Including Toothbrush Patents (Class 132/308)
  • Patent number: 11930918
    Abstract: A personal care implement has a handle including an elongate body having opposed first and second sides extending longitudinally between opposed proximal and distal ends, and first bristles attached fixedly to the elongate body. The first bristles form a scrub brush extending longitudinally of the elongate body between the proximal and distal ends, transversely of the elongate body between the first and second, and outward from the elongate body to a scrub-brushing extremity. An elongate member extends outward longitudinally from the distal end to a toothbrush head assembly. The toothbrush head assembly is of a first size to facilitate reception of the toothbrush head assembly in a mouth of a user for toothbrushing. The handle is of a second size larger than the first size to facilitate grasping and holding the handle by one hand of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: John R. Boren
  • Patent number: 11802091
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method relating to depositing vapor in a sample. For example, a device includes a vapor source chamber configured to contain a vapor source material to generate vapor. An activation chamber is configured to contain a sample. The activation chamber is in fluid communication with the vapor source chamber to receive the vapor. A permeable separator divides the vapor source chamber and the activation chamber, and isolates the sample in the activation chamber while allowing vapor to pass between the vapor source chamber and the activation chamber. The device is sealable and configured to apply vacuum to the vapor and sample, to cause deposition of the vapor into the pumice stone samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventor: Inho Cho
  • Patent number: 11771214
    Abstract: An oral care system that includes an oral care implement and a tracking attachment. The oral care implement may include a handle and a head. The tracking attachment is detachably coupled to the oral care implement. The tracking attachment may include a first component comprising a first housing having an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second component comprising a second housing having an inner surface that defines a second cavity. When the tracking attachment is coupled to the oral care implement, a first portion of the handle is positioned within the first cavity and a second portion of the handle is positioned within the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Takahide Okai
  • Patent number: 11457723
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oral cleaning kit, including an interdental brush, an oral viewer, a container, and a holder. The container includes an upper cover and a base. Oral cleaning appliances such as the interdental brush, the oral viewer, toothpaste and a toothbrush may be disposed in the container. The base includes a fixed clamping ring and a storage tank. The upper cover may be used as a tooth mug and is detachably mounted on the base. The holder may be provided on the container. When the holder is unfolded, a mobile phone may be disposed on the holder, and the cleaning process may be observed through the mobile phone in real time. The oral cleaning kit has the advantages of carrying convenience, simple use and hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Xing Zhou
  • Patent number: 11266219
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a set comprising a makeup product and a cosmetic applicator for applying this product, the applicator comprising a stem and an application member borne by the stem, the latter comprising a flexible portion (14) of wavy shape, of flattened cross section on a major axis, the flexible portion comprising a succession of elementary patterns, the flexible portion (14) having its angular deflection about the major axis limited by elementary patterns coming into mutual abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Eric Caulier, Alain Berhault
  • Patent number: 11246400
    Abstract: Automatic toothbrushes are disclosed herein. A toothbrush configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a handle and a mouthguard coupled to the handle. The mouthguard can be configured to be positioned within a mouth of a user over multiple teeth of the user. A brush assembly having a plurality of bristles can be removably positioned within the mouthguard for engaging and cleaning the teeth of the user. A motor can be disposed within or coupled to the handle and configured to articulate the brush assembly within the mouthguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ALKE, LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Arbeitman, Pepin S. Gelardi, Theodore R. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 11026771
    Abstract: An interdental cleaning instrument is equipped with a base part and a cleaning part. The base part has a shaft part and a grip part. At least the shape of the base part is set in a manner such that a first pressing force required to press a portion spaced 2.5 mm apart from a tip of the cleaning part in 10 mm is 0.3 N or more and 1.4 N or less in a state in which a portion spaced 10 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part is fixed, and a second pressing force required to press a portion spaced 8.0 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part in 10 mm is 0.5 N or more and 2.5 N or less in a state in which a portion spaced 35 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KOBAYASHI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tasuku Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 10624724
    Abstract: A bristled dental floss is provided for effectively removing plaque, tartar, food particles and the like from between a user's teeth. The bristled dental floss includes an elongated, flexible floss core. A plurality of floss bristles extends from the floss core. At least one elongated bristle group is formed by the plurality of floss bristles. An undulating pattern is formed by the plurality of floss bristles in each bristle group. In typical use, the bristled dental floss may be inserted between the teeth of a user and moved in a back-and-forth motion. The bristle groups effectively remove plaque, tartar, food particles and the like from between the user's teeth, particularly in hard-to-reach recessed areas between the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Sterling V. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10485330
    Abstract: A self-righting toothbrush includes a shaft having a head section, a medial section and a tail section. The medial section has curved pivot surface configured to contact a horizontal support surface at a pivot point, the pivot surface allowing the toothbrush to roll on the support surface. The pivot surface is provided in part by protrusions, including a reference protrusion, formed on different sides of the shaft that are visually distinct from each other in all viewing orientations of the toothbrush. The toothbrush will be in a stable orientation with the toothbrush bristles extending in a vertical direction when the toothbrush is disposed with the reference protrusion contacting the support surface. The toothbrush will be in an unstable position and susceptible to rolling to said stable orientation when the toothbrush is in a non-bristles down or non-bristles up position with the bristles extending in a non-vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10470559
    Abstract: This application describes an illumination means, and a method of attaching the accessories and protective coverings of the illumination means to a paintbrush to illuminate a work area, and to protect that illumination means from water and chemicals, while maintaining a compact, streamlined form that is easy to clean. With these illumination accessories and protection means installed, the intended use of the brush is primarily painting, and specifically cutting in around a trim or casing. The present invention provides the optimal lighting required for that specific work area, with no manipulation of the brush required by the user. Superior lighting is achieved by structurally directing light sources (LED's) to the specific location where the paint leaves the bristles while cutting in, and/or also structurally directing at a different angle to light up the general work area around the bristles while painting. Protective coverings are form-fitting and of minimal thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: John Fleischer
  • Patent number: 10433941
    Abstract: A dental solution dispenser includes a body having a first end, a second end, and including a front housing at the first end, a twist back at the second end, and a grip that interposes the front housing and the twist back. An applicator tip is coupled to the body at the first end, and an ampoule assembly is positioned within the body and includes an ampoule sealed at one end with a frangible seal and defining a fluid chamber for storing a dental solution. A mandrel extends longitudinally within the body and provides a piercing member. The twist back is rotatable relative to the grip to pierce the frangible seal with the piercing member. A trigger is coupled to the body and pivotable between an engaged position, where the trigger engages the ampoule assembly, and a disengaged position, where the trigger disengages the ampoule assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: YOUNG MICROBRUSH, LLC
    Inventors: John Frymark, Todd Korup, Donald Melnikoff, Michael Nix, Robert E. Kreutzer, Jr., Richard Gaggioli, Wayne Siebrecht, Scott Rote, Aaron B. Eiger, Nathan Wicker, Kent Solberg
  • Patent number: 10278487
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a body comprising a handle, a head having at least one oral care element extending therefrom, and at least one fluid outlet; a reservoir in the body and for storing an oral care fluid; and a pump in the body for pumping the oral care fluid from the reservoir towards the fluid outlet, wherein the pump is an umbrella check valve circumferentially surrounding a duckbill check valve. Alternatively, the invention is a method of manufacturing an oral care implement, including the steps of providing a body comprising a base having first and second holes extending therethrough; and fitting to the body a unitary component comprising first and second valves at a position at which the first valve blocks the first hole and the second valve blocks the second hole, wherein the first valve is an umbrella check valve that circumferentially surrounds the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Donghui Wu, Alan Sorrentino, Robert Moskovich, Eduardo Jimenez, Kenneth Waguespack, Douglas Joseph Hohlbein, Matthew Lee Kolb, Paul Donald Carse
  • Patent number: 10052656
    Abstract: A device for applying a liquid coating material to a portion of a fastening element projecting from a surface of a first component fastened to a second component by the fastening element. A bristle arrangement comprising a carrier structure defining an interior space and a first opening. The carrier structure comprises an annular portion extending from the first opening and extending around an entire circumference of the interior space. The bristle arrangement comprises bristles secured to the carrier structure and extending from the carrier structure into the interior space. A casing comprises an interior chamber, a second opening wherein objects are insertable from outside the casing through the openings into the interior space, and at least one through-hole providing access to the plurality of bristles and allowing introduction of a liquid coating material into the interior chamber and to the bristles. A method is disclosed for applying liquid coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Maslennikov
  • Patent number: 10021963
    Abstract: A dispensing toothbrush assembly includes a toothbrush that may be manipulated. The toothbrush has a conduit therein. The conduit transports a fluid into the toothbrush thereby facilitating the toothbrush to clean teeth. A dispensing unit is provided and the dispensing unit contains toothpaste. The dispensing unit may be manipulated thereby facilitating the dispensing unit to urge the toothpaste outwardly from the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Steadman Johnson
  • Patent number: 9938069
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a sanitizing device for sanitizing a medical device. The sanitizing device may include a spray canister configured to accommodate a volume of a sanitizing fluid, the spray canister having at least one spray head extending therefrom, wherein the spray head is configured to expel sanitizing fluid when depressed; a body with an openable lid, the body configured to accommodate the spray canister, wherein a distance between an upper surface of the spray canister and an interior surface of the lid is sufficient to accommodate the medical device; and a lid protrusion extending downwardly from an interior surface of the lid, wherein the lid protrusion aligns with the spray head when the spray canister is positioned within the body. When the lid is closed, the lid protrusion may depress the spray head, resulting in the sanitizing fluid being expelled from the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Casmiar Nwaigwe
  • Patent number: 9931000
    Abstract: The toothbrush and toothpaste holder is a storage device intended for use with toothbrushes and toothpaste. The toothbrush and toothpaste holder comprise a plurality of toothbrush storage compartments and a toothpaste storage compartment. Each of the toothbrush storage compartments is fitted with an ultraviolet light for sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Ambrose H. Calderon
  • Patent number: 9918815
    Abstract: A toothbrush system includes a handle with a chamber, a motor coupled to a plunger, a power supply, and a control switch; and a toothbrush head with a bristle unit, and an opening between the chamber rand the bristle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Ho, Adrian Ng, Karan Sura
  • Patent number: 9801502
    Abstract: A toothbrush storage system for containing fluid dripping from a toothbrush includes a toothbrush. A container is provided and the container has the toothbrush positioned therein. Thus, the container may have a fluid dripping from the toothbrush pass through the container. A pan is removably coupled to the container such that the pan may capture the fluid passing through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Augustine Obi Ogbuagu
  • Patent number: 9648943
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Michael Rooney, Robert Moskovich, Thomas Boyd, Sharon Kennedy, Madhusudan Patel, John Gatzemeyer, Alan Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 9579925
    Abstract: This device is comprised of a washer with one or two hooks on either side of the washer. The washer may also have serrated surfaces to prevent an extension pole and a handle of a paint roller frame from untightening during normal painting operation. The hook(s) allow the paint roller and extension pole to be hung on the lip of a paint bucket or other container so that the roller does not dry out during the painting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Greg Cooper
  • Patent number: 9551367
    Abstract: Provided is an improved structure of a back clip of a tool box. The tool box induces a main body and a back clip. The main body has a back side in which two slide channels are formed. The back side of the main body is also provided with a spring plate. The back clip has opposite side edges each forming a wing section. The two wing sections are receivable and engageable with the slide channels of the back side of the main body for sliding in a vertical direction. The back clip includes a hanging hole and a retention slot formed therein. With such a structural arrangement, a tool box that is carryable and usable in a hung or attached form is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Wang-Ta Shieh
  • Patent number: 9538837
    Abstract: A toothbrush, comprising a head part with a cleaning structure that comprises bristles, a hand part and a neck part, a cavity comprising at least one outlet opening for an active substance being located in the head or neck part. In one embodiment, the cavity incorporates an active substance element, which contains the active substance in a carrier material and releases said substance in a controlled manner when it comes into contact with water. In another embodiment, the cavity is adapted to the shape of an active substance element by means of defined external contours. The volume of the cavity is preferably 1-2 times and no more than 4 times greater than the volume of the active substance element, ensuring that the latter is preferably surrounded by water during use. This allows the active substance to be effectively metered and ensures that the brush is easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: TRISA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Armin Bartschi, Peter Gross
  • Patent number: 9332829
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing oral care implement having a low profile pump includes a head, a reservoir for storing an oral care fluid, at least one liquid outlet in the head, and a pump. The pump includes a flexible membrane movable between alternating pump intake and discharge motions. The pump includes inlet and outlet flap valves, which may be formed integrally from portions of the membrane. In one embodiment, the valves are integrally formed in the membrane as flexible cantilevered tabs movable between open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the pump may be mounted in the toothbrush head or forms the head. In some embodiments, the pump may be disposed in a neck or a handle portion of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Donghui Wu, John J. Gatzemeyer
  • Patent number: 9016471
    Abstract: A kit for decorating a toothbrush includes the toothbrush having a base portion, and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument and an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing instrument. A third embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument, an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing implement and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may include at least one sticker sized to fit on the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may also include a panel including one or more stickers and/or one or more decorative bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, David K. Lee, Quang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8955528
    Abstract: The instant application is an all-natural denture cream designed to remove stains, clean, disinfect, and shine the denture with minimal effort within seconds There is also an added double headed brush that can be used with the cream, with a curved easy grip feature that will allow for easy cleaning experience. The brush is designed to reach those hard to access spots of the denture that could not be otherwise accessed by the fingers alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Guillermo Escobar, Jorge Leonardo Valderrama
  • Patent number: 8800573
    Abstract: An article for personal hygiene is described, having a partly hollow holder part (2), a toothbrush part (6) and a fastening means (5) for a razor head (7). The toothbrush part (6) is arranged to be folded into the holder part (2), as the toothbrush part (6) has a first end with a hinge mechanism (13, 14), in such a way that the toothbrush part (6) is pivotally fastened to the holder part (2). In the partly hollow holder part (2) it is arranged a wall (22), constituting a physical separation between a first room (20) and a second room (21). The end of the toothbrush part (6) having a toothbrush head (23) is arranged to be folded into the first room (20). The wall (22) constitutes at the same time a fastening for a filling device (25), known per se. More air and drain holes (24, 35, 36, 34a, 34b) are preferably arranged on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Stein Hofstad
  • Patent number: 8757912
    Abstract: An oral care system and method comprising an oral care implement such as a toothbrush having a plurality of tooth engaging elements and a cavity adapted to detachably house a dispenser containing an oral care agent. In one embodiment, the dispenser may be configured as a dispensing pen having an applicator on one end. A user may dismount the dispenser from the toothbrush, apply the agent to the oral surface, and re-mount the dispenser in the toothbrush for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
  • Publication number: 20140150813
    Abstract: A dental cleaning kit having a container internally holding a plurality of pieces or roll of dental floss is provided. The floss has a combination of tiny soft and stiff bristles formed thereto. The soft bristles are coated with a dried toothpaste, available in a variety of intense flavors. The kit container has a tongue scraper removably attached to the container's external surface. The floss is colored to correspond to a desired flavor. The container is colored to match the color of the floss contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Linda A. Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 8707504
    Abstract: A hygienic toothbrush comprises a bristle cover movably secured to the elongated body of the toothbrush to protect the bristles of the toothbrush when it is not being used. A storage compartment with a removable lid is provided in the handle of the toothbrush body for storing the cover when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Clarkson Ryan
  • Patent number: 8647606
    Abstract: A device that may be placed on a fingertip for treating an oral cavity. The device may be made from a material comprised of at least one ingredient for treating an oral cavity. Examples of ingredients for treating an oral cavity include abrasives, cavity prevention ingredients, medicinal ingredients (e.g., antiseptics, fungicides, and anesthetics), odor absorbing ingredients, tartar control ingredients, plaque control ingredients, tooth whitening ingredients, ingredients adapted to provide relief from hypersensitivity, and other cleaning ingredients and dentifrices. The device may be dissolvable and edible. Furthermore, some or all of the ingredients may be digestible. For example, the device may be primarily or entirely made of ingredients that are digestible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Laura M. Postlewaite
  • Publication number: 20130276815
    Abstract: An oral care kit includes a plurality of oral care implements, each comprising a handle having a head at one end of the handle. The heads have at least one cleaning element projecting outwards from the heads. At least one dispenser is included, separate from the oral care implements. The dispenser contains an amount of the oral care material. At least one package has a first chamber shaped to contain the plurality of oral care implements and a second chamber shaped to contain the dispenser. The second chamber is separate from the first chamber by a separable connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Wen Jin Xi
  • Patent number: 8534500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal use device, preferably a toothbrush, a shaving device, or a hair removal device. The invention relates to a refill pack for such a personal use device, having a supply container (2), particularly a supply bag, containing at least one hygiene or care substance such as toothpaste or the like, and a pump (3) tightly connected to the supply container, the pump chamber of which is connected to the interior (6) of the supply container via an input valve (5). By deformation of a membrane which bounds the pump chamber (7), the pump chamber volume can be changed. The invention also relates to a method for filling such a refill pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Baier, Bernhard Boland, Michael Schmid, Michael Sauer, Michael Stolper
  • Patent number: 8511323
    Abstract: An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Alan Sorrentino, John J. Gatzemeyer, Michael Rooney, Joseph E. Fattori
  • Patent number: 8444340
    Abstract: The dental treatment instrument includes a toothbrush having common brush head dimensions and a nozzle on the backside of the bristle pad thereof. The tip of the nozzle points backward relative to the bristle pad and is inclined away from the handle end of the toothbrush. The bristle pad is used as a rest pad laid against the cheek wall of the user for steadying the movement of the nozzle. In another aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush has a push-button-operated valve mounted in the handle end of the toothbrush for selectively letting water flow through to the nozzle. The push button is partly enclosed in a shroud. The push button is mounted in the shroud with a sliding fit. The shroud prevents water and toothpaste from seeping below the push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Alphonsus Best
  • Publication number: 20130112591
    Abstract: An improved dental hygienic kit for use in brushing teeth which includes a flexible body element containing toothpaste, and a diameter restrictor that is engageable with an accompanying ergonomically-shaped toothbrush element to meter a suitable quantity of toothpaste thereon upon withdrawal of the toothbrush from the flexible body element, to ensure minimal toothpaste waste and spillage which is unique and non obvious.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Deborah Maria Allbritton
  • Patent number: 8356609
    Abstract: A plaque buster system is for removing stains and whitening both teeth and dentures and for tongue cleaning and mouth washing. A composition in a dry power form consists of baking soda plus vitamin C/ascorbic acid plus ground peppermint. A container/dispenser receives and dispenses the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Clemon W. Ralph
  • Publication number: 20130000659
    Abstract: A toothbrush, system and method for use of same are provided to enable a user to deliver a consistent volume of toothpaste to deliver a correct dosage of fluoride to children to avoid fluorosis. It is particularly advantageous to employ the toothbrush which indicates a predetermined length of toothpaste to be applied matched to a dispenser having an orifice of a predetermined diameter so the diameter of the toothpaste applied to the predetermined length results in the correct fluoride dosage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: John J. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20120272996
    Abstract: An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Alan Sorrentino, John J. Gatzemeyer, Michael Rooney, Joseph E. Fattori
  • Publication number: 20120222697
    Abstract: An innovative ergonomic toothbrush holder and toothpaste dispensing system that is particularly useful and helpful for people with limited motion in their hands and arms. This system allows the toothbrush to remain upright in a hygienic enclosure and further allows an individual to easily uncover the toothbrush and apply toothpaste with one hand. The present invention has the further attribute of storage in a hygienic enclosure that is also suitable for travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Robert P. Schumann, Lori L. Schumann
  • Publication number: 20120055504
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system including a handle with a releasable locking mechanism. The system also includes an oral hygiene attachment removably coupled to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a safety gate coupled to the handle, the safety gate being pivotable relative to the handle. The locking mechanism also includes a locking receptacle configured to receive the safety gate, whereby the locking mechanism is locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: JLC DENTAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8074319
    Abstract: A foldable toothbrush has a shell, a cover, a mounting sleeve, a handle and multiple bristles. The cover is mounted pivotally to the shell and selectively covers the top opening and part of the front opening of the shell. The mounting sleeve is mounted pivotally to the shell and is selectively pivoted into the shell. The handle is mounted in the mounting sleeve and is selectively rotatable and slidable in the mounting sleeve. The bristles are attached to the handle. With the handle being rotatable and slidable in the mounting sleeve, the whole length of the toothbrush is adjustable to selectively adapt for using or stowing. Furthermore, the cover keeps the handle and the bristles clean when stowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20110290273
    Abstract: A combination tooth care implement comprising a handle unit and a pivoting arm having first and second ends at which respective ends a tooth brush head and a single-use dental floss head are releasably mounted. The arm can be pivoted between first and second positions with respect to the handle unit. In the first position, a portion of the arm containing the tooth brush head extends away from the handle such that the implement can be used as a toothbrush, and the remaining portion containing the dental floss head is concealed in a cavity provided in the handle unit such that the dental floss head does not interfere with the function of the tooth brush. In the second position, the arm is pivoted such that the tooth brush head and the dental floss head switch positions and the implement can be used as a dental floss. A lock means is provided for locking the arm in the first or second position with respect to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Murphy
  • Patent number: 7959902
    Abstract: A device that may be placed on a fingertip for treating an oral cavity. The device may be made from a material comprised of at least one ingredient for treating an oral cavity. Examples of ingredients for treating an oral cavity include abrasives, cavity prevention ingredients, medicinal ingredients (e.g., antiseptics, fungicides, and anesthetics), odor absorbing ingredients, tartar control ingredients, plaque control ingredients, tooth whitening ingredients, ingredients adapted to provide relief from hypersensitivity, and other cleaning ingredients and dentifrices. The device may be dissolvable and edible. Furthermore, some or all of the ingredients may be digestible. For example, the device may be primarily or entirely made of ingredients that are digestible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Laura M. Postlewaite
  • Patent number: 7798156
    Abstract: Brushcards are provided. The brushcards include a planar member having a plurality of sections, each separated by lines of weakness, each section having a handle region and a bristle region. The planar member includes at least one recess, and the member is configured to fold into a toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Kelly
  • Patent number: 7653959
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a toothbrush having a first and second end. A stand in the shape of a pair of feet retains the brush in a vertical position when the stand is placed on a horizontal surface. For additional support, a base may be incorporated with the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: David Catanzaro
  • Patent number: 7581638
    Abstract: A container has an exterior wall and a interior wall that form a reservoir. A top or lid covers the reservoir. The top of lid has one or more orifices that receive a head of a toothbrush, which is immersed in a sanitizing agent contained in the reservoir. A second container engages the first container within a receptacle formed in the first container. The second container contains mouthwash. The close proximity of the toothbrush to the second container encourages the use of mouthwash at the time of brushing, and improves oral hygiene over brushing alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Louis P. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7389781
    Abstract: A child's toothbrush includes a handle in the form of a child-safe, ventilated toy, such as a rocket or a vehicle, and contains a removable child-safe vehicle, figurine, other toy or sundry product therein, and wherein a toothbrush head may be detachable from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: James Kemp, Al Sprosta, Brett Traficant, Tau Dai, Eduardo Jimenez, Nancy Won Mee Pak
  • Patent number: 7329327
    Abstract: Method forming an oral hygiene device with corresponding germicidal receptacle is disclosed; wherein the device can be used to produce transitory oral hygiene devices; wherein the methods entails a toothbrush, a walled center closure, a disk gasket, a corresponding receptacle, a metal filament; wherein the toothbrush handle upper end is inserted through the disk gasket and closure from the bottom, away from the closure top vale, while the lower handle, neck, head and bristle end protrudes downward away from the closure bottom; wherein the toothbrush and closure with disk gasket are perpendicularly aligned where heated glue directed into the vale fuse the surfaces; the metal filament is affix to corresponding receptacle interior creating the germicidal receptacle; wherein practicing the method and a transitory oral hygiene-device structured from the glue-bond, toothbrush, closure, disk gasket, corresponding receptacle with metal filament are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Morris Jeffery Mays
  • Patent number: 7310848
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a head placed at a front longitudinal end of a handle made overall as a single piece. The head has flexible brushing elements on its upper surface. The toothbrush is equipped with an arm articulated at one end, and provided at the opposite free end with a protective cover for the brushing elements. The general thickness of the arm gradually increases from its articulation end to the cover so as to form a profile projecting from a longitudinal surface of the rear portion of the handle, by virtue of which the gripping surface of the handle is increased. The articulation of the arm on the handle is designed to allow it to describe at least two different rotations about two substantially orthogonal geometric axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis
    Inventors: David Lepoittevin, Francois Lhuisset, Denis Plainchamp
  • Patent number: 7270239
    Abstract: A compact personal package for tooth stain prevention between regular brushings includes a small brush and a small quantity of specially formulated cleaning material enables a user to immediately remove stain-causing substances from the teeth and freshen the breath as promptly as possible after exposure to such substances, so as to prevent the stain from setting in. A first embodiment is directed to a disposable product for essentially one-time usage, while a second embodiment is directed to a re-usable product. Variations in packaging are provided for maximum personal convenience as well as for commercial distribution efficiency. The products offer substantial promotional potential as complimentary guest gifts in restaurants, motels and hotels, as well as retain items directed to the general public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Karen L. Ross