TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER WITH DISPOSABLE LINER SYSTEM

Abstract

Toothbrush holder with disposable liner comprises a three-tiered support structure that is substantially easier to clean than conventional designs. The disks for both versions may be identical including a top portion with a plurality of apertures for inserting the handles of a plurality of toothbrushes. The toothbrushes may rest on the center disk and it may contain numerous small apertures resembling small funnel-like holes enabling the water to be drained onto the lower disk(s). A disposable liner pad with a small tab may be placed in the bottom disk. Users may lift up on the tab to remove and discard the used pad as often as they deem necessary. A new, replacement pad may then be placed in the disk. Also a horizontally or vertically mounted plastic container is included for storing the disposable pads which may comprise a kit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/296,381, filed Jan. 19, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of holders and more specifically relates to a holder with a disposable pad designed to absorb excess water that drains off at least one recently used toothbrush.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of oral hygiene measures have been used since before recorded history. This has been verified by various excavations done all over the world, in which chewsticks, tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones and porcupine quills were recovered. The first toothbrush recorded in history was made in 3000 BC, a twig with a frayed end called a chewstick.

The toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument used to clean the teeth and gums that is comprised of a head of tightly clustered bristles mounted on a handle, which facilitates the cleansing of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Toothbrushes are available with different bristle textures, sizes and forms. Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush labeled “soft”, since firmer bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Toothbrushes have been made from synthetic fibers since they were developed, although animal bristles are still sometimes used.

A toothbrush holder includes a vertically-oriented temporary holding device of a toothbrush and sometimes a toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush holder includes a plurality of openings through which the handle end of a toothbrush is retained either through a rack or a container.

Often when a consumer brushes their teeth, as they remove their toothbrush from the toothbrush holder they discover that a small, filthy pool of water has collected in the bottom of the holder. This water may be leftover from the last time the brush was used and has drained down into the bottom of the holder. Toothbrush holders currently available on the market are designed to hold the brush vertically without a method to absorb the leftover water displaced from the toothbrush after a user is finished brushing their teeth

Some holders are difficult to clean and over time, this stagnant water full of used toothpaste can cause a strong and unpleasant odor. The consumer may then be forced to throw away the otherwise functioning holder. Therefore a need exists for a toothbrush holder with a disposable, replaceable pad that absorbs the leftover water that has accumulated on a handle of a recently used toothbrush.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,097,050; D356,915; 4,214,657; 4,978,003; 1,224,696; and 5,727,280. This prior art is representative of toothbrush holders with sanitizing means. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a toothbrush holder with a disposable liner that is designed to absorb excess water that drains off at least one recently used toothbrush should be convenient and user-friendly and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable toothbrush holder with disposable liner system that absorbs water accumulated on a toothbrush handle once a user is finished brushing their teeth and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known toothbrush holder with a disposable liner device art, the present invention provides a novel toothbrush holder with disposable liner system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to absorb excess water that drains off at least one recently used toothbrush. The toothbrush holder with disposable pad includes a three-tiered support structure that preferably holds multiple toothbrushes in a neat and tidy manner. Consumers can remove and discard the liner pad at their discretion replacing it with a fresh, new one. Replacement pads may be stored in the convenient holder that can be removably mounted to a wall or optionally stored on a countertop.

The present clear acrylic and stainless steel toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner system disclosed herein preferably comprises the following components: a support structure; a top disk; a central disk; a bottom disk having a concave insert; at least one disposable liner pad; and a plastic container. The support structure is 3-tiered constructed and comprises at least one flower, and a round, stainless steel rod. The top disk is acrylic and comprises stainless steel linings. The top disk comprises a plurality of apertures thereby permitting the insertion of a plurality of vertically-oriented toothbrushes.

The central disk is also acrylic and also comprises stainless steel linings and a resting surface with a plurality of small funnel drain-holes to drain the at least one fluid dripping from the vertically-oriented toothbrushes onto a disposable liner pad. Further the central disk permits the toothbrush to rest thereon.

Additionally, the bottom disk is acrylic having a concave insert and stainless steel linings The top disk, the central disk, and the bottom disk are horizontally-coupled to the support structure. The bottom disk comprises at least one disposable liner pad held in the concave insert to wick at least one fluid dripping from the vertically-oriented toothbrushes.

The at least one disposable, replaceable liner pad comprises at least one pull-tab to aid in the lifting and removing of the disposable liner pad. The disposable liner pad is located underneath the resting surface. The plastic container stores unused the disposable liners therein.

A kit is embodied herein for the toothbrush system comprising: a toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner; at least one interchangeable topper; a plastic storage container; a plurality of disposable, replaceable liner pads; and a set of user instructions.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: step one placing the toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner system onto a surface; step two removably attaching a plastic container that houses disposable, replaceable liners to a surface; step three removing the disposable, replaceable liner from the plastic container; step four inserting the disposable, replaceable liner into a bottom disk of a support structure of the toothbrush holding device with disposable liner system; step five inserting a vertically-oriented toothbrush through a top disk and resting handle of the vertically-oriented toothbrush on a central disk; step six allowing at least one fluid from the toothbrush to drip down onto the disposable, replaceable liner removably placed on the bottom disk through a plurality of funnel-apertures; and step seven replacing the disposable, replaceable liner as needed.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a toothbrush holder with disposable liner system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, toothbrush holder with disposable liner system device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a toothbrush holder with disposable liner system in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view illustrating a top disk, a central disk, and a bottom disk with a disposable liner pad(s) of the toothbrush holder with disposable liner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating the textures of the top disk, the central disk, and the bottom disk according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an interchangeable topper of the toothbrush holder with disposable liner system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a holder and more specifically relates to a holder with a disposable pad designed to absorb excess water that drains off at least one recently used toothbrush.

Referring now to FIG. 1 showing a perspective view of toothbrush holder with disposable liner system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Toothbrush holder with disposable liner system 100 comprises toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102. Toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102 is preferably designed to absorb excess water that drains off at least one recently used handle 184 of toothbrush(es) 180. Further, toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102 preferably holds multiple toothbrush(es) 180 in a neat and tidy manner. It should be noted that toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102 may hold a single toothbrush 180.

Toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102 comprises support structure 110. Support structure 110 comprises a 3-tiered construction having top disk 120; central disk 130; and bottom disk 140. Top disk 120, central disk 130, and bottom disk 140 are preferably horizontally-coupled to support structure 110. Support structure 110 comprises round, stainless steel rod 114 for the horizontally-coupling of top disk 120, central disk 130, and bottom disk 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 & 3 showing different views illustrating top disk 120, central disk 130, and bottom disk 140 with disposable liner pad 148 of toothbrush holder with disposable liner system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Top disk 120, central disk 130, and bottom disk 140 preferably comprise acrylic, however other suitable materials may be used such as plastic or stainless steel. Top disk 120 comprises stainless steel lining 160, central disk 130 comprises stainless steel lining 162, and bottom disk 140 comprises stainless steel lining 164. Stainless steel lining 160 located on top disk 120 is curved downward while stainless steel lining 162 located on central disk 130, and stainless steel lining 164 located on bottom disk 140 are preferably curved upward. The downward curvature of stainless steel lining 160 located on top disk 120 enhances gripping and comfort when the user grasps top disk 120 when inserting or removing handle 184 of toothbrush(es) 180 in or out of aperture 124.

The upward curvature of stainless steel lining 162 located on central disk 130 creates resting surface 132 for handle 184 of toothbrush 180. Further, the upward curvature of stainless steel lining 164 located on bottom disk 140 creates for concave insert 144 to house disposable liner pad 148.

Top disk 120 comprises a plurality of apertures 124 thereby permitting the insertion of a plurality of vertically-oriented toothbrush(es) 180. It should be noted that top disk 120 may comprise only one aperture 124 to house a single toothbrush 180.

Central disk 130 comprises resting surface 132 with a plurality of small funnel drain-holes 134 to drain at least one fluid dripping from vertically-oriented toothbrush(es) 180 onto disposable liner pad 148, wherein disposable liner pad 148 is located underneath resting surface 132. The fluid preferably includes water, but may also include saliva accumulated from a user brushing their teeth.

Bottom disk 140 comprises at least one disposable liner pad 148 held in concave insert 144 to wick at least one fluid dripping from toothbrush(es) 180 that are preferably vertically-oriented as shown best in FIG. 2. Disposable liner pad 148 preferably is disposable and replaceable. Disposable liner pad 148 preferably comprises an absorbent material such as cotton to absorb fluid accumulated on handle 184 of toothbrush 180. Further, disposable liner pad 148 preferably comprises tab 150. Tab 150 preferably comprises a pull-tab to aid in the lifting and removing of disposable liner pad 148. Once a user removes a soiled disposable liner pad 148, a new disposable liner pad 148 may be inserted into concave insert 144 of bottom disk 140.

Disposable liner pads 148 are preferably housed in plastic storage container 200 wherein a plurality of unused disposable liner pads 148 are storable therein as shown in FIG. 2. Plastic storage container 200 is removably mountable to at least one vertical or horizontal surface. Furthermore, plastic storage container 200 may be mountable to a wall or to a bathroom fixture.

Referring now to FIG. 4, showing a perspective view illustrating decorative interchangeable topper 400 of toothbrush holder with disposable liner system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Decorative interchangeable topper 400 is located on preferably a top portion of support structure 110. Decorative interchangeable topper 400 preferably comprises at least one flower, however other user-preferred and/or age dependent design may be used. Decorative interchangeable topper 400 is preferably added on to toothbrush holder with disposable liner system for children. Decorative interchangeable topper 400 may encourage a child to brush their teeth when using themed, colorful, or bright holders to match a decor of a bathroom of a user.

Toothbrush holder with disposable liner system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5 may comprise kit 440. Kit 440 may comprise the following parts: toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102; at least one interchangeable topper 400; plastic storage container 200; a plurality of disposable liner pads 148; and a set of user instructions.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately such as at least one interchangeable topper, or plastic storage container, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a flowchart illustrating method of use 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4. A method of using toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner 102 comprising the steps of: step one 501 placing the toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner system onto a surface; step two 502 removably attaching a plastic container that houses disposable, replaceable liners to a surface; step three 503 removing the disposable, replaceable liner from the plastic container; step four 504 inserting the disposable, replaceable liner into a bottom disk of a support structure of the toothbrush holding device with disposable liner system; step five 505 inserting a vertically-oriented toothbrush through a top disk and resting handle of the vertically-oriented toothbrush on a central disk; step six 506 allowing at least one fluid from the toothbrush to drip down onto the disposable, replaceable liner removably placed on the bottom disk through a plurality of funnel-apertures; and step seven 507 replacing the disposable, replaceable liner as needed.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner comprising:

a support structure;

a top disk;

a central disk;

a bottom disk having a concave insert; and

at least one disposable liner pad;

wherein said top disk, said central disk, and said bottom disk are horizontally-coupled to said support structure;

wherein said top disk comprises a plurality of apertures thereby permitting the insertion of a plurality of vertically-oriented toothbrushes;

wherein said central disk permits said toothbrush to rest thereon;

wherein said bottom disk comprises said at least one disposable liner pad held in said concave insert to wick at least one fluid dripping from said vertically-oriented toothbrushes.

2. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said disposable liner pad comprises a tab.

3. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises decorative, interchangeable toppers.

4. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 3 wherein said interchangeable toppers comprise at least one flower.

5. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a round, stainless steel rod.

6. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said central disk comprises a resting surface with a plurality of small funnel drain-holes to drain said at least one fluid dripping from said vertically-oriented toothbrushes onto said disposable liner pad, wherein said disposable liner pad is located underneath said resting surface.

7. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 2 wherein said liner pad is disposable and replaceable.

8. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 2 wherein said tab comprises a pull-tab to aid in the lifting and removing of said disposable liner pad.

9. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said toothbrush holding device comprises clear acrylic and stainless steel.

10. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 further comprises a plastic storage container wherein unused said disposable liners are storable therein.

11. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 10 wherein said plastic storage container is removably mountable to at least one vertical surface.

12. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 10 wherein said plastic storage container is removably mountable to at least one horizontal surface.

13. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 11 wherein said plastic storage container is removably mountable to a wall.

14. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 12 wherein said plastic storage container is removably mountable to a bathroom fixture.

15. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a 3-tiered construction.

16. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 1 wherein said top disk, said central disk and said bottom disk comprise acrylic.

17. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 16 wherein said top disk, said central disk and said bottom disk further comprise stainless steel linings.

18. A clear acrylic and stainless steel toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner comprising:

a 3-tiered constructed support structure comprising at least one flower, and a round, stainless steel rod.;

an acrylic top disk comprising stainless steel linings;

an acrylic central disk comprising stainless steel linings and a resting surface with a plurality of small funnel drain-holes to drain said at least one fluid dripping from said vertically-oriented toothbrushes onto said disposable liner pad, wherein said disposable liner pad is located underneath said resting surface;

an acrylic bottom disk having a concave insert and stainless steel linings; and

at least one disposable, replaceable liner pad comprises at least one pull-tab to aid in the lifting and removing of said disposable liner pad;

a removably mountable plastic container;

wherein said top disk, said central disk, and said bottom disk are horizontally-coupled to said support structure;

wherein said top disk comprises a plurality of apertures thereby permitting the insertion of a plurality of vertically-oriented toothbrushes;

wherein said central disk permits said toothbrush to rest thereon;

wherein said bottom disk comprises said at least one disposable liner pad held in said concave insert to wick at least one fluid dripping from said vertically-oriented toothbrushes.

wherein said plastic container store unused said disposable liners therein.

19. The toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner of claim 18 further comprising a kit including: said toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner; at least one interchangeable topper; a plastic storage container; a plurality of disposable, replaceable liner pads; and a set of user instructions.

20. A method of using toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner system comprising the steps of:

placing said toothbrush holding device with a disposable liner system onto a surface;

removably attaching a plastic container that houses disposable, replaceable liners to a surface;

removing said disposable, replaceable liner from said plastic container;

inserting said disposable, replaceable liner into a bottom disk of a support structure of said toothbrush holding device with disposable liner system;

inserting a vertically-oriented toothbrush through a top disk and resting handle of said vertically-oriented toothbrush on a central disk;

allowing at least one fluid from said toothbrush to drip down onto said disposable, replaceable liner removably placed on said bottom disk through a plurality of funnel-apertures; and

replacing said disposable, replaceable liner as needed.