Patent Grant
9545149
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
The present invention is directed to a hygienic toothbrush maintenance system that utilizes a detachable head, a controllable ultraviolet light, a protective cartridge, and a one-handed release switch to maintain hygienic conditions for a toothbrush.
A toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument used to clean the teeth and gums that consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles mounted on a handle, which facilitates the cleansing of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The bristles of the toothbrush are often covered with toothpaste to increase the effectiveness of tooth brushing.
It is known in the art that the value of a continuous and thorough dental hygiene program with a toothbrush is effective for the prevention of dental caries, periodontal diseases and deterioration of tooth surfaces caused by bacterial infection in the mouth.
The inventor knew that cavities are developed in teeth as a result of chemical reaction with the tooth surface caused by bacteria constantly present in the mouth. The bacteria produce acids and similar toxins which attack the surface of the teeth and dissolve the surfaces thus producing cavities which must be repaired in order to save the tooth. The inventor was also aware that, since tooth decay and peridental diseases may be affected by bacterial action, there was a need for destroying these bacteria colonies which form on tooth surfaces.
Through years of brushing and dentist visits, the inventor also knew that the primary function of a toothbrush is to destroy colonies of bacteria and remove plaque so that there will be no buildup in the concentration of plaque and bacteria which will attack the various structures of the mouth.
However, the inventor recognized that a toothbrush is also a source of bacterial contamination. Microscopic particles or larger particles frequently become lodged in the bristles and then they reenter the mouth on the next brush of the teeth.
Further, the inventor noticed that toothbrush users often discarded toothbrushes every few months, or even weeks. Through research, the inventor learned that it takes less than three weeks for bacteria to heavily infect the bristles of brushes constantly used in warm environments.
The inventor also recognized a societal trend in that society was moving away from the disposable era toward an era of conservation of resources. Thus, throwing away a toothbrush every two weeks was no longer acceptable. The inventor recognized that not only do such habits waste the natural resources used in producing the toothbrush, but toothbrushes are commonly made of materials which do not easily degrade in landfills, which contributes to the general problem of using up available disposal sites.
The inventor wondered if the most bacteria susceptible portion of the tooth brush could be removed for cleaning or interchanging. The inventor developed a toothbrush with a disposable bristle head, which would allow the user to dispose only a part of the brush, rather than the whole brush. The inventor saw that this created a more acceptable environmentally and encourages frequent discarding of the contaminated bristles; thus minimizing the potential of reinfection of the mouth with bacteria.
In addition, the inventor saw that the toothbrush with a detachable head could allow other dental appliances such as picks or bristle heads with differently shaped or different stiffness bristles to be mounted on the handle.
However, the inventor recognized a problem in that the bristles were still not being cleaned thoroughly. The inventor researched and learned that ultraviolet light was effective for killing 99.9% of bacteria. The inventor developed a stand and a hood with reflective interior. An ultraviolet light source was positioned in the hood to immerse the detachable head. The inventor also made the head pivotable so as to optimize engagement with the detachable head.
Dental hygienic systems have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,095,634; 6,786,342; and 20060085932.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a hygienic toothbrush maintenance system that maintains the hygiene of a toothbrush, and specifically the bristles of the toothbrush through use of a detachable head, a controllable ultraviolet light portion, a protective cartridge, and a one-handed release switch to maintain hygienic conditions for a toothbrush.
The present invention describes a hygienic toothbrush maintenance system. The hygienic toothbrush maintenance system, hereafter, “system” utilizes a detachable head, a controllable ultraviolet light portion, a protective cartridge, and a one-handed release switch to maintain hygienic conditions for a toothbrush.
In one embodiment, the system helps maintain a toothbrush in a hygienic state through use of at least one detachable head that can be interchanged, and ultraviolet light that substantially immerses the bristles to kill bacteria. A pair of tensioned wires on the detachable head slides in and out of a head end of the toothbrush to enable secure and easy detachable attachment of the detachable head from the toothbrush. A release switch enables detachment of the detachable head from the toothbrush, and is operable with one hand so as to minimize contact with the toothbrush. A docking platform retains the toothbrush in an upright position and stores the removed detachable heads. An ultraviolet portion includes a telescopically extendable stand and a hood that emits ultraviolet light. The hood pivotally covers the detachable heads, while they are attached to the toothbrush, and while stored in a head reception portion.
In some embodiments, the system may include a toothbrush. The toothbrush comprises at least one detachable head having a plurality of bristles. The detachable head may be U-shaped to fit into the head end of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, a fastening mechanism, such as a pair of tensioned wires, may be used to detach and attach the detachable head to the head end of the toothbrush.
In one embodiment, the pair of tensioned wires may extend from the head end of the toothbrush and engage a pair of depressions in the detachable head to lock the detachable head to the head end of the toothbrush. A release switch on the head end of the toothbrush is operatively connected to the tensioned wires, and may be manipulated to release tension from the tensioned wires. The release switch may be operated with one hand, so as to minimize contact with the hands, and thereby further enhance the hygienic qualities of the system.
The detachable head may also have a back side with a textured surface for scrubbing the gums, and a front side from which the bristles extend. The detachable head may be interchanged onto the head end of the toothbrush with other detachable heads having various sizes, colors, and shapes. In one embodiment, at least one cartridge detachably encases the detachable head to provide protection against external elements.
A docking platform provides a foundation for supporting the toothbrush in an upright position, and for storing the at least one detachable head when not in use. The docking platform includes at least one toothbrush reception portion that detachably receives to the handle end of the toothbrush. By orienting the toothbrush in the upright position in the toothbrush reception portion, excess water may flow away from the bristles; thereby minimizing bacterial growth. The docking platform further comprises at least one head reception portion that is shaped and sized to receive the at least one detachable head while encased in the cartridge. In this manner, the detachable heads can be selected based on desired hygienic readiness, hardness of bristles, or decorative aspects.
In some embodiments, the system utilizes ultraviolet light to kill bacteria that accumulates on the detachable head, and specifically bacteria on the bristles. At least one ultraviolet portion is disposed on the docking platform, adjacent to the toothbrush, and oriented to emit ultraviolet light directly on the bristles of the detachable head.
In one embodiment, the ultraviolet portion may include a stand and a hood. The stand provides a supportive component for the hood. In one embodiment, each stand rests parallel and adjacent to each toothbrush on the platform. The stand may be configured to telescopically extend and retract.
The stand extends from a base section of the ultraviolet portion, terminating at the hood. The hood is configured to position over and partially encapsulate the detachable head. The hood may be swiveled, pivoted, and detached to enable access to the detachable head that is attached to the head end of the toothbrush. The stand may be lowered, such that the light source immerse the unused detachable heads in their respective head reception portion.
The hood includes an interior reflective surface having reflective qualities. The interior reflective surface further includes a light source that emits ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light emitted by the light source reflects off the interior surface to fully immerse the bristles of the toothbrush.
A hygienic toothbrush maintenance system, the system comprising:
In another aspect, the at least one toothbrush is a manual toothbrush.
In another aspect, the at least one toothbrush is three toothbrushes.
In another aspect, the plurality of bristles in the at least one detachable head are fabricated from an antibacterial synthetic polymer.
In another aspect, the at least one detachable head is six detachable heads.
In yet another aspect, back side of the at least one detachable head is textured.
In yet another aspect, the cartridge is transparent.
In yet another aspect, the pair of tensioned wires are parallel.
In yet another aspect, the pair of tensioned wires terminate at a hook.
In yet another aspect, the hook is configured to engage the pair of depressions.
In yet another aspect, the release switch is disposed at the head end of the toothbrush.
In yet another aspect, the release switch is configured to be operable with one hand.
In yet another aspect, a pair of lateral edges of the at least one disposable head slidably engage the pair of tensioned wires.
In yet another aspect, docking platform is substantially rectangular.
In yet another aspect, the docking platform is fabricated from an antibacterial polymer.
In yet another aspect, the hood selectively covers the at least one detachable head during attachment to the head end of the at least one toothbrush, or during storage in the at least one head reception portion of the docking platform.
In yet another aspect, the hood is configured to pivot.
In yet another aspect, the hood is dome-shaped.
In yet another aspect, the stand is configured to telescopically extend and retract.
In yet another aspect, the light source is an excimer lamp.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a hygienic environment for a toothbrush.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide at least one detachable head that operates on a toothbrush and enables selective changing of heads and bristles for hygiene, bristle strength, and style.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide more detachable heads than toothbrushes.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective cartridge for the detachable head, and especially the bristles.
Yet another objective is to provide a toothbrush reception portion that snugly receives the handle end of the toothbrush.
Yet another objective is to kill bacteria on the bristles with ultraviolet light.
Yet another objective is to minimize contact with the toothbrush by providing a release switch that is operable with one hand.
Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture toothbrush with hygienic features.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:
The present invention, a referenced in
As referenced in
In another embodiment, a pair of tensioned wires 118a-b on the detachable head 110a-e slides in and out of a head end 108 of the toothbrush 102a-b to enable secure and easy detachable attachment of the detachable head 110a-e from the toothbrush 102a-b. A release switch 120 enables detachment of the detachable head 110a-e from the toothbrush 102a-b. The release switch 120 is operable with one hand so as to minimize contact with the toothbrush 102a-b.
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Those skilled in the art will recognize that the bristles 112 are the portion of the toothbrush 102a-b that are most susceptible to bacteria, as they are the portion of the toothbrush 102a-b that most intimately engage the teeth in the deepest recesses of the mouth. For example, microscopic particles or larger particles frequently become lodged in the bristles 112 and then reenter the mouth on subsequent brushing of the teeth. Thus, as
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As
In one alternative embodiment, the head end 108 of the toothbrush 102a-b allows other dental appliances such as picks or bristle heads with differently shaped or different stiffness bristles 112 to be mounted on the toothbrush 102a-b. In these cases, the dental appliances couple with the pair of tensioned wires 118a-b, substantially the same as the detachable head 110a-e.
The detachable head 110a-e may also have a back side 116 with a textured surface for scrubbing the gums, and a front side 114 from which the bristles 112 extend. The detachable head 110a-e may be interchanged onto the head end 108 of the toothbrush 102a-b with other detachable head 110a-es having various sizes, colors, and shapes. In one embodiment, at least one cartridge detachably encases the detachable head 110a-e to provide protection against external elements.
In one embodiment, a cartridge is configured to encase the detachable head 110a-e when not in use. This provides an additional layer of hygiene. The cartridge may include a transparent case that is sized and dimensioned to at least partially encapsulate the detachable head 110a-e. The cartridge may be used on the detachable head 110a-e while attached to the toothbrush 102a-b, or while detached. Suitable materials for the cartridge may include, without limitation, a transparent plastic, a rigid polymer, a polyurethane, stainless steel and fiberglass.
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In some embodiments, the docking platform 200 includes at least one toothbrush 102a-b reception portion that detachably receives to the handle end 106 of the toothbrush 102a-b. The toothbrush 102a-b reception portion may include a slot that is sized and dimensioned to snugly receive the handle end 106 of the toothbrush 102a-b. By orienting the toothbrush 102a-b in the upright position in the toothbrush 102a-b reception portion, excess water may flow away from the bristles 112; thereby minimizing bacterial growth.
As
In some embodiments, the system 100 utilizes ultraviolet light to kill bacteria that accumulates on the detachable head 110a-e, and specifically bacteria on the bristles 112. The ultraviolet light is controllable so as to optimize engagement with the detachable head 110a-e, and specifically the bristles 112 of the toothbrush 102a-b. At least one ultraviolet portion 204 is disposed on the docking platform 200, adjacent to the toothbrush 102a-b, and oriented to emit ultraviolet light directly on the bristles 112 of the detachable head 110a-e.
As referenced in
The stand 206a-b extends from a base section of the docking platform 200, terminating at the hood 208a-b. The hood 208a-b is configured to position over and partially encapsulate the detachable head 110a-e. The hood 208a-b may be swiveled, pivoted, and detached to enable access to the detachable head 110a-e while it is attached to the head end 108 of the toothbrush 102a-b, or stored in the head reception portion 210 of the docking platform 200. For example, the stand 206a-b may be lowered, such that the ultraviolet light source 214a-b immerse the unused detachable heads 110a-e in their respective head reception portion 210. In one embodiment, the stand 206a-b telescopically extends and retracts, so as to enable controllable interaction with the detachable head 110a-e.
The hood 208a-b includes an interior reflective surface 216a-b having reflective qualities (
In one embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 214a-b is an excimer lamp. The ultraviolet light emitted by the light source 214a-b reflects off the interior surface to fully immerse the bristles 112 of the toothbrush 102a-b. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that ultraviolet light is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 400 nm to 100 nm, shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays. This range of wavelengths is efficacious for killing bacteria.
In some embodiments, the stand 206a-b may be manipulated to obtain optimal immersion of the detachable head 110a-e in the ultraviolet light. Thus, the hood 208a-b selectively covers the at least one detachable head 110a-e during attachment to the head end 108 of the toothbrush 102a-b, or when the detachable head 110a-e is detached from the toothbrush 102a-b, during storage in the at least one head reception portion 210 of the docking platform 200.
While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the system may store dental floss in the docking platform. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090056044 | Rizoiu | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20140166900 | Nelson | Jun 2014 | A1 |
