U.S. patent application number 13/041683 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-18 for disposable toothbrush holder.
Invention is credited to Donald J. Volk.
Application Number | 20110198454 13/041683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44368973 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110198454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Volk; Donald J. |
August 18, 2011 |
DISPOSABLE TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER
Abstract
Disposable containers and stands for holding and supporting
toothbrushes, the holder having an upper component and a lower
component that can be snapped together to form the assembled
holder.
Inventors: |
Volk; Donald J.; (Turlock,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44368973 |
Appl. No.: |
13/041683 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12708267 |
Feb 18, 2010 |
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13041683 |
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29356031 |
Feb 18, 2010 |
D634139 |
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12708267 |
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29379420 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
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29356031 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 1/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/111 |
International
Class: |
A46B 17/08 20060101
A46B017/08 |
Claims
1. A disposable toothbrush holder, comprising: a) an upper
component having a top surface, a side extending downward from the
top surface, and a first rim extending from the side opposite the
top surface, the top surface having holes therethrough; and b) a
lower component having a shaped configuration with a central peak,
an annular ridge, a valley between the peak and the annular ridge,
and a second rim extending from an outer edge of the lower
component, wherein the first rim cooperates with the second rim in
securing the upper component to the lower component to form a
generally hollow structure having an interior, and wherein the
holes allow access for a toothbrush to the interior of the
generally hollow structure.
2. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rim is
releasably secured within the second rim.
3. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower component
further comprises at least one drainage hole therethrough.
4. The holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one
drainage hole is located at the valley.
5. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower component
further comprises at least one radial ridge extending from the peak
to the annular ridge across the valley.
6. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second rim further
comprises a flange for guiding the first rim into the second
rim.
7. The holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first rim is a
semi-circular structure extending outward from a bottom edge of the
side and initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then
upward and outward from the side.
8. The holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first rim is
somewhat flexible so as to snap into the second rim.
9. The holder as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first rim extends
about the entire circumference of the upper component.
10. The holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second rim is a
semi-circular structure having a flange extending outward from the
circumferential edge of lower component.
11. The holder as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second rim
initially curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward
and outward from the outer edge of the lower component, then
slightly inward back towards the annular ridge, and then upward and
outward forming the flange.
12. The holder as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second rim
extends about the entire circumference of the lower component.
13. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper components
are stackable one on top of another.
14. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower components
are stackable one on top of another.
15. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder is between
about 3.5 to 6.0 inches high and has diameters between about 2.5 to
4.0 inches.
16. The holder as claim in claim 1, wherein the holder is
constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of
plastics, papers, sugars, and starches.
Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/708,267 having a filing date of 18 Feb.
2010 and entitled Collapsible Disposable Toothbrush Holder And
Blank Therefore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/356,031 having
a filing date of 18 Feb. 2010 and entitled Toothbrush Holder, and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/379,420 having a filing date of
19 Nov. 2010 and entitled Toothbrush Holder, all of which are
incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to containers and stands
for holding and supporting elongated items and relates more
specifically to disposable containers and stands for holding and
supporting toothbrushes.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Toothbrush holders are known, especially ceramic and plastic
toothbrush holders present in the household bathroom. Toothbrush
holders hold and support toothbrushes off of the counter for both
health and aesthetic reasons. A vertically supported toothbrush
dries more quickly and accumulates fewer germs than a toothbrush
lying on the bathroom sink counter, and just looks better.
[0006] Hotels, inns, cruise ships, medical facilities and the like
typically do not provide a toothbrush holder and patrons have a
choice: prop their toothbrush up in a glass, leave the toothbrush
lying on the counter, place the toothbrush on a towel, or dry the
toothbrush and place it back in the toiletry kit. None of these
options are particularly appealing.
[0007] Various toothbrush holders, disposable and non-disposable,
have been developed. Several representative devices include:
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,902,145 to Wagner, which discloses a flat,
compact case having a plurality of apertures in an upper wall
through which the shanks or handles of toothbrushes may be
extended, the case standing upright on a suitable surface, and with
the heads of the brushes extended above the top of the case. The
device further contemplates the provision of a trough-shaped bottom
for maintaining the brushes uniformly in place in the holder and
which bottom is provided with openings for drainage purposes. This
is not a collapsible disposable device made from a blank.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,233,743 to Di Tirro, which discloses a
molded one piece box-like rack having a pair of parallel integral
sides and back and adapted to be mounted in vertical planes. The
spaced sides include cooperating pairs of downwardly inclined
horizontally aligned slots for supporting a comb therein. This also
is not a collapsible device made from a blank.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,855 to Heller, which discloses a
disposable toothbrush holder, particularly for the convenience and
hygiene of visitors in motels and hotels, holds toothbrushes
upright, bristle end up, for sanitary drying, supported in circular
openings in a convex upper portion supported by integrally-formed
legs. The holders can be molded economically from recyclable
plastic material, and can be nested together for space-efficient
packaging. This also is not a collapsible device made from a
blank.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,976 to Pretorius, which discloses a
toothbrush holder including a single piece of sheet material
including spaced first and second end edges. A single fold area
across the sheet material defines a holder portion and a base
portion. The holder portion terminates in the first end edge and
has a length relative to the base portion to impart a smooth
sloping curvature to the holder portion without fold lines when the
toothbrush holder is deployed. The base portion terminates at the
second end edge. At least one toothbrush receiving orifice in the
holder portion is sized to receive the shaft of the toothbrush. A
key extends outwardly from the second edge, and a lock for
receiving the key is disposed in the holder portion. The lock is
spaced from the first end edge to angle the base portion and to
deploy and support the holder portion in a position spaced from the
base portion with the orifice in the base portion elevated. This is
a device made from a blank but is not a box-like structure.
[0012] U.S. Design Patent No. D570,144 to Scofield, which discloses
an ornamental design for a disposable toothbrush holder that, in
effect, has the appearance of a birdhouse or small house. The
design has at least one hole in the "roof" of the design through
which a toothbrush may be placed and held in a generally vertical
orientation.
[0013] There is thus a need for an inexpensive disposable
toothbrush holder for meeting the needs of hotels and other inns,
cruise ships, travel kits, households, hospitals and other medical
facilities, camps, schools, emergency management organizations, and
the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is a disposable toothbrush holder
formed from two pieces, namely, an upper piece and a lower piece.
The toothbrush holder has a generally inverted cup-like component
as the upper piece and a ridged or undulating shaped component as
the lower piece. The upper piece and the lower piece fit together
to form a generally hollow finished product.
[0015] The upper piece has a top surface that has at least one hole
or perforation leading to the interior of the holder through which
a portion of the toothbrush(es), preferably the handle(s) or
shank(s), pass. The lower piece has a shaped surface which the end
of the toothbrush contacts so as to hold the toothbrush in a
relatively unmoving and generally upright or slightly slanted
position. Upper pieces can be stacked together for ease of shipping
and storage and, likewise, lower pieces can be stacked together for
ease of shipping and storage. The upper piece and the lower piece
can be snapped together to form the finished product. The upper
piece and the lower piece also can be unsnapped apart should the
user want to clean and reuse the holder, rather than disposing of
it.
[0016] In a preferred usage, when the toothbrush is in the holder,
at least a majority portion of the toothbrush handle is located
within the interior of the holder and at least the brush portion of
the toothbrush is located outside of the holder. The rim or edge of
the holes or perforations in the top surface of the upper component
supports the toothbrush such that the toothbrush is in a generally
vertical orientation, plus or minus 0-40 degrees or so, and the
holes or perforations prevent the toothbrush from falling over. The
shaped lower piece allows two or more toothbrushes to be placed in
the holder and to remain separated as the shaped portion of the
lower piece helps prevent the toothbrushes from moving within the
holder.
[0017] The holder can be a hygienically and useful complementary
item used by hotels and the like, and can sport advertising or
other promotional material on the sides. The holder also can be
used by the traveler, by campers, by vacationers and the like.
Similarly, the holder can be used by hospitals and other medical
facilities and emergency management organizations and the like to
help prevent the spread of germs and diseases by providing for a
clean, disposable toothbrush holder for each visitor to the
facility. Optionally, the holder can have advertising printed
thereon.
[0018] These features, and other features and advantages of the
present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the
appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like
components throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled toothbrush
holder according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of an upper component of the of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of an upper component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top view of an upper component of the toothbrush
holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a lip of an upper component of
the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a lower component
of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of a lower component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower component of the toothbrush
holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a lip of a lower component of
the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of the assembled
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder
shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush
holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder
shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper
components of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective sectional view of the assembled
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19 shown from the top.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder
shown in FIG. 19.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush
holder shown in FIG. 19.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder
shown in FIG. 19.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view
of an assembled toothbrush holder according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper component or piece
of one embodiment of the toothbrush holder of the present
invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of this upper piece, FIG. 4 is a
sectional side view of this upper piece, and FIG. 5 is a top view
of this upper piece. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the lip of this
upper piece of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component or piece
of one embodiment of the toothbrush holder of the present
invention. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of this lower piece.
FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of this lower piece, FIG. 10
is a sectional side view of this lower piece, and FIG. 11 is a top
view of this lower piece. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lip of
this lower piece of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of one embodiment of
the assembled toothbrush holder of the present invention. FIG. 14
is a side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, FIG. 15 is a
sectional side view of this assembled toothbrush holder, and FIG.
16 is a top view of this assembled toothbrush holder. FIG. 17 is a
sectional view of the lip of the assembled toothbrush holder shown
in FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper pieces
of the toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 shown how the upper pieces
can be stacked for shipping and/or storage.
[0048] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is another perspective sectional view of this assembled
toothbrush holder. FIG. 21 is a side view of this assembled
toothbrush holder, FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of this
assembled toothbrush holder, and FIG. 23 is a top view of this
assembled toothbrush holder. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the lip
of the assembled toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 19.
[0049] The present invention is directed to a disposable toothbrush
holder 10 formed from an upper cup-like component 12 and a lower
shaped component 26. The representative example of the holder 10
disclosed herein is a hollow structure having a cylindrical side 22
and a top 24 as the upper component 12 and a shaped disc-like
bottom as the lower component 26. Other embodiments can have sides
that are not cylindrical and as many sides as desired, various
numbers and shapes of perforations or holes 14 on the top 24, and
various shapes and configurations of the surface of the lower
component 26.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, a general basic embodiment of the
holder 10 is shown. Other suitable embodiments of a holder 10
constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention are
illustrated in the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an
assembled holder 10 according to the present invention. As can be
seen, the holder 10 is a generally truncated conical or pyramidal
shape having upper component 12 with a cylindrical side 22 and top
24, and lower component 26. In effect, holder 10 is a hollow
structure. Top 24 has holes 14 therethrough allowing access to the
interior of holder 10 through which a toothbrush 16, preferably a
toothbrush handle or shank, may be inserted.
[0051] FIGS. 2-6 are views of upper component 12. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view generally from the bottom, of upper component 12
illustrating the hollow interior into which the toothbrush 16
handles are placed.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a side view of the upper component 12 of the
holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 better illustrating a general shape of
the holder 10. Although side 22 can be of many different shapes, it
has been found that the tapering shape, inwards from bottom to top,
shown in the figures provides pleasing aesthetics as well as
allowing for a larger diameter lower component 26 for greater
stability. As shown in FIG. 3, side 22 has a change in the angle
22A, which is for aesthetic purposes only. Top 24 is shown as an
upwardly domed surface, which is for aesthetic purposes, but can be
flat, downwardly domed, or otherwise. The circumference of top 24
connects to or transitions into the upper edge of side 22 as a
preferably unitary structure. The bottom edge of side 22 connects
to or transitions into a first rim 28 also as a preferably unitary
structure. In other words, top 24, side 22, and rim 28 preferably
are a unitary structure formed from a single piece of material,
such but not limited to as plastic or paper. As discussed in more
detail herein, rim 28 cooperates with a second rim 50 on the lower
component 26 for connecting lower component 26 to upper component
12.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the upper component 12 of
the holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 better illustrating the hollow
interior and rim 28. As can be seen, and as disclosed herein, top
24, side 22, and rim 28 preferably are a unitary structure formed
from a single piece of material, with rim 28 curving or curling
upwards and outwards from the bottom edge of side 22.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the holder 10
shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary positioning of holes 14.
As will be seen herein, holes 14 can be any shape, so long as holes
14 can accommodate a toothbrush 16, and can be present in any
quantity. Four egg-shaped or pear-shaped holes 14 are shown in FIG.
5 as being a preferred embodiment. Other shapes include but are not
limited to circles, triangles, squares, stars, and other polygons,
both regular and irregular. FIG. 5 also shows how side 22 tapers
outward from top to bottom in a preferred embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a sectional detail of rim 28. Rim 28 in the shown
embodiment is a semi-circular structure extending outward from the
bottom edge of side 22. Rim 28 initially curves downward and
outward, then outward, then upward and outward. Rim 28 can end
curving slightly inward back towards side 22. As disclosed herein,
rim 28 cooperates with another rim 50 on lower component 26 so as
to secure upper component 12 to lower component 26. Rim 28
preferably is somewhat flexible so as to snap into the rim 50 on
lower component 26. Rim 28 preferably extends about the entire
circumference or perimeter of upper component 12.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower component 26 of the
toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top. Lower
component 26 has a shaped surface, which, in the illustrative
embodiment shown, resembles an undulation or volcano. In the center
of lower component 26 is a truncated peak 40 or rod-like rise.
Extending radially from peak 40 are radial ridges 42. Radial ridges
42 end at an annular ridge 44 proximal to the circumference of
lower component 26. Optional drainage holes 46 can be located in
the valley 48 between peak 40 and annular ridge 44 between radial
ridges 42. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower component 26 of
the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the bottom and
FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a lower component 26 of
the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of a lower component of the
toothbrush holder shown in FIG. 1 showing more detail of the
peak-valley-ridge shape. A toothbrush 16 placed in the holder
handle side down will rest in valley 48. More specifically, peak 40
and annular ridge 44 will guide the handle of toothbrush 16 into
valley 48 where it will come to rest. Peak 40 and annular ridge 44
will maintain toothbrush 16 at a specific radial distance from the
center of lower component 26, and radial ridges 42 will maintain
toothbrush 16 in a specific section of lower component 26. The
radial distance defined by valley 48 is such that toothbrush 16
will be maintained at a specific generally upright angle so as to
help prevent holder 10 from tipping over and to help direct water
and or other liquids to drainage holes 46. Such a distance can be
variable and can be anywhere along lower component 26 depending on
the desired angle and the size of the holder 10. Radial ridges 42
help prevent multiple toothbrushes 16 from touching each other
within holder 10 and from moving about valley 48. The number of
radial ridges is variable, from none to as many will structurally
fit on lower component 26.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower component of the toothbrush
holder shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the concentric positioning of
peak 40, valley 48 and annular ridge 44. In this illustrative
embodiment, there are six equally spaced apart radial ridges 42;
however, more or fewer, including no radial ridges 42 are suitable.
It is preferable that the space between each radial ridge is at
least as large as the toothbrush 16 handle thickness.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a lip of a lower component 26
of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 providing more detail
of an embodiment of rim 50. Rim 50 in the shown embodiment is a
semi-circular structure having a flange 52 extending outward from
the circumferential edge of lower component 26. Rim 50 initially
curves downward and outward, then outward, then upward and outward.
Rim 50 can continue curving slightly inward back towards annular
ridge 44, and then preferably extends upward and outward forming
flange 52. As disclosed herein, rim 50 cooperates with rim 28 on
upper component 12 so as to secure lower component 26 to upper
component 12. Rim 50 and flange 52 preferably are somewhat flexible
so that rim 28 can snap into rim 50. Flange 52 allows for rim 28 to
be more easily guided into rim 50 as disclosed herein. Rim 50
preferably extends about the entire circumference or perimeter of
lower component 26.
[0060] FIG. 13 is a sectional perspective view of the assembled
toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 shown from the top showing how
upper component 12, particularly rim 28, fits into lower component
26, particularly rim 50. The relative positioning of peak 40,
valley 48, radial ridges 42, and annular ridge 44 also can be
seen.
[0061] FIG. 14 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10
shown in FIG. 1. As disclosed herein, side 22 preferably slopes
slightly outward from top to bottom. While side 22 can be
cylindrical or a truncated cone, it also can have various aesthetic
features, such as angle 22A.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush
holder 10 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in this illustrative
embodiment, the lower circumference of upper component 12 is
generally the same as the circumference of lower component 26,
specifically, the circumferences of rim 28 and rim 50 are such that
rim 28 can fit within rim 50. Further, the outer diameter of
annular ridge 44 is less than, and preferably only slightly less
than, the inner diameter of the lower portion (proximal to angle
22A) of upper component 12 such that annular ridge 44 will not
interfere with assembling the holder 10. Toothbrush 16 is shown in
a typical position, with brush end outside of holder 10, and handle
extending through hole 14 and resting in valley 48. Peak 40 and
annular ridge 44 maintain toothbrush 16 in a preferred position and
angle, and radial ridges 42 prevent toothbrush 16 from moving about
valley 48.
[0063] FIG. 16 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder
shown in FIG. 1. Holes 14 are placed about the top surface of upper
component 12. Although four holes 14 are shown, any number from one
to the number that can fit about top surface of upper component 12
can be used. Holes 14 preferably have a size and shape that can
accommodate the handle of a toothbrush 16. Valley 48, radial ridges
42, and annular ridge 44 can be seen through holes 14.
[0064] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled
toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cooperation
between rim 28 and rim 50. Rim 50 fits within rim 28 in the
assembled holder 10. When assembling holder 10, rim 28 is located
above rim 50 and is lowered onto rim 50. The bottom of rim 28
contacts flange 52 and forces it outwards. As upper component 12
and lower component 26 are preferably made of a material that can
bend or flex, flange 52 flexes radially outward allowing rim 28 to
fit within flange 50. Once rim 28 passes below flange 52 and into
rim 50, flange 52 flexes back inwards, thus releasably securing rim
28 within rim 50, and upper component 12 to lower component 26.
[0065] FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a stack of upper
components 12 of the toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 1. Upper
components 12 thus can be stacked for storage and transportation.
Lower components 26 can be similarly stacked.
[0066] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
assembled toothbrush holder according to the present invention.
This embodiment is included to illustrate that both upper component
12 and lower component 26 can have different shapes yet still
result in the same function. In this embodiment, side 22 is more
cylindrical and angle 22A is greater than in the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1.
[0067] FIG. 20 is a perspective sectional view of the assembled
toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19 shown from the side and top.
In this view, it can be seen that lower component 28 has a
different peak-valley-annular ridge structure, and does not have
radial ridges 42. More specifically, peak 40 is lower and rounder,
valley 48 is shallower, and annular ridge 44 is lower. Such a
structural shape for lower component 26 still helps maintain
toothbrush 16 in the preferred generally upright position. It also
can be seen that rim 28 and rim 50 have a different structure.
[0068] FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10
shown in FIG. 19, and shows a top surface of upper component 12
having a less pronounced dome shape.
[0069] FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of the assembled toothbrush
holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows in greater detail an
alternative shape of lower component 26. Alternative structures of
rim 28 and rim 50 also can be seen in greater detail, which will be
disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 24.
[0070] FIG. 23 is a top view of the assembled toothbrush holder 10
shown in FIG. 19, and shows alternative shapes for holes 14.
[0071] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a lip of the assembled
toothbrush holder 10 shown in FIG. 19, and shows in greater detail
alternative structures for rim 28 and rim 50. In this illustrative
embodiment, rim 28 is simple an extension of side 22, extending
generally downwards. Rim 50 is a simple U-shaped configuration into
which rim 28 releasably fits. Other structures for rim 28 and rim
50 also are suitable for the present invention.
[0072] The assembled holder 10 preferably is between about 3.5 to
6.0 inches high and has diameters between about 2.5 to 4.0 inches,
which is based on the size of the typical toothbrush and the
typical bathroom counter. Larger and smaller dimensions are
suitable.
[0073] The holder 10 can be made of many different materials, with
plastics, papers, sugars, and starches being preferred. As the
holder is disposable, easily degrading materials are preferred, as
well as thinner materials.
[0074] In use, the assembled holder 10 can be placed on a surface
and be used for supporting toothbrushes 16. The holder 10 can be
supplied by an innkeeper or the like to patrons, can be purchased
by the ultimate user for personal use, can be given out or sold by
commercial entities with advertising thereon for promotional
purposes, as well as used in many other ways. As the holder 10 can
be supplied in two parts, upper component 12 and lower component
26, each stacked separately, it is easy to ship and to store. At
the location of use, the holder can be assembled. After use, the
holder 10 can be rinsed and reused, discarded or, preferably,
recycled.
[0075] The foregoing detailed description of the preferred
embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for
illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be
exhaustive and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of
the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications. One skilled in the art will recognize that many
variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this
specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *