Fluid-Dispensing Brush

Abstract

A fluid dispensing brush facilitates performing personal grooming activities. To facilitate this, the fluid-dispensing brush has a handle, a removable brush, a cartridge, a fluid transfer channel. A cartridge-receiving receptacle is positioned within a first end of the handle so that the cartridge can be inserted into the handle. The outlet coupler is a fluid-transfer mechanism that enables the removable brush to be mounted onto a second end of the handle and be retained in fluid communication with the cartridge. The fluid-transfer channel passes through the removable brush and is in fluid communication with the outlet coupler. Thus, enabling fluid stored within the cartridge to be dispensed onto the brush while performing personal grooming. The dispenser mechanism is a mechanical actuator that generates the force required to dispense fluid out of the cartridge, through the fluid-transfer channel and onto a brushing surface of the removable brush.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a personal care accessory. More specifically, the present invention relates to a brush that dispenses fluid out of a removable cartridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a brush which is adapted to contain a significant quantity of toothpaste or gel therein and to dispense the toothpaste or gel onto the toothbrush or hairbrush bristles. The brush generally comprises a hollow handle having a brush head that is detachably mounted onto a top end of the handle, a disposable toothpaste or gel containing cartridge supported within the handle interior, and a piston mechanism thread ably attached to a bottom end of the handle. The piston mechanism is adapted to force the toothpaste or gel out of the handle into a conduit formed through the brush head. The conduit leads from the interior of the handle to a plurality of outlet holes disposed below resilient valves in a rubber gasket layer which supports the bristles. The valves allow toothpaste or gel to flow from the conduit onto the bristles of the toothpaste or gel while preventing water or other fluids from flowing into the conduit to contaminate the toothpaste or gel supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is left-side sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is left-side sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. In this figure, the dashed line indicates the direction of travel for the stored fluid.

FIG. 5 is left-side sectional view of the removable brush taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram with dashed lines indicating electronica communication between the components of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, the present invention, the fluid-dispensing brush, is a personal care apparatus that enables a user to dispense a stored fluid while performing personal grooming. Preferably, the present invention is a toothbrush that dispenses toothpaste from a removable cartridge of toothpaste. Alternatively, the present invention can be designed to function as a hair or cleaning brush that dispenses fluids onto the bristles while in use. To achieve this, the present invention comprises a handle 1, a removable brush 2, a cartridge 3, at least one fluid-transfer channel 4, and a dispenser mechanism 5. The handle 1 comprises a handle body 11, a cartridge-receiving receptacle 12, and an outlet coupler 13. The handle body 11 is the primary structural component of the present invention and is ergonomically shaped to be easily grasped by a user. The cartridge-receiving receptacle 12 traverses into a first end 111 of the handle body 11. Accordingly, the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12 enables the cartridge 3 to be inserted into the handle 1 and used to dispense the stored fluid. The outlet coupler 13 is a device used to enable the fluid stored within the cartridge 3 to be transferred into the removable brush 2. To that end, the outlet coupler 13 is integrated into a second end 112 of the handle body 11, opposite to the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12. Additionally, the cartridge 3 engages into the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12. Thus positioned, the cartridge 3 can be coupled to the handle 1 without impeding the ergonomic functionalities engendered by the shape of the handle body 11. The cartridge 3 is in fluid communication with the outlet coupler 13 while engaged into the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12. Consequently, the stored fluid can be dispensed from the cartridge 3 by passing through the outlet coupler 13.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the removable brush 2 is a component that functions as a brush head and a fluid delivery system. To achieve this, the removable brush 2 is detachably mounted onto the outlet coupler 13. As a result, the user can perform personal grooming by grasping the handle 1 and manipulating the removable brush 2. The fluid-transfer channel 4 traverses through the removable brush 2. Additionally, the fluid-transfer channel 4 is in fluid communication with the outlet coupler 13. As a result, the stored fluid can flow through the outlet coupler 13, into the fluid-transfer channel 4, and be dispensed onto the removable brush 2 at locations that facilitate personal grooming. The dispenser mechanism 5 is a mechanical actuator that is used to force the stored fluid out of the cartridge 3 and then through the outlet coupler 13 and the fluid-transfer channel 4. Additionally, the dispenser mechanism 5 is integrated into the handle 1. Further, the dispenser mechanism 5 is operatively coupled to the cartridge 3. Thus coupled, the dispenser mechanism 5 forces a fluid stored within the cartridge 3 to travel through the outlet coupler 13 and through the fluid-transfer channel 4. Consequently, the dispenser mechanism 5 enables the user to control the amount of the stored fluid that is dispensed. Further, the dispenser mechanism 5 governs the rate at which the stored fluid is dispensed.

In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, as described above, the present invention is manufactured to function as a toothbrush, a hairbrush, or any number of personal grooming devices, Preferably, however, the present invention is manufactured to function as a toothpaste-dispensing toothbrush. As such, the removable brush 2 comprises a neck 21, a brush head 22, and a plurality of bristles 23. The brush head 22 is terminally connected to the neck 21 so that the brush head 22 is advantageously positioned when performing personal grooming activities, such as brushing one's teeth. Relatedly, the outlet coupler 13 is removably mounted onto the neck 21, opposite to the brush head 22. As a result, the present invention is able to function as a modular system with parts that can be removed or replaced as required. The plurality of bristles 23 is adjacently connected to a brushing surface 222 of the brush head 22. Additionally, the plurality of bristles 23 is distributed across the brushing surface 222. As a result, the brush head 22 can be used to perform scrubbing and brushing operations. The fluid-transfer channel 4 traverses through the neck 21 and the brush head 22. Additionally, a first opening 41 of the fluid-transfer channel 4 is positioned opposite to the brush head 22, along the neck 21. Further, a second opening 42 of the fluid-transfer channel 4 is centrally positioned on the brushing surface 222. Thus positioned, the fluid-transfer channel 4 functions as the conduit through which the stored fluid passes when being dispensed onto the brushing surface 222. Specifically, the stored fluid that exits the outlet coupler 13 enters the fluid-transfer channel 4 through the first opening 41 of the fluid transfer and exits the fluid-transfer channel 4 through the second opening 42. The first opening 41 forms a hermetic seal with the outlet coupler 13 such that the stored fluid is prevented from leaking or being contaminated by contact with the external environment.

In reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the present invention is designed to grant the user increased control over the local area onto which the stored fluid will be applied. To facilitate this, the present invention further comprises at least one dispenser tip 24. The dispenser tip 24 is a flexible tube hollow tube. Additionally, the dispenser tip 24 is mounted over the second opening 42 of the fluid-transfer channel 4. Further, the dispenser tip 24 being in fluid communication with the cartridge 3 through the fluid-transfer channel 4 and the outlet coupler 13. Accordingly, the dispenser tip 24 forms the last conduit through which the stored fluid travels before being deposited onto an external surface. Preferably, the dispenser tip 24 is shaped similarly to a bristle and facilitates depositing the stored fluid directly onto the surface of a tooth or dispersing the stored fluid among strands of hair. The present invention further comprises a one-way valve 43 that is integrated into the fluid-transfer channel 4. As a result, the stored fluid is permitted to flow from the first opening 41 toward the second opening 42 but is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

In reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the present invention is designed to use a motorized system to dispense the stored fluid on command. To that end, the present invention further comprises an endcap 14. Additionally, the cartridge 3 comprises a tubular body 31, a dispensing nipple 32, a base 33, and a storage compartment 34. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism is a length-adjustable cylinder 5. The tubular body 31 is a rigid hollow structure that is designed to be housed within the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12. The dispensing nipple 32 is a connector that is designed to function as a spout. The dispensing nipple 32 is terminally connected to the tubular body 31. Additionally, the dispensing nipple 32 is adjacently attached to the outlet coupler 13, opposite to the removable brush 2. Thus, facilitating dispensing of the stored fluid. The base 33 is slidably mounted within the tubular body 31 Additionally, the storage compartment 34 is positioned in between the base 33 and the dispensing nipple 32. Consequently, the volume of the storage compartment 34 can be increased or decreased by sliding the base 33 along the length of the tubular body 31. The storage compartment 34 is in fluid communication with the outlet coupler 13 through the dispensing nipple 32. As a result, the stored fluid can be forced out of the storage compartment 34 and through the outlet coupler 13 by sliding the base 33 closer to the dispenser nipple. The endcap 14 is detachably mounted over the first end 111 of the handle body 11 so that the cartridge 3 can be locked into place while engaged into the cartridge-receiving receptacle 12. The length-adjustable cylinder 5 is a mechanical actuator that extends and contracts when directed by the user. The length-adjustable cylinder 5 is mounted in between the endcap 14 and the base 33. Consequently, the length-adjustable cylinder 5 generates the force required to move the base 33 closer to or away from the dispensing nipple 32. Thus, causing the sored fluid to flow out of the cartridge 3.

In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, in a first alternative embodiment the dispensing mechanism is a pump 5. In this embodiment, the pump 5 is adjacently connected to the outlet coupler 13 opposite to the removable brush 2. Further, the storage compartment 34 is in fluid communication with the outlet coupler 13 through the pump 5. Accordingly, the pump 5 causes the stored fluid to flow out of the cartridge 3. In a second alternative embodiment, the length-adjustable cylinder 5 can be replaced by a rotating motor and a worm gear. In this embodiment, the base 33 is engaged along the worm gear such that rotating the worm gear causes the base 33 to move closer to or further away from the dispensing nipple 32.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the present invention is designed to function as an intelligent system that responds to user commands and performs various functions, ancillary to personal grooming. To achieve this functionality, the present invention further comprises a user input device 6 and a control system 7. The user input device 6 is laterally mounted onto the handle 1. Thus positioned, the user input device 6 can be easily accessed by the user's fingers while grasping the handle 1. The control system 7 functions as the central processor for the present invention and is used to interpret user input then issue commands that govern the operation of the electrical components of the present invention. The control system 7 is integrated into the handle 1 so that the control system 7 is protected from hazards in the external environment. Additionally, the control system 7 is electronically connected to the user input device 6 and the dispenser mechanism 5. Accordingly, the control system 7 can send and receive data between the electrical components of the present invention. In the first alternative embodiment, the control system 7 includes a wireless radio that enables the present invention to be communicably coupled to external devices. The present invention further comprises a light 8. Preferably, the light 8 is an ultraviolet light that is adjacently connected to the removable brush 2, opposite to the outlet coupler 13. Additionally, the light 8 is electronically connected to the control system 7. Consequently, the user is able to shine ultraviolet light out of the brush head 22 by interacting with the user input device 6. The present invention may further comprise a plurality of environmental sensors. The plurality of environmental sensors is integrated into the removable brush 2 and monitor the health of the user's mouth. Additionally, these sensors can be used to cause an onboard speaker to audibly alert the user of unhealthy oral conditions.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A fluid-dispensing brush comprising: a handle;a removable brush;a cartridge;at least one fluid-transfer channel;a dispenser mechanism;the handle comprising a handle body, a cartridge-receiving receptacle, and an outlet coupler;the cartridge-receiving receptacle traversing into a first end of the handle body;the outlet coupler being integrated into a second end of the handle body, opposite to the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge engaging into the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the removable brush being detachably mounted onto the outlet coupler;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the removable brush;the fluid-transfer channel being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the dispenser mechanism being integrated into the handle; andthe dispenser mechanism being operatively coupled to the cartridge, wherein the dispenser mechanism forces a fluid stored within the cartridge to travel through the outlet coupler and through the fluid-transfer channel.

2. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the removable brush comprising a neck, a brush head, and a plurality of bristles;the brush head being terminally connected to the neck;the outlet coupler being removably mounted onto the neck, opposite to the brush head;the plurality of bristles being adjacently connected to a brushing surface of the brush head;the plurality of bristles being distributed across the brushing surface;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the neck and the brush head;a first opening of the fluid-transfer channel being positioned opposite to the brush head, along the neck; anda second opening of the fluid-transfer channel being centrally positioned on the brushing surface.

3. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 2 comprising: at least one dispenser tip;the dispenser tip being mounted over the second opening of the fluid-transfer channel; andthe dispenser tip being in fluid communication with the cartridge through the fluid-transfer channel and the outlet coupler.

4. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 2 comprising: a one-way valve; andthe one-way valve being integrated into the second end of the fluid-transfer channel.

5. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the handle further comprising an endcap;the cartridge comprising a tubular body, dispensing nipple, a base, and a storage compartment;the dispensing mechanism being a length-adjustable cylinder;the dispensing nipple being terminally connected to the tubular body;the dispensing nipple being adjacently attached to the outlet coupler, opposite to the removable brush;the base being slidably mounted within the tubular body;the storage compartment being positioned in between the base and the dispensing nipple;the storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the dispensing nipple;the endcap being detachably mounted over the first end of the handle body; andthe length-adjustable cylinder being mounted in between the endcap and the base.

6. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the cartridge comprising a tubular body, a storage compartment, a base;the dispensing mechanism being a pump;the storage compartment traversing into a first end of the cartridge body;the base being mounted over the first end of the storage compartment;the pump being adjacently connected to the outlet coupler opposite to the removable brush; andthe storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the pump.

7. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a user input device;a control system;the user input device being laterally mounted onto the handle;the control system being integrated into the handle; andthe control system being electronically connected to the user input device and the dispenser mechanism.

8. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 7 comprising: a light;the light being adjacently connected to the removable brush, opposite to the outlet coupler; andthe light being electronically connected to the control system.

9. A fluid-dispensing brush comprising: a handle;a removable brush;a cartridge;at least one fluid-transfer channel;a dispenser mechanism;the handle comprising a handle body, a cartridge-receiving receptacle, and an outlet coupler;the removable brush comprising a neck, a brush head, and a plurality of bristles;the cartridge-receiving receptacle traversing into a first end of the handle body;the outlet coupler being integrated into a second end of the handle body, opposite to the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge engaging into the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the removable brush being detachably mounted onto the outlet coupler;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the removable brush;the fluid-transfer channel being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the dispenser mechanism being integrated into the handle;the dispenser mechanism being operatively coupled to the cartridge, wherein the dispenser mechanism forces a fluid stored within the cartridge to travel through the outlet coupler and through the fluid-transfer channel;the brush head being terminally connected to the neck;the outlet coupler being removably mounted onto the neck, opposite to the brush head;the plurality of bristles being adjacently connected to a brushing surface of the brush head;the plurality of bristles being distributed across the brushing surface;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the neck and the brush head;a first opening of the fluid-transfer channel being positioned opposite to the brush head, along the neck;a second opening of the fluid-transfer channel being centrally positioned on the brushing surface;

10. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 9 comprising: at least one dispenser tip;the dispenser tip being mounted over the second opening of the fluid-transfer channel;the dispenser tip being in fluid communication with the cartridge through the fluid-transfer channel and the outlet coupler;

11. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 9 comprising: a one-way valve;the one-way valve being integrated into the second end of the fluid-transfer channel;

12. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the handle further comprising an endcap;the cartridge comprising a tubular body, dispensing nipple, a base, and a storage compartment;the dispensing mechanism being a length-adjustable cylinder;the dispensing nipple being terminally connected to the tubular body;the dispensing nipple being adjacently attached to the outlet coupler, opposite to the removable brush;the base being slidably mounted within the tubular body;the storage compartment being positioned in between the base and the dispensing nipple;the storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the dispensing nipple;the endcap being detachably mounted over the first end of the handle body;the length-adjustable cylinder being mounted in between the endcap and the base;

13. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the cartridge comprising a tubular body, a storage compartment, a base;the dispensing mechanism being a pump;the storage compartment traversing into a first end of the cartridge body;the base being mounted over the first end of the storage compartment;the pump being adjacently connected to the outlet coupler opposite to the removable brush;the storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the pump;

14. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 9 comprising: a user input device;a control system;the user input device being laterally mounted onto the handle;the control system being integrated into the handle;the control system being electronically connected to the user input device and the dispenser mechanism;

15. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 14 comprising: a light;the light being adjacently connected to the removable brush, opposite to the outlet coupler;the light being electronically connected to the control system;

16. fluid-dispensing brush comprising: a handle;a removable brush;a cartridge;at least one fluid-transfer channel;a dispenser mechanism;at least one dispenser tip;a user input device;a control system;the handle comprising a handle body, a cartridge-receiving receptacle, and an outlet coupler;the removable brush comprising a neck, a brush head, and a plurality of bristles;the cartridge-receiving receptacle traversing into a first end of the handle body;the outlet coupler being integrated into a second end of the handle body, opposite to the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge engaging into the cartridge-receiving receptacle;the cartridge being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the removable brush being detachably mounted onto the outlet coupler;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the removable brush;the fluid-transfer channel being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler;the dispenser mechanism being integrated into the handle;the dispenser mechanism being operatively coupled to the cartridge, wherein the dispenser mechanism forces a fluid stored within the cartridge to travel through the outlet coupler and through the fluid-transfer channel;the brush head being terminally connected to the neck;the outlet coupler being removably mounted onto the neck, opposite to the brush head;the plurality of bristles being adjacently connected to a brushing surface of the brush head;the plurality of bristles being distributed across the brushing surface;the fluid-transfer channel traversing through the neck and the brush head;a first opening of the fluid-transfer channel being positioned opposite to the brush head, along the neck;a second opening of the fluid-transfer channel being centrally positioned on the brushing surface;the dispenser tip being mounted over the second opening of the fluid-transfer channel;the dispenser tip being in fluid communication with the cartridge through the fluid-transfer channel and the outlet coupler;the user input device being laterally mounted onto the handle;the control system being integrated into the handle;the control system being electronically connected to the user input device and the dispenser mechanism;

17. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 16 comprising: a one-way valve;the one-way valve being integrated into the second end of the fluid-transfer channel;

18. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the handle further comprising an endcap;the cartridge comprising a tubular body, dispensing nipple, a base, and a storage compartment;the dispensing mechanism being a length-adjustable cylinder;the dispensing nipple being terminally connected to the tubular body;the dispensing nipple being adjacently attached to the outlet coupler, opposite to the removable brush;the base being slidably mounted within the tubular body;the storage compartment being positioned in between the base and the dispensing nipple;the storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the dispensing nipple;the endcap being detachably mounted over the first end of the handle body;the length-adjustable cylinder being mounted in between the endcap and the base;

19. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the cartridge comprising a tubular body, a storage compartment, a base;the dispensing mechanism being a pump;the storage compartment traversing into a first end of the cartridge body;the base being mounted over the first end of the storage compartment;the pump being adjacently connected to the outlet coupler opposite to the removable brush;the storage compartment being in fluid communication with the outlet coupler through the pump;

20. The fluid-dispensing brush as claimed in claim 16 comprising: a light;the light being adjacently connected to the removable brush, opposite to the outlet coupler;the light being electronically connected to the control system;