Multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush
A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush featuring a mechanism for selectively controlling whether the toothbrush and toothbrush head will be used in a rigid or flexible state.
This application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/617,596.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of Invention
This application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/617,596. The present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes.
2. Description of Prior Art
There are a variety of toothbrushes on the market. In the realm of toothbrushes, the consuming public is constantly looking for a product that gives the user multiple choices for the methodology of cleaning his or her teeth. For example, for medical reasons or for reasons of simple preference, there are a variety of bristle strengths, namely, soft, medium, and firm. Some users prefer rotating mechanized toothbrushes, while others prefer a vibrating bristle, and still others prefer a hand-held manual model. Some individuals prefer a flexible hand-held toothbrush and others may prefer a rigid model. U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,967 to Wu (1999) discloses a toothbrush with a flexible head by virtue of an embedded leaf-spring in a toothbrush. It is generally accepted that a flexible head feature may be beneficial on a toothbrush, for purposes of reaching multiple tooth surfaces within the mouth and because a flexible toothbrush allows for soft tension on a gumline. U.S. Pat. No. RE38,521 to Halm (2004) features a toothbrush with a highly flexible toothbrush head member featuring elastomeric grooves between linked segments of the toothbrush head. Similar patents for toothbrushes include U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,364 to Huber (2004) (flexible head design disclosed); U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,874 to Gelder (2001) (flexible bristle-bearing head); U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,268 to Bressler (1946)(flexible head toothbrush). The Reach® brand toothbrushes have also capitalized on toothbrushes featuring angled heads, as found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,621 to Phenegar (1989) which has a thermoplastic elastomeric deformable neck).
While the above referenced patents demonstrate that flexible head toothbrushes are beneficial, it is also desirable at times to have a toothbrush with a firm disposition, particularly where a deep, aggressive brush and maximal leverage are desired. Sometimes, a rigid toothbrush and head work best for maximal plaque removal. Although numerous improvements have been made in the toothbrush industry, none effectively solve the problem addressed by the present invention.
The present invention offers an alternative to the consuming public—a toothbrush featuring choices for the user between a flexible and firm toothbrush.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, it is the objective of the present invention to provide an adjustable toothbrush that features either a flexible or rigid position depending on user preference.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush head that will be readily adjustable between varying flexible and rigid positions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that will be readily adjustable by means of a selectively positionable rod disposed within an internal passageway of the toothbrush.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that will be readily adjustable by means of a selectively positionable sleeve or support member disposed on the exterior of the toothbrush.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush featuring a polishing feature on the backside of the toothbrush head.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that is relatively inexpensive and yet durable.
Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGThe manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached drawings in which:
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAlthough specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, it should be understood that these embodiments are examples only and merely illustrate a small number of the many possible specific embodiments that can represent application of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art, to which the present invention pertains, are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the claims.
Although not shown in
It is understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush comprising:
- (a) a handle, a neck, bristles and a head;
- (b) an internal passageway disposed within said toothbrush;
- (c) a rod within said internal passageway selectively positionable by the user; and,
- (d) whereby changing positions of the rod allows for selected flexibility or rigidity of said toothbrush.
2. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising a thumb mount fixedly connected to a proximal end of said rod, whereby force on said thumb mount causes action on said rod.
3. The multiple purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said internal passageway is in the range of 2 to 10 centimeters in length.
4. The multiple purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 wherein changing positions of the rod allows for selected flexibility or rigidity of said toothbrush head.
5. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising a head flexor, whereby the tip of said head is flexible or rigid depending on rod position.
6. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising rubber grips on said handle.
7. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 1 further comprising a polishing surface on said head, opposite the side where bristles are featured.
8. A multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush comprising:
- (a) a handle, a neck, bristles and a head;
- (b) a rigid support member slidably fixed to the back of said toothbrush, said support member slidably movable between a forward position and backward position;
- (c) whereby changing positions of said support member allows the user to opt for flexibility or rigidity of said toothbrush.
9. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further comprising a head flexor.
10. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further comprising rubber grips on said handle.
11. The multi-purpose adjustable toothbrush of claim 8 further comprising a polishing surface on said head, opposite the side where bristles are featured.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 13, 2006
Inventor: Aaron Amador (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 11/247,838
International Classification: A46B 9/04 (20060101);