DISPOSABLE TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER

Abstract

Disposable containers and stands for holding and supporting toothbrushes, the holder having an upper component and a lower component that can be snapped together to form the assembled holder.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/708,267 having a filing date of 18 Feb. 2010 and entitled Collapsible Disposable Toothbrush Holder And Blank Therefore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/356,031 having a filing date of 18 Feb. 2010 and entitled Toothbrush Holder, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/379,420 having a filing date of 19 Nov. 2010 and entitled Toothbrush Holder, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to containers and stands for holding and supporting elongated items and relates more specifically to disposable containers and stands for holding and supporting toothbrushes.

2. Prior Art

Toothbrush holders are known, especially ceramic and plastic toothbrush holders present in the household bathroom. Toothbrush holders hold and support toothbrushes off of the counter for both health and aesthetic reasons. A vertically supported toothbrush dries more quickly and accumulates fewer germs than a toothbrush lying on the bathroom sink counter, and just looks better.

Hotels, inns, cruise ships, medical facilities and the like typically do not provide a toothbrush holder and patrons have a choice: prop their toothbrush up in a glass, leave the toothbrush lying on the counter, place the toothbrush on a towel, or dry the toothbrush and place it back in the toiletry kit. None of these options are particularly appealing.

Various toothbrush holders, disposable and non-disposable, have been developed. Several representative devices include:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,902,145 to Wagner, which discloses a flat, compact case having a plurality of apertures in an upper wall through which the shanks or handles of toothbrushes may be extended, the case standing upright on a suitable surface, and with the heads of the brushes extended above the top of the case. The device further contemplates the provision of a trough-shaped bottom for maintaining the brushes uniformly in place in the holder and which bottom is provided with openings for drainage purposes. This is not a collapsible disposable device made from a blank.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,233,743 to Di Tirro, which discloses a molded one piece box-like rack having a pair of parallel integral sides and back and adapted to be mounted in vertical planes. The spaced sides include cooperating pairs of downwardly inclined horizontally aligned slots for supporting a comb therein. This also is not a collapsible device made from a blank.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,855 to Heller, which discloses a disposable toothbrush holder, particularly for the convenience and hygiene of visitors in motels and hotels, holds toothbrushes upright, bristle end up, for sanitary drying, supported in circular openings in a convex upper portion supported by integrally-formed legs. The holders can be molded economically from recyclable plastic material, and can be nested together for space-efficient packaging. This also is not a collapsible device made from a blank.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,976 to Pretorius, which discloses a toothbrush holder including a single piece of sheet material including spaced first and second end edges. A single fold area across the sheet material defines a holder portion and a base portion. The holder portion terminates in the first end edge and has a length relative to the base portion to impart a smooth sloping curvature to the holder portion without fold lines when the toothbrush holder is deployed. The base portion terminates at the second end edge. At least one toothbrush receiving orifice in the holder portion is sized to receive the shaft of the toothbrush. A key extends outwardly from the second edge, and a lock for receiving the key is disposed in the holder portion. The lock is spaced from the first end edge to angle the base portion and to deploy and support the holder portion in a position spaced from the base portion with the orifice in the base portion elevated. This is a device made from a blank but is not a box-like structure.

U.S. Design Patent No. D570,144 to Scofield, which discloses an ornamental design for a disposable toothbrush holder that, in effect, has the appearance of a birdhouse or small house. The design has at least one hole in the “roof” of the design through which a toothbrush may be placed and held in a generally vertical orientation.

There is thus a need for an inexpensive disposable toothbrush holder for meeting the needs of hotels and other inns, cruise ships, travel kits, households, hospitals and other medical facilities, camps, schools, emergency management organizations, and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a disposable toothbrush holder formed from two pieces, namely, an upper piece and a lower piece. The toothbrush holder has a generally inverted cup-like component as the upper piece and a ridged or undulating shaped component as the lower piece. The upper piece and the lower piece fit together to form a generally hollow finished product.

The upper piece has a top surface that has at least one hole or perforation leading to the interior of the holder through which a portion of the toothbrush(es), preferably the handle(s) or shank(s), pass. The lower piece has a shaped surface which the end of the toothbrush contacts so as to hold the toothbrush in a relatively unmoving and generally upright or slightly slanted position. Upper pieces can be stacked together for ease of shipping and storage and, likewise, lower pieces can be stacked together for ease of shipping and storage. The upper piece and the lower piece can be snapped together to form the finished product. The upper piece and the lower piece also can be unsnapped apart should the user want to clean and reuse the holder, rather than disposing of it.

In a preferred usage, when the toothbrush is in the holder, at least a majority portion of the toothbrush handle is located within the interior of the holder and at least the brush portion of the toothbrush is located outside of the holder. The rim or edge of the holes or perforations in the top surface of the upper component supports the toothbrush such that the toothbrush is in a generally vertical orientation, plus or minus 0-40 degrees or so, and the holes or perforations prevent the toothbrush from falling over. The shaped lower piece allows two or more toothbrushes to be placed in the holder and to remain separated as the shaped portion of the lower piece helps prevent the toothbrushes from moving within the holder.

The holder can be a hygienically and useful complementary item used by hotels and the like, and can sport advertising or other promotional material on the sides. The holder also can be used by the traveler, by campers, by vacationers and the like. Similarly, the holder can be used by hospitals and other medical facilities and emergency management organizations and the like to help prevent the spread of germs and diseases by providing for a clean, disposable toothbrush holder for each visitor to the facility. Optionally, the holder can have advertising printed thereon.

These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an upper component of the of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of an upper component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an upper component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a lip of an upper component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom.

FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a lip of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper components of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective sectional view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19 shown from the top.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper component or piece of one embodiment of the toothbrush holder of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of this upper piece, FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of this upper piece, and FIG. 5 is a top view of this upper piece. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the lip of this upper piece of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component or piece of one embodiment of the toothbrush holder of the present invention. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of this lower piece. FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of this lower piece, FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of this lower piece, and FIG. 11 is a top view of this lower piece. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lip of this lower piece of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the assembled toothbrush holder of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, and FIG. 16 is a top view of this assembled toothbrush holder. FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the lip of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper pieces of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown how the upper pieces can be stacked for shipping and/or storage.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is another perspective sectional view of this assembled toothbrush holder. FIG. 21 is a side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, and FIG. 23 is a top view of this assembled toothbrush holder. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the lip of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.

The present invention is directed to a disposable toothbrush holder 10 formed from an upper cup-like component 12 and a lower shaped component 26. The representative example of the holder 10 disclosed herein is a hollow structure having a cylindrical side 22 and a top 24 as the upper component 12 and a shaped disc-like bottom as the lower component 26. Other embodiments can have sides that are not cylindrical and as many sides as desired, various numbers and shapes of perforations or holes 14 on the top 24, and various shapes and configurations of the surface of the lower component 26.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a general basic embodiment of the holder 10 is shown. Other suitable embodiments of a holder 10 constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention are illustrated in the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled holder 10 according to the present invention. As can be seen, the holder 10 is a generally truncated conical or pyramidal shape having upper component 12 with a cylindrical side 22 and top 24, and lower component 26. In effect, holder 10 is a hollow structure. Top 24 has holes 14 therethrough allowing access to the interior of holder 10 through which a toothbrush 16, preferably a toothbrush handle or shank, may be inserted.

FIGS. 2-6 are views of upper component 12. FIG. 2 is a perspective view generally from the bottom, of upper component 12 illustrating the hollow interior into which the toothbrush 16 handles are placed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the upper component 12 of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 better illustrating a general shape of the holder 10. Although side 22 can be of many different shapes, it has been found that the tapering shape, inwards from bottom to top, shown in the figures provides pleasing aesthetics as well as allowing for a larger diameter lower component 26 for greater stability. As shown in FIG. 3, side 22 has a change in the angle 22A, which is for aesthetic purposes only. Top 24 is shown as an upwardly domed surface, which is for aesthetic purposes, but can be flat, downwardly domed, or otherwise. The circumference of top 24 connects to or transitions into the upper edge of side 22 as a preferably unitary structure. The bottom edge of side 22 connects to or transitions into a first rim 28 also as a preferably unitary structure. In other words, top 24, side 22, and rim 28 preferably are a unitary structure formed from a single piece of material, such but not limited to as plastic or paper. As discussed in more detail herein, rim 28 cooperates with a second rim 50 on the lower component 26 for connecting lower component 26 to upper component 12.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the upper component 12 of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 better illustrating the hollow interior and rim 28. As can be seen, and as disclosed herein, top 24, side 22, and rim 28 preferably are a unitary structure formed from a single piece of material, with rim 28 curving or curling upwards and outwards from the bottom edge of side 22.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary positioning of holes 14. As will be seen herein, holes 14 can be any shape, so long as holes 14 can accommodate a toothbrush 16, and can be present in any quantity. Four egg-shaped or pear-shaped holes 14 are shown in FIG. 5 as being a preferred embodiment. Other shapes include but are not limited to circles, triangles, squares, stars, and other polygons, both regular and irregular. FIG. 5 also shows how side 22 tapers outward from top to bottom in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional detail of rim 28. Rim 28 in the shown embodiment is a semi-circular structure extending outward from the bottom edge of side 22. Rim 28 initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward and outward. Rim 28 can end curving slightly inward back towards side 22. As disclosed herein, rim 28 cooperates with another rim 50 on lower component 26 so as to secure upper component 12 to lower component 26. Rim 28 preferably is somewhat flexible so as to snap into the rim 50 on lower component 26. Rim 28 preferably extends about the entire circumference or perimeter of upper component 12.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component 26 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top. Lower component 26 has a shaped surface, which, in the illustrative embodiment shown, resembles an undulation or volcano. In the center of lower component 26 is a truncated peak 40 or rod-like rise. Extending radially from peak 40 are radial ridges 42. Radial ridges 42 end at an annular ridge 44 proximal to the circumference of lower component 26. Optional drainage holes 46 can be located in the valley 48 between peak 40 and annular ridge 44 between radial ridges 42. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower component 26 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom and FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a lower component 26 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 showing more detail of the peak-valley-ridge shape. A toothbrush 16 placed in the holder handle side down will rest in valley 48. More specifically, peak 40 and annular ridge 44 will guide the handle of toothbrush 16 into valley 48 where it will come to rest. Peak 40 and annular ridge 44 will maintain toothbrush 16 at a specific radial distance from the center of lower component 26, and radial ridges 42 will maintain toothbrush 16 in a specific section of lower component 26. The radial distance defined by valley 48 is such that toothbrush 16 will be maintained at a specific generally upright angle so as to help prevent holder 10 from tipping over and to help direct water and or other liquids to drainage holes 46. Such a distance can be variable and can be anywhere along lower component 26 depending on the desired angle and the size of the holder 10. Radial ridges 42 help prevent multiple toothbrushes 16 from touching each other within holder 10 and from moving about valley 48. The number of radial ridges is variable, from none to as many will structurally fit on lower component 26.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower component of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the concentric positioning of peak 40, valley 48 and annular ridge 44. In this illustrative embodiment, there are six equally spaced apart radial ridges 42; however, more or fewer, including no radial ridges 42 are suitable. It is preferable that the space between each radial ridge is at least as large as the toothbrush 16 handle thickness.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a lip of a lower component 26 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 providing more detail of an embodiment of rim 50. Rim 50 in the shown embodiment is a semi-circular structure having a flange 52 extending outward from the circumferential edge of lower component 26. Rim 50 initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward and outward. Rim 50 can continue curving slightly inward back towards annular ridge 44, and then preferably extends upward and outward forming flange 52. As disclosed herein, rim 50 cooperates with rim 28 on upper component 12 so as to secure lower component 26 to upper component 12. Rim 50 and flange 52 preferably are somewhat flexible so that rim 28 can snap into rim 50. Flange 52 allows for rim 28 to be more easily guided into rim 50 as disclosed herein. Rim 50 preferably extends about the entire circumference or perimeter of lower component 26.

FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top showing how upper component 12, particularly rim 28, fits into lower component 26, particularly rim 50. The relative positioning of peak 40, valley 48, radial ridges 42, and annular ridge 44 also can be seen.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1. As disclosed herein, side 22 preferably slopes slightly outward from top to bottom. While side 22 can be cylindrical or a truncated cone, it also can have various aesthetic features, such as angle 22A.

FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in this illustrative embodiment, the lower circumference of upper component 12 is generally the same as the circumference of lower component 26, specifically, the circumferences of rim 28 and rim 50 are such that rim 28 can fit within rim 50. Further, the outer diameter of annular ridge 44 is less than, and preferably only slightly less than, the inner diameter of the lower portion (proximal to angle 22A) of upper component 12 such that annular ridge 44 will not interfere with assembling the holder 10. Toothbrush 16 is shown in a typical position, with brush end outside of holder 10, and handle extending through hole 14 and resting in valley 48. Peak 40 and annular ridge 44 maintain toothbrush 16 in a preferred position and angle, and radial ridges 42 prevent toothbrush 16 from moving about valley 48.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1. Holes 14 are placed about the top surface of upper component 12. Although four holes 14 are shown, any number from one to the number that can fit about top surface of upper component 12 can be used. Holes 14 preferably have a size and shape that can accommodate the handle of a toothbrush 16. Valley 48, radial ridges 42, and annular ridge 44 can be seen through holes 14.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cooperation between rim 28 and rim 50. Rim 50 fits within rim 28 in the assembled holder 10. When assembling holder 10, rim 28 is located above rim 50 and is lowered onto rim 50. The bottom of rim 28 contacts flange 52 and forces it outwards. As upper component 12 and lower component 26 are preferably made of a material that can bend or flex, flange 52 flexes radially outward allowing rim 28 to fit within flange 50. Once rim 28 passes below flange 52 and into rim 50, flange 52 flexes back inwards, thus releasably securing rim 28 within rim 50, and upper component 12 to lower component 26.

FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper components 12 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1. Upper components 12 thus can be stacked for storage and transportation. Lower components 26 can be similarly stacked.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention. This embodiment is included to illustrate that both upper component 12 and lower component 26 can have different shapes yet still result in the same function. In this embodiment, side 22 is more cylindrical and angle 22A is greater than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a perspective sectional view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19 shown from the side and top. In this view, it can be seen that lower component 28 has a different peak-valley-annular ridge structure, and does not have radial ridges 42. More specifically, peak 40 is lower and rounder, valley 48 is shallower, and annular ridge 44 is lower. Such a structural shape for lower component 26 still helps maintain toothbrush 16 in the preferred generally upright position. It also can be seen that rim 28 and rim 50 have a different structure.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows a top surface of upper component 12 having a less pronounced dome shape.

FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows in greater detail an alternative shape of lower component 26. Alternative structures of rim 28 and rim 50 also can be seen in greater detail, which will be disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 24.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows alternative shapes for holes 14.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows in greater detail alternative structures for rim 28 and rim 50. In this illustrative embodiment, rim 28 is simple an extension of side 22, extending generally downwards. Rim 50 is a simple U-shaped configuration into which rim 28 releasably fits. Other structures for rim 28 and rim 50 also are suitable for the present invention.

The assembled holder 10 preferably is between about 3.5 to 6.0 inches high and has diameters between about 2.5 to 4.0 inches, which is based on the size of the typical toothbrush and the typical bathroom counter. Larger and smaller dimensions are suitable.

The holder 10 can be made of many different materials, with plastics, papers, sugars, and starches being preferred. As the holder is disposable, easily degrading materials are preferred, as well as thinner materials.

In use, the assembled holder 10 can be placed on a surface and be used for supporting toothbrushes 16. The holder 10 can be supplied by an innkeeper or the like to patrons, can be purchased by the ultimate user for personal use, can be given out or sold by commercial entities with advertising thereon for promotional purposes, as well as used in many other ways. As the holder 10 can be supplied in two parts, upper component 12 and lower component 26, each stacked separately, it is easy to ship and to store. At the location of use, the holder can be assembled. After use, the holder 10 can be rinsed and reused, discarded or, preferably, recycled.

The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A disposable toothbrush holder, comprising:

a) an upper component having a top surface, a side extending downward from the top surface, and a first rim extending from the side opposite the top surface, the top surface having holes therethrough; and

b) a lower component having a shaped configuration with a central peak, an annular ridge, a valley between the peak and the annular ridge, and a second rim extending from an outer edge of the lower component,

wherein the first rim cooperates with the second rim in securing the upper component to the lower component to form a generally hollow structure having an interior, and

wherein the holes allow access for a toothbrush to the interior of the generally hollow structure.

2. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rim is releasably secured within the second rim.

3. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower component further comprises at least one drainage hole therethrough.

4. The holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one drainage hole is located at the valley.

5. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower component further comprises at least one radial ridge extending from the peak to the annular ridge across the valley.

6. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second rim further comprises a flange for guiding the first rim into the second rim.

7. The holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first rim is a semi-circular structure extending outward from a bottom edge of the side and initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward and outward from the side.

8. The holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first rim is somewhat flexible so as to snap into the second rim.

9. The holder as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first rim extends about the entire circumference of the upper component.

10. The holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second rim is a semi-circular structure having a flange extending outward from the circumferential edge of lower component.

11. The holder as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second rim initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward and outward from the outer edge of the lower component, then slightly inward back towards the annular ridge, and then upward and outward forming the flange.

12. The holder as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second rim extends about the entire circumference of the lower component.

13. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper components are stackable one on top of another.

14. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower components are stackable one on top of another.

15. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder is between about 3.5 to 6.0 inches high and has diameters between about 2.5 to 4.0 inches.

16. The holder as claim in claim 1, wherein the holder is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, papers, sugars, and starches.