U.S. patent application number 10/790324 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for single use combination for the hygiene of the mouth cavity.
Invention is credited to Polczynski, Juliusz.
Application Number | 20040170464 10/790324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29776422 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040170464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polczynski, Juliusz |
September 2, 2004 |
Single use combination for the hygiene of the mouth cavity
Abstract
The combination according to the present invention contains
parts of a uniform material making a three-dimensional composition,
wherein individual fragments assume in their form the functional
elements of handle (1), brush (2), and case (3) as well as agent
for cleaning teeth (4) disposed in the fragment performing the
function of the case (3). A part of the three-dimensional
composition of a portion of uniform material performs the function
of the handle (1) and has the form of a flat bar with long sides
bent downwardly as well as connecting the handle (1) at the short
side. a part of the three-dimensional composition of a portion of
uniform material is performing the function of the brush (2) and
has the shape of a flat bar, wherein rows of spikes protrude from
the surface of the flat bar. A part of the three-dimensional
composition of a portion of uniform material performs the function
of the case (3) and has the shape of an open case. The part
performing the function of the case (3) is swinging with respect to
the fragment of the three-dimensional composition of a portion of
uniform material after assembly and surrounds that fragment, which
contains a part performing the function of the brush (2).
Inventors: |
Polczynski, Juliusz;
(Poznan, PL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HORST KASPER
13 FOREST DRIVE
WARREN
NJ
07059
US
|
Family ID: |
29776422 |
Appl. No.: |
10/790324 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/123 ;
15/104.94; 15/184; 15/185; 15/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 1/00 20130101; A45D
44/18 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 17/04 20130101; A46B
2200/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/123 ;
015/184; 015/185; 015/187; 015/104.94 |
International
Class: |
A46B 017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2003 |
PL |
P358927 |
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. Single use combination for hygiene of the cavity of the mouth
containing tooth brush and case characterized in that a portion of
uniform material is made into a three-dimensional composition,
wherein individual fragments assume in their form functional
elements of handle (1), brush (2), and case (3).
2. Combination for hygiene according to claim 1 characterized in
that the case (3) is filled with an agent for cleaning teeth
(4).
3. Combination for hygiene according to claim 1 characterized in
that the parts of the combination performing the function of the
case (3) are swinging relative to the part performing the function
of the brush (2).
4. Combination for hygiene according to claim one characterized in
that the part of the combination performing the function of the
case (3) after assembly surrounds the fragment containing the part
performing the function of the brush (2).
5. A toothbrush comprising a handle; a block head attached to the
handle; a brush attached to the block head; a case attachable to
the block head and sealingly enclosing the brush.
6. The toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising
toothpaste disposed at a bottom of the case.
7. The toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising a hinge
connecting an outer end of the block head to a narrow rim of the
case.
8. The toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising a channel
forming the handle.
9. The toothbrush according to claim 8 further comprising braces
disposed inside the channel and disposed perpendicular to a
longitudinal direction of the channel for increasing the stiffness
of the channel.
10. The toothbrush according to claim 8 further comprising a rib
connecting the handle to the block head, wherein the rib extends
substantially in a plane spanned by a longitudinal direction of the
channel and a direction perpendicular to a floor of the channel and
attached to the bottom of the channel and to a back of the block
head.
11. The toothbrush according to claim 10 wherein the width of the
rib deceases from an end on the side of the channel to an end on
the side of the block head.
12. The toothbrush according to claim 10 wherein side walls of the
channel are sloped downward beginning in an area of a rib and
ending near an inner end of the block head.
13. The toothbrush according to claim 10 further comprising a
second rib disposed neighboring to the first rib, wherein a
distance between the first rib and the second rib decreases from a
value of from about 0.3 to 0.7 of an inner width of the channel in
the area of the channel to a value of less than 0.1 of the inner
width of the channel.
14. The toothbrush according to claim 5 further comprising a plate
disposed at and attached to the block head, wherein bristles of the
brush protrude from the plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present Invention relates to a single use tooth brush
for maintaining the hygiene of the mouth.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Background of the invention
Including Prior Art
[0004] A solution is known containing a packaging, wherein travel
organizers contain means for tooth cleaning and a known closed
tooth brush in a case having the shape of a cuboidal case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Purposes of the Invention
[0006] It is an object of the present Invention to furnish or
technological production of a combination for the hygiene of the
mouth.
[0007] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become evident from the description which
follows.
[0008] 2. Brief Description of the Invention
[0009] The present invention provides a toothbrush comprising a
handle, a block head attached to the handle, a brush attached to
the block head, and a case attachable to the block head and
sealingly enclosing the brush.
[0010] Toothpaste is disposed at a bottom of the case. A hinge
connects an outer end of the block head to a narrow rim of the
case. A channel forms the handle. Braces are disposed inside the
channel and disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of
the channel for increasing the stiffniess of the channel. A rib
connects the handle to the block head, wherein the rib extends
substantially in a plane spanned by a longitudinal direction of the
channel and a direction perpendicular to a floor of the channel and
attached to the bottom of the channel and to a back of the block
head.
[0011] The width of the rib deceases from the end on the side of
the channel to the end on the side of the block head. Side walls of
the channel are sloped downward beginning in an area of a rib and
ending near an inner end of the block head. A second rib can be
disposed neighboring to the first rib, wherein a distance between
the first rib and the second rib decreases from a value of from
about 0.3 to 0.7 of the inner width of the channel in the area of
the channel to a value of less than 0.1 of the inner width of the
channel. A plate can be disposed at and attached to the block head,
wherein bristles of the brush protrude from the plate.
[0012] The novel features which are considered as characteristic
for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 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 following
description of specific embodiments when read in connection with
the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown several of
the various possible embodiments of the present invention:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from a side of the
toothbrush of the present Invention,
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from the bristles side of
the toothbrush of the present Invention,
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the back side of the
toothbrush of the present Invention,
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of the toothbrush with
an open case,
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of the toothbrush with
a closed case,
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the toothbrush of the
present Invention along section line A-A of FIG. 3,
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from a side of a second
embodiment of the toothbrush of the present Invention,
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a top planar view of the second embodiment of
the toothbrush with a closed case,
[0022] FIG. 9 shows an in part sectional view of the second
embodiment of the toothbrush along section line A-A of FIG. 8,
[0023] FIG. 10 shows perspective side view of another embodiment of
a toothbrush fitted to accept a cover for the bristles,
[0024] FIG. 11 shows perspective side and in part sectional view of
the another embodiment of the cover.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The toothbrush according to FIG. 1 shows a handle 1
essentially formed as a channel 10 on the side relative remote to
the bristles 2. The handle 1 transitions with a down slope 6 of the
channel walls toward the block head 7. The down slope reaches an
end in the area of the block head, which is still free from
bristles 2. A rib 8 connects the rearside of the block head 7 to
the inside floor of the channel 10 in the area of the down slope 6.
The length of the rib 8 is from about two to three times the
longitudinal extension of the area of the block head 7 assumed by
the bristles 2. The side of the rib 8 disposed remote to the
bristles 2 slopes from the area of the channel 10 down to the end
of the rib 8 in the area of the block head 7. The rib 8 is attached
to the floor of the channel 10 in the middle and to the middle of
the rearside of the block head 7. The rib 8 can be formed as a dual
rib 8 as shown in FIG. 1 for reinforcement purposes. The straight
sections of the dual rib 8 can be joined to a single end in the
area of the block head 8. The straight sections of the dual rib 8
can be joined by a rounded section 16 connecting the distance
between the straight sections of the dual rib 8, wherein the
distance between the straight sections of the dual rib 8 increases
from zero at the end of the block head 7 to from about 0.1 to 0.3
times the open width of the channel 10 present at the end of the
dual rib 8 in the area of the channel 10. The dual rib 8 is
preferably disposed centered in the channel 10.
[0026] The length of the bristles 2 can be from a about 0.2 to 0.5
times the longitudinal extension of the rows of bristles and is
preferably from about 0.25 to 0.4 times the longitudinal extension
of the rows of bristles. The depth of the channel 10 can be from
about 0.5 to 0.8 times the length of the bristles 2.
[0027] The channel 10 is closed at its end remote to the bristles
with an end section 12. A case 3 is attached at the end of the
block head 7 disposed remote relative to the handle 1. A hinge
connection is provided between the longitudinal and of the block
head 7 and a longitudinal end of the case 3. The case 3 exhibits
the shape of a hollow trough of adapted to fix over the bristles
and to rest at the block head 7. The bottom of the case 3 is filled
with toothpaste 4. The depth of the trough can be from about 1.4 to
3 times the length of the bristles 2 and is preferably from about
1.6 to 2.5 times the length of the bristles 2. The longitudinal
extension of the trough can be from about 1.2 to 2 times the depth
of the trough and is preferably from about 1.4 to 1.7 times the
depth of the trough. The edges of the trough can be rounded. The
trough is furnished with a rim 12 adapted to engage the block head
7 and to lock the case 3 to the block head 7. The attachment of the
case 3 to the block head 7 provided by a hinge between the block
head 7 and the rim 12. The attachment of the case 3 to the block
head 7 furnishes an hermetic seal. Prior to use of the toothbrush
the case 3 can be opened from the block head 7 and can be separated
by sharing of from the block head 7 in the area of the hinge
14.
[0028] As an alternative to the hinge connection 14 between block
head 7 and case 3, it is also possible to provide the trough-shaped
case 3 as a separate part, wherein the case 3 becomes attached with
locking snap-in connections disposed along the longitudinal sides
of the case 3 and of the block head 7 or disposed along the short
cross sides of the case 3 and of the block head 7. The snap-in
connections are preferably constructed such that a manual pressure
against the relevant longitudinal sides or cross sides of the case
3 will disengage the snap-in lock and release the case 3 to either
swing out or to separate completely from the block head 7.
[0029] The snap in connection can be furnished by a ledge 13
projecting from two opposite narrow sides of plate 13 in
longitudinal direction. The narrow sides can be the longitudinal
narrow sides or the cross narrow sides. The cover 3 according to
FIG. 11 has recesses 24 in longitudinal direction on the inside
near the edge matching the ledges 13 and for engaging the ledges
13. Alternatively, the cover 3 could be furnished with a ledge and
the plate 16 with a corresponding recess along the longitudinal
edge or along the cross edge of the plate 16. The cover 3 can then
be separated from the plate 16 by tearing the cover from the plate
or by pressing against the outside of the cover 3 and thereby
releasing the snap in connection, wherein the ledge 13 slips out of
recess 24 upon pressing against the cover 3. The ledges 13 could
also by substituted by a subdivision of the ledge made up of strips
or teeth.
[0030] The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 shows that the edge of the
cover 3 surrounds the plate 16. Alternatively, the block head 7
could be furnished with a collar surrounding the bristles 2 such
that the lower edge of the cover 3 rests with the outer side at the
inner side of the collar. In addition, the lower edge of the cover
3 can be furnished on its outer side with a ledge or with a recess.
The inner side of the collar can be furnished correspondingly and
matchingly with a recess or, respectively, with a ledge for
engaging the corresponding part of the outer side of the lower edge
of the cover. This embodiment will require only a small pressing
force for disengaging and removing the cover 3 from the block head
7.
[0031] The rounding of the handle 1 can be recognized in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where the case 3 is adhesively attached
the block head 7 prior to use of the toothbrush. FIG. 2 shows
further that the rows of bristles 2 are disposed asymmetrically
relative to the length of the block head. Preferably the position
of the first bristles from the end of the block head 7 is located
at the distance of 0.5 to 2 times the distance of the location of
the neighboring bristles from the side of the block head 7. The
distance of the bristles 2 from the end of the block head 7 toward
the handle 1 as shown in FIG. 2 can be from about the 0.5 to 1
times the width of the block head 7.
[0032] FIG. 3 is shows in dashed -- lines the convergence of the
dual rib 8 in the direction toward the bristles 2. FIG. 3 also
indicates the position of the block head 7 relative to the handle
1.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a presence of an additional plate 16 disposed
on the block head 7, from which plate the bristles 2 emanate. The
thickness of the plate 16 can be from about 0.5 to 2 times the
thickness of the block head 7.
[0034] The case 3 is disposed in the closed position according to
FIG. 5. The case 3 rests at the block head 7 and surrounds the
plate 16.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows how the edges of the case 3 are engage at the
block head 7 and surround the plate 16. According to FIG. 6 to
block head 7 and the plate 16 are made as a single piece of
plastic.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the toothbrush of the
present Invention. The embodiment of FIG. 7 shows in addition
braces 18 disposed in the channel 10 for reinforcement. The braces
18 are attached with their two ends to the two side walls of the
channel 10. There can be from about 3 to 20 braces 18 and
preferably from about 4 to 10 braces 18. The braces 18 can be flush
with the top of the channel 10 or can be recessed preferably by an
amount of 0.01 to 0.2 of the depth of the channel 10. Preferably
the braces 18 are uniformly spaced in the channel 10.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a construction of the toothbrush with a single
rib 8. The rib 8 is continued in the middle of the channel 10 in
the area of the braces 18 forming a divider 20 and thereby
subdividing the channel 10 in the middle in a longitudinal
direction of the channel 10.
[0038] The position of the braces 18 in the handle 1 can be
gathered in FIG. 8. The divider 20 is indicated with dashed lines
in FIG. 8.
[0039] It can be recognized from FIG. 9 that the reinforcement rib
8 reaches up to the first brace 18 of the channel 10. Furthermore
FIG. 9 shows that the braces 18 reach to the bottom of the channel
10.
[0040] The present Invention relates to a single use combination
for the hygiene of the mouth cavity.
[0041] The essence of the solution according to the present
Invention resides in that a part of the uniform material is made in
a three-dimensional composition, wherein individual fragments are
separated and stand apart in their shape as functional elements of
a handle, of a brush and of a case. According to another feature of
the Invention the case is filled with an agent for cleaning teeth.
According to yet another feature of the Invention the case is a
part of a three-dimensional composition of a one kind material, and
is swinging with respect to the parts of the composition performing
the functions of the brush. According to the next feature of the
Invention the case, which is a part of the three-dimensional
composition and a part of the single kind of material according to
the solution and assumes the position of that one fragment, which
fragment contains a part performing the function of the brush.
[0042] An advantageous result of the application of the Invention
is the compact construction, which compact construction allows the
making of stable parts of the combination for hygiene by way of a
single operation.
[0043] The subject matter of the Invention is shown in an
axonometric view in the accompanying drawing. The combination for
hygiene according to the Invention contains parts of a uniform
material, establishes a three-dimensional composition, wherein
individual fragments separate in their form the functional elements
of handle 1, brush 2, case 3, as well as agent for cleaning the
teeth 4 completing a fragment performing the function of the case
3. Fulfilling the function of the handle 1, a part of the
three-dimensional composition out of a portion of uniform material
has the shape of a flat bar with long sides bent toward the bottom
as well as connecting the parts at the short side. A part of the
three-dimensional composition of a portion of the uniform material
has the shape of a flat bar performing the function of the brush 2,
wherein rows of spikes or thorns protrude from the surface of the
bar. A part of the three-dimensional composition made of a part of
the uniform material has the form of an open box performing the
function of the case 3. Swinging with respect to the fragment of
the three-dimensional composition, a part of the portion of uniform
material performing the function of the case 3 after assembly, this
fragment surrounds that fragment which contains the parts
performing the function of the brush 2.
[0044] The case 3 or capsule which is connected to the tooth brush
with the aid of a hinge with a goal that the tooth brush performs
the constructive role of a single time use, only to the point in
time of the use of the tooth brush. The capsule has to be torn off
prior to use. The tooth brush can weigh from about 4 to 8 grams
such as for example 5.6 grams. The toothpaste inside the capsule
can weigh for example 2 to 4 grams such as three grams. The overall
weight of the tooth brush can be from about 6 to 12 grams such as
8.5 grams. The length of the tooth brush can be from about 10 to 18
cm such as 13 cm.
[0045] The combination for hygiene is constructed thinking of
situations, where the user does not have is the tooth brush with
him or with her, for example during a visit to the doctor, to the
dentist, in hotels, on airline, in gas stations, in sleeping
coaches and the like. The tooth brush comprises a capsule above the
brushes, which is hermetically sealed, wherein a portion of
toothpaste is located above the capsule. The capsule has to be
opened, torn apart and the tooth brush is ready for use. The
combination for hygiene is produced by the injection molding method
into forms overall as a single piece in integral parts containing
the handle 1, the brush 2, as well as the capsule 3 connected with
a swinging hinge. There was success to obtain two opposite things:
with a uniform raw material was produced a stiff handle and a soft
hair of a brush. The handle 1 is formed in the shape of the channel
for reinforcement with a grating or truss stiffening the
construction. Further down the handle 1 goes over into a flat form,
wherein brushes protrude from the flat form. The production method
of injection molding allows to produce the combination for hygiene
cheaper than all tooth brushes, even though toothpaste has been
added as an included feature.
[0046] The length of the handle can be from about 8 to 15 cm such
as for example 10 cm. The thickness of the handle can be from about
0.6 to 1.5 centimeters and for example be 0.9 centimeters. The
thickness of the capsule can be from about 1 to 2 centimeters and
for example can be 1.4 centimeters.
[0047] The toothbrush of the present invention comprises a block
handle and the block head. Bristles can be attached to tuft holes
disposed in the flat block head.
[0048] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application
in other types of toothbrush configurations and oral hygiene
procedures differing from the types described above.
[0049] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied in the context of a combination for oral hygiene, it is
not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made without departing
in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
[0050] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
* * * * *