U.S. patent application number 12/420807 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover.
Invention is credited to Angela Harris.
Application Number | 20100243493 12/420807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782787 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100243493 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Angela |
September 30, 2010 |
APPARATUS FOR AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH COVER
Abstract
An apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover includes a lower
portion having a cavity configured to enclose a back of a head of
the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of a back of a neck
of the electric toothbrush. An upper portion has a cavity
configured for enclosing a front of the head and bristles of the
electric toothbrush, and at least a portion of a front of the neck
of the electric toothbrush. A hinge joins the lower portion to the
upper portion for allowing the lower portion and the upper portion
to open and close about the electric toothbrush. A means retains
the lower portion and the upper portion in a closed position about
the electric toothbrush where the joined lower portion and upper
portion enclose the head and bristles of the electric toothbrush
and at least a portion of the neck of the electric toothbrush.
Inventors: |
Harris; Angela; (Bronx,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Angela Harris
1132 E. 229 DR. S #6D
Bronx
NY
10466
US
|
Family ID: |
42782787 |
Appl. No.: |
12/420807 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61044936 |
Apr 15, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/22 20130101;
A61C 19/02 20130101; A46B 17/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/361 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover, the apparatus
comprising: a lower portion having a cavity configured to enclose a
back of a head of the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of
a back of a neck of the electric toothbrush; and an upper portion,
joinable to said lower portion, having a cavity configured to
enclose a front of the head and bristles of the electric toothbrush
and at least a portion of a front of the neck of the electric
toothbrush where the joined lower portion and upper portion enclose
the head and bristles of the electric toothbrush and at least a
portion of the neck of the electric toothbrush.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hinge
joining a top portion of said lower portion and a top portion of
said upper portion for allowing said lower portion and said upper
portion to be opened and closed about the electric toothbrush.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for retaining said lower portion and said upper portion in a closed
position about the electric toothbrush.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said retaining
means functions to snap said lower portion and said upper portion
closed.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper portion
and said lower portion are further configured to enclose the body
of the electric toothbrush where the joined lower portion and upper
portion enclose the entire electric toothbrush.
6. An apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover, the apparatus
comprising: lower means for enclosing a back of a head of the
electric toothbrush and at least a portion of a back of a neck of
the electric toothbrush; and upper means joinable to said lower
means for enclosing a front of the head and bristles of the
electric toothbrush and at least a portion of a front of the neck
of the electric toothbrush where the joined lower means and upper
means enclose the head and bristles of the electric toothbrush and
at least a portion of the neck of the electric toothbrush.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising means
for joining said lower means and said upper means for allowing said
lower means and said upper means to be opened and closed about the
electric toothbrush.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising means
for retaining said lower means and said upper means in a closed
position about the electric toothbrush.
9. An apparatus for an electric toothbrush cover, the apparatus
comprising: a lower portion having a cavity configured to enclose a
back of a head of the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of
a back of a neck of the electric toothbrush; an upper portion,
joinable to said lower portion, having a cavity configured with a
first portion having a first depth for enclosing a front of the
head and bristles of the electric toothbrush, and a second portion
having a second depth less than said first depth for enclosing at
least a portion of a front of the neck of the electric toothbrush;
a hinge joining a top end portion of said lower portion and a top
end portion of said upper portion for allowing said lower portion
and said upper portion to rotate about said hinge to open and close
about the electric toothbrush; and means for retaining said lower
portion and said upper portion in a closed position about the
electric toothbrush where the joined lower portion and upper
portion enclose the head and bristles of the electric toothbrush
and at least a portion of the neck of the electric toothbrush and
said lower portion and said upper portion are secured over the
electric toothbrush.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said retaining
means functions to snap said lower portion and said upper portion
closed.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said upper portion
and said lower portion are further configured to enclose the body
of the electric toothbrush where the joined lower portion and upper
portion enclose the entire electric toothbrush.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Utility patent application claims priority
benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No.
61/044,936 filed on Apr. 15, 2008 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The
contents of this related provisional application are incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to toothbrushes.
More particularly, the invention relates to electric toothbrush
covers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] People who travel with an electric toothbrush may use any of
a variety of methods to cover the bristles of the brush in an
attempt to keep it clean. Most of these methods cover the bristles
of the brush or the entire brush prior to packing the brush in an
attempt to preserve its sanitary nature. However, without effective
coverage, the user is not guaranteed a clean brush. It is therefore
an objective of the present invention to provide effective means
for covering an electric toothbrush.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved
techniques for providing a cover for an electric toothbrush that
effectively covers the toothbrush and keeps the toothbrush
clean.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of two exemplary
toothbrush covers, including a full cover and a bristle cover, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic perspective views of an
exemplary bristle cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 2A shows the bristle cover on an electric
toothbrush, and FIG. 2B shows the bristle cover in an opened
position; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary
full cover in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus for an electric
toothbrush cover is presented.
[0014] In one embodiment, an apparatus for an electric toothbrush
cover is presented. The apparatus includes a lower portion having a
cavity configured to enclose a back of a head of the electric
toothbrush and at least a portion of a back of a neck of the
electric toothbrush. An upper portion, joinable to the lower
portion, has a cavity configured to enclose a front of the head and
bristles of the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of a
front of the neck of the electric toothbrush where the joined lower
portion and upper portion enclose the head and bristles of the
electric toothbrush and at least a portion of the neck of the
electric toothbrush.
[0015] In another embodiment an apparatus for an electric
toothbrush cover is presented. The apparatus includes lower means
for enclosing a back of a head of the electric toothbrush and at
least a portion of a back of a neck of the electric toothbrush.
Upper means joinable to the lower means encloses a front of the
head and bristles of the electric toothbrush and at least a portion
of a front of the neck of the electric toothbrush where the joined
lower means and upper means enclose the head and bristles of the
electric toothbrush and at least a portion of the neck of the
electric toothbrush.
[0016] In another embodiment an apparatus for an electric
toothbrush cover is presented. The apparatus includes a lower
portion having a cavity configured to enclose a back of a head of
the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of a back of a neck
of the electric toothbrush. An upper portion, joinable to the lower
portion, has a cavity configured with a first portion having a
first depth for enclosing a front of the head and bristles of the
electric toothbrush, and a second portion having a second depth
less than the first depth for enclosing at least a portion of a
front of the neck of the electric toothbrush. A hinge joins a top
end portion of the lower portion and a top end portion of the upper
portion for allowing the lower portion and the upper portion to
rotate about the hinge to open and close about the electric
toothbrush. Means retains the lower portion and the upper portion
in a closed position about the electric toothbrush where the joined
lower portion and upper portion enclose the head and bristles of
the electric toothbrush and at least a portion of the neck of the
electric toothbrush and the lower portion and the upper portion are
secured over the electric toothbrush.
[0017] Other features, advantages, and object of the present
invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood
from the following detailed description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0019] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity
of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of
the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation
choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is,
there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention
that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as
plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa,
where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily
imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0021] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
[0022] It is to be understood that any exact
measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials
indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable
configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled
in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following
teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation
details.
[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a
toothbrush cover to present users with a sanitary method for
protecting an electric toothbrush. Preferred embodiments secure
over an electric toothbrush to keep the toothbrush safe and clean
during storage and transport. Specifically, preferred embodiments
protect the bristles of the toothbrush, which enter the mouth, from
dirt and germs by covering at least the head of the toothbrush to
maintain the sanitary nature of the bristles. Preferred embodiments
may tightly close over the head of the toothbrush or over the
entire toothbrush. The dimensions of the covers in preferred
embodiments vary depending on the make and model of the
toothbrushes they are to cover. Preferred embodiments may be
implemented to be disposable or to be reusable.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of two exemplary
toothbrush covers, including a full cover 101 and a bristle cover
103, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Bristle cover 103 fits over the head of a toothbrush to cover the
bristles of the toothbrush as shown by way of example in FIG. 2A.
Full cover 101 fits over the entire toothbrush, enclosing it
completely, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Covers such as,
but not limited to, full cover 101 and bristle cover 103 can be
made to be used with electric toothbrushes of virtually any size.
Full cover 101 and bristle cover 103 are preferably made from a
durable material such as, but not limited to, plastic. Full cover
101 and bristle cover 103 may be opened, closed, and secured.
[0025] In the present embodiment, full cover 101 and bristle cover
103 may be used to protect toothbrushes from dirt and germs while
being transported, for example, without limitation, while in a
suitcase. However, full cover 101 and bristle cover 103 may also be
used in the home to protect the bristles and other parts of
toothbrushes from dirt and germs that may be in the air or
dispersed in the direction of the toothbrushes by users. Full cover
101 and bristle cover 103 can therefore provide complete protection
against dirt and germs when the toothbrushes are not in use.
[0026] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic perspective views of an
exemplary bristle cover 201, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 2A shows bristle cover 201 on an
electric toothbrush 203, and FIG. 2B shows bristle cover 201 in an
opened position. In the present embodiment, bristle cover 201
comprises an opening 207 at the base that is large enough to close
over a neck 209 of electric toothbrush 203 to cover the head of
electric toothbrush 203. The sizing of opening 207 varies with the
design of the toothbrush being covered. Necks of electric
toothbrushes are typically larger than necks of manual
toothbrushes. A hinge 211 at the top of bristle cover 201 enables
an upper portion 213 to be separated from a lower portion 215 to
open bristle cover 201, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2B.
[0027] In typical use of the present embodiment, a user simply
applies bristle cover 201 to toothbrush 203 in the opened position
with the bristles of toothbrush 203 inserted into upper portion 213
of bristle cover 201 and closes bristle cover 201 securely around
neck 209 of toothbrush 203 to protect this portion of toothbrush
203 from germs and other dirt. In the present embodiment, bristle
cover 201 is disposable and can be removed and thrown away when the
user is ready to use toothbrush 203. However, in alternate
embodiments bristle covers may be reusable and are not thrown away
when taken off of the toothbrush.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary
full cover 301 in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In the present embodiment, full cover 301 covers
the electric toothbrush in its entirety. Full cover 301 comprises
an upper portion 303 and a lower portion 305, which enclose the
body of the toothbrush, and a hinge 307. Hinge 307 enables upper
portion 303 to be separated from lower portion 305 to open full
cover 301. In typical use of the present embodiment, an electric
toothbrush is inserted into full cover 301 in an open position with
the bristles of the toothbrush being inserted into upper portion
303. Then, lower portion 305 is matched up with upper portion 303
and full cover 301 is snapped closed. Full cover 301 may be made to
be disposable or reusable. Those skilled in the art, in light of
the present teachings, will readily recognize that the bodies of
electric toothbrushes vary depending on the make and model, and
full covers in alternate embodiments may have different dimensions
and shapes.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment, a full cover may be provided
that has a top portion that covers the head of an electric
toothbrush and a bottom portion that covers the base of the
toothbrush. In this embodiment the bottom of the top portion fits
into the top of the bottom portion or vice versa to encase the
entire body of the electric toothbrush. The portions of the cover
are opened and closed by pushing them together or pulling them
apart.
[0030] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of
providing means for covering an electric toothbrush according to
the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and
the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the
particular implementation of the electric toothbrush cover may vary
depending upon the particular type of attachment means used to
connect the portions of the cover. The attachment means described
in the foregoing were directed to hinged implementations; however,
similar techniques are to make the portions two separate pieces
without a hinge that snap or slide together. Non-hinged
implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within
the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover
all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the following claims.
[0031] Claim elements and steps herein have been numbered and/or
lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. As
such, the numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and
should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or
steps in the claims.
* * * * *