U.S. patent application number 10/703620 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-08 for sanitizing toothbrush holder.
Invention is credited to Cochran, Candy, Cochran, Maurice D..
Application Number | 20040129580 10/703620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32685481 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040129580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cochran, Candy ; et
al. |
July 8, 2004 |
Sanitizing toothbrush holder
Abstract
A toothbrush holder comprises a container with a neck, and a lid
wherein the lid seals the neck of the container and has an aperture
for accepting a toothbrush handle. The lid is made from a material
that is soft and pliable so that the material of the lid will
conform to the handle of a toothbrush inserted through the aperture
to retain the toothbrush in the aperture and substantially seal the
container. Alternatively, the lid may be manufactured as an
integral part of the toothbrush handle to eliminate any possibility
of a leak.
Inventors: |
Cochran, Candy; (Bixby,
OK) ; Cochran, Maurice D.; (Bixby, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
32685481 |
Appl. No.: |
10/703620 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60437751 |
Jan 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/15.2 ;
206/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 1/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/015.2 ;
206/361 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/10 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A toothbrush holder, comprising: a container having a hollow
interior, the container having a neck extending from and defining
an opening for the container, the neck being generally cylindrical
and having inside and outside surfaces defining inside and outside
diameters; and a lid removably engaged to the neck of said
container, the lid having an aperture defined therein, the lid
being made of a soft and pliable material whereby the material of
the lid will conform to the handle of a toothbrush inserted through
the aperture.
2. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein said container
comprises a transparent, nonporous material.
3. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein said lid further
comprises a generally cylindrical stopper portion having an outside
diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said neck to
fit snugly within said neck, the lid being formed of a material
having a coefficient of friction high enough to retain the stopper
portion within said neck.
4. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein: said neck further
comprises threads formed on said interior surface; and said lid
further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion having
an exterior surface, the exterior surface being threaded; whereby
the threads of said stopper portion engage with the threads of said
neck to retain the threaded portion within said neck.
5. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein: said neck further
comprises threads formed on said exterior surface; and said lid
further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion having
an interior surface, the interior surface being threaded; whereby
the threads of said threaded portion engage with the threads of
said neck to retain the threaded portion on said neck.
6. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein: said neck further
comprises at least one keyway defined in said interior surface; and
said lid further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion
having an exterior surface, there being at least one key disposed
on the exterior surface; whereby the keys of said keyed portion
engage with the keyways of said neck to retain the stopper portion
within said neck.
7. The toothbrush holder of claim 1, wherein: said neck further
comprises at least one key disposed on said exterior surface; and
said lid further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion
having an interior surface, there being at least one keyway defined
in the interior surface; whereby the keys of said neck engage with
the keyways of said keyed portion to retain the keyed portion
within said neck.
8. A toothbrush holder, comprising: a container having a hollow
interior, the container having a neck extending from the container
and defining an opening for the container, the neck being generally
cylindrical and having inside and outside surfaces defining inside
and outside diameters; a toothbrush having a handle; and a lid
disposed on the handle of said toothbrush, the lid being removably
engaged to the neck of said container.
9. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein said container
comprises a transparent, nonporous material.
10. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein said lid further
comprises a generally cylindrical stopper portion having an outside
diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said neck to
fit snugly within said neck, the lid being formed of a material
having a coefficient of friction high enough to retain the stopper
portion within said neck.
11. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein: said neck further
comprises threads formed on said interior surface; and said lid
further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion; whereby
the threads of said threaded portion engage with the threads of
said neck to retain the threaded portion within said neck.
12. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein: said neck further
comprises threads formed on said exterior surface; and said lid
further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion having
an interior surface, the interior surface being threaded; whereby
the threads of said threaded portion engage with the threads of
said neck to retain the threaded portion on said neck.
13. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein: said neck further
comprises at least one keyway defined in said interior surface; and
said lid further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion
having an exterior surface, there being at least one key disposed
on the exterior surface; whereby the keys of said keyed portion
engage with the keyways of said neck to retain the keyed portion
within said neck.
14. The toothbrush holder of claim 8, wherein: said neck further
comprises at least one key disposed on said exterior surface; and
said lid further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion
having an interior surface, there being at least one keyway defined
in the interior surface; whereby the keys of said neck engage with
the keyways of said keyed portion to retain the keyed portion
within said neck.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/437,751, filed Jan. 3, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to toothbrush
holders, and more specifically to sanitizing toothbrush
holders.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Toothbrush holders have been in existence almost as long as
toothbrushes. Their function is simply to provide a place for a
toothbrush between uses. There are several prevalent ways in which
people store their toothbrushes between uses. One of the most
common toothbrush holders is a simple loop. Typically, the loop is
a circle of ceramic or other hard material that the toothbrush is
placed through. The internal diameter of the loop is such that it
is large enough to permit a toothbrush handle to enter, but small
enough to prevent the toothbrush head from falling through. Thus,
the toothbrush is suspended from such a loop. The loop may be
attached to a wall, or it may be incorporated into a freestanding
device, such as a cup. Such devices permit a toothbrush to start to
dry between uses, but the evaporation process may take a few hours
or more. The exposed nature of the toothbrush in a loop, in
conjunction with the lengthy drying time, allows a wide variety of
common viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens to come into contact
with the toothbrush and survive. This creates a germ problem. The
germ problem has been addressed in several ways.
[0006] The most common manner to deal with the toothbrush germs is
to make a toothbrush holder from an ordinary tumbler or glass. The
glass or tumbler is filled with a sanitizing solution, and a
toothbrush is placed in the glass to tumbler to soak. Typical
sanitizing solutions work well, but their liquid nature requires
that the toothbrush holder be emptied while traveling. There are
several other problems with this arrangement.
[0007] The tops of the tumblers or glasses are open. The toothbrush
is easy to insert and remove, but dirt and germs can enter the
sanitizing solution without impediment. Although many of the germs
will be killed, the sanitizing solution may be overwhelmed
eventually and the germs could have a fertile breeding ground. In
addition, any sediment or other insoluble solids will accumulate at
the bottom of the tumbler or glass. A toothbrush in such a tumbler
or glass rests in direct contact with the insoluble debris at the
bottom. Thus, what is needed is a toothbrush holder that holds a
toothbrush in a liquid sanitizing solution and away from the
insoluble debris, and performs these tasks without leaking.
[0008] U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0121449,
published on Sep. 5, 2002, discloses a toothbrush holder. However,
the device does not require a lid that is attached to a toothbrush.
Further, the device does require receptacles for a plurality of
toothbrushes and a lid that completely encloses the plurality of
toothbrushes.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,020, issued to Jeffrey S. Schurgin on
Nov. 14, 1989, discloses a traveling toothbrush holder. However,
the device does not require a lid that is attached to a toothbrush.
Further, the device is not liquid-tight and is intended for
travel.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,219, issued to Anthony Ottimo on Apr.
10, 1990, discloses a disinfecting toothbrush container. However,
the device does not require a lid that is attached to a toothbrush.
In addition, the device requires a plurality of chambers to hold a
plurality of toothbrushes.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,987, issued to Frank J. Palazzolo on
Apr. 28, 1992, discloses a toothbrush holder. However, the device
does not require a lid that is attached to a toothbrush. Further,
the device requires a lid that seals the toothbrush within the
device.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,292, issued to Frithjof Hecker on Jul.
13, 1999, discloses a care station for toothbrushes. However, the
device does not require a lid that is attached to a toothbrush. In
addition, the device requires that an aerosol disinfectant is
stored for use within the device.
[0013] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The device is a toothbrush holder, more specifically a
sanitizing toothbrush holder that includes a container for holding
a sanitizing solution, and a lid for holding a toothbrush.
[0015] The container is a one suitable for holding a sanitizing
solution and has an opening large enough to permit the head of a
toothbrush through. The opening is sealed with a lid to make the
container liquid-tight. The lid has a hole in its middle to permit
a toothbrush handle to pass through. The lid fits snugly around the
toothbrush handle to prevent the sanitizing solution from leaking.
In use, the lid remains in place on the toothbrush handle. The lid
does not interfere with the use and operation of the
toothbrush.
[0016] The sealed and leak-proof container permits the user to keep
a clean toothbrush at home or to take and maintain a clean
toothbrush while traveling. This device reduces the risk of
contamination and infection from exposure to germs, and eliminates
the mess created by leaking sanitizing solution.
[0017] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a liquid-tight container for a toothbrush.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to teach a sanitizing
container for a toothbrush that is aesthetically pleasing.
[0019] It is a further object of the invention to disclose a
sanitizing toothbrush holder wherein the toothbrush handle passes
through the sealing mechanism without compromising the liquid-tight
characteristics.
[0020] Still another object of the invention is to teach a
sanitizing toothbrush holder that requires a lid to seal the
sanitizing toothbrush holder.
[0021] Yet another object of the invention is to disclose a
sanitizing toothbrush holder that may be adapted to use with every
type of toothbrush known.
[0022] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0023] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sanitizing toothbrush
holder according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sanitizing toothbrush
holder, with toothbrush removed, according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a sanitizing toothbrush holder according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a sanitizing toothbrush holder according to the
present invention with the lid broken away.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a sanitizing toothbrush holder according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a sanitizing toothbrush holder according to the
present invention.
[0030] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] The present invention is a sanitizing toothbrush holder
comprising a container and a lid, forming a sealed vessel to hold a
toothbrush in a sanitizing solution.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a toothbrush stored in a sanitizing toothbrush
holder. A container 10 is made from a nonporous material suitable
for holding a sanitizing solution B. A sanitizing solution B is
placed inside the container 10. In the preferred embodiment, the
sanitizing solution is an antiseptic solution that is safe for oral
use. A lid 12 fits into the opening inside the top of the container
10. The lid 12 has an aperture 14 in it so that a toothbrush handle
A can fit through the lid 12. A toothbrush handle A is pressed
through the aperture 14 in the center of the lid 12.
[0033] The lid 12 is preferably made from a flexible and resilient
material, such as rubber or polyurethane, so that when the
toothbrush handle A is inserted through the aperture 14 the
material surrounding the aperture 14 conforms to the toothbrush
handle A to hold the toothbrush handle in place and form a seal.
The lid 12 is placed into the top of the container 10 so that the
toothbrush head C is immersed in the sanitizing solution B. The
toothbrush head C is immersed in the sanitizing solution B, but the
toothbrush head C does not rest on the bottom of the container 10.
Thus, germs on the toothbrush head C are killed by the sanitizing
solution B, and the toothbrush head C does not contact any debris
or sediment in the bottom of the container 10.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the lid 12 is made of a
flexible and resilient material, such as rubber or polyurethane, so
that when the lid 12 is placed into the top of the container 10,
the sanitizing solution B does not leak from the container 10 or
from the aperture 14. In the preferred embodiment, the container 10
is made of a transparent material that is impervious to the effects
of the sanitizing solution B, such as glass or plastic. The
external surface of the container 10 may be formed into an
aesthetically pleasing pattern. The lid 12 may b-e manufactured as
an integral part of the toothbrush handle A to eliminate any
possibility of a leak. Alternatively, the lid 12 may be made to fit
a wide variety of toothbrush handles, or molded to fit select
models of toothbrushes, including manual or powered
toothbrushes.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a tapered, friction-fit lid 12 used in a
container 10 with a tapered neck 16. The lid 12 resembles a
conventional stopper, with smooth and tapered sides. The lid 12 is
made from a material that is soft enough to deform slightly and
conform to the tapered neck 16 for proper sealing. The lid 12 is
made from a rubber or plastic material with a coefficient of
friction high enough to adhere inside the tapered neck 16.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an externally threaded lid 20 for use in a
container 10 having an internally threaded neck 18. The externally
threaded lid 20 is similar to the lid 12 described in FIGS. 1 and
2, but further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion
21 having threads formed on an exterior surface. The externally
threaded lid 20 has a liquid-tight aperture 120 for engaging a
toothbrush handle A. The threaded portion 21 of the externally
threaded lid 20 is screwed into the internally threaded neck 18 of
the container 10. The toothbrush is stored by fully screwing the
externally threaded lid 20 into the internally threaded neck 18 of
the container 10. In the stored position, the sanitizing toothbrush
holder will not leak, and the toothbrush head C is suspended within
the container 10 and fully immersed within the sanitizing solution
B. The externally threaded lid 20 may have a small flange and it
may match the contours and shape of the container 10.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows an internally threaded lid 24 for use in a
container 10 having an externally threaded neck 22. The internally
threaded lid 24 is similar to the lid 12 described in FIGS. 1 and
2, but further comprises a generally cylindrical threaded portion
25 having threads formed on an interior surface. The internally
threaded lid 24 has a liquid-tight aperture 124 for engaging a
toothbrush handle A. The threaded portion 25 of the internally
threaded lid 24 is screwed onto the externally threaded neck 22 of
the container 10. The toothbrush is stored by fully screwing the
internally threaded lid 24 onto the externally threaded neck 22 of
the container 10. In the stored position, the sanitizing toothbrush
holder will not leak, and the toothbrush head C is suspended within
the container 10 and fully immersed within the sanitizing solution
B.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an externally keyed lid 28 for use in a
container 10 with an internally keyed neck 26. The internally keyed
neck has at least one, and preferably two, keyways 126 defined in
an inner surface of the internally keyed neck 26. The externally
keyed lid 28 is similar to the lid 12 described in FIGS. 1 and 2,
but further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion 29
having an exterior surface, with at least one and preferably two
keys 129 disposed on the exterior surface. The externally keyed lid
28 has a liquid-tight aperture 128 for engaging a toothbrush handle
A. The externally keyed lid 28 is secured into the internally keyed
neck 26 of the container 10 by aligning the external keys 129 of
the lid 28 with the internal keyways 126 inside the neck 26 of the
container 10, and pushing the keys 129 into the keyways 126. Once
the externally keyed lid 28 is fully seated in the internally keyed
neck 26, the lid 28 is twisted to engage the external keys 129 of
the lid 28 within the keyways 126 of the neck 26. In the stored
position, the sanitizing toothbrush holder will not leak, and the
toothbrush head C is suspended within the container 10 and fully
immersed within the sanitizing solution B. The externally keyed lid
28 may have a flange to aid in sealing the container 10. The flange
may be shaped to match the shape and contours of the container
10.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows an internally keyed lid 32 for use in a
container 10 with an externally keyed neck 30. The externally keyed
neck 30 has at least one, and preferably two, keys 1130 defined on
an outer surface of the externally keyed neck 30. The internally
keyed lid 32 is similar to the lid 12 described in FIGS. 1 and 2,
but further comprises a generally cylindrical keyed portion 33
having an interior surface, with at least one and preferably two
keyways 133 defined in the interior surface. The internally keyed
lid 32 has a liquid-tight aperture 132 for engaging a toothbrush
handle A. The internally keyed lid 32 is secured onto the
externally keyed neck 30 of the container 10 by aligning the
internal keyways 133 of the lid 32 with the external keys 130 on
the neck 30 of the container 10, and pushing the keys 130 into the
keyways 133. Once the internally keyed lid 32 is fully seated in
the externally keyed neck 30, the lid 32 is twisted to engage the
internal keyways 133 of the lid 32 within the external keys 130 of
the neck 30. In the stored position, the sanitizing toothbrush
holder will not leak, and the toothbrush head C is suspended within
the container 10 and fully immersed within the sanitizing solution
B.
[0040] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses
any and all embodiments within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *