U.S. patent application number 09/774945 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-01 for suction cup toothbrush with improved characteristics.
Invention is credited to Davis, Charles, Dunn, Steven, Pavlakovich, Zoltan.
Application Number | 20020100134 09/774945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25102790 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020100134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn, Steven ; et
al. |
August 1, 2002 |
Suction cup toothbrush with improved characteristics
Abstract
A toothbrush includes a brush portion, a handle, a suction cup
pedestal and a flexible transition portion connecting a lower end
of the handle to the suction cup pedestal. The handle, suction cup
pedestal and flexible transition portion are constructed and
arranged so that the toothbrush will normally be oriented in a
substantially upright position when the suction cup pedestal is
affixed to a horizontal surface. Advantageously, though, the
flexible transition portion is sufficiently flexible so as to
permit the toothbrush to be deflected when the suction cup pedestal
is affixed to a horizontal surface so that the central longitudinal
axis of the handle is at least 20 degrees from vertical. A novel
packaging assembly for such a toothbrush is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Dunn, Steven; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Davis, Charles; (Torrance, CA) ;
Pavlakovich, Zoltan; (Woodland Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBLE & YOSHIDA
EIGHT PENN CENTER
SUITE 1350, 1628 JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
25102790 |
Appl. No.: |
09/774945 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 206/362.2; 248/683; 248/688; D4/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/425 20130101;
A46B 15/0097 20130101; A46B 5/00 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 206/362.2; 248/683; 248/688; D4/108 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04; B65D
085/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush comprising: a brush portion having a plurality of
bristles thereon; a handle having an upper end that is connected to
said brush portion and a lower end, said handle having a central,
longitudinal axis; a suction cup pedestal; and a flexible
transition portion connecting said lower end of said handle to said
suction cup pedestal, said handle, suction cup pedestal and
flexible transition portion being constructed and arranged so that
said toothbrush will normally be oriented in a substantially
upright position when said suction cup pedestal is affixed to a
horizontal surface, said flexible transition portion being
sufficiently flexible so as to permit said toothbrush to be
deflected when said suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal
surface so that said central longitudinal axis of said handle is at
least 20 degrees from vertical.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said flexible
transition portion is sufficiently flexible so as to permit said
toothbrush to be deflected when said suction cup pedestal is
affixed to a horizontal surface so that said central longitudinal
axis of said handle is at least 30 degrees from vertical.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein said flexible
transition portion is sufficiently flexible so as to permit said
toothbrush to be deflected when said suction cup pedestal is
affixed to a horizontal surface so that said central longitudinal
axis of said handle is at least 45 degrees from vertical.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is constructed and arranged to have a suction force that
is sufficient to remain affixed to a smooth, nonporous horizontal
surface when said toothbrush is deflected so that said central
longitudinal axis of said handle is at least 20 degrees from
vertical.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal has a maximum outer diameter and said flexible transition
portion has a minimum outer diameter, and wherein said minimum
outer diameter of said flexible transition portion is no more than
80 percent of said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup
pedestal.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein said minimum outer
diameter of said flexible transition portion is no more than 55
percent of said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup
pedestal.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein said minimum outer
diameter of said flexible transition portion is axially separated
from said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup pedestal by a
distance of at least 0.15 in.
8. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal has a maximum outer diameter, and wherein said flexible
transition portion and said handle are constructed so that said
toothbrush has a maximum outer dimension that is sufficiently less
than said maximum outer diameter for an axial distance away from
said suction cup pedestal so that said suction cup pedestal may
operate as a stop abutting a user's finger so as to secure a user's
grip on said toothbrush.
9. A toothbrush according to claim 8, wherein said axial distance
is at least 0.5 inches.
10. A toothbrush according to claim 9, wherein said axial distance
is at least 0.75 inches.
11. A toothbrush according to claim 10, wherein said axial distance
is at least one inch.
12. A toothbrush according to claim 8, wherein said maximum outer
dimension of said toothbrush is no more than approximately 75
percent of said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup pedestal
for an axial distance away from said suction cup pedestal, and
wherein said axial distance is at least 1.0 inches.
13. A toothbrush according to claim 8, wherein said maximum outer
dimension of said toothbrush is no more than approximately 0.2 in.
less than said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup pedestal
for an axial distance away from said suction cup pedestal, and
wherein said axial distance is at least 1.0 inches.
14. A toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein said maximum outer
dimension of said toothbrush is no more than approximately 0.4 in.
less than said maximum outer diameter of said suction cup pedestal
for an axial distance away from said suction cup pedestal, and
wherein said axial distance is at least 1.0 inches.
15. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal has a maximum outer diameter, and wherein said maximum
outer diameter of said suction cup pedestal is also a maximum outer
dimension of said toothbrush.
16. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said handle, said
flexible transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are
fabricated from a hard plastic material and a soft plastic material
that is softer than said hard plastic material and that is
integrally molded with said hard plastic material, said soft
plastic material forming said suction cup pedestal.
17. A toothbrush according to claim 16, wherein said soft plastic
material is bonded to said hard plastic material in at least the
area of interface between said materials that is closest to said
suction cup pedestal, whereby forces generated by deflecting or
twisting said suction cup pedestal with respect to said handle will
be more efficiently transmitted to and absorbed by said hard
plastic material.
18. A toothbrush according to claim 16, whereby an area of
interface between said soft plastic material and said hard plastic
material that is closest to said suction cup pedestal is
constructed without sharp edges, whereby points of stress
concentration are avoided that might contribute to crack initiation
in said soft plastic material when said suction cup pedestal is
deflected or twisted with respect to said handle.
19. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure twisting
of at least 2.0 lbf-in.
20. A toothbrush according to claim 19, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure twisting
of at least 3.0 lbf-in.
21. A toothbrush according to claim 1 ,wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure axial
tension of at least 10.0 lbf.
22. A toothbrush according to claim 21, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure axial
tension of at least 15.0 lbf-in.
23. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure a bite
test of at least 25 lbf.
24. A toothbrush according to claim 23, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand without failure a bite
test of at least 50 lbf.
25. A toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand a deflection to 30
degrees for at least 5000 repetitions without failure.
26. A toothbrush according to claim 25, wherein both said flexible
transition portion and said suction cup pedestal are constructed
and arranged so as to be able to withstand a deflection to 30
degrees for at least 10,000 repetitions without failure.
27. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is constructed and arranged so as to adhere to a smooth,
nonporous surface to which it has been affixed with at least 3
lbf.
28. A toothbrush according to claim 27, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is constructed and arranged so as to adhere to a smooth,
nonporous surface to which it has been affixed with at least 6
lbf.
29. A toothbrush according to claim 27, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is further constructed and arranged so as to be able to
withstand affixation and removal to and from a smooth, nonporous
surface at least 1000 times without failure.
30. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said toothbrush has
a center of mass that is located toward said suction cup pedestal
from a dimensional midpoint of said toothbrush, whereby when said
toothbrush is dropped said suction cup pedestal will tend to strike
an underlying surface first.
31. A toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising gripping
means on said handle for aiding a consumer in transmitting the
necessary axial force to said handle in order to effectively set
said suction cup pedestal onto a smooth, nonporous surface and to
remove said toothbrush from said surface.
32. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is capable of adhering to a smooth, nonporous surface with
sufficient force and said flexible transition portion is
sufficiently stiff as to permit said toothbrush to be affixed to a
vertical smooth nonporous surface so that said toothbrush extends
substantially horizontally away from said vertical surface.
33. A toothbrush according to claim 32, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is capable of adhering to a smooth, nonporous surface with
sufficient force and said flexible transition portion is
sufficiently stiff as to permit said toothbrush to remain affixed
to said vertical smooth nonporous surface for at least one
hour.
34. A toothbrush according to claim 33, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is capable of adhering to a smooth, nonporous surface with
sufficient force and said flexible transition portion is
sufficiently stiff as to permit said toothbrush to remain affixed
to said vertical smooth nonporous surface for at least 12
hours.
35. A toothbrush according to claim 34, wherein said suction cup
pedestal is capable of adhering to a smooth, nonporous surface with
sufficient force and said flexible transition portion is
sufficiently stiff as to permit said toothbrush to remain affixed
to said vertical smooth nonporous surface for at least 24
hours.
36. A toothbrush and packaging assembly comprising: a toothbrush
including a brush portion having a plurality of bristles thereon; a
handle having an upper end that is connected to said brush portion
and a lower end, said handle having a central, longitudinal axis; a
suction cup pedestal; and a flexible transition portion connecting
said lower end of said handle to said suction cup pedestal; and a
package for said toothbrush, said package being constructed and
arranged so that said toothbrush is held within said package so
that said suction cup pedestal is isolated from any lateral contact
with said package, whereby said suction cup pedestal will be
protected against forces that could deform said suction cup
pedestal and thereby degrade the performance of said
toothbrush.
37. A toothbrush and packaging assembly according to claim 36,
wherein said package is further constructed and arranged to isolate
said suction cup pedestal against any axial contact with said
package as well.
38. A toothbrush and packaging assembly according to claim 36,
wherein said package is constructed and arranged to be displayed on
a marketing rack, and wherein said package bears against said
handle of said toothbrush so as to suspend said suction cup
pedestal within a volume that is defined within said package.
39. A toothbrush comprising: a brush portion having a plurality of
bristles thereon; a handle having an upper end that is connected to
said brush portion and a lower end, said handle having a central,
longitudinal axis; a pedestal connected to said lower end of said
handle, said pedestal having a maximum outer diameter and being
constructed and arranged to support said toothbrush on a horizontal
surface so that said central longitudinal axis of said handle will
be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and
wherein said handle is constructed to have a maximum outer
dimension that is sufficiently less than said maximum outer
diameter for an axial distance away from said pedestal so that said
pedestal may operate as a stop abutting a users finger so as to
secure a users grip on said toothbrush.
40. A toothbrush according to claim 39, wherein said pedestal is
fabricated from a soft elastomeric material, whereby it will feel
comfortable against a users finger when operating as a stop.
41. A toothbrush according to claim 40, wherein said pedestal is
further fabricated to be relatively thin so as to flex when
contacted by a users finger.
42. A toothbrush according to claim 39, wherein said maximum outer
dimension is no more than 55 percent of said maximum outer
diameter.
43. A toothbrush according to claim 42, wherein said maximum outer
dimension is no more than 45 percent of said maximum outer
diameter.
44. A toothbrush according to claim 42, wherein said axial distance
is at least 0.5 inches.
45. A toothbrush according to claim 44, wherein said axial distance
is at least one inch.
46. A toothbrush according to claim 39, further comprising a
flexible transition portion interposed between said handle and said
pedestal, said flexible transition portion being sufficiently
flexible so as to permit said toothbrush to be deflected when said
pedestal is held against a horizontal surface so that said central
longitudinal axis of said handle is at least 20 degrees from
vertical.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an improved dental care implement,
such as a toothbrush. More specifically, this invention relates to
toothbrush that is self-supporting on a smooth, nonporous surface
so as to avoid contamination, and that is also constructed to be
extremely durable and safe.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0004] It is a matter of good sense that a toothbrush should be
kept out of contact with unhygienic surfaces. In the home, it is
not uncommon for bathrooms to have sockets, typically built into a
wall mounted cup holder, for holding one or more toothbrushes in an
upright position. However, not all bathrooms have such receptacles,
and a person cannot be assured of having a hygienic place to store
his or her toothbrush, particularly while traveling. However,
almost all bathrooms have at least one smooth, nonporous
substantially horizontal surface such as a countertop to set things
on.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,899,242 to McNab discloses a toothbrush
holder including a sleeve that has a small, rubber suction cup that
is designed to be attached to a vertical piece of glass such as a
mirror or the tile wall of a bathroom. The attachment surface of
the suction cup is substantially parallel to the axis of the handle
of the toothbrush, meaning that it is designed to be attached to a
vertical surface, not a horizontal surface.
[0006] One problem with an article such as that disclosed in McNab
is that the bristles of the toothbrush will hang perilously close
to the vertical surface, risking contamination. Another possible
problem that could loom large in today's litigious society is the
possibility of the rubber suction cup becoming separated from the
article after degradation and extended use, possibly posing a
safety threat to infants or small children.
[0007] It is clear that there has existed a long and unfilled need
in the prior art for an improved dental care implement that is
self-supporting in a hygienic position for purposes of storage
during nonuse, and that is durable and safe enough for consumer
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved dental care implement that is self-supporting in a
hygienic position for purposes of storage during nonuse, and that
is durable and safe enough for consumer use.
[0009] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the
invention, a toothbrush that is constructed according to a first
aspect of the invention includes a brush portion having a plurality
of bristles thereon; a handle having an upper end that is connected
to the brush portion and a lower end, the handle having a central,
longitudinal axis; a suction cup pedestal; and a flexible
transition portion connecting the lower end of the handle to the
suction cup pedestal, the handle, suction cup pedestal and a
flexible transition portion being constructed and arranged so that
the toothbrush will normally be oriented in a substantially upright
position when the suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal
surface, the flexible transition portion being sufficiently
flexible so as to permit the toothbrush to be deflected when the
suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal surface so that the
central longitudinal axis of the handle is at least 20 degrees from
vertical.
[0010] A toothbrush and packaging assembly according to a second
aspect of the invention includes a toothbrush including a brush
portion having a plurality of bristles thereon; a handle having an
upper end that is connected to the brush portion and a lower end,
the handle having a central, longitudinal axis; a suction cup
pedestal; and a flexible transition portion connecting the lower
end of the handle to the suction cup pedestal; and a package for
the toothbrush, the package being constructed and arranged so that
the toothbrush is held within the package so that the suction cup
pedestal is isolated from any lateral contact with the package,
whereby the suction cup pedestal will be protected against forces
that could deform the suction cup pedestal and thereby degrade the
performance of the toothbrush.
[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention a toothbrush
includes a brush portion having a plurality of bristles thereon; a
handle having an upper end that is connected to the brush portion
and a lower end, the handle having a central, longitudinal axis; a
pedestal connected to the lower end of the handle, the pedestal
having a maximum outer diameter and being constructed and arranged
to support the toothbrush on a horizontal surface so that the
central longitudinal axis of the handle will be substantially
perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and wherein the handle is
constructed to have a maximum outer dimension that is sufficiently
less than the maximum outer diameter for an axial distance away
from the pedestal so that the pedestal may operate as a stop
abutting a users finger so as to secure a users grip on the
toothbrush.
[0012] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush that is
constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush that is
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken long lines 3-3 in
FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of a lower portion of the
toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1-3 interacting with a underlying
horizontal surface;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of the toothbrush that
is shown in FIGS. 1-4 being gripped by a consumer;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting a packaging assembly
for the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1-4;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toothbrush that is
constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical side elevational view of the
toothbrush that is depicted in FIG. 7, depicting the toothbrush
being gripped by a consumer; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 in
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views,
and referring in particular to FIG. 1, a toothbrush 10 constructed
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a
brush portion 12 having a plurality of bristles 14 thereon. Brush
portion 12 includes a brush head 16 to which the bristles 14 are
secured in conventional fashion and further includes a shaft 18,
which is of conventional shape and is unitary with brush head 16.
In the preferred embodiment, brush head 16 and shaft 18 are
fabricated from a translucent hard plastic material, which is
preferably a tinted transparent material such as an ABS
plastic.
[0023] As may further be seen in FIG. 1, toothbrush 10 includes a
handle 20 that has an upper end 30 that is connected to the brush
portion 12, specifically shaft 18, and a lower end 32. Handle 20
has a central, longitudinal axis 26, as may best be seen in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a suction cup pedestal 22 is connected to
the lower end 32 of handle 20 by means of a flexible transition
portion 24. Handle 20, suction cup pedestal 22 and flexible
transition portion 24 are constructed and arranged so that the
toothbrush 10 will normally be oriented in a substantially upright
position when the suction cup pedestal 22 is affixed to a
horizontal surface. In other words, the plane in which the lower
rim of the suction cup pedestal 22 resides is substantially
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 26 of the handle 20
when no force is being applied to bend the suction cup pedestal 22
with respect to the handle 20.
[0024] According to one advantageous feature of the invention, the
flexible transition portion 24 and the suction cup pedestal 22 are
fabricated and shaped to be sufficiently rigid so that if the
suction cup pedestal 22 is affixed to a smooth nonporous vertical
surface the toothbrush 10 including the handle 20 will extend away
from the vertical surface so that the central longitudinal axis 26
is substantially perpendicular to the vertical surface. In other
words, the weight of the toothbrush 10 will not be sufficient to
cause significant flexure of the suction cup pedestal 22 and the
flexible transition portion 24 when the toothbrush 10 is affixed to
such a vertical surface. However, the suction cup pedestal 22 and
flexible transition portion 24 are fabricated and shaped to permit
significant flexure when suction cup pedestal 22 is affixed to a
smooth, nonporous surface 28 and external force is applied, such as
by a consumer, in a direction having a component that is
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 26 of handle 20.
Preferably, suction cup pedestal 22 and flexible transition portion
24 are sufficiently flexible to permit toothbrush 10 and
specifically the longitudinal axis 26 of handle 20 to be deflected
at an angle of at least 20 degrees from vertical when suction cup
pedestal 22 is affixed to a horizontal surface 28, as shown in FIG.
4. More preferably, suction cup pedestal 22 and flexible transition
portion 24 are sufficiently flexible to permit a deflection of at
least 30 degrees and most preferably of 45 degrees or greater in
such a situation. In addition, suction cup pedestal 22 is
preferably constructed and arranged to attach to a smooth nonporous
surface with sufficient strength to withstand such a deflection of
20 degrees and more and most preferably at least 30 degrees and at
least 45 degrees, respectively.
[0025] As may be seen in the cross-sectional view that is provided
in FIG. 3, toothbrush 10 is preferably fabricated from a soft
plastic material 36, a first hard plastic material 38 that is
integrally molded with the soft plastic material 36 and a second
hard plastic material 40, discussed above, from which the brush
head 16 and shaft 18 of the brush portion 12 are fabricated.
Preferably, the soft plastic material 36 is bonded to the hard
plastic material 38 at least in the area of interface between those
materials that is closest to the suction cup pedestal 22. This
permits forces that are generated by deflecting or twisting the
suction cup pedestal 22 to be efficiently transmitted to and
partially absorbed by the hard plastic material 38. In addition,
the soft plastic material 36 and the hard plastic material 38 in
the vicinity of the suction cup pedestal 22 are shaped without
sharp edges or other potential points of stress concentration, so
as to suppress potential crack initiation in the soft plastic
material that might otherwise eventually occur after extended use
of the toothbrush 10. Preferably, the soft plastic material 36 is a
flexible elastomeric material that is resistant to degradation as a
result of heat, cold, exposure to sunlight and exposure to moist
conditions. Soft plastic material 36 must also be fatigue
resistant. In the preferred embodiment, soft plastic material 36 is
a thermoplastic elastomer that is specially formulated for
overmolding onto a variety of plastic substrates. Such a material
is commercially available under the trademark TEKBOND, composition
identification 6000-35 from Teknor Apex Plastics Division. This
specific material is characterized by a Shore hardness of 40/35, a
specific gravity of 0.98, a tensile strength of 584 psi, and a tear
strength of 96 pli. A tensile strength of at least 400 psi is
considered necessary for this component. Hard plastic material 38
is preferably a material that is harder than soft plastic material
36 and that is also resistant to degradation as a result of heat,
cold, exposure to sunlight and exposure to moist conditions. Hard
plastic material 38 is preferably a material that is not
electrically conductive, and is further preferably a material that
will naturally bond to the soft plastic material 36. In the most
preferred embodiment, hard plastic material 38 is polypropylene,
such as that which is commercially available as POLIFIN brand PP
1100N from Polifin PP Division of South Africa
(www.polifin.com).
[0026] Referring briefly to the second embodiment of the invention
that is depicted in FIGS. 7-9, it will be seen that this toothbrush
70 is also constructed from a hard plastic material 88 and an
integrally molded soft plastic material 90. Hard plastic material
88 is preferably the same as hard plastic material 38 and soft
plastic material 90 is preferably the same as soft plastic material
36. As may be seen in FIG. 9, which is a cross-sectional view
through the toothbrush 70, the portion of the hard plastic material
88 that is closest to the suction cup pedestal 82 is rounded and
cup shaped, thus avoiding potential points of stress concentration
and the area of interface between the hard and soft plastic
materials at this critical location near the suction cup pedestal
82.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that suction cup
pedestal 22 has a maximum outer diameter D1, which in the preferred
embodiment is positioned at the intersection of the sidewall of the
suction cup pedestal 22 and the circular lower rim. Flexible
transition portion 24 is substantially hourglass shaped, having a
narrow waist and widened upper and lower portions that are unitary
with the lower end 32 of handle 20 and the upper portion of suction
cup pedestal 22, respectively. The minimum outer diameter D2 of
flexible transition portion 24 is also depicted in FIG. 4.
Preferably, the minimum outer diameter D2 of flexible transition
portion 24 is no more than 80 percent of the maximum outer diameter
D1 of the suction cup pedestal 22. More preferably, the minimum
outer diameter D2 of flexible transition portion 24 is no more than
55 percent of the maximum outer diameter D1 of suction cup pedestal
22, and most preferably the minimum outer diameter D2 of flexible
transition portion 24 is no more than about 40 percent of the
maximum outer diameter D1 of suction cup pedestal 22. In addition,
the minimum outer diameter D2 of flexible transition portion 24 is
preferably axially separated from the maximum outer diameter D1 of
suction cup pedestal 22 by a distance of at least 0.15 inches, this
axial distance being measured when the suction cup pedestal 22 is
not vacuum attached to any surface.
[0028] The relative dimensions of diameters D1, D2 and the axial
separation L1 between their locations has the effect of creating
space for a user's finger so that the user's finger will tend to
contact the upper surface of suction cup pedestal 22 when the user
grips the lower end 32 of the handle 20 of the toothbrush 10.
[0029] The suction cup pedestal 22 thus becomes an effective stop
abutting a user's finger so as to secure a user's grip on
toothbrush 10. Also contributing to this effect is the fact that
the maximum outer diameter of the toothbrush 10, including the
flexible transition portion 24 and handle 20, in a direction away
from the suction cup pedestal 22 is limited in its maximum outer
diameter DHMAX for a distance of axial separation L2, with DHMAX
and L2 being sufficient to create room for the user's grip on the
lower end 32 of handle 20 so that the upper surface of suction cup
pedestal 22 may operate as an effective stop to the user's grip.
Preferably, handle 20 and flexible transition portion 24 are
constructed so that DHMAX is no more than approximately 75 percent,
and more preferably no more than 55 percent and most preferably 40
percent or less of the maximum outer diameter D1 of suction cup
pedestal 22 for a distance L2 of at least 0.5 inches. More
preferably, this is the case for a distance L2 of at least 0.75
inches, and even more preferably it is the case for a distance L2
that is at least one inch. Expressed in another way, the maximum
outer diameter DHMAX is preferably no greater than approximately
0.2 in. less than the maximum outer diameter D1 of suction cup
pedestal 22 for a distance L2 that is at least 0.5 inches, and more
preferably for a distance L2 that is at least 0.75 inches and most
preferably for a distance L2 that is at least one inch. More
preferably, DHMAX is preferably no greater than approximately 0.4
in. less than the maximum outer diameter D1 of suction cup pedestal
22 for a distance L2 that is at least 0.5 inches, and more
preferably for a distance L2 that is at least 0.75 inches and most
preferably for a distance L2 that is at least one inch. In the most
preferred embodiment, the maximum outer diameter D1 of the suction
cup pedestal 22 is the widest portion of the entire toothbrush
10.
[0030] The fact that the suction cup pedestal 22 is fabricated from
a soft elastomer material and the fact that it is relatively thin
insures that it will feel comfortable and that it will deflect when
contacted by a user's finger, such as when it is functioning as a
stop for the user's finger.
[0031] One important aspect of the invention is the fact that the
handle 20, suction cup pedestal 22 and flexible transition portion
24 are constructed, fabricated and designed so as to minimize the
possibility of the suction cup pedestal 22 from becoming separated
from the handle 20 after extended use. Premature separation of the
suction cup pedestal 22 could present a safety risk, particularly
for children, as well as diminishing the usefulness of the
toothbrush 10. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment the soft
plastic material that makes up the suction cup pedestal 22 and the
flexible transition portion 24 also extends into the handle 20 and
this soft plastic material is unitary throughout for purposes of
durability. In addition, the outer contours of the soft plastic
material are intentionally rounded without sharp creases or edges
so as to avoid potential points or areas of stress concentration on
the outer surface as the suction cup pedestal 22 may be stressed by
twisting, bending or pulling relative to handle 20. The internal
contours and the interface areas between the soft and hard plastic
materials are also made intentionally without sharp creases or
edges for similar purposes, and, as mentioned above, the soft and
hard plastic materials are preferably bonded to each other for
purposes of durability. The hard plastic material and especially
the soft plastic material are selected to maximize fatigue
resistance and durability as well, particularly in conditions of
heat, cold, sunlight and moistness. By this combination of design
and materials the toothbrush 10 has been engineered to withstand
severe punishment without failure, as exemplified by a strict
testing regimen that has been conducted during product development
tests. This testing regimen included subjecting a number of
toothbrushes 10 to a thermal shock test that involved first
exposure in the toothbrush 10 to temperatures of 140 degrees
Fahrenheit (60 degrees Centigrade) at 90 percent relative humidity
for eight hours and then to temperatures of four degrees Fahrenheit
(-15.5 degrees Centigrade) for sixteen hours, and subsequently
repeating this cycle for an additional two times. After this test,
the samples were inspected to ensure that no visual change
resulted.
[0032] After the thermal shock test described above, several of the
toothbrushes 10 were further tested by applying relative torque,
including between the pedestal suction cup 22 and the handle 20, to
the toothbrushes 10. Torque in the amount of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 lb-in
was variously applied to samples of the toothbrushes 10 without
failure. Several of the toothbrushes 10 were after the thermal
shock test also given a tension test where various portions of the
toothbrush 10, including the areas between the handle 20 and the
suction cup pedestal 22, were placed under axial tension in the
amounts of 10.0 and 15.0 lbf. The toothbrushes 10 constructed
according to the preferred embodiment successfully passed this test
as well. The toothbrushes 10 were subjected to a compression test
as well in the amounts of 10.0 to 15.0 lbf, which was also
successful. In addition, a bite test was performed on the
toothbrushes 10, including in the area of the suction cup pedestal
22 and the flexible transition portion 24. In those areas, bite
tests of 25 and 50 lbf were performed, and these tests were
successful.
[0033] Toothbrushes 10 in the preferred embodiment as described
above and in subsequently described embodiments also exhibit
impressive resistance to fatigue. In fact, toothbrushes 10 are
designed to withstand a deflection (as measured by the relative
positions of central longitudinal axis 26 and alternate position of
axis 26' in FIG. 4) of at least 30 degrees for at least 5000
repetitions without failure, and more preferably for at least
10,000 repetitions without failure.
[0034] Toothbrushes 10 and suction cup pedestal 22 in particular
are further preferably constructed so as to adhere to a horizontal,
smooth nonporous surface to which it has been affixed with at least
3 lbf, and more preferably with at least 6 lbf, and to have a
fatigue resistance in order to survive at least 1000 cycles of been
affixed and pulled off of a surface. This force of adhesion is to
be sufficient to permit the toothbrush 10 to remain affixed to a
vertical smooth nonporous surface for at least one hour, more
preferably for at least twelve hours, and most preferably for at
least 24 hours.
[0035] As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, toothbrush 10 includes a
circumferential switching band including a pair of buttons 42 for
actuating a light bulb 44 that is positioned within the handle 20.
Light bulb 44 is optically exposed to a surface of the shaft 18 of
brush portion 12, which, as discussed above, is fabricated from a
tinted transparent material such as an ABS polymer. A battery 46 is
also positioned within a space that is defined within the handle
20, with one contact of the battery 46 in being in abutment with
one contact of the light bulb 44. The second end of the battery
has, as is conventional, a second contact that is in communication
with a helical conductive spring, which in turn is in electrical
contact with a number of conductive elements that are disposed
about the circumference of the battery 46 within the handle 20. A
second number of conductive elements are in electrical connection
with a second electrical contact area of the label 44, and these
second number of conductive elements are put into electrical
connection with the first number of conductive elements when
pressure is applied to the circumferential switching band 48, such
as by depressing the button 42. This completes the circuit between
the battery 46 and the light bulb 44, thus causing the light bulb
44 to emit light that can be viewed by the user. This feature is
especially attractive to young consumers.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 3, it will be seen that toothbrush
10 has a center of mass 52 that is positioned toward the suction
cup pedestal 22 with respect to the dimensional midpoint 54 of the
toothbrush 10. In other words, the center of mass 52 is located in
the lower part of the toothbrush 10. As a result, when the
toothbrush 10 is dropped the lower portion of the toothbrush 10
will tend to rotate toward the bottom as the toothbrush 10 falls,
making it likely that the first portion of the toothbrush 10 to
strike an underlying surface will be the suction cup pedestal 22.
If this feature is both entertaining and also has utility, making
it easier for a consumer to set the suction cup pedestal 22 onto a
smooth, nonporous horizontal surface.
[0037] Another advantageous feature of the invention is that
structure is provided on the handle 20 in order to be a consumer in
transmitting the necessary axial force to the handle 20 in order to
effectively set the suction cup pedestal 22 onto a smooth nonporous
surface, and to later remove the toothbrush 10 from the surface. In
the embodiment that is shown in FIGS. 1-4, this structure is
embodied as a plurality of ribs 53 that are molded out of the soft
plastic materials 36 onto the outer surface of the handle 20.
[0038] Another aspect of the invention is depicted in FIG. 6, which
shows a preferred package assembly 56 for packaging a toothbrush 10
for retail to a consumer. Package assembly 56 is conventional in
that it includes a stiff backing member 58 having a hook 60 defined
in an upper end thereof, and that it is approximately one inch in
width so as to be compatible with standard one-inch racks in
retailing establishments. A blister pack 62 that is generally
contoured for the toothbrush 10 is integral with the backing 58, as
is also conventional. Most advantageously, however, blister pack 62
is configured, shaped and sized so as to protect the suction cup
pedestal 22 against any lateral and axial contact with the package
assembly 56 when it is in the package assembly 56. In the preferred
embodiment, blister pack 62 is configured so that the handle 20 of
the toothbrush 10 will settle downwardly into the blister pack 62
so as to contact at least two contact points 64 on the interior of
the blister pack 62, thus suspending the toothbrush 10 so that the
suction cup pedestal 22 is suspended within a protective volume 66
that is defined by the very bottom of the blister pack 62. By
protecting the suction cup pedestal 22 against deformation during
handling and transport, the long-term performance of the toothbrush
10 will be assured.
[0039] A toothbrush 70 that is constructed according to a second
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7-9. A
toothbrush 70 includes a brush portion 72 having a plurality of
bristles 74 that are mounted to a brush head 76 that is unitary
with a shaft 78. Toothbrush 70 further includes a handle 80, a
suction cup pedestal 82 and a flexible transition portion 84
connecting the suction cup pedestal 82 to the handle 80. Toothbrush
70 differs from toothbrush 10 mainly in the fact that it does not
include any electrical components. The suction cup pedestal 82 and
the flexible transition portion 84, while not dimensionally
identical to the suction cup pedestal 22 and flexible transition
portion 24 in the first embodiment, share all of the mechanical
characteristics that are described above with reference to the
first embodiment. Accordingly, for reasons of brevity, the entire
recitation of these characteristics and properties will not be
repeated.
[0040] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
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