Toothpaste Dispensing Disposable Toothbrush

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste. It is an aim of the present invention to prevent users from accidentally missing to pack toothpaste or apply toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a toothbrush with a toothpaste filled handle, that can dispense toothpaste on the bristles either manually or automatically. The present could be easily packed into a travel bag, eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that can leak onto belongings. Further, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, and at lobby desks to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, and disposable product that specifically helps people on the go to maintain a healthy oral hygiene.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a disposable toothbrush. More specifically, the present invention is a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste inside the handle, wherein turning the base of the toothbrush dispenses toothpaste from the handle, through the neck of the brush into openings disposed within rows of bristles on the toothbrush head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Brushing one's teeth is one of the most important parts of a healthy hygiene. In addition to freshening the breath, proper brushing also kills the germs and bacteria that can grow inside the mouth. The American Dental Association recommends that teeth be brushed at least twice daily, preferably after meals. However, this recommendation can often prove to be easier said than done. With the hustle and bustle of busy work and daily life, it is simply not practical to carry around a toothbrush and a bulky, messy tube of toothpaste when you are away from home. As a result, consumers are unable to brush their teeth immediately following a meal. The longer the food particles remain in the mouth, the more susceptible you are to the formation of germs and bacteria that cause decay. Further, toothpaste and toothbrush are two main things that people often forget to pack when they are travelling or away from home.

An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste and is perfect for taking anywhere. It is an aim of the present invention to provide users the convenience of reducing the number of items in their bathrooms, and preventing accidentally missing application of toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a toothbrush with a toothpaste filled handle, that could be operated both manually and automatically. In the manual version, rotating a base portion of the toothbrush, serve as a turn screw operated plunger mechanism, that dispenses toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The automatic version of the present invention would perform similarly, except that instead of rotating the base, a push button on the toothbrush dispenses a fixed amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The present invention is an especially convenient product for travelers, as it could be easily packed into a purse or a travel bag thereby eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that may leak onto travelers' belongings. Further, hotel guests would also enjoy the convenience of this product, as it is disposable, affordable, and perfect for short trips. Furthermore, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, and at lobby desks to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Additionally, the present invention may comprise a variety of attractive and eye-catching colors on the outside and have a variety of toothpastes and gels in different flavors as filling. Examples of such fillings include, but are not limited to, extra whitening, tarter control, mint for adults, bubble gum to appeal children etc. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and lightweight product, that could help users maintain a healthy oral hygiene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front left perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along A-A′.

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5, taken along B-B′.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, where the handle is ergonomically designed to facilitate brushing.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 10, taken along C-C′.

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 is a toothpaste dispensing disposable toothbrush. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste, and perfect for taking anywhere. It is an aim of the toothbrush, to provide users the convenience of reducing the number of items in their bathrooms, and preventing accidentally missing applying toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the toothbrush comes with a toothpaste filled handle, that could be operated both manually and automatically. In the manual version, a rotating base portion of the toothbrush, serve as a turn screw operated plunger mechanism, that dispenses toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The automatic version of the present invention would perform similarly, except that instead of rotating the base, a push button on the toothbrush dispenses a fixed amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The present invention is an especially convenient product for travelers, as it could be easily packed into a purse or a travel bag, thereby eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that may leak onto travelers' belongings. Further, hotel guests would also enjoy the convenience of this product, as it is disposable, affordable, and perfect for short trips. Furthermore, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, airports and at lobby desks, to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and lightweight product, that could help users maintain a healthy oral hygiene, when they are in a hurry or away from home.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 11. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush comprises a handle 1, a base 2, a neck 3, and a brushing assembly 4. The handle 1, the base 2, the neck 3, and the brushing assembly 4 may comprise any shape, size, material, color, orientation, component, or arrangement of components, that are known to one or ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not hindered. However, it is preferred that the handle 1 is cylindrical in shape and is rubber coated, for providing a good grip and easy handling. Additionally, the handle 1 may comprise a variety of attractive and eye-catching colors, examples of which include, but are not limited to red, blue, orange, white, purple, and yellow. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle 1 comprises a body 5, a toothpaste compartment 6, and a toothpaste dispensing assembly 7. Preferably, the body 5 is a hollow cylindrical receptacle with one or more groves and ledges for fastening elements. However, the body 5 may comprise any shape, size, or components, that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not altered. In the ideal embodiment of the present invention the toothpaste compartment 6 may store a volume of gel or toothpaste until it is dispensed by the user, and the gel or toothpaste may comprise different varieties and flavors that appeal to both adults and children. Examples of such toothpastes include, but are not limited to, extra whitening, tarter control, mint etc. for adults, and bubble gum, strawberry, cherry etc. for children. Preferably, the toothpaste compartment 6 traverses into a first end 8 of the body 5, so that the toothpaste compartment 6 can hold enough toothpaste to last for approximately 5-7 days. However, the toothpaste compartment 6 may comprise any size or shape, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not compromised.

According to the preferred embodiment, the base 2 is mounted over the first end 8 and the neck 3 is attached to a second end 9 of the body 5, wherein, the second end 9 is opposite to the first end 8 across the body 5. This arrangement of the base 2 and the neck 3 enables easy handling and manipulation of the toothbrush for the user. Preferably, the base 2 is a small cylinder, that has a knurled outer surface 2a, for providing better grip to users. However, the base 2 can comprise any size or shape that do not hinder the intended purpose of the present invention. Continuing with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brushing assembly 4 comprises a brush head 10, a bristle component 11, a plurality of openings 12, and a toothpaste channel 13. Further, the brush head 10 is mounted adjacent to the neck 3, opposite to the body 5, and the bristle component 11 is mounted on a brushing surface 10a of the brush head 10. The positioning of the brush head 10 and the arrangement and shape of the bristle component 11 enables easy handling and efficient cleaning, while operating the toothbrush. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, the brush head 10 comprises a rectangular shape with rounded edges. However, the brush head 10 may comprise any shape and/or size, such as oval, circular, polygonal etc. that are known to one or ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intentions of the present invention is fulfilled. Similarly, it is preferred that the bristle component 11 comprises short, crisscrossing fiber bristles with beveled edges, that can facilitate an efficient and comfortable cleaning. However, bristles having any different shapes and/or arrangements, such as a dual bristle head with one group of bristles circular in shape and the other group of bristles being oval in shape etc. would fall under the scope of the present invention.

It is an aim of the present invention to dispense toothpaste from the handle, into the toothbrush head. Accordingly, the plurality of openings 12 traverse into the brushing surface 10a, and the toothpaste channel 13 traverse through the brush head 10 and the neck 3, into the toothpaste compartment 6. The plurality of openings 12 spans the length of the brushing surface 10a, serving as the egress for toothpaste, and to provide an unobstructed route for the toothpaste stored in the toothpaste compartment 6 to flow onto the brushing surface 10a. These plurality of openings 12 may be of any number, size, or location, so long as they do not compromise the integrity of the present invention and do not prevent free flow of toothpaste from the neck 3. The toothpaste channel 13 may be a singular large entity, or numerous, smaller channels that allow the plurality of openings 12 to be fed with toothpaste. In other words, the plurality of openings 12 is in fluid communication with the toothpaste compartment 6 through the toothpaste channel 13.

According to the preferred embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7 is operatively coupled in between the base 2 and the toothpaste compartment 6, such that, manipulating the base 2 forces a quantity of toothpaste out of the toothpaste compartment 6, into the plurality of openings 12, through the toothpaste channel 13. In other words, the present invention enables easy dispensing of toothpaste on to the toothbrush bristles, based on how the user manipulates the base. Further, it is an aim of the present invention, that users be able control the dispensing of toothpaste onto the brush head 10. In order to accomplish that, a manual version of the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7 in the preferred embodiment comprises, a threaded rod 14, a plunger base 15, a retainer 16, a central hole 17, a female threading 18, a plunger top 19, and a plunger seal 20.

The threaded rod 14 may comprise any size or material, as long as the threaded rod 14 may withstand the strain of forcing the plunger seal 20 against the volume of toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment 6. Further, the threaded rod 14 comprises an upper end 14a and a lower end 14b, wherein the upper end 14a is positioned opposite to the lower end 14b across the threaded rod 14. According to the preferred embodiment, the upper end 14a is rotatably attached to the retainer 16, and the lower end 14b is attached adjacent to the plunger base 15. Preferably, the plunger base 15 is a circular disc, that is mounted over the first end 8 of the body 5, wherein the base 2 is rotatably mounted to the plunger base 15, opposite to the first end 8. The rotatability of the base 2 in relation with the plunger base 15 and the threaded rod 14, governs the smooth functioning of the present invention.

According to the preferred embodiment, the retainer 16 is mounted within the toothpaste compartment 6, adjacent the second end 9. Preferably, the retainer 16 is a permanently fixed support system within the toothpaste compartment 6, adjacent the second end 9, that determines an end point for the threaded rod 14. Accordingly, the retainer 16 may be a flat ring of similar size and shape to the inner diameter of the toothpaste compartment 6. However, the retainer 16 may comprise any other shape, size or material, that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intentions of the present invention is preserved.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the central hole 17 normally traverses through the plunger base 15, the plunger top 19, and the plunger seal 20, thereby enabling the threaded rod 14 to traverse through the plunger base 15, the plunger top 19, and the plunger seal 20. Further, the female threading 18 is laterally attached to the plunger top 19 within the central hole 17, such that the threaded rod 14 be engaged to the plunger top 19, by the female threading 18. The plunger top 19 may be of any size or material, so long as it engages helically with the threaded rod 14. According to the preferred embodiment, the plunger seal 20 is mounted adjacent to the plunger top 19, opposite to the plunger base 15, such that the plunger top 19 is the guiding element for the linear motion of the plunger seal 20. Further, the threaded rod 14, the plunger base 15, the central hole 17, and the retainer 16 are concentrically aligned, for efficient functioning of the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7. As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the plunger seal 20 is not engaged with the threaded rod 14. Thus, unable to rotate freely, the helical engagement of the threaded rod 14 and plunger top 19 will force the plunger seal 20 upwards, thereby displacing the toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment 6. According to the preferred embodiment, the linear motion of the plunger seal 20 terminates as the plunger seal 20 touches the retainer 16. Thus, in order to efficiently displace the toothpaste from the toothpaste compartment 6, the plunger seal 20 is coterminous with the toothpaste compartment 6. In other words, in the preferred embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7 will ride the plunger seal 20 from the plunger base 15 to the retainer 16, forcing toothpaste out of the toothpaste compartment 6, through the neck 3, and out of the plurality of openings 12.

As seen in FIG. 6, the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7 further comprises at least one plunger track 21 and at least one plunger flange 22. Preferably, the plunger track 21 is laterally mounted within the toothpaste compartment 6 and the plunger track 21 extends between the retainer 16 and the plunger base 15. According to the preferred embodiment, the plunger flange 22 is laterally connected to the plunger seal 20, and the plunger flange 22 is slidably engaged along the plunger track 21. This is so that, the plunger track 21 and the plunger flange 22 are congruent to each other and work towards preventing the rotation and/or wobbling action of the plunger seal 20, as the threaded rod 14 is being rotated.

It is an aim of the present invention to enable users to channel toothpaste from the handle 1 through the neck 3 to the plurality of openings 12 of the toothbrush, by simply turning the base 2 clockwise. In order to accomplish that, the present invention further comprises a head 23, and a base fastener 24. Preferably, the head is connected adjacent to the lower end 14b, and the head is positioned in between the plunger base 15 and the base 2. The head 23 may be of any size or material, provided that the head 23 engages with the threaded rod 14 and may withstand the strain of forcing the plunger seal 20 against the volume of toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment 6. Further, the base fastener 24 is connected in between the base and the head, such that the head 23 (and thus the threaded rot 14) is rotatably couples to the base fastener 24. This makes sure that rotating the base 2 will rotate the threaded rod 14, and in turn forces the plunger seal 20 to traverse the length of the toothpaste compartment 6.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush comprises a human interface device (HID) 25, and a base compartment 26. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the HID 25 is laterally mounted onto the base 2 and comprises a rectangular switch. However, the HID 25 may be placed anywhere on the base 2 or handle 1, and be of any shape, size or material that does not hinder the intended purpose of the present invention. Further, the base compartment 26 is positioned within the base 2. Preferably the base compartment 26 is a cavity within the base 2, that follows the lateral dimensions of the base 2. However, the base compartment 26 may comprise any other shape, size, or compartments, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not hindered. According to the alternate embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly 7 further comprises a motor 27 and a battery 28. Preferably, the motor 27 and the battery 28 are mounted within the base compartment 26. The motor 27 and the batter 28 can comprise any size, shape, brand and material as long as they confine within the dimensions of the base compartment 26, and do not compromise the intended purpose of the present invention. Further, the motor 27 is rotatably coupled to the threaded rod 14, and the HID 25 is electronically coupled to the motor 27. This is because, it is an aim of the alternate embodiment to let users dispense toothpaste on to the bristle component 11, by manipulating the HID 25. Accordingly, when the HID 25 is pushed or turned on, the motor 25 is actuated, which in turn rotates the threaded rod 14. Rotation of the threaded rod 14 further pushes the plunger seal 20, thereby dispensing a fixed amount of the toothpaste out of the plurality of openings 12. Furthermore, the motor 27 and the HID 25 are electrically coupled to the battery 28, such that the motor 27 and the HID 25 are provided with necessary electrical energy to perform the intended action. Preferably the motor 27 comprises a stepper motor, such that the motor 27 actuates rotation of the threaded rod 14 for a fixed duration. This makes sure the rotation of the threaded rod 14 is not carried on indefinitely, leading to dispensing of unwanted amount of toothpaste through the plurality of openings 12, and thus wastage of toothpaste.

Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and affordable product, that can easily and efficiently dispense toothpaste on to the brush head, with the turn of the base unit or with the push of a button.

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 toothpaste dispensing toothbrush comprising: a handle,a base,a neck,a brushing assembly;the handle comprising a body, a toothpaste compartment, and a toothpaste dispensing assembly;the brushing assembly comprising a brush head, a bristle component, a plurality of openings, and a toothpaste channel;the toothpaste compartment traversing into a first end of the body;the base being mounted over the first end;the neck being attached to a second end of the body, opposite to the first end across the body;the brush head being mounted adjacent to the neck, opposite to the body;the bristle component being mounted onto a brushing surface of the brush head;the plurality of openings traversing into the brushing surface;the toothpaste channel traversing through the brush head and the neck into the toothpaste compartment;the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the toothpaste compartment through the toothpaste channel; andthe toothpaste dispensing assembly being operatively coupled in between the base and the toothpaste compartment, wherein manipulating the base forces a quantity of toothpaste out of the toothpaste compartment, into the plurality of openings, through the toothpaste channel.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising: the toothpaste dispensing assembly comprising, a threaded rod, a plunger base, a retainer, a central hole, a female threading, a plunger top, and a plunger seal;the threaded rod comprising an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is positioned opposite to the lower end across the threaded rod;the upper end being rotatably attached to the retainer;the lower end being attached adjacent to the plunger base;the retainer being mounted within the toothpaste compartment, adjacent the second end;the plunger base being mounted over the first end of the body;the base being rotatably mounted to the plunger base, opposite to the first end;the central hole normally traversing through the plunger top, the plunger seal, and the plunger base;the female threading being laterally attached to the plunger top within the central hole;the threaded rod traversing through the plunger base, the plunger top, and the plunger seal;the threaded rod being engaged by the female threading;the plunger seal being mounted adjacent to the plunger top, opposite to the plunger base; andthe threaded rod, the plunger base, the central hole, and the retainer being concentrically aligned.

3. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein linear motion of the plunger seal terminates as the plunger seal touches the retainer.

4. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the plunger seal is coterminous with the toothpaste compartment.

5. The toothbrush of claim 2, comprising: the toothpaste dispensing assembly further comprising at least one plunger track and at least one plunger flange;the plunger track being laterally mounted within the toothpaste compartment;the plunger track extending between the retainer and the plunger base;the plunger flange being laterally connected to the plunger seal; andthe plunger flange being slidably engaged along the plunger track.

6. The toothbrush of claim 2, comprising: a head;a base fastener;the head being connected adjacent to the lower end;the head being positioned in between the plunger base and the base; andthe base fastener being connected in between the base and the head.

7. The toothbrush of claim 2, comprising: a human interface device (HID);a base compartment;the toothpaste dispensing assembly further comprising a motor and a battery;the HID being laterally mounted onto the base;the base compartment being positioned within the base;the motor and the battery being mounted within the base compartment;the motor being rotatably coupled to the threaded rod;the motor and the HID being electrically coupled to the battery; andthe HID being electronically coupled to the motor.

8. The toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the motor comprises a stepper motor, which actuates rotation of the threaded rod for a fixed duration.

9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical.

10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a knurled outer surface.

11. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the handle is rubber coated.

12. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the bristle component comprises fiber bristles with beveled edges.