Denture spa

Abstract

An apparatus for use with dentures. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow container member having a first predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material. The container member has a substantially an open top surface and a solid base portion. There is a handle member which has a second predetermined shape and is made of a second predetermined material and is formed on an exterior surface of the container member. Such handle member is substantially hollow and extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member for a first predetermined distance. A pocket member which has a third predetermined shape and is made of a third predetermined material is formed on an exterior surface of the container member closely adjacent the handle member. The pocket member extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member for a second predetermined distance. Such pocket member is substantially hollow. A lid member which has a fourth predetermined shape and is made of a fourth predetermined material is designed for covering the container member and the pocket member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/707,722 filed Aug. 12, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a denture cup, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a denture which provides a space for all the necessary items for cleaning dentures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most denture wearers leave their dentures in a drinking glass or a denture cup on the bedroom dresser or night stand table. This unattractive option does not allow the consumer immediate access to cleaning solutions and brushes that are needed for cleaning dentures. The individual cleans the dentures in the bathroom or powder room then moves the dentures and the cup to a more convenient location such as beside the bed. Most denture wearers do not want to draw attention to the fact that they wear dentures but they do need a convenient way to hold dentures and cleaning supplies.

Thus, it would be advantageous for these people if there were an attractive cup that could be left in plain view for storing and cleaning dentures that would also provide for necessary cleaning supplies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for use with dentures. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow container member having a first predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material. The container member has a substantially an open top surface and a solid base portion. There is a handle member which has a second predetermined shape and is made of a second predetermined material and is formed on an exterior surface of the container member. Such handle member is substantially hollow and extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member for a first predetermined distance. A pocket member which has a third predetermined shape and is made of a third predetermined material is formed on an exterior surface of the container member closely adjacent the handle member. The pocket member extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member for a second predetermined distance. Such pocket member is substantially hollow. A lid member which has a fourth predetermined shape and is made of a fourth predetermined material is designed for covering the container member and the pocket member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus which will hold all of the necessary elements for denture maintenance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus is attractive enough to sit in plain view on a night stand or sink top.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is made of porcelain or such similar material. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for denture maintenance which has a lid.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus on its side showing the container, handle and pocket members according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid member of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in an upright position showing the handle and pocket members.

FIG. 4 is a see through perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing the apparatus having dentures, a denture brush and denture cleaning tablets disposed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

The present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for use with dentures. The apparatus 10 comprises a substantially hollow container member 2 having a first predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material. The container member 2 has a substantially an open top surface and a solid base portion. There is a handle member 4 which has a second predetermined shape and is made of a second predetermined material and is formed on an exterior surface of the container member 2. Such handle member 4 is substantially hollow and extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member 2 for a first predetermined distance.

A pocket member 6 which has a third predetermined shape and is made of a third predetermined material is formed on an exterior surface of the container member 2 closely adjacent the handle member 2. The pocket member 6 extends downwardly from the top surface of the container member 2 for a second predetermined distance. Such pocket member 6 is substantially hollow. A lid member 8 which has a fourth predetermined shape and is made of a fourth predetermined material is designed for covering the container member 2 and the pocket member 6.

Such handle member 4 is used for storing a denture brush 12 and the pocket member 6 is used to store denture cleaning tablets 14. Thus, all the necessary items needed for cleaning and storing dentures are present in the apparatus 10.

As is evident in FIG. 3 the handle member 4 extends from the top of the container member 2 to the base of the container 2. Also evident in FIG. 3 is the pocket member 6 which extends from the top of the container 2 to a point intermediate between the top of the container 2 and the base portion of the container 2.

It is presently preferred that the first, second and third predetermined materials are all made from porcelain or plastic with the preference being that they are all made of porcelain and, further, that they are formed as a single unit.

Such fourth predetermined material which is used to make the lid member 8 is also made of porcelain or plastic. It is presently preferred that it be made of plastic and that such plastic be either polyethylene or polypropylene.

As is evident in FIG. 1 such third second predetermined shape of the pocket member 6 is basically arcuate and is substantially half of a circle.

Also, the first predetermined shape of the container member 2 is substantially an inverted truncated cone which would basically resemble a cup.

The lid member 8 fits snugly over container member 2 and said pocket member 6 to prevent dust or other debris from falling into the container member 2 where dentures are stored or the pocket member 6 where the cleaning tablets are stored. The container member 2 is sufficiently wide so as to safely store dentures therein as is clearly seen in FIG. 4 where it is seen that such container 2 contains dentures and water (or other cleaning fluid) stored therein.

The present invention provides an attractive porcelain container which will easily hold all of the essentials elements that are necessary to maintain dentures as well as offering an attractive storage area for placement of dentures when not in use. The apparatus is easily cleaned. It is within the scope of the invention that such outside appearance of the apparatus can feature a variety of designs that could fit any home decor.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with dentures, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a substantially hollow container member having a first predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material, said container member having substantially an open top surface and a solid base portion;

(b) a handle member having a second predetermined shape and made of a second predetermined material formed on an exterior surface of said container member, said handle member being substantially hollow and extending downwardly from said top surface of said container member for a first predetermined distance;

(c) a pocket member having a third predetermined shape and made of a third predetermined material formed on an exterior surface of said container member closely adjacent said handle member, said pocket member extending downwardly from said top surface of said container member for a second predetermined distance, said pocket member being substantially hollow; and

(d) a lid member having a fourth predetermined shape and made of a fourth predetermined material for covering said container member and said pocket member.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said handle member is used for storing a denture brush.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pocket member is used for storage of denture cleaning tablets.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said handle member extends downwardly from said upper surface to said base portion of said container member.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material, said second predetermined material and said third predetermined material are made from one of porcelain and plastic.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said first predetermined material, said second predetermined material and said third predetermined material are made of porcelain.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said fourth predetermined material is made of one of porcelain and plastic.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said fourth predetermined material is made of plastic.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined distance is a distance from said top surface of said container member to a point intermediate said top surface and said base portion of said container member.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined shape is arcuate being substantially half of a circle.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined shape is substantially an inverted truncated cone resembling a cup.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said lid member fits snugly over said container member and said pocket member to prevent dust or other debris from falling into said container member.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said container member is sufficiently wide so as to safely store dentures therein.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said container member is used to contain one of water and cleaning liquid for cleaning and storing dentures when not in use.