with the use of a toothbrush. Typically, in order to use a toothbrush, dexterity is required. For people who struggle with dexterous movements, or have increasing pain with the use of their hands in a grip-like motion, using a toothbrush can be very difficult. Special needs people and arthritic patients are two examples of the type of patient which this would apply. Because of this difficulty in gripping, patients will incur pain while in the process of a prescribed daily action. Some patients will forego using a toothbrush altogether to avoid the pain and therefore incur the potential for gum disease and tooth decay, while others limit their use, thereby increasing their chances of oral hygiene problems.
As can be seen, there is a need for a device that allows better oral hygiene for patients that are unable, or have difficulty gripping a conventional toothbrush.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush device comprises a handle grip having a conical tubular sleeve structure, the handle grip having a flat bottom portion and rounded top portion with a slot opening along the top portion; and a toothbrush, the toothbrush having a handle with a bristle-carrying working end and bottom end with the bottom end adapted to rest within said slot opening of said handle grip.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an improved toothbrush device including a handle grip having a slot opening with a handle sliding into the slot opening to hold a toothbrush in place. The device of the present invention is larger than conventional devices and, thus, minimizes the need to bring the hand into a tighter grip in order to hold the toothbrush while in use. The device of the present invention may be provided as a two-piece kit, such that the first and second pieces fit together when in use or in storage.
Referring now to
The toothbrush 14 may include a top end that may include bristles and a bottom end including a handle 16. The bristles may be a soft, rounded, and nylon bristles. When in use, the bottom end of the toothbrush handle 16 may be secured in the slot 20 on the top portion of the handle grip 18. In certain embodiments, the present invention may be made of a polymer, such as plastic, rubber and the like.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in the Figures, the bottom end of the toothbrush handle 16 is rectangular with a curved flat end. However, the shape of the toothbrush handle 16 may be changed within the scope of the present invention, provided that the handle 16, fits into the slot 20 of the handle grip 18. Similarly, the open slot 20 may be rectangular in shape. However, other shapes may be included within the scope of the present invention, provided that the open slot 20 accepts the toothbrush handle 16 there within.
Illustrated in
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A toothbrush device, said device comprising:
- a handle grip comprising a conical tubular sleeve structure, said handle grip having a bottom portion and atop portion comprising a slot; and
- a toothbrush having a top end comprising bristles and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end is a handle, wherein said bottom end is configured to fit within said slot of said handle grip.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said slot of said handle grip is located at the center of said top portion.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle grip is made of a polymer.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle is detachable from said handle grip.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said bottom end is substantially flat.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an anti-slip pad attached to said flat bottom portion of said handle grip to stay stationary while not in use.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 22, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 25, 2014
Inventor: Michael Truocchio (Dix Hills, NY)
Application Number: 13/849,313
International Classification: A46B 9/04 (20060101); A46B 7/04 (20060101);