U.S. patent application number 10/116531 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for combination floss and toothbrush device.
Invention is credited to Garcia, Annette, Garcia, Edward.
Application Number | 20030188761 10/116531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28674009 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030188761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia, Edward ; et
al. |
October 9, 2003 |
Combination floss and toothbrush device
Abstract
The present invention is a combination toothbrush and dental
floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrush with
an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at one
end, and a dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may
be either incorporated within the brush itself as a single piece,
or, alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser
is preferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter
and hinged cover panel for the cutter.
Inventors: |
Garcia, Edward; (Flanders,
NY) ; Garcia, Annette; (Flanders, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edward Garcia
105 Glider Avenue
Flanders
NY
11901
US
|
Family ID: |
28674009 |
Appl. No.: |
10/116531 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/309 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 15/043 20130101;
A46B 15/0071 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/309 |
International
Class: |
A45D 044/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination floss and toothbrush device comprising: an
elongated shaft (12) which comprises a brush head (14) at one end
thereof, the brush head (14) comprising a plurality of bristles
(16) thereon; a floss dispenser (18) removably affixed to a distal
end of the shaft (12), the floss dispenser (18) generally
cylindrical in nature and comprising an aperture at a first end
thereof through which floss (24) may be pulled by a user; the floss
dispenser (18) further comprising a cap (28) affixed to an outer
surface thereof, the cap (28) functioning to removably cover a
floss cutting device (30); a spool (22) containing the floss (24)
removably inserted through aperture (16) and placed within floss
dispenser (18); a male member (20) extending from a second end of
the floss dispenser (18) and received by a female counterpart upon
the shaft (12); and functioning to allow the user to pull the floss
(24) from the spool (22) and cut the floss utilizing cutting device
(30) to use the floss (24) in its intended manner.
2. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the floss is flavored.
3. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the brush head is angled to a
previously-determined degree.
4. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises a gripping means thereon.
5. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the cap is detachable and is snapped into
place.
6. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device is of a single-pieced construction.
7. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device is of a modular construction.
8. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device is travel-sized.
9. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device comprises indicia thereon in the form
of previously determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and glow
in the dark elements.
10. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the length of the floss is variable, and is
intended to correlate to an expected life of the toothbrush.
11. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the length of the shaft is variable.
12. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device is manufactured of materials selected
from the group consisting of lightweight and durable plastic,
nylon, acrylic or polymers.
13. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the bristles are selected form the group
consisting of soft, medium, and firm.
14. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the floss is colored.
15. The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in
claim 1, wherein the device is telescopic in nature.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is a combination toothbrush and dental
floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrush with
an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at one
end, and a dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may
be either incorporated within the brush itself as a single piece,
or, alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser
is preferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter
and hinged cover panel for the cutter.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Numerous innovations for toothbrushes have been provided in
the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, they differ from the present invention as
hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior
art patents most relevant to the invention at hand, as well a
description outlining the differences between the features of the
present invention and those of the prior art.
[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,752, Invented by Widlak, Entitled
"Oral Hygiene Apparatus Having Replaceable Tooth Engaging Cleaning
Element And Internal Dental Filament Dispenser"
[0006] In the patent to Widlak, a personal, oral hygiene instrument
is provided that incorporates a replaceable tooth engaging element
and a dental filament dispenser into a single, hand held
instrument. The instrument includes a hand graspable base member
having an internal chamber for storing and dispensing dental
filament from one end of the base member. A replaceable tooth
engaging cleaning element is detachably received at the opposed end
of the hand graspable base member.
[0007] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 3,782,397, Invented by McCord, Entitled
"Toothbrush And Dental-Floss Dispenser"
[0008] In the paten to McCord, a toothbrush is described which is
so constructed as to contain an novel dental-floss dispenser in the
handle thereof.
[0009] 3. U.S. Design Pat. Des. No. 294,201, Invented by Moore,
Entitled "Combination Toothbrush And Floss Holder"
[0010] The patent to Moore depicts the ornamental design for a
combination toothbrush and floss holder, as shown and
described.
[0011] 4. U.S. Design Pat. Des. No. 336,782, Invented by Vela et
al., Entitled "Combined Toothbrush, Toothpaste Dispenser And Dental
Floss Holder Unit And Cover Therefore"
[0012] The patent to Vela et al. depicts the ornamental design for
a combined toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser and dental floss holder
unit and cover therefore, as shown and described.
[0013] 5. U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 328,978, Invented by Hainline,
Entitled "Combined Toothbrush And Holder With Integral Dental Floss
Dispenser"
[0014] The patent to Hainline depicts the ornamental design for a
combined toothbrush and holder with integral dental floss
dispenser, as shown and described.
[0015] 6. U.S. Design Pat. Des. 362,341, invented by Sprague,
entitled "Combined Toothbrush With Cover And Dental Floss
Dispenser"
[0016] The patent to Sprague depicts the ornamental design for a
combined toothbrush with cover and dental floss dispenser, as shown
and described.
[0017] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,187, Invented by Heneveld, Entitled
"Combination Toothbrush, Toothpaste Dispenser And Dental Filament
Dispenser"
[0018] The patent to Heneveld depicts the ornamental design for a
combination toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser and dental filament
dispenser, as shown and described.
[0019] It is suggested that the closest prior art to the present
invention is Patent Number 4,821,752, invented by Widlak (first
above-listed). The invention is entitled "Oral Hygiene Apparatus
Having Replaceable Tooth Engaging Cleaning Element And Internal
Dental Filament Dispenser." However, the Widlak device features
removable brush bristles as an important part of the invention, and
specifically claims that the connection between the toothbrush
shaft and floss dispensing unit is via snap fasteners. [See part
numbers "40" and "42" in FIGS. 2 and 3; See also Column "6", Line
"7" reference to "first retention rib snapably receivable . . .
"].
[0020] As outlined above, the other prior art patents largely
entail elements such as: an improved floss cutter cover for safety
purposes; a foldable toothbrush and floss dispenser; decorative
toothbrushes and floss dispensers with particular graphics; dental
floss dispensers within toothbrush holders, rather than attached to
the toothbrush itself; and enhanced devices that also include
toothpaste dispensers.
[0021] In contrast to the above, the present invention device is a
toothbrush with a dental floss dispensing member at one end. The
cylindrical floss dispenser includes a floss cutter and hinged
cover panel, and may be incorporated directly within a toothbrush
handle. Alternatively, it may be detachable and affixed to the
toothbrush shaft via threaded connection. The floss spool within
the dispenser housing may be replaced, when necessary. The
toothbrush item may be of varying lengths, may be constructed of
varying materials, and may bear colors or graphics. Spools of
varying quantities of floss may be used to provide a quantity that
corresponds to the lifespan of the brush.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] As noted, the present invention is a combination toothbrush
and dental floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a
toothbrush with an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush
bristles at one end, and a dental floss dispensing means at the
other end. Such may be either incorporated within the brush itself
as a single piece, or, alternatively may be detachable in nature.
The floss dispenser is preferably cylindrical in nature, and
includes a floss cutter and hinged cover panel for the cutter.
[0023] In the preferred mode, the dispensing unit is within the
toothbrush itself, providing a product of a shape and configuration
that users are already familiar and comfortable with. In an
alternate mode, the dispensing unit is affixed to the toothbrush
shaft via threaded connection, by simply twisting on an off. In
still other embodiments, the dispenser may be affixed to the
toothbrush via snap fasteners or other means. Importantly, the
dental floss spool located within the dispenser housing may be
replaced. In all instances, the toothbrush item may be of varying
lengths and sizes, may be constructed of varying materials, and may
bear colors or additional graphics thereon. As an additional
feature, spools of varying quantities of floss may be removably
installed in the device, such as to provide an amount of floss that
corresponds to the expected life span of the toothbrush. As is the
case with traditional dental floss, the floss of the present item
may be one of a number of flavors.
[0024] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
device that aids in personal hygiene in multiple ways.
[0025] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a
device that is compact in size, and easy to store or transport.
[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide a device
that is manufactured of lightweight, relatively inexpensive
materials, functioning to keep manufacturing and shipping costs to
a minimum.
[0027] Furthermore, it is a goal of the present invention to
provide a device that forms a single unit, functioning to keep all
components thereof together for the purposes of safety and
convenience.
[0028] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a
device that can be produced in multiple sizes, according to the
needs of the particular user.
[0029] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a
device that can include indicia and graphics thereon, particularly
to provide a fun item for children to use on a daily basis.
[0030] It is an additional goal of the invention to provide a
device that offers a variety of means of attachment of the
principal components, for versatility in manufacture and
production.
[0031] Finally, it is an important goal of the present invention to
provide a device that is suitable for usage by great quantities of
people, offering previously unattained quality and convenience at
reasonable costs.
[0032] The novel features which are considered characteristic for
the invention will be set forth in the claims when submitted. The
invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its
method of operation, together with additional objects and
advantages thereof, will be best understood from the description of
the embodiments to be submitted when read and understood in
connection with drawings relating thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the
present invention, illustrating the principal components in a
single-piece mode of production, shown for the purposes of example
only.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a side perspective, exploded view of the present
invention, illustrating the principal components and one method of
attachment, shown for the purposes of example only.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the
replaceable spool of the present invention, shown for the purposes
of example only.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a three-quarter front perspective view of a
detached snap-on type cap for the present invention, shown for the
purposes of example only.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the
present invention, illustrating the principal components and their
general location of attachment in one mode of production, shown for
the purposes of example only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Regarding FIG. 1, which is a three-quarter front perspective
view of the present invention, illustrating the principal
components in a single-piece mode of production, shown for the
purposes of example only, FIG. 2, which is a side perspective,
exploded view of the present invention, illustrating the principal
components and their method of attachment in the preferred mode,
FIG. 3, which is a three-quarter front perspective view of the
replaceable spool, FIG. 4, which is a three-quarter front
perspective view of a detached snap-on type cap for the present
invention, FIG. 5 is a three-quarter front perspective view of the
present invention, illustrating the principal components and their
general location of attachment in one mode of production, shown for
the purposes of example only.
[0039] The combination floss and toothbrush device comprises an
elongated shaft (12) which comprises a brush head (14) at one end
thereof. The brush head (14) comprises a plurality of bristles (16)
thereon. In the single-piece mode, the floss dispenser (18) within
the shaft is generally cylindrical in nature and comprises an
aperture at a first end thereof through which floss (24) may be
pulled by a user.
[0040] In the modular version, a floss dispenser (18) is removably
affixed to a distal end of the shaft (12), the floss dispenser (18)
generally cylindrical in nature and comprising an aperture at a
first end thereof through which floss (24) may be pulled by a
user.
[0041] The floss dispenser (18) further comprises a cap (28)
affixed to an outer surface thereof. The cap (28) functions to
removably cover a floss cutting device (30). A spool (22)
containing the floss (24) is removably inserted through aperture
(16) and placed within floss dispenser (18).
[0042] A male member (20) extending from a second end of the floss
dispenser (18) and received by a female counterpart upon the shaft
(12). This functions to allow the user to pull the floss (24) from
the spool (22) and cut the floss utilizing cutting device (30) to
use the floss (24) in its intended manner.
[0043] In general, the shaft is a traditional elongated toothbrush
handle, constructed of lightweight and durable plastic, nylon,
acrylic or polymers. Thus, the same can be constructed of non-toxic
materials and may be of a length of seven to nine inches, for the
purpose of example, consistent with ordinary toothbrushes.
Moreover, the shaft may comprise rubber or latex grips thereon,
functioning to allow the user to better grip the toothbrush device,
especially in light of the fact that the user's hands are likely to
be wet.
[0044] The brush bristles appear at one end of the elongated handle
or shaft, and are also constructed of plastic, nylon, acrylic or
polymers, much like traditional toothbrushes. The brush head may be
angled to a previously-determined degree, if desired by the
manufacturer, and the bristles may be oft, medium, or firm in
nature.
[0045] Appearing at the distal end of the handle is the floss
dispenser, shown fully attached to the handle in FIG. 5. The
dispenser is substantially cylindrical in this particular
embodiment, but may be of alternate designs or shapes in additional
modes. The dispenser includes a sufficient quantity of floss
therein, such floss extending outwardly from the extreme end of the
floss dispenser. The length of the floss may be intended to
correlate to the expected life span of the toothbrush. The floss
may be flavored and/or colored, if desired.
[0046] As noted, the dispenser further comprises a floss cutter,
which may be constructed of steel with sufficient sharpness, and
cutter cover fir the purpose of providing safety and keeping the
floss and cutter clean. The cutter cover may be hingedly attached
as shown in this figure, or alternatively may affix to the
dispenser via snap fit or threaded engagement.
[0047] In addition, as illustrated, the floss spool is
substantially cylindrical so as to fit tightly within the floss
dispenser. Importantly, the spool is replaceable such that the user
can keep the toothbrush for en extended period of time if desired.
As such, the user can simply purchase additional floss in the form
of a spool and affix the same within the housing.
[0048] As further shown in FIG. 2, an end cap is rigidly affixed to
the distal end of the floss dispenser. The end cap functions to
allow the floss to extend therethrough in a controlled manner, with
such floss fitting securely through an aperture in the center of
the end cap. The cap may be conveniently removed by the user for
the purpose of replacing the floss spool.
[0049] Also shown in this figure is the threaded connection between
the floss dispenser and toothbrush handle, as utilized in the
preferred mode of production. Thus, the male threaded member
appears on one end of the floss dispenser, with the female or
receiving end appearing on the end of the handle or shaft. With
such a construction, the user can simply attach the dispenser to
the toothbrush handle by a simple twisting motion. The threaded
connection provides a string and secure fit between the components,
such that the parts will not become detached unless desired.
[0050] It is important to note that several alternate attachment
means may be utilized by the present invention. For the purposes of
example, the fastening means may comprise snap fasteners rather
than the threaded connection, such that the user can simply press
the dispenser on to the end of the toothbrush.
[0051] In an alternate mode, the components may be configured in a
telescopic manner, with the dispenser extending outwardly from an
interior cavity located within the end of the toothbrush handle. In
such a mode of production, the dispenser may simply slide out of
the handle to be used effectively.
[0052] Such design provides convenience and a compact assembly to
save space for storage or for ease of travel. The total device may
even be travel-sized, for the purposes of increased user
convenience.
[0053] Importantly, it is suggested that the highly convenient
presence of the dental floss within the toothbrush will make people
floss their teeth more often. Due to the main device being already
used by the person multiple times per day, it is very easy for the
person to remember to floss their teeth, much to their benefit. In
addition, the person need not look for a separate and small dental
floss container, which can be easily lost or misplaced.
[0054] In addition, also in an effort to make a great variety of
users utilize the device more often, the brush handle, bristle
portion, or dispensing portion may bear any of a variety of colors,
designs, or patterns thereon. Such may be florescent colors, such
as a neon blue, green, red, pink, yellow, purple or orange.
Patterns may include animals, sporting figures, cartoon characters,
and a host of other fun and interesting items.
[0055] Finally, as is the case with traditional or existing dental
floss, such may be flavored for the purpose of better appealing to
both children and adults. For the purposes of example, such may be
cinnamon, spearmint, or peppermint.
[0056] Therefore, in total, the present invention effectively aids
in personal hygiene, is compact in size, is manufactured of
lightweight, inexpensive materials, and offers a variety of means
of attachment of the principal components for versatility in
manufacture and production With regards to all descriptions and
graphics, while the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications,
substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device
illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in
the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the
invention.
[0057] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it
for various applications without omitting features that, from the
standpoint of prior art, constitute essential characteristics of
the generic or specific aspects of this invention. What is claimed
as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth
in the appended claims.
* * * * *