TOOTHBRUSH DOCTOR SYSTEM
A toothbrush holding device for a toothbrush(es) comprises: a housing having an inner volume for storing a liquid and having a horizontally drawn fill line; a weighted base stand; and a lid. The toothbrush holding device, the lid and the weighted base stand comprise a toothbrush containing and holding assembly. Further, the toothbrush holding device comprises heavy duty plastic, with the housing comprising a cylindrical profile. The toothbrush is invertably-inserted into the toothbrush holding device such that the bristles and the head are located at a bottom of the housing located adjacent the weighted base stand. The toothbrush comprises a head with bristles and a shaft and is an oral hygiene instrument. The housing of the toothbrush holding device is about 8 inches in height and about 1½ inches in diameter thereby permitting the toothbrush to be vertically stored in the toothbrush holding device.
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/419,011, filed Dec. 2, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICEA 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 INVENTIONThe following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of holders and more specifically relates to a holder for storing a toothbrush in a sanitary condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTA 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. Toothbrushes have been made from synthetic fibers since they were developed, although animal bristles are still sometimes used.
The benefits of having clean teeth and a healthy mouth have never been disputed. However, what most people do not realize is that the toothbrush, can in fact spread more germs than it combats to eliminate. As most people brush their teeth and store their brushes in the bathroom, they may not realize that these unsanitary rooms are ideal breeding grounds for germs and disease causing bacteria. According to the USDA Office of Public Health and Science, Salmonella and E. coli accounted for 55% of all food-borne disease outbreaks over a recent ten year period. Other common bacteria include staphylococci, streptococci and campylobacter. These same bacteria that cause the food-borne health problems may frequently be found in bathrooms and unfortunately on toothbrush bristles.
Although it is a rather uncomforting thought, millions of germs fly out of the toilet bowl and into the air every time it is flushed, settling on all surfaces including toothbrushes. Additionally, bacteria in the mouth which leads to tooth decay, bad breath, and periodontal disease may be left behind on the toothbrush and be reintroduced into the mouth with the next brushing. If a person has a cold or flu, viruses may be passed onto the toothbrush, re infecting the afflicted person and potentially making it harder to recover. The family toothbrush holder may be a means of cross-contamination by passing bacteria from one toothbrush to another. Since bacteria can multiply so rapidly, a toothbrush provides the kind of moist environment that actually stimulates bacterial growth. Not only is a germ-free toothbrush important to oral health, it is vitally necessary for overall health as well.
Frequently overlooked is the container in which we choose to store our tooth brushes. Many households with multiple individuals utilize a toothbrush holder with a plurality of round apertures serving to retain 2, 4, 6, or even more than 6 toothbrushes. The bristle area of each toothbrush is exposed to the surrounding air which often is filled with germs and bacteria. A more safe, sanitary, and secure storage container for a toothbrush is needed.
Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,657 to Winston; U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0129580 to Cochran et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,823 to Summers; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,603 to Stotesbury. This prior art is representative of toothbrush holders and sanitary storage containers. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Ideally, a toothbrush holding device should operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a toothbrush doctor system to provide a portable and sanitizing toothbrush holding device and to avoid the aforementioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known toothbrush holder device art, the present invention provides a novel toothbrush doctor system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a container to store and sanitize a toothbrush with an antiseptic mouthwash, thus killing germs and bacteria which may be lingering on the toothbrush, while also providing the user minty fresh breath when brushing his/her teeth.
The present sanitizing toothbrush holding device for a toothbrush(es) as disclosed herein preferably comprises: a housing having an inner volume for storing a liquid and having a horizontally drawn fill line; a weighted base stand; and a lid. The toothbrush holding device, the lid and the weighted base stand comprise a toothbrush containing and holding assembly. Further, the toothbrush holding device preferably comprises heavy duty plastic, with the housing comprising a cylindrical profile. The toothbrush is invertably-inserted into the toothbrush holding device such that the bristles and the head are located at a bottom of the housing located adjacent the weighted base stand. The toothbrush stored therein comprises a head with bristles and a shaft and is an oral hygiene instrument. The housing of the toothbrush holding device is about 8 inches in height, permitting the toothbrush to be vertically stored in the toothbrush holding device. Further, the housing of the toothbrush holding device is about 1½ inches in diameter.
The inner volume of the housing is usable to temporarily store the toothbrush(es) therein. Additionally, the inner volume of the housing is usable to temporarily store antiseptic liquid therein. The antiseptic liquid preferably comprises mouthwash (or other such suitable liquid.) The mouthwash is used to enhance oral hygiene of the user-brusher. Further, the mouthwash when used in combination with toothpaste assists in killing bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath, generally promoting public and individual health. The toothbrush holding device serves to sanitize the toothbrush between brushings performed by the user-brusher.
The horizontal fill line visually indicates to a user-brusher a (preferred) level by which to fill the antiseptic liquid thereto and thus determine how much volume of the antiseptic liquid to use such as to provide suitable hygenic contact with the antiseptic liquid to disinfect the toothbrush(es) from germs that may be transferred to and fro mouth contact with the user-brusher upon use of the toothbrush(es). Further, the horizontal fill line is located at a point such that the volume of the antiseptic liquid when filled to the horizontal fill line covers all mouth-engaging portions of the toothbrush(es).
The horizontal fill line is preferably located approximately 3 inches above the weighted base stand such that the mouth-engaging portions of the toothbrush is covered by the antiseptic liquid, the mouth-engaging portions including the head, the bristles, and a portion of the shaft of the toothbrush that normally contacts a mouth of the user-brusher.
The weighted base stand secures the toothbrush holding device in an inverted upright position during a use-period and a non-use period. Further, the weighted base serves to lower a center of gravity of the toothbrush containing and holding assembly to prevent tipping of such toothbrush containing and holding assembly and spilling of the antiseptic liquid. The weighted base stand secures the toothbrush holding device in an inverted upright position during a use-period and a non-use period. The weighted base stand also comprises a sturdy, nonskid coating on an underside of the weighted base stand for use in increasing a friction coefficient to prevent sliding of the weighted base stand on a planar surface.
The lid is openable and closable in relation to the housing to permit access by the user-brusher to the toothbrush(es) in the toothbrush holding device. The lid may comprise a rubber seal thereby providing a secure, substantially air-tight seal providing maximum isolation from germs and bacteria. Further, the lid preferably comprises a flip-top lid with the flip-top lid being rotatably manipulatable in relation to the housing. The flip-top lid comprises a hinge with the hinge not compromising a sealing action (or having a sealing action in other embodiments.) The hinge is a fastener which is located at a top end of the housing on the toothbrush holding device. A plurality of the bristles on the toothbrush(es) are immersed in the antiseptic liquid with the antiseptic liquid being completely sealed and stored within the toothbrush containing and holding assembly via the flip-top lid.
A kit is embodied herein for the sanitary toothbrush holding system comprising: a sanitary toothbrush holding device; a toothbrush; a weighted base stand; a container of antiseptic liquid; and at least one set of user's instructions.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: opening a sealed lid of a toothbrush containing and holding assembly; removing a toothbrush from contact with an antiseptic fluid contained in a housing of a toothbrush holding device; a user-brusher grasping a handle of the toothbrush and dispensing toothpaste onto bristles of the toothbrush; initiating brushing of teeth of the user-brusher; and inserting the toothbrush back into contact with the antiseptic fluid once the user is finished brushing the teeth thereby creating a sanitizing action.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a toothbrush doctor 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.
The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, toothbrush doctor system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAs discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a holder and more specifically relates to a holder for storing a toothbrush in a sanitary condition thus killing germs and bacteria which may be lingering on a toothbrush(es), while also providing a user-brusher with additional fresh breath when brushing teeth of the user-brusher.
Referring now to the drawings
Sanitary toothbrush holding device 110, weighted base stand 130, and lid 140 comprise toothbrush containing and holding assembly 160. Sanitary toothbrush holding device 110 preferably comprises heavy duty plastic or other suitable durable and non-germ harboring material. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other materials such as, for example, rubber, non-corrosive metal, etc., may be sufficient.
Toothbrush(es) 150 preferably comprises an oral hygiene instrument for use with the present invention. Toothbrush(es) 150 preferably comprising head 152 with bristles 154 and shaft 156. Toothbrush(es) 150 may be invertably-inserted into sanitary toothbrush holding device 110, such that bristles 154 and head 152 of toothbrush(es) 150 are located at a bottom portion of housing 114 located adjacent weighted base stand 130 as shown in
Housing 114 of sanitary toothbrush holding device 110 is about 8 inches in height, permitting toothbrush(es) 150 to be vertically stored in sanitary toothbrush holding device 110. Further, housing 114 of sanitary toothbrush holding device 110 is about 1½ inches in diameter within preferred embodiments. Housing 114 may have a cylindrical profile; however other profiles such as rectangular may be suitable. Housing 114 comprises inner volume 118 for storing antiseptic liquid 120. Inner volume 118 of housing 114 is usable to temporarily store the toothbrush(es) 150 therein. Antiseptic liquid 120 comprises mouthwash or other suitable equivalent. The mouthwash is used to enhance oral hygiene of the user-brusher. Further, the mouthwash when used in combination with toothpaste assists in killing bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Further, housing 114 has horizontal fill line 122 as shown in
Horizontal fill line 122 visually indicates to the user-brusher a level by which to fill antiseptic liquid 120 thereto and thus determine how much volume of antiseptic liquid 120 to use such as to provide suitable hygenic contact with antiseptic liquid 120 to disinfect toothbrush(es) 150 from germs that may be transferred to and fro mouth contact with the user-brusher upon use of the toothbrush(es) 150. Further, horizontal fill line 122 is located at a point such that the volume of antiseptic liquid 120 when filled to horizontal fill line 122 covers all mouth-engaging portions of toothbrush(es) 150 as shown in
Weighted base stand 130 preferably secures sanitary toothbrush holding device 110 in an inverted upright position during a use-period as shown in
Lid 140 is preferably openable and closable in relation to housing 114 to permit access by the user-brusher to toothbrush(es) 150 in sanitary toothbrush holding device 110. Lid 140 preferably comprises at least one rubber seal thereby providing a secure, effectively air-tight seal (when closed) providing maximum isolation from germs and bacteria. Further, lid 140 preferably comprises a flip-top. The flip-top of lid 140 is preferably rotatably manipulatable in relation to housing 114. Flip top of lid 140 preferably comprises hinge 144 with hinge 144 not compromising a sealing action. Hinge 144 is a fastener which is located at top end 116 of housing 114 on sanitary toothbrush holding device 110. A plurality of bristles 154 on toothbrush(es) 150 are immersed in antiseptic liquid 120 with antiseptic liquid 120 being completely sealed and stored within the toothbrush containing and holding assembly 160 via lid 140 having a flip-top as shown in
Sanitary toothbrush holding device 110 may be sold as kit 340 comprising sanitary toothbrush holding device 110; toothbrush(es) 150; weighted base stand 130; container of antiseptic liquid 120; and at least one set of user's instructions. Other dental devices may be included within kit 340. Sanitary toothbrush holding system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. 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 indicia combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.
Referring now to
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 sanitary toothbrush holding system comprising:
- a toothbrush holding device having, a housing having an inner volume for storing an antiseptic liquid and having a horizontal fill line;
- a weighted base stand;
- a lid;
- wherein said toothbrush holding device, said lid and said weighted base stand comprise a toothbrush containing and holding assembly;
- said toothbrush comprising a head with bristles and a shaft;
- wherein said inner volume of said housing is usable to temporarily store said toothbrush(es) therein;
- wherein said inner volume of said housing is usable to temporarily store said antiseptic liquid therein;
- wherein said horizontal fill line visually indicates to a user-brusher a level by which to fill said antiseptic liquid thereto and thus determine how much volume of said antiseptic liquid to use such as to provide suitable hygenic contact with said antiseptic liquid to disinfect said toothbrush(es) from germs that may be transferred to and fro mouth contact with said user-brusher upon use of said toothbrush(es);
- wherein said horizontal fill line is located at a point such that said volume of said antiseptic liquid when filled to said horizontal fill line covers all mouth-engaging portions of said toothbrush(es);
- wherein said weighted base stand in combination with said toothbrush holding device serves to lower a center of gravity of said toothbrush containing and holding assembly to prevent tipping of such toothbrush containing and holding assembly and spilling of said antiseptic liquid;
- wherein said weighted base stand secures said toothbrush holding device in an inverted upright position during a use-period and a non-use period;
- wherein said lid is openable and closable in relation to said housing to permit access by said user-brusher to said toothbrush(es) in toothbrush holding device; and
- wherein said sanitary toothbrush holding system serves to sanitize said toothbrush between brushings performed by said user-brusher.
2. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said toothbrush holding device comprises heavy duty plastic, said housing comprising a cylindrical profile.
3. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said lid comprises a rubber seal thereby providing a secure, air-tight seal providing maximum isolation from germs and bacteria.
4. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said weighted base stand comprises a sturdy, nonskid coating on an underside of said weighted base stand for use in increasing a friction coefficient to prevent sliding of said weighted base stand on a planar surface.
5. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said horizontal fill line is located approximately 3 inches above said weighted base stand such that said mouth-engaging portions of said toothbrush is covered by said antiseptic liquid, said mouth-engaging portions including said head, said bristles, and a portion of said shaft of said toothbrush that contacts a mouth of said user-brusher.
6. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 5 wherein said toothbrush stored within comprises an oral hygiene instrument.
7. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 5 wherein said antiseptic liquid comprises mouthwash.
8. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 7 wherein said mouthwash is used to enhance oral hygiene of said user-brusher.
9. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 8 wherein said mouthwash when used in combination with toothpaste assists in killing bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
10. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 3 wherein said lid comprises a flip-top lid, said flip-top lid rotatably manipulatable in relation to said housing.
11. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 10 wherein a plurality of said bristles on said toothbrush(es) are immersed in said antiseptic liquid with said antiseptic liquid being completely sealed and stored within said toothbrush containing and holding assembly via said flip-top lid.
12. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 11 wherein said flip-top lid comprises a hinge.
13. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 12 wherein said hinge does not compromise a sealing action.
14. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 13 wherein said hinge is a fastener which is located at a top end of said housing on said toothbrush holding device.
15. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said toothbrush is invertably-inserted into said toothbrush holding device such that said bristles and said head are located at a bottom of said housing located adjacent said weighted base stand.
16. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 1 wherein said housing of said toothbrush holding device is about 8 inches in height, permitting said toothbrush to be vertically stored in said toothbrush holding device.
17. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 16 wherein said housing of said toothbrush holding device is about 1½ inches in diameter.
18. A sanitary toothbrush holding system comprising:
- a toothbrush holding device having, a housing having an inner volume for storing an antiseptic liquid and having a horizontal fill line;
- a weighted base stand;
- a lid;
- wherein said toothbrush holding device, said lid and said weighted base stand comprise a toothbrush containing and holding assembly;
- wherein said toothbrush holding device comprises heavy duty plastic, said housing comprising a cylindrical profile;
- said toothbrush comprising a head with bristles and a shaft;
- wherein said toothbrush comprises an oral hygiene instrument;
- wherein said toothbrush is invertably-inserted into said toothbrush holding device such that said bristles and said head are located at a bottom of said housing located adjacent said weighted base stand;
- wherein said housing of said toothbrush holding device is about 8 inches in height, permitting said toothbrush to be vertically stored in said toothbrush holding device;
- wherein said housing of said toothbrush holding device is about 1½ inches in diameter;
- wherein said inner volume of said housing is usable to temporarily store said toothbrush(es) therein;
- wherein said inner volume of said housing is usable to temporarily store said antiseptic liquid therein;
- wherein said horizontal fill line visually indicates to a user-brusher a level by which to fill said antiseptic liquid thereto and thus determine how much volume of said antiseptic liquid to use such as to provide suitable hygenic contact with said antiseptic liquid to disinfect said toothbrush(es) from germs that may be transferred to and fro mouth contact with said user-brusher upon use of said toothbrush(es);
- wherein said horizontal fill line is located approximately 3 inches above said weighted base stand such that said mouth-engaging portions of said toothbrush is covered by said antiseptic liquid, said mouth-engaging portions including said head, said bristles, and a portion of said shaft of said toothbrush that contacts a mouth of said user-brusher;
- wherein said antiseptic liquid comprises mouthwash;
- wherein said mouthwash is used to enhance oral hygiene of said user-brusher;
- wherein said mouthwash when used in combination with toothpaste assists in killing bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath;
- wherein said horizontal fill line is located at a point such that said volume of said antiseptic liquid when filled to said horizontal fill line covers all mouth-engaging portions of said toothbrush(es);
- wherein said weighted base stand in combination with said toothbrush holding device serves to lower a center of gravity of said toothbrush containing and holding assembly to prevent tipping of such toothbrush containing and holding assembly and spilling of said antiseptic liquid;
- wherein said weighted base stand comprises a sturdy, nonskid coating on an underside of said weighted base stand for use in increasing a friction coefficient to prevent sliding of said weighted base stand on a planar surface;
- wherein said weighted base stand secures said toothbrush holding device in an inverted upright position during a use-period and a non-use period;
- wherein said lid is openable and closable in relation to said housing to permit access by said user-brusher to said toothbrush(es) in toothbrush holding device;
- wherein said lid comprises a rubber seal thereby providing a secure, air-tight seal providing maximum isolation from germs and bacteria;
- wherein said lid comprises a flip-top lid, said flip-top lid rotatably manipulatable in relation to said housing;
- wherein a plurality of said bristles on said toothbrush(es) are immersed in said antiseptic liquid with said antiseptic liquid being completely sealed and stored within said toothbrush containing and holding assembly via said flip-top lid;
- wherein said flip-top lid comprises a hinge;
- wherein said hinge does not compromise a sealing action;
- wherein said hinge is a fastener which is located at a top end of said housing on said toothbrush holding device; and
- wherein said sanitary toothbrush holding system serves to sanitize said toothbrush between brushings performed by said user-brusher.
19. The sanitary toothbrush holding system of claim 18 further comprising a kit including: said toothbrush holding device for at least one toothbrush(es); said toothbrush; said weighted base stand; a container of said antiseptic liquid; and at least one set of user's instructions.
20. A method of using a sanitary toothbrush holding system comprising the steps of:
- opening a sealed lid of a toothbrush containing and holding assembly;
- removing a toothbrush from contact with an antiseptic fluid contained in a housing of a toothbrush holding device;
- a user-brusher grasping a handle of said toothbrush and dispensing toothpaste onto bristles of said toothbrush;
- initiating brushing of teeth of said user-brusher; and
- inserting said toothbrush back into contact with said antiseptic fluid once said user is finished brushing said teeth thereby creating a sanitizing action.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 17, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 7, 2012
Inventor: Larry W. Goss (McDonald, TN)
Application Number: 13/211,971
International Classification: A47K 1/09 (20060101);