U.S. patent application number 13/929916 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for refillable toothpaste dispensing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Audrey Rose Erb, Bruce Martin. Invention is credited to Audrey Rose Erb, Bruce Martin.
Application Number | 20130287474 13/929916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42992272 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130287474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; Bruce ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
Refillable Toothpaste Dispensing System
Abstract
A refillable toothpaste dispensing toothbrush has a toothpaste
containing capsule for dispensing toothpaste through the bristle
head of the toothbrush. The toothpaste capsule can be filled using
any standard toothpaste tube. Grooves in the toothpaste passageway
prevent clogging of toothpaste in the toothbrush. In an alternate
embodiment, the dispensing toothbrush also contains a sonic
vibrating device.
Inventors: |
Martin; Bruce; (Esterhazy,
CA) ; Erb; Audrey Rose; (Esterhazy, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Martin; Bruce
Erb; Audrey Rose |
Esterhazy
Esterhazy |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
42992272 |
Appl. No.: |
13/929916 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12832041 |
Jul 7, 2010 |
8496393 |
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13929916 |
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61319441 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 11/0027 20130101;
A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 11/0096 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 11/0072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/268 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1) A clog resistant toothpaste passageway for a dispensing
toothbrush comprising: a neck member of a toothbrush with an
internal passageway for communicating toothpaste to bristles
located on an exterior surface of said neck, said passageway having
an internal surface with a plurality of grooves for preventing the
buildup of toothpaste in said passageway.
2) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grooves on said internal
surface of said passageway are formed in a radial spiral around the
circumference of said internal surface.
3) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grooves on said internal
surface of said passageway are formed longitudinally along said
internal passageway.
4) A universal inlet port for a toothpaste dispensing toothbrush,
comprising: an inlet port protruding from a toothpaste containing
capsule for attaching a toothpaste tube thereto when filling said
capsule with toothpaste, wherein said inlet port has a threaded
tapered interior for receiving a variety of different size
toothpaste tubes, said threaded interior has a longitudinal slit
through said threads, thereby making said threads discontinuous in
order to further accommodate multiple size toothpaste tubes,
wherein toothpaste tubes transfer toothpaste into said capsule and
a tapered threaded cap seals said inlet port when said toothpaste
tube is removed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/319,441 filed on Mar. 31, 2010, entitled "Easy
Brush," and is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/832,041 filed on Jul. 7, 2010. For the purpose of providing a
continuous disclosure, the aforementioned applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toothpaste dispensing toothbrushes are known in the prior
art; however, several drawbacks have prevented them from finding
wide spread use in the industry. The present invention seeks to
solve these drawbacks, including preventing toothpaste clogs and
allowing for easy cleaning of reusable parts as well as easy, cost
effective replacement of replaceable parts. The present invention
easily disassembles into three main components, each serving a
specific, unique purpose, and each being specifically designed for
replacement or cleaning.
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an improved toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,984 to Gaebel discloses a toothbrush and
toothpaste dispenser comprised of a hand manipulated rotating shaft
with a transparent indicator window and is capable of dispensing
toothpaste through the bristles.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,629 to Jordan discloses a toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush that is capable of dispensing paste through
the bristles. The toothbrush body has a hollow interior that stores
a paste container and dispenses it through a stem. The device is
controlled by a button that, when pressed, forces paste through the
stem.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,073 to Trocino discloses a toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush that contains a refillable paste container in
the body. The refillable container is actuated by a plunger that,
when twisted, forces toothpaste through the bristles of the brush.
The brushing end of the toothbrush is removable and changeable.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,194 to Smith also discloses a toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush wherein the paste container is actuated by a
plunger that, when twisted, forces toothpaste through the bristles
of the brush. However, the Smith device uses disposable paste
containers rather than refillable ones.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,341 to Kwak, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,897 to
Craig and U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,570 to Parenti each disclose a
toothbrush device with a built in standard toothpaste dispenser
tube and a handle that slidably dispenses the paste through the
bristles.
[0011] While effective in dispensing toothpaste, these prior art
devices have several known drawbacks. Toothpaste regularly clogs
the passageway, causing the brush to become inoperable until
cleaned. Toothpaste storage means are either specially designed
disposable tubes, which require higher costs to replace, or
re-useable capsules that may be difficult to fill and clean.
Furthermore, inadequate filling ports have been known to cause
toothpaste to flow out of the port while filling, which creates an
undesirable mess.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of toothpaste dispensing toothbrushes now present in the
prior art, the present invention provides a new toothpaste
dispensing toothbrush wherein the same can be utilized for
providing convenience for the user when brushing their teeth.
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a toothpaste dispensing toothbrush that can be easily
disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The present invention
breaks down into three main components, each of which can be easily
cleaned or replaced.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
toothpaste dispensing toothbrush that does not clog with
toothpaste. The present invention has a plurality of groves in the
toothpaste passageway to ensure moist toothpaste remains in the
passageway. Moist toothpaste makes it easier to clear dried
toothpaste from the outlet port of the toothbrush.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
universal fitting for a refillable toothpaste capsule. The present
invention has a tapered inlet port on the refillable toothpaste
capsule that is capable of receiving any size toothpaste tubes for
clean, easy refilling.
[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 Shows a perspective view of the dispensing
toothbrush.
[0018] FIG. 2 Shows a side cross sectional view of the dispensing
toothbrush.
[0019] FIG. 3 Shows a perspective cross section view of the
toothpaste capsule.
[0020] FIG. 4 Shows a front cross sectional view of the top of the
toothpaste capsule joining to the tapered upper end of the
toothbrush body.
[0021] FIG. 5 Shows a bottom cross sectional view of the toothpaste
capsule inserted in the toothbrush body.
[0022] FIG. 6 Shows a perspective view of the toothbrush neck.
[0023] FIG. 7 Shows a side cross sectional view of the internal
grooves near the toothpaste outlet port at the head end of the
toothbrush neck.
[0024] FIG. 8 Shows a front cross sectional view of the tapered
upper end of the toothbrush body joining with the toothbrush neck
and toothpaste capsule.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
and FIG. 2, there is shown a front cross sectional view of the
dispensing toothbrush. The toothbrush is made of three main
components, including a neck 12, a hollow toothbrush body 11, and a
toothpaste capsule 13. The neck is intended to be removed and
replaced when the bristles 14 are worn out. The upper bristle end
of the neck 12 forms the toothbrush head 27. The head has a
plurality of bristles 14 on its exterior surface and a toothpaste
outlet port 15 in between the bristles for dispensing toothpaste
onto the bristles. At the lower end of the neck are two pressure
grips 16 for removably attaching the neck to the top surface 50 of
the body 11. The body has a transparent slit 18 with graduated
marking for monitoring the level of toothpaste in the toothpaste
capsule. The capsule is preferably made from a transparent material
so that the volume of toothpaste can be viewed. At the tapered
upper end 51 of the body are two pressure grips 17 for attaching to
the toothpaste capsule. A cap 23 covers the neck when the
toothbrush is not in use. Use of the cap prevents bacteria from
contaminating the bristles when the brush is not in use.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective cross
sectional view of the toothpaste capsule 13, and FIG.4, there is
shown a front cross sectional view of the toothpaste capsule
joining with the body. The capsule has an interior volume for
storing toothpaste and a screw shaft 32 and plunger 31. The screw
shaft is attached to the upper surface and lower surface of the
capsule.
[0027] A rotating knob 19 with threads 30 is screwed into the lower
end of the capsule and is attached to the screw shaft. The knob can
be unscrewed to access the interior of the capsule for cleaning. In
an alternate embodiment, the knob can be formed as part of the
toothpaste capsule. Rotating the knob causes the screw shaft to
rotate. The plunger 31 is threadedly attached to the screw shaft so
that rotation of the knob causes the plunger to traverse the screw
shaft. The plunger has a soft rubber circumferential surface to
ensure a tight seal between it and the interior walls of the
capsule. Alternatively, the plunger can have an 0-ring or similar
sealing member to ensure a proper seal.
[0028] The upper surface of the capsule has an inlet port 28 and an
outlet port 33. The inlet port has a threaded, tapered interior for
threadedly receiving various size toothpaste tubes. The threads are
discontinuous to further accommodate a variety of difference size
tubes. A toothpaste tube can be threadedly attached to the capsule
inlet port for refilling the capsule with toothpaste. Once the
capsule is filled, the toothpaste tube is removed and a threaded
cap 25 is threadedly attached to the capsule inlet port to ensure
toothpaste does not exit through it. The capsule outlet port 33
mates with the body inlet port 24located on a mid surface 52 that
separates the upper and lower ends of the body. When the knob is
turned, toothpaste is forced out through the capsule outlet port
and into a body passageway 30 inside the tapered upper end of the
body. The interior side 38 of the capsule's upper surface 35 is
sloped, causing the upper surface to have a tapered thickness. The
thickness is greatest at the inlet port, which causes the plunger
to contact the inlet side of the surface first, thus ensuring the
last amount of toothpaste is forced out through the outlet port.
The upper surface has a circumferential lip 39 for the pressure
grips to grasp. The capsule can be inserted into the open base 53
of the tubular lower end 54 of the body 11 until it latches the
pressure grips. To remove the capsule the pressure grips are
pressed inward, causing them to release the capsule.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates the non-circular shape of the toothpaste
capsule 13 and body 11. This is essential to restrain the
rotational degree of freedom of the plunger, ensuring that it
traverses the screw shaft. On opposite sides of the capsule's
exterior surface are two longitudinal protrusions 29. These
protrusions align with longitudinal slits 43 on the interior
surface of the body. Proper alignment of the capsule is important
to ensure that the outlet port 33 mates with the inlet port 24 of
the body.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a perspective view
of the toothbrush neck. At the lower attach end 55 of the neck 12
is a neck inlet port 40 for receiving toothpaste from the body. An
internal passageway 22 in the neck communicates toothpaste from the
neck inlet port to the toothpaste outlet port 15 on the head. Also
on the lower attach end of the neck is a cavity 41 for receiving a
sonic vibrating device 21 which is commonly used in the oral
hygiene industry for vibrating the neck and head of the toothbrush.
The sonic vibrating device 21 is shown in FIG. 2, along with an
on/off switch 20. The sonic device is located in the tapered upper
end of the body, with the vibrating head 56 protruding through the
top surface of the body so as to communicate the vibrations to the
neck when the neck is attached.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a cross sectional
view of the clog resistant toothpaste passageway 36 in the head of
the neck, near the outlet port. Toothpaste clogs have long been a
drawback in the field of dispensing toothbrushes. The present
invention solves this problem by forming a plurality of grooves 37
on the internal surface of the internal toothpaste passageway 36 in
the neck. The grooves are only required near the bend in the
passageway, just before the exit port 15, as this is where clogging
typically occurs. The grooves can be longitudinal, as shown, or a
radial spiral. Radial grooves would be similar to a threaded
interior with a large thread pitch. The grooves collect wet
toothpaste in an airtight environment, thus preventing the
toothpaste from drying out. The wet toothpaste in the grooves makes
it easier to push out dried toothpaste near the outlet port.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a cross sectional
view of the connection between the tapered upper end 51 of the body
11, the neck 12, and the capsule 13. The neck is snapped onto the
body with two pressure grips 16 grasping notches 44 on the side
wall of the body. The inlet port 40 of the neck will mate with the
outlet port 45 of the body. A body passageway 26 connects the inlet
port 24 of the body with the outlet port 45 of the body for
transferring toothpaste from the capsule to the neck.
[0033] In use an individual can remove the capsule from the
toothbrush body, cap the outlet port to prevent paste from flowing
out, screw a toothpaste tube into the universal inlet port and
squeeze paste into the capsule. Once the capsule is filled, it can
be inserted into the toothbrush and locked into place by the
pressure tabs. The grooves will ensure its proper alignment so that
the capsule and body ports align. The knob is turned and paste is
dispensed through the head.
[0034] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0035] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *