PORTABLE TOOTHPASTE DISPENSING FOLDABLE TOOTHBRUSH

Abstract

A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is disclosed, comprising a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein. A dispensing element is provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit. A plurality of apertures are provided on the front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head along with a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue during brushing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to toothbrushes and, more specifically, relate to toothpaste dispensing toothbrushes.

BACKGROUND

Toothbrushes are an oral hygiene instrument used to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue. The device often comprises a head of tightly clustered bristles, providing a surface atop which toothpaste can be applied. The head is mounted to a handle, allowing the user to hold the toothbrush while the head and bristles clean the mouth.

Throughout the years, various toothbrush configurations have been developed. Consumers can purchase heads having bristles with varying textures, sizes, and forms. For example, soft toothbrush bristles may be preferable to hard due to the abrasive qualities of a hard bristles, which may cause damage to the enamel and gums. One major advancement in recent years is the development of the electric toothbrush. It has been shown that the electric toothbrush, which provides multi-directional bristle movement, may reduce the incidence of gingivitis and plaque when compared to regular side-to-side brushing with a manual brush.

Manual and electric toothbrushes alike require the user to apply toothpaste to the bristles for adequate cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue. This process is time consuming, tedious for compromised users, and requires a sufficient supply of toothpaste which can be forgotten or misplaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments described herein provide a toothpaste dispensing toothbrush comprising a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein. A dispensing element is provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit. A plurality of apertures are provided on the front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head along with a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue during brushing.

The embodiments allow the user to store toothpaste in a container positioned within the interior cavity of the toothbrush handle and selectively dispense the toothpaste onto the bristles before use, thus reducing the need for storing toothpaste separately from the toothbrush and manually transferring the toothpaste from the toothpaste tube onto the bristles.

In one aspect, the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.

In one aspect, a rotationally engaged disc is in operable communication with the dispensing element.

In one aspect, a lock prevents the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc.

In one aspect, a latch retains the toothbrush in an unfolded position during use. The latch may be disengaged to allow folding of the toothbrush during storage.

In one aspect, a hinge is in operable communication with a door to permit access to the interior cavity.

In one aspect, a rubber gasket is positioned between the disc and the interior wall of the interior cavity to prevent the egress of toothpaste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section view of the handle component and toothpaste cavity, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of the dispenser, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the bottom of the toothbrush, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush handle and toothpaste tube, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of the raised member to elevate the latch, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of the rotating disc, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating disc, dispensing element, and gaskets, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush in an in-use configuration, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush wherein the head pivots into a hygienically sealed storage cavity, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush in a storage configuration, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush in a storage configuration, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

In general, the embodiments provide a toothbrush having an integrated toothpaste storage component and means for dispensing the toothpaste onto the bristles. The embodiments allow the user to store toothpaste in a container positioned within the interior cavity of the toothbrush handle and selectively dispense the toothpaste onto the bristles before use, thus reducing the need for storing toothpaste separately from the toothbrush and manually transferring the toothpaste from the toothpaste tube onto the bristles.

As used herein, the term “toothpaste” relates to various forms of abrasives used in conjunction with a toothbrush for oral hygiene. Toothpaste may include tooth gel, tooth powder, and other dentifrices known in the arts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle 100 and the head 101. The handle 100 includes an interior cavity 103 wherein a dispensing element 313 (shown in FIG. 3) and toothpaste are disposed. A disc 105 is provided between the handle 100 and head 101 such that the user may rotate the rotationally engaged disc 105 to turn the dispensing element 313 in operable communication thereto. For example, the dispensing element 313 may be an Archimedes screw in communication with the disc. The Archimedes screw pumps the toothpaste from the interior cavity 103 through a plurality of apertures 107 positioned on the head 101 to dispense the toothpaste onto the bristles positioned on the head 101. A lock 109 allows the user to lock and unlock the disc 105 to prevent the unwanted flow of toothpaste from the apertures 107.

In some embodiments, the lock 109 may be in communication with a latch to permit the toothpaste to fold into a storage configuration when not in use or during travel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 200 including the toothpaste container 201 contained within the interior cavity 103 of the toothbrush. Toothpaste is emitted from an end 203 of the container 201 through a central aperture 205 at an extension 310 of the handle in fluid communication with the head of the toothbrush whereon the toothpaste is dispensed.

In some embodiments, the handle 100 is comprised of a hollow tube adapted to contain a plurality of toothpaste tubes. The toothpaste tubes are stored within the handle 100 of the toothbrush and are dispensed via apertures positioned on the head of the toothbrush.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush 300 including the handle 100 positioned at a first end 301 and a head 101 positioned at the second end 303. The head 101 is comprised of a front side 305 having a plurality of bristles 307 mounted thereon. An extension 310 forms a conduit 311 between the apertures 107 and the plurality of toothpaste containers 201 to permit the flow of toothpaste therethrough. The dispensing element 313 (e.g., an Archimedes screw) is positioned within the handle 100 to allow the user to selectively dispense the toothpaste 309 onto the bristles 307 of the toothbrush.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the rotationally engaged disc 400 provided at an end 401 of the handle. The lock 109 is provided to permit or restrict the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc 400, which is rotated to operate the dispensing element 313 which then forcibly emits the toothpaste 309 from within the interior cavity 103 of the toothbrush.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the rotationally engaged disc 400 in operable communication with the dispensing element 313. The rotationally engaged disc 400 may be configured to rotate 360° to operate the dispensing element 313 which is illustrated as an Archimedes screw. The rotationally engaged disc 400 is in operable communication with disc 105 configured to move along the length of the interior cavity 103 and forcibly emit the toothpaste therethrough.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush handle 100 and the conduit configured to emit toothpaste from a container 201 to the bristles 307 of the toothbrush. The tube 600 receives the dispensing element 313 and permits the rotation thereof to drive the toothpaste 309 from the container 201 to the bristles 307. A hinge 601 allows the user to access the interior cavity 103 and dispose toothpaste therein. The hinge 601 is configured to open and close a door 603 which releasably engages with a receiver 605 to permit the user to open and close the interior cavity 103 to clean the toothbrush, perform maintenance, or replace the toothpaste tubes contained within the interior cavity 103.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the latch mount 700, which may be raised or lowered to elevate a latch configured to hold the toothbrush in place when in an unfolded and in-use configuration. The latch may be disengaged to fold the toothbrush during storage.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of the disc 105 to having a screw aperture 801 to engage with the dispensing element 313 configured to move the toothpaste 309 from the interior cavity to the bristles 307. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing element 313 positioned through the screw aperture 801. A rubber gasket 901 forms a seal between the disc 105 and the interior wall of the toothbrush handle to prevent the undesired egress of toothpaste 309 from the interior cavity 103. The disc 105 is moved along the length of the interior cavity 103 via the dispensing element 313 to forcibly move the toothpaste 309 from the toothpaste tubes within the interior cavity 103, through the conduit 311 and onto the head 101 of the toothbrush.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate a side elevation view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 in an in-use configuration. The head 101 may articulate about a pivot 1001 to fold into and out of the handle 100 wherein it may be hygienically sealed during storage. A door 1003 is provided which may open and closed to provide a hygienic seal. The door 1003 is provided on the front 1005 of the handle 100. A button may be provided to allow the user to selectively open and close the door 1003 during the operation of the door 1003 and hinged handle 100.

FIG. 12 illustrates the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 in a storage configuration. The head 101 is disposed within the handle 100 and hygienically sealed therein via the door 1003. In such, the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 may be used during travel while keeping the head 101 and components thereof sealed from the exterior environment. This greatly reduces the likelihood of the head 101 contacting pathogens, debris, and unwanted surfaces.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 300 in a storage configuration wherein the door 1003 is pivoted to an open position. The head 101 and components thererof are folded into the interior space of the handle 100 such that the door 1003 may be pivoted closed to hygienically seal the head 101 within the handle 100.

In some embodimens, the head may pivot via a screw mechanism allowing the user to selectively position the toothbrush into an in-use or storage configuration.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising:

a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein;

a dispensing element provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit;

a plurality of apertures provided on a front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head; and

a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head.

2. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.

3. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 2, further comprising a rotationally engaged disc in operable communication with the dispensing element.

4. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 3, further comprising a lock to prevent the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc.

5. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 4, further comprising a latch to retain the toothbrush in an unfolded position.

6. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 5, further comprising a hinge in operable communication with a door to permit access to the interior cavity.

7. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 6, further comprising a rubber gasket positioned between the rotationally engaged disc and an interior wall of the interior cavity.

8. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising:

a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein, the toothpaste stored in a plurality of toothpaste tubes;

a selectively operable dispensing element provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit;

a plurality of apertures provided on a front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head; and

a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue.

9. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 8, wherein the toothbrush is a folding toothbrush.

10. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 9, wherein a selectively operable latch retains the toothbrush in an unfolded position during use.

11. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.

12. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising a rotationally engaged disc in operable communication with the dispensing element.

13. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 12, further comprising a lock to prevent the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc.

14. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 13, further comprising a hinge in operable communication with a door to permit access to the interior cavity.

15. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 14, further comprising a rubber gasket positioned between the rotationally engaged disc and an interior wall of the interior cavity.

16. A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush, comprising:

a handle including an interior cavity to store a toothpaste therein, the toothpaste stored in a plurality of toothpaste tubes;

a selectively operable dispensing element provided within the interior cavity to dispense the toothpaste onto a head in fluid communication with the interior cavity via a conduit, the dispensing element configured to drive a disc positioned within the interior cavity to forcibly emit the toothpaste through the conduit;

a selectively operable latch to retain the toothbrush in an unfolded position during use;

a plurality of apertures provided on a front side of the head to permit the egress of toothpaste onto the head; and

a plurality of bristles positioned on the front side of the head to provide abrasion to the teeth, gums, and tongue.

17. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the dispensing element is an Archimedes screw.

18. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 17, further comprising a rotationally engaged disc in operable communication with the dispensing element.

19. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 18, further comprising a lock to prevent the rotation of the rotationally engaged disc.

20. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush of claim 19, further comprising a hinge in operable communication with a door to permit access to the interior cavity.