DISPOSABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE TOOTHBRUSH

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a disposable, biodegradable toothbrush. The toothbrush may comprise a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion may comprise a surface and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface of the head portion for brushing teeth. The surface of the head portion may have dehydrated dentifrice powder deposited on at least a portion of the surface. The plurality of spaced bristles may comprise a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles. Also disclosed herein is a method of producing any of the disposable, biodegradable toothbrushes described herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a dental cleaning system and methods of its preparation and use. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a disposable and biodegradable toothbrush, methods of its preparation, and methods of its use.

BACKGROUND

Existing toothbrushes are made of plastic and other durable materials that allow users to vigorously brush their teeth. However, toothbrushes are typically used for a short period of time ranging from a single use to a few weeks. Thereafter, users dispose the toothbrush as regular waste. Many toothbrushes may be made of material that cannot be recycled and/or does not biodegrade. Some toothbrushes may be made of recyclable and/or biodegradable material that requires certain optimal processing conditions to initiate the recycling and/or biodegradation process. Often, even with such optimal processing conditions, toothbrushes may take an extensive time to recycle and/or degrade, and the final recycling and/or degradation products may themselves form waste that pollutes the environment and is not fully innocuous.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, the disclosure may be directed to a disposable toothbrush. The disposable toothbrush may include a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion of the disposable toothbrush may include a surface having dehydrated dentifrice deposited thereon, and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface for brushing teeth. The plurality of spaced bristles may include a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles. The first type of bristles may extend straight outwards from the surface of the head portion of the disposable toothbrush. The second type of bristles may form a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion of the disposable toothbrush.

In another embodiment, the instant disclosure may be directed to a disposable toothbrush that is biodegradable. The biodegradable, disposable toothbrush may include a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion of the biodegradable, disposable toothbrush may include a surface and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface for brushing teeth. The plurality of spaced bristles may include a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles. The first type of bristles may extend straight outwards from the surface of the head portion of the biodegradable, disposable toothbrush. The second type of bristles may form a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion of the biodegradable, disposable toothbrush. The biodegradable, disposable toothbrush may be made of at least one of wood, compressed cardboard, compressed paper, TIPA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the instant disclosure may be directed to a method of producing any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein. The method may include depositing a dehydrated dentifrice powder on any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein. A suitable disposable toothbrush may include a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion of the disposable toothbrush may include a surface and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface of the head portion. The plurality of bristles may be used to brush a user's teeth. The plurality of spaced bristles may include a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles. The first type of bristles may extend outwards from the surface of the head portion of the disposable toothbrush. The second type of bristles may form a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion of the disposable toothbrush.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present disclosure, their nature, and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a front side of a head portion of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B depicts a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of the head portion shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts a front side of a head portion of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional along line 2-2 view of a head portion shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a front side of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B depicts a back side of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A depicts a front side of a head portion of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of the head portion shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 depicts a back side of a disposable toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the disclosure are directed to a disposable toothbrush, method of preparation thereof, and packaging thereof. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a material” includes a single material as well as a mixture of two or more different materials; and the like.

As used herein, the term “about” in connection with a measured quantity, refers to the normal variations in that measured quantity, as expected by one of ordinary skill in the art in making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment. In certain embodiments, the term “about” includes the recited number ±10%, such that “about 10” would include from 9 to 11.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to illuminate certain materials and methods and does not pose a limitation on scope. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed materials and methods.

The disposable toothbrush described herein may includes a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion may be gripped by a user's hand during use. The disposable toothbrush may be suitable as an “on the go” dental hygiene product. For instance, the disposable toothbrush may be suitable for use for a limited number of times—such as a one-time use product. The disposable toothbrush described herein may be a compact, travel-size product that could fit in a consumer's pocket or travel bag. The disposable toothbrush may be fully biodegradable such that it readily decomposes and/or degrades when discarded (e.g., without being subjected to special optimal conditions for decomposition or biodegradation). The disposable toothbrush described herein may include a plurality of bristle types on its head portion arranged in various configurations for optimal cleaning and bacteria removal during use. The disposable toothbrush described herein may also include dehydrated dentifrice deposited on the surface of the head portion of the toothbrush in spaces between the plurality of bristles to allow for a full “on the go” experience to a user who does not wish to carry a dentifrice and a toothbrush separately. In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrush described herein may also include other dental hygiene functionalities on its head portion, such as, for instance a tongue cleaner. The handle portion of the disposable toothbrush described herein may be ergonomically designed to adapt to a user's hand. The handle portion of the disposable toothbrush may also include anti-slip grips.

Methods of preparing the disposable toothbrush described herein may include depositing dehydrated dentifrice on any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein.

Suitable packaging for the disposable toothbrushes described herein may be such that isolate the toothbrush from environmental conditions that could contribute to the toothbrush's rapid decomposition and/or biodegradation. Suitable packaging may be ones that extend the lifetime of the biodegradable disposable toothbrushes described herein for a time period sufficient to allow the product to be sold and/or used by a consumer.

FIG. 1A depicts a front side of a head portion 110 of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment. Head portion 110 may have a surface 120 and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from surface 120. The plurality of spaced bristles may be used, for example, to brush a user's teeth. The plurality of spaced bristles may include a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles. The first type of bristles may extend straight outwards (e.g., perpendicularly) from surface 120 and the second type of bristles may form a concentric vortex extending outwards from surface 120. The various types of bristles and in particular the second type of bristles that have a slight turn to them to form a concentric vortex (e.g., tornado like shape) may be suitable for pulling out any excess dirt in a user's mouth and optimize cleanliness and bacteria removal.

In FIG. 1A the first type of bristles 130 are in the center of surface 120 and the second type of bristles 140 are in the outer perimeter of the surface 120. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, head portion 110 of the disposable toothbrush has a circular shape. Other shapes of the head portion 110 may also contemplated in some implementations of the disclosure. The surface 120 of head portion 110 may have an outer diameter OD 115. The first type of bristles 130 may form a circle in the center of surface 120 with an inner diameter ID 125. ID may have a length that is from any of about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, or about 45% to any of about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% of the length of OD. For instance, if OD is about 1 cm, and ID has a length of about 10% of OD, the length of ID will be about 0.1 cm (or about 1 mm).

FIG. 1B depicts a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of the head portion (i.e., head portion 110) shown in FIG. 1A. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the first type of bristles 130, positioned in the center of surface 120, extend straight outwards from the surface 120 of the head portion 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the second type of bristles 140, positioned in the outer perimeter of surface 120, may have a slight turn to their shape and may form a concentric vortex extending outwards from surface 120 of head portion 110.

In certain embodiments, dehydrated dentifrice powder (e.g., dehydrated toothpaste) may be deposited on at least a portion of surface 120 of head portion 110. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited on the portion of surface 120 comprising the first type of bristles and not in the remaining portions of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles (option a). For instance, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, pursuant to option a, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the center of surface 120 in the spaces between the first type of bristles 130 and not in the perimeter of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles 140. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited on the perimeter of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles and not in the remaining portions of surface 120 comprising the first type of bristles (option b). For instance, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, pursuant to option b, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the perimeter of surface 120 in the spaces between the second type of bristles 140 and not in the center comprising the first type of bristles 130. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the spaces between the plurality of bristles on surface 120 in its entirety (combination of options a and b). For instance, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, pursuant to both options a and b, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited both, in the spaces between the first type of bristles 130 in the center of surface 120 and in the spaces between the second type of bristles 140 in the perimeter of surface 120.

In certain embodiments, the first type of bristles may be tightly packed, particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between the first type of bristles, so as to ensure minimal (and substantially no) fall out of the dehydrated dentifrice powder therefrom. In certain embodiments, the second type of bristles may be tightly packed, particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between the second type of bristles, so as to ensure minimal (and substantially no) fall out of the dehydrated dentifrice powder therefrom. In certain embodiments, the first type of bristles and the second type of bristles may be tightly packed, particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between the first type of bristles and between the second type of bristles, so as to ensure minimal (and substantially no) fall out of the dehydrated dentifrice powder therefrom. If there are additional types of bristles (e.g., a third type, a fourth type, and so on), those additional types of bristles may also be tightly packed (particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between them for the same reason as outlined above).

When using any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein that have dehydrated dentifrice powder deposited thereon, the user may expose the surface of the toothbrush (containing the dehydrated dentifrice powder) to water. When the dehydrated dentifrice powder comes in contact with water, its structural integrity may strengthen, and the dehydrated dentifrice powder may form a tooth paste or a dental hygiene composition of another consistency suitable for brushing a user's teeth.

FIG. 2A depicts a front side of a head portion of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2A the first type of bristles 130 are in the outer perimeter of surface 120 and the second type of bristles 140 are in the center of the surface. Like in FIG. 1A, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, head portion 110 of the disposable toothbrush also has a circular shape. Like in FIG. 1A, the surface 120 of head portion 110 may have an outer diameter OD 115. The second type of bristles 140 may form a circle in the center of surface 120 with an inner diameter ID 125. The length relationship of ID and OD may be similar to the relationship described between their lengths with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B above.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional along line 2-2 view of a head portion shown in FIG. 2A. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the first type of bristles 130, positioned in the outer perimeter of surface 120, extend straight outwards (e.g., perpendicularly) from the surface 120 of the head portion 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the second type of bristles 140, positioned in the center of surface 120, have a slightly bent shape towards the upper portion of the bristles, and form a concentric vortex extending outwards from surface 120 of head portion 110.

In certain embodiments, dehydrated dentifrice powder may be deposited on at least a portion of surface 120 of head portion 110. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited on the portion of surface 120 comprising the first type of bristles and not in the remaining portions of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles (option a). For instance, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, pursuant to option a, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the outer perimeter of surface 120 in the spaces between the first type of bristles 130 and not in the center of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles 140. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited on the center of surface 120 comprising the second type of bristles 140 and not in the remaining portions of surface 120 comprising the first type of bristles 130 (option b). For instance, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, pursuant to option b, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the center of surface 120 in the spaces between the second type of bristles 140 and not in the outer perimeter of surface 120 comprising the first type of bristles 130. In one embodiment, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited in the spaces between the plurality of bristles on surface 120 in its entirety (combination of options a and b). For instance, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, pursuant to both options a and b, the dehydrated dentifrice may be deposited both, in the spaces between the first type of bristles 130 in the outer perimeter of surface 120, and in the spaces between the second type of bristles 140 in the center of surface 120.

As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, and applied to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, the first type of bristles and/or the second type of bristles and/or any additional type of bristles may be tightly packed, particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between any particular type of bristles, so as to ensure minimal (and substantially no) fall out of the dehydrated dentifrice powder therefrom.

FIG. 3A depicts a front side of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3B depicts a back side of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may include a head portion 110 and a handle portion 150 to be gripped by a user's hand during use. The handle portion 150 may be connected to head portion 110 via an optional shank 155. In one embodiment, the shank may have a bottleneck shape as exemplified in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In certain embodiments, the handle portion 150 by itself, or along with shank 155 (if present) may form an ergonomic handle configured to be held by a user when brushing teeth.

In one embodiment, the handle portion 150 may further include a slip resistant pad 160. The slip resistant pad 160 may be positioned on the front side of handle portion 150 in the center (i.e., equidistance from the top end and bottom end of handle portion 150 and equidistance from a first side 150a and a second side 150b of handle portion 150), as depicted in FIG. 3A. In certain embodiments, slip resistant pad 160 (or additional slip resistant pads) may be positioned in other parts of handle portion 150 (e.g., in the back side of handle portion 150). Slip resistant pad 160 may include ridges 160a, 160b configured to minimize the user's grip from slipping in either direction. Concave upward facing ridges 160a may prevent the user's grip from slipping during forward motion. Convex downward facing ridges 160b may prevent the user's grip from slipping during backward motion.

The length of the disposable toothbrushes described herein (measured based on the length of the head portion, handle portion, and shank if one exists) may range from about 5 cm to about 25 cm, from about 7 cm to about 20 cm, or from about 10 cm to about 15 cm. The length of the disposable toothbrush should not be construed in a limited manner. Any toothbrush length that would maintain the properties of the toothbrush described herein (such as, being disposable, portable, compact or travel size in some instance, biodegradable, and so on) may be encompassed by this disclosure.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, all depict a head portion 110 having a circular shape. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting. The head portion of the disposable toothbrushes described herein may have a variety of shapes, such as, without limitation, a circle, an ellipse, a square, or a rectangle. The dimensions of the head portion of the disposable toothbrushes described herein should not be limited as any suitable width, length, and depth may be used. In some embodiments, the width of the head portion (measured at the widest section, such as outer diameter in a circle, minor axis in an ellipse, and so on) may range from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, from about 0.75 cm to about 1.5 cm, or from about 0.9 cm to about 1.2 cm. In some embodiments, the length of the head portion (measured at the longest section, such as outer diameter in a circle, major axis in an ellipse, and so on) may range from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm, from about 1 cm to about 3 cm, or from about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm. In some embodiments, the depth of the head portion (measured based on the height of the longest type of bristles plus the depth of a head portion base underlying the bristles, if such a base exists) may range from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, from about 0.75 cm to about 1.5 cm, or from about 0.9 cm to about 1.2 cm.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, all depict a head portion 110 having only two types of bristles. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting. The head portion of the disposable toothbrushes described herein may have only one type of bristles in certain embodiments, or more than two type of bristles in other embodiments (e.g., three types of bristles, four types of bristles and so on).

FIG. 4A depicts a front side of a head portion 410 of a disposable toothbrush, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of the head portion 410 shown in FIG. 4A. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an embodiment where the head portion 410 is rectangle forming a rectangular surface 420 that includes three types of bristles.

The rectangular surface 420 in FIG. 4A includes a first type of bristles 430 (similar to the first type of bristles 130), a second type of bristles 440 (similar to the second type of bristles 140), and a third type of bristles 470. The third type of bristles 470 may extend outwards from the surface 420 of head portion 410 in a diagonally crossed direction (as depicted by the criss-cross illustrated in FIG. 4B).

The various types of bristles may be positioned on the surface of the head portion of the disposable toothbrush in a variety of arrangements and patterns so as to maximize the efficiency of the toothbrush in removing bacteria from teeth being brushed therewith. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rectangular surface 420 has a first vertical side 420a and a second vertical side 420b and the third type of bristles 470 are positioned along the first vertical side 420a and along the second vertical side 420b. In one embodiment, the third type of bristles may be positioned continuously along the first vertical side 420a and along the second vertical side 420b (not shown). In another embodiment, the third type of bristles may be positioned in groups (e.g., two groups, three groups, four groups, and so on) that are spaced apart along the first vertical side 420a and along the second vertical side 420b. For instance, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the third type of bristles form three groups 470a1, 470a2, and 470a3 that are spaced apart along vertical side 420a and three groups 470b1, 470b2, and 470b3 that are spaced apart along vertical side 420b.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rectangular surface 420 has a third horizontal side 420c and a fourth horizontal side 420d and the second type of bristles 440 are positioned centrally equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b. In one embodiment, the second type of bristles 440 may form a single concentric vortex centrally positioned in rectangular surface 420 (i.e., equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b as well as equidistance from the third horizontal side 420c and from the fourth horizontal side 420d). In one embodiment, the second type of bristles 440 may form a first concentric vortex 440a and a second concentric vortex 440b, wherein the first concentric vortex 440a and the second concentric vortex 440b may be vertically spaced apart and may both be centrally positioned in equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b. In some embodiments, the second type of bristles may form more than two concentric vertex that may be positioned in other arrangements on surface 420.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, any remaining sections on the rectangular surface 420, without the second type of bristles 440 or the third type of bristles 470, may include the first type of bristles 430.

In an alternative embodiment, rectangular surface 420 may switch the positioning of the first type of bristles 430 and the second type of bristles 440 in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For instance, the third type of bristles may be positioned (continuously or in distinct groups) along the first vertical side 420a and along the second vertical side 420b. The first type of bristles 430 may be positioned centrally equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b. In one embodiment, the first type of bristles 430 may form a single circle centrally positioned in the rectangular surface 420 (i.e., equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b as well as equidistance from the third horizontal side 420c and from the fourth horizontal side 420d). In one embodiment, the first type of bristles 430 may form a first circle and a second circle, wherein the first circle and the second circle may be vertically spaced apart and may both be centrally positioned in equidistance from the first vertical side 420a and from the second vertical side 420b. In some embodiments, the first type of bristles may form more than two circles that may be positioned in other arrangements on surface 420. In this alternative embodiment, any remaining sections on the rectangular surface 420, without the first type of bristles 430 or the third type of bristles 470, may include the second type of bristles 440.

In the disposable toothbrush according to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B (or an alternative arrangement of the various types of bristles), a dehydrated dentifrice powder may be deposited in a), b), c), or any combination of two or more thereof, where a), b), and c) are:

• a) on the surface of the head portion 410 in spaces between the first type of bristles 430 (regardless of their positioning on surface 420), and/or
• b) on the surface of the head portion 410 in spaces between the second type of bristles 440 (regardless of their positioning on surface 420), and/or
• c) on the surface of the head portion 410 in spaces between the third type of bristles 470 (regardless of their positioning on surface 420).

As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the first type of bristles and/or the second type of bristles and/or any additional type of bristles (such as the third type of bristles) may be tightly packed, particularly if the dehydrated dentifrice is deposited in the spaces between any particular type of bristles, so as to ensure minimal (and substantially no) fall out of the dehydrated dentifrice powder therefrom.

The plurality of bristles (e.g., first type of bristles 130, 430 and/or second type of bristles 140, 440 and/or the third type of bristles 470 and/or any additional type of bristles) may have a length ranging from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, from about 0.75 cm to about 1.5 cm, or from about 0.9 cm to about 1.2 cm. In one embodiment, the first type of bristles may be equal in length to at least one of the second type of bristles, the third type of bristles, or any additional type of bristles. In one embodiment, the first type of bristles may be longer than the second type of bristles (e.g., the length of the first type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the second type of bristles). In one embodiment, the second type of bristles may be longer than the first type of bristles (e.g., the length of the second type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the first type of bristles). In one embodiment, the first type of bristles may be longer than the third type of bristles (e.g., the length of the first type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the third type of bristles). In one embodiment, the third type of bristles may be longer than the first type of bristles (e.g., the length of the third type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the first type of bristles). In one embodiment, the third type of bristles may be longer than the second type of bristles (e.g., the length of the third type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the second type of bristles). In one embodiment, the second type of bristles may be longer than the third type of bristles (e.g., the length of the second type of bristles may be about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, or about 125% of the length of the third type of bristles).

In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may be made out of at least one of wood, compressed cardboard, compressed paper, TIPA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the plurality of spaced bristles may be made out of at least one of TWA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrush described herein may further include beeswax. In some embodiments, beeswax may be used to maintain the integrity of the toothbrush structure, particularly during its exposure to water. A beeswax coating may be applied to any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein regardless of their primary material of construction. In one embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may be constructed of a plurality of compressed cardboard layers suitable to provide for a strong toothbrush that can maintain its structure even when subjected to vigorous brushing.

In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein are also biodegradable. In one embodiment, the disposable toothbrushes described herein decompose/disintegrate to components that are not harmful to the environment, such as, without limitations, water, carbon dioxide, and/or organic matter that bacteria can degrade. In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may decompose/disintegrate without ensuring their exposure to optimal processing conditions. For instance, in certain embodiments, disposing the toothbrushes described herein outdoors or in the regular waste would still result in the toothbrush decomposing/disintegrating within up to about 2 years.

In some instances, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may decompose/disintegrate within up to about 18 months, up to about 12 months, up to about 10 months, up to about 8 months, up to about 6 months, up to about 4 months, up to about 14 weeks, up to about 12 weeks, up to about 10 weeks, up to about 8 weeks, up to about 6 weeks, or up to about 1 month.

In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may maintain their structural integrity for at least about 1 week, at least about 2 weeks, at least about 3 weeks, at least about 4 weeks, at least about 5 weeks, at least about 6 weeks, at least about 7 weeks, at least about 8 weeks, at least about 9 weeks, at least about 10 weeks, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, or at least about 1 year.

In certain embodiments, the disposable toothbrushes described herein may be packaged in a packaging or a container that would prevent the toothbrushes' premature degradation so as to maintain its shelf life at least for a reasonably sufficient time to allow it to be purchased and/or used by a consumer.

In certain embodiments, the instant disclosure may be directed to a method of producing any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein. The method may include depositing a dehydrated dentifrice powder on at least a portion of the surface of the head portion of any of the disposable toothbrushes described herein.

In certain embodiments, the instant disclosure may be directed to a disposable toothbrush that has additional functionality, as depicted in FIG. 5. For instance, in one embodiment, the head portion of any of the toothbrushes described herein may include a front side and a back side, such as back side 510 in FIG. 5. The front side may include the plurality of spaced bristles for brushing a user's teeth. The back side may include a tool that provides other functionality for the biodegradable toothbrush, such as, without limitations, a tongue cleaner 560.

In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, dimensions, processes parameters, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is simply intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, or “one embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, or “one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosure in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disposable toothbrush comprising:

a handle portion; and

a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising: a surface having dehydrated dentifrice powder deposited thereon; and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface for brushing teeth, wherein the plurality of spaced bristles comprise a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles, the first type of bristles extending straight outwards from the surface of the head portion, and the second type of bristles forming a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion.

2. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the first type of bristles are placed in the outer perimeter of the surface and the second type of bristles are placed in the center of the surface.

3. The disposable toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the dehydrated dentifrice powder is deposited on at least one of:

on the surface of the head portion in spaces between the first type of bristles in the outer perimeter of the surface; or

on the surface of the head portion in spaces between the second type of bristles in the center of the surface.

4. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the second type of bristles are placed in the outer perimeter of the surface and the first type of bristles are placed in the center of the surface.

5. The disposable toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the dehydrated dentifrice powder is deposited on at least one of:

on the surface of the head portion in spaces between the first type of bristles in the center of the surface; or

on the surface of the head portion in spaces between the second type of bristles in the perimeter of the surface.

6. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the disposable toothbrush is made out of at least one of wood, compressed cardboard, compressed paper, TIPA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof.

7. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced bristles are made of at least one of TIPA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof.

8. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the disposable toothbrush is biodegradable.

9. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the surface of the head portion is at least one of a circle, an ellipse, a square, or a rectangle.

10. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the handle portion comprises a slip resistant pad.

11. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced bristles further comprise a third type of bristles extending outwards from the surface of the head portion in a diagonally crossed direction.

12. The disposable toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the surface is a rectangle forming a rectangular surface,

wherein the rectangular surface comprises a first vertical side and a second vertical side, the third type of bristles being positioned along the first vertical side and along the second vertical side,

wherein the rectangular surface further comprises a third horizontal side and a fourth horizontal side, the second type of bristles being centrally positioned equidistance from the first vertical side and from the second vertical side, and

wherein remaining sections of the rectangular surface, without the second type of bristles or the third type of bristles, comprise the first type of bristles.

13. The disposable toothbrush of claim 12,

wherein the second type of bristles form a single concentric vortex centrally positioned equidistance from the third horizontal side and from the fourth horizontal side, or

wherein the second type of bristles form a first concentric vortex and a second concentration vortex, the first concentric vortex and the second concentric vortex being vertically spaced apart.

14. The disposable toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the surface is a rectangle forming a rectangular surface,

wherein the rectangular surface comprises a first vertical side and a second vertical side, the third type of bristles being positioned along the first vertical side and along the second vertical side,

wherein the rectangular surface further comprises a third horizontal side and a fourth horizontal side, the first type of bristles being centrally positioned equidistance from the first vertical side and from the second vertical side, and

wherein remaining sections of the rectangular surface, without the first type of bristles or the third type of bristles, comprise the second type of bristles.

15. The disposable toothbrush of claim 14,

wherein the first type of bristles form a single circle centrally positioned equidistance from the third horizontal side and from the fourth horizontal side, or

wherein the first type of bristles form a first circle and a second circle, the first circle and the second circle being vertically spaced apart.

16. The disposable toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the front side comprises the surface comprising the plurality of spaced bristles, and wherein the back side comprises a tongue cleaner.

17. A disposable toothbrush comprising:

a handle portion; and

a head portion coupled to the handle portion,

the head portion comprising: a surface; and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface for brushing teeth,

wherein the plurality of spaced bristles comprise a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles, the first type of bristles extending straight outwards from the surface of the head portion, and the second type of bristles forming a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion,

wherein the disposable toothbrush is made of at least one of wood, compressed cardboard, compressed paper, TIPA, a heterogenous mixture of naturally synthesized biopolymers derived tobacco plants, polylactic acid (PLA), or a combination thereof, and

wherein the disposable toothbrush is biodegradable.

18. The disposable toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the plurality of spaced bristles further comprise a third type of bristles extending outwards from the surface of the head portion in a diagonally crossed direction.

19. The disposable toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the head portion comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the front side comprises the surface comprising the plurality of spaced bristles, and wherein the back side comprises a tongue cleaner.

20. A method for producing a disposable toothbrush comprising:

depositing a dehydrated dentifrice powder on the disposable toothbrush, wherein the disposable toothbrush comprises: a handle portion; and a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising: a surface; and a plurality of spaced bristles extending perpendicularly outwards from the surface for brushing teeth, wherein the plurality of spaced bristles comprise a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles, the first type of bristles extending straight outwards from the surface of the head portion, and the second type of bristles forming a concentric vortex extending outwards from the surface of the head portion.