Modular toothbrush assembly
A toothbrush assembly with a removable dental head is disclosed. Rather than replace the entire toothbrush, a user can replace the dental head as needed. The toothbrush includes a handle comprising a head mounting track. A removable dental head is installable on the handle by sliding the dental head on the head mounting track. The handle includes a mechanism for locking the removable dental head in place, and a mechanism for allowing the dental head to be removed.
The present invention relates generally to field of toothbrushes, and particularly to modular toothbrush assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAn item ubiquitous in the daily life of people is the toothbrush. It is highly recommended by dentists that the toothbrush be regularly replaced, for hygiene reasons and because the brush head bristles become less effective over time. Unfortunately, when a new brush head is needed, the entire toothbrush, including the handle, must be replaced. Individuals must pay for the entire new toothbrush instead of just the portion that is actually affected. And, the individual must part with the handle that the individual has become used to using. Further, it is hard to remember to purchase this seldom thought of item.
Some electric teeth cleaning devices provide removable rotating heads, which allows one to replace only the brush head portion of the toothbrush. However, these devices are much more expensive than a conventional toothbrush; in many cases, at least 10 times more expensive. Electric toothbrushes can be awkward to manipulate, and they inconveniently require a power source. In addition, they are difficult to use while traveling, and have only one option for brush head strength and style.
What is needed is a conventional toothbrush that is adapted to accept removable dental heads of various styles so that the handle can be retained by the user, and so that the dental head can be replaced at will.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the principles of the invention, a toothbrush assembly with a removable dental head is provided. Rather than replace the entire toothbrush, a user can replace the dental head as needed.
The innovative toothbrush includes a non-electric handle comprising a head mounting track. A removable dental head is installable on the handle by sliding the dental head on the head mounting track. The handle includes a mechanism for locking the removable dental head in place, and a mechanism for allowing the removable dental head to be removed. The mechanism for allowing the removable dental head to be removed comprises a dental head release button engaging the dental head.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the toothbrush further includes a floss receptacle. The floss receptacle includes a sliding cover for covering the floss receptacle, and a floss spool hub mount for accepting a floss spool including floss. A floss cutter is conveniently mounted on the handle of the toothbrush.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the toothbrush further includes a storage receptacle for storing dental heads. The storage receptacle includes a sliding cover for covering a storage compartment built into the handle.
The innovative toothbrush allows a user to select and keep a preferred toothbrush handle. The removable dental heads can be replaced at will, as needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the appended drawings. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but are intended to be exemplary only.
Referring to
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, various different embodiments of the dental head 1 can be made available. As seen in
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In
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the handle 3 is a high quality molded handle, constructed for example of brushed molded Lucite or high-strength and aesthetically pleasing brushed glass. The head mounting track 4 and the spring-actuated flexible lock tab 6 are preferably constructed of a corrosion resistant alloy. The dental head base 5 is preferably constructed of molded Lucite. It is understood, however, that other materials may be used in order to comply with particular design constraints. example, the handle could be molded of low cost disposable plastic in order to produce a relatively inexpensive version of the toothbrush 10. Or, the handle can be constructed of recycled plastic, thereby making the entire toothbrush an ecologically sound and possibly more cost-effective device for user and manufacturer. Alternately, the handle could be constructed of high quality metal or glass to produce a long lasting and aesthetically pleasing high-end product. An alternate toothbrush 30 is shown in
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Claims
1. A toothbrush handle comprising:
- a non-electric handle comprising a head mounting track for receiving a removable dental head;
- a locking mechanism for locking the removable dental head in place;
- a release mechanism for allowing the removable dental head to be removed.
2. The toothbrush handle of claim 1 wherein the head mounting track comprises a slot for slidably receiving the removable dental head.
3. The toothbrush handle of claim 1 wherein the dental head comprises a brush.
4. The toothbrush handle of claim 2 wherein the release mechanism comprises a dental head release button for engaging the dental head.
5. The toothbrush handle of claim 1 further comprising a floss receptacle.
6. The toothbrush handle of claim 5 wherein the floss receptacle further comprises:
- a sliding cover for covering the floss receptacle;
- a floss spool hub mount for accepting a floss spool including floss.
7. The toothbrush handle of claim 6 further including a floss cutter.
8. The toothbrush handle of claim 1 further comprising a storage receptacle for storing one or more removable dental heads.
9. The toothbrush handle of claim 8 wherein the storage receptacle comprises:
- a storage compartment formed in the handle;
- a sliding cover for covering the storage compartment.
10. A dental head for a toothbrush comprising:
- a dental implement coupled to a dental head base, the dental head base being shaped to engage a head mounting track on a toothbrush handle.
11. The dental head of claim 10 wherein the dental head base comprises a tongue edge for engaging a slot in the head mounting track.
12. The dental head of claim 10 wherein the dental implement is bristles.
13. The dental head of claim 12 wherein the bristles are soft.
14. The dental head of claim 12 wherein the bristles are stiff.
15. A toothbrush comprising:
- a non-electric handle comprising a head mounting track;
- a removable dental head installable on the handle by sliding the dental head on the head mounting track;
- a locking mechanism for locking the removable dental head in place;
- a release mechanism for allowing the removable dental head to be removed.
16. The toothbrush of claim 15 wherein the dental head comprises a brush.
17. The toothbrush of claim 15 wherein the release mechanism comprises a dental head release button for engaging the dental head.
18. The toothbrush of claim 15 further comprising a floss receptacle.
19. The toothbrush of claim 18 wherein the floss receptacle further comprises:
- a sliding cover for covering the floss receptacle;
- a floss spool hub mount for accepting a floss spool including floss.
20. The toothbrush of claim 19 further including a floss cutter.
21. A method of operating a toothbrush comprising the steps of:
- installing a removable dental head on a non-electric handle by sliding the brush head on a head mounting track in the handle;
- locking the removable dental head in place.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of:
- removing the removable dental head by operating a dental head release button for releasing the dental head.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 26, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 27, 2006
Inventor: Katherine O'Meara (Arlington, MA)
Application Number: 10/973,838
International Classification: A46B 11/00 (20060101);