U.S. patent application number 15/494256 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-26 for sculpted handle toothbrush.
The applicant listed for this patent is Children Oral Care, LLC. Invention is credited to Geoff Carroll, Stuart Stephen Alfred McIntosh, Huy Kha Nguyen.
Application Number | 20170303674 15/494256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60089193 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170303674 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Huy Kha ; et
al. |
October 26, 2017 |
SCULPTED HANDLE TOOTHBRUSH
Abstract
A toothbrush with a sculpted figurine. The toothbrush has a head
that has multiple bristles. The toothbrush has a handle that has a
first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the head
and the second end has a base with a recessed portion. The
toothbrush has a figurine. The figurine is positioned at least
partially within the recessed portion of the base.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Huy Kha; (Anaheim,
CA) ; Carroll; Geoff; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
McIntosh; Stuart Stephen Alfred; (Cheltenham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Children Oral Care, LLC |
Buena Park |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60089193 |
Appl. No.: |
15/494256 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62325921 |
Apr 21, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/00 20130101; A46B
9/04 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 15/0089 20130101; A46B
15/0097 20130101; A46B 15/0087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00; A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A46B 15/00 20060101 A46B015/00 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush comprising: a head having a plurality of bristles;
a handle having a first end and a second end, the first end being
connected to the head and the second end having a base with a
recessed portion; and a figurine positioned at least partially
within the recessed portion of the base.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the figurine has a surface
that is planar to the base and that is configured to balance and
support the handle when the handle is in an upright position.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the figurine is removably
attached to the base of the handle.
4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein an inner portion of the
figurine has a fastening device or a protruding portion that
interlocks with the recessed portion.
5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the figurine has the
protruding portion, wherein the recessed portion has a groove that
is configured to receive the protruding portion of the figurine
when the figurine is slid into the recessed portion to attach the
figurine to the base.
6. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the figurine has the
fastening device, wherein the fastening device is configured to
connect and attach the figurine to the base of the handle and is
positioned on a surface of a portion of the figurine that is at
least partially within the recessed portion when the figurine is
attached to the base of the handle.
7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the fastening device is a
screw that screws into a screw hole positioned within the recessed
portion or a snap that snaps into a hole or with a snap
attachment.
8. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the figurine is rotatable
about an axis perpendicular to the base of the handle.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the figurine is integrally
formed or molded with the base of the handle.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the figurine has at least
two feet, wherein the at least two feet and a surface of the base
of the handle that is in between the at least two feet form a
surface that is planar and that is configured to hold the
toothbrush upright.
11. A toothbrush comprising: a head having a plurality of bristles;
a handle having a first end and a second end, the first end being
connected to the head and the second end having a base; and a
figurine that is positioned at the base of the handle and has a
surface that is planar to the base and that is configured to
balance and support the toothbrush when the toothbrush is in an
upright position.
12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the figurine has at least
two feet and the surface that is planar to the base is a bottom
surface of the at least two feet, wherein the at least two feet are
spread a distance apart that is greater than the base of the
handle.
13. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the figurine is removably
attached to the base of the handle.
14. The toothbrush of claim 13, wherein the base of the handle has
a groove and the figurine has a protruding portion, wherein the
groove is configured to receive the protruding portion to attach
the figurine to the base of the handle.
15. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising: a fastening
device that is configured to attach the figurine to the base of the
handle, wherein the fastening device is positioned at the base of
the handle or an inner portion of the figurine.
16. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein a surface of the figurine
is flush with a surface of the base of the handle when the figurine
is attached to or integrally formed with the base of the
handle.
17. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the figurine is integrally
formed with the base of the handle.
18. A toothbrush comprising: a head having a plurality of bristles;
a handle having a first end and a second end, the first end being
connected to the head and the second end having a base; and a
figurine that is positioned within a recessed portion at the base
of the handle and has two feet that have a surface that is planar
to the base, the surface of the two feet and the base being
configured to balance and support the toothbrush when the
toothbrush is in an upright position.
19. The toothbrush of claim 18, wherein the figurine is removably
attached to the base of the handle.
20. The toothbrush of claim 18, wherein the figurine is integrally
formed with the base of the handle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/325,921, titled "SCULPTED HANDLE
TOOTHBRUSH," filed on Apr. 21, 2016, and the entirety of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to oral hygiene, and more
particularly to a toothbrush with a sculpted handle.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Good oral hygiene is important for many people, particularly
children. Children, however, may be uninterested in brushing their
teeth due to their short attention spans. Moreover, when people
brush their teeth they may become distracted and may have to place
the toothbrush on the sink countertop to attend to the distraction.
As such, people may place their toothbrush down on the sink counter
or in a container. However, this may place the bristles of the
toothbrush in a position that is in near-contact with another
surface and may be unhygienic.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a toothbrush that keeps the
attention of children, provides easy handling of the toothbrush and
is configured to position the toothbrush upright.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in
this specification is embodied in a toothbrush. The toothbrush has
a head that has multiple bristles. The toothbrush has a handle that
has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the
head and the second end has a base with a recessed portion. The
toothbrush has a figurine. The figurine is positioned at least
partially within the recessed portion of the base.
[0006] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or
more of the following features. The figurine may have a surface
that is planar to the base. The surface of the figurine may be
configured to balance and support the handle when the handle is in
an upright position. The figurine may be removably attached to the
base of the handle. The inner portion of the figurine may have a
fastening device or a protruding portion that interlocks with the
recessed portion. The figurine may have a protruding portion and
the recessed portion may have a groove that is configured to
receive the protruding portion of the figurine when the figurine is
slid into the recessed portion to attach the figurine to the base.
The figurine may have a fastening device. The fastening device may
be configured to connect and attach the figurine to the base of the
handle. The fastening device may be positioned on a surface of a
portion of the figurine that is at least partially within the
recessed portion when the figurine is attached to the base of the
handle. The fastening device may be a screw that screws into a
screw hole positioned within the recessed portion or a snap that
snaps into a hole or with a snap attachment. The figurine may be
rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the base of the handle.
The figurine may be integrally formed or molded with the base of
the handle. The figurine may be integrally formed or molded with
the base of the handle. The figurine may have at least two feet.
The at least two feet and a surface of the base of the handle that
is in between the at least two feet may form a surface that is
planar and that may be configured to hold the toothbrush
upright.
[0007] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a
toothbrush. The toothbrush has a head that includes multiple
bristles. The toothbrush has a first end and a second end. The
first end is connected to the head and the second end has a base.
The toothbrush has a figurine. The figurine is positioned at the
base of the handle. The figurine has a surface that is planar to
the base. The surface of the figurine is configured to balance and
support the toothbrush when the toothbrush is in an upright
position.
[0008] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a
toothbrush. The toothbrush has a head. The head has multiple
bristles. The toothbrush has a handle. The handle has a first end
and a second end. The first end is connected to the head and the
second end has a base. The toothbrush has a figurine that is
positioned within a recessed portion of the base of the handle. The
figurine has two feet that have a surface that is planar to the
base. The surface of the two feet and the base are configured to
balance and support the toothbrush when the toothbrush is in an
upright position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The features and advantages of the embodiments of the
present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed
description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the
drawings. Naturally, the drawings and their associated descriptions
illustrate example arrangements within the scope of the claims and
do not limit the scope of the claims. Reference numbers are reused
throughout the drawings to indicate correspondence between
referenced elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toothbrush with a
sculpted handle positioned upright according to an aspect of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the toothbrush with the sculpted
handle of FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush with the sculpted
handle of FIG. 1 laying on a flat surface according to an aspect of
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the toothbrush with the sculpted
handle of FIG. 1 laying on a flat surface according to an aspect of
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the toothbrush with the sculpted
handle of FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the toothbrush with the
sculpted handle of FIG. 1 that is removably attachable and
detachable using grooves and protruding portions according to an
aspect of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the toothbrush with the
sculpted handle of FIG. 1 that is removably attachable and
detachable using a screw-like device and hole according to an
aspect of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the toothbrush with the sculpted
handle of FIG. 1 that is removably attachable and detachable using
a fastening device according to an aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present
disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinarily
skilled in the art that elements of the present disclosure may be
practiced without some of these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown
in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.
Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this
specification may be implemented to realize one or more of the
following advantages. The toothbrush may have at the base of the
handle a sculpted figurine. The sculpted figurine enhances the
attractiveness and playfulness of the toothbrush which encourages
children to brush their teeth. Moreover, the sculpted figurines may
be removably attached and interchangeable, such that the sculpted
figurine may be removed and swapped with another sculpted figurine
so that different sculpted figurines may be inserted or snapped
into place to appeal to different children and/or tastes. By being
removable and replaceable, the appeal of the toothbrush remains
fresh and appeals to different children and tastes. The modularity
of the sculpted figurines allow for the interchangeability of
different sculpted figurines in a cost-effect manner.
[0019] Other benefits and advantages include positioning the
toothbrush in an upright position. The sculpted figurine may be
shaped to assist in positioning the toothbrush in an upright
position. The sculpted figurine may provide a flat surface that is
parallel to a supporting surface, such as a sink counter, so that
when the toothbrush is an upright position, the flat surface of the
sculpted figurine allows the toothbrush to at least partially rest
on the supporting surface. Therefore, an individual may place the
toothbrush upright on a surface, such as a sink counter, and not
have to hold the toothbrush. When the toothbrush is upright, the
toothbrush may be placed on the surface and the bristles of the
toothbrush are not near or in contact with the surface which
prevents any contamination of the bristles.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toothbrush 100 with
a sculpted handle positioned in an upright position. The toothbrush
100 includes a head 102, a handle 104, and a figurine 106.
[0021] The head 102 has a front side and a back side. The front
side of the head may have multiple bristles for brushing a user's
teeth, shown in FIG. 1, for example. The back side of the head may
be angular, such that the head is angled relative to a planar
surface when the toothbrush lies on the planar surface, or the back
side may be parallel and planar to the planar surface so that the
back side of the head rests on the planar surface when the
toothbrush 100 is laid down. The head 102 may be connected to an
end of the handle 104.
[0022] The handle 104 may have a first end and a second end. The
first end of the handle may be connected to the head 102. The
second end of the handle 104 may be opposite the first end along a
longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 100. The handle 104 may have a
base 108 that is positioned at the second end.
[0023] The base 108 may have a bottom surface 114 that is parallel
and planar to a surface 111 in which the toothbrush 100 may rest
when upright, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The base 108 may be
wider than a middle portion of the handle 104 or the first end of
the handle 104 that is closer to the head 102. The wider base 108
provides more surface area at the second end of the handle 104 to
attach the figurine 106. A wider base 108 may accommodate a larger
bottom surface of the base 108 that provides more surface area in
which the toothbrush 100 may rest when upright.
[0024] The base 108 may have a recessed portion 112 that is
connected, removably attached or integrally formed with at least a
portion of the figurine 106, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The
edges of the recessed portion 112 and/or the surface of the base
108 may correspond to the edges and/or surface of the figurine 106.
The surface of the figurine 106 may be flush with the surface of
the base 108 and the edges of the figurine 106 may align with the
edges of the recessed portion 112 and/or the base 108 when the
figurine is attached, connected or formed with the base 108.
[0025] The figurine 106 may be poseable, similar to an action
figure, where limbs or other portions of the figurine 106 may be
manipulated into different positions, or may be static. The
figurine 106 may resemble a character or person. For example, the
figurine 106 may resemble a fictional comic book character or
superhero, or may resemble a famous athlete or celebrity.
Alternatively, the figurine 106 may be a geometric shape or other
object, such as a car. The figurine 106 may include shapes,
features, or designs for the purpose of attracting users to the
toothbrush 100. For example, the figurine 106 shown in FIGS. 1-8 is
a character from a movie series which may attract children or other
users to use the toothbrush 100.
[0026] The figurine 106 may be made of the same material as that of
the head 102 and/or the handle 104, or made of a different
material. For example, the figurine 106, the head 102, and the
handle 104 may be made of plastic. Alternatively, the head 102
and/or the handle 104 may be made of a first type of plastic, and
the figurine 106 may be made of a second type of plastic or a metal
or rubber material.
[0027] The figurine 106 may be formed when the toothbrush 100 is
fabricated. The toothbrush 100, including the figurine 106, may be
fabricated contemporaneously by any fabricating process, such as
molding, sculpting, or additive manufacturing. For example, the
shape of the figurine 106 may be a part of a mold for toothbrush
100. The mold is created, plastic is poured inside the mold, and
the mold is removed. As a result, when toothbrush 100 is fabricated
using the mold, the figurine 106 is also likewise fabricated in the
same process. In another example, the entire toothbrush 100,
including the figurine 106, is additively manufactured. In another
example, the entire toothbrush 100, including the figurine 106, is
sculpted from a single piece of material.
[0028] The figurine 106 may be formed separately from the head 102
and handle 104. The figurine 106 may be attached or joined to the
handle 104 within the recessed portion 112 of the base 108. The
entirety of the figurine 106 may be within the recessed portion
112, or a portion of the figurine 106 may be within the recessed
portion 112 of the base 108. The figurine 106 may be attached or
joined to handle 104 in the recessed portion 112 permanently using
a permanent attachment material, such as glue, a contact adhesive
or melted plastic. The figurine 106 may be integrally formed with
the base 108 of the handle 104. For example, the figurine 106 may
be welded or formed with the recessed portion 112 of the base 108
using ultrasonic welding. The figurine 106 may be removably
attached or joined to the handle 104 using one or more grooves 116,
screw-like devices 120 and corresponding screw-holes 122, fastening
devices 124, or other attachment devices that may snap or attach
the figurine 106 to the recessed portion 112 of the base 108.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush 100 with a
sculpted handle 104 that is removably attachable and detachable
using one or more grooves 116 and one or more protruding portions
118. The one or more grooves 116 may be positioned on the recessed
portion 112 or an inner surface of the figurine 106. One or more
corresponding protruding portions 118 or rails may be positioned on
the inner surface of the figurine 106 if the one or more grooves
116 are positioned on the recessed portion 112 or on the recessed
portion 112 if the one or more grooves 116 are positioned on the
figurine 106. The one or more grooves 116 may interlock with the
one or more corresponding protruding portions 118 so that the
figurine 106 becomes attached to the base 108 of the handle 104.
The one or more grooves 116 and/or the one or more protruding
portions 118 may extend longitudinally along the handle 104 or the
figurine 106. The length may extend, for example, from the neck of
the figurine 106 to the waist of the figurine 106 so that when the
figurine 106 is attached to the base 108 the one or more grooves
116 and the one or more protruding portions 118 are hidden from
view. If a single groove 116 is used to form the attachment, the
single groove 116 may be centered along the longitudinal axis of
the handle 104 or along the center of the figurine 106.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush 100 with a
sculpted handle 104 that is removably attachable and detachable
using a screw-like device 120 and a corresponding screw-hole 122.
The screw-like device 120 may be positioned on either the figurine
106 or the base 108, such as within the recessed portion 112, and
the corresponding screw-hole 122 may be positioned on the other of
the base 108 or the figurine 106. That is, if the screw-like device
120 is on the figurine 106 then the screw-hole 122 is positioned on
the base 108 and if the screw-like device 120 is positioned on the
base 108 then the screw-hole 122 is positioned on the figurine 106.
The screw-like device 120 and/or the screw-hole 122 may be
positioned in the center of the figurine 106 or the center of the
recessed portion 112 of the base 108. The screw-like device 120 may
be rotated into the corresponding screw-hole 122 to interlock and
attach the figurine 106 to the base 108. When the figurine 106 and
the base 108 are interlocked the edges and surfaces of the figurine
106 may align and be flush with the corresponding edges and
surfaces of the base 108.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the toothbrush 100 with the
sculpted handle 104 that is removably attachable and detachable
using a fastening device 124, such as snaps or fasteners. The
fastening device may be positioned on the side or inner surface of
the figurine 106 or on the side or recessed portion 112 of the base
108. The fastening device 124 may snap into a hole 126 to attach
the figurine 106 with the base 108.
[0032] The recessed portion 112 of base 108 may be configured to
accommodate multiple different interchangeable figurines. The
multiple different interchangeable figurines may fit within the
recessed portion 112 of the base 108. That is, the figurine 106 may
be swapped, exchanged or otherwise interchangeable with another
figurine. When a different figurine is inserted into the recessed
portion 112, the surfaces of the newly-inserted figurine are flush
with the surfaces of the base 108 and the edges of the inserted
figurine correspond and align with the edges of the recessed
portion 112. The edges and surfaces of the newly-inserted figurine
are similar and match those of the handle 104. By allowing for
interchangeable figurines to be removably attached to the base 108,
the toothbrush 100 may appeal to different children with different
tastes.
[0033] The shape of the figurine 106 may have a functional purpose.
The figurine 106 has feet 110 allowing for the toothbrush 100 to
stand in an upright position. As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom
surface 114 of base 108 of the toothbrush 100 may not be wide
enough to maintain an upright position of toothbrush 100 without
use of supplementary structural support, such as the surface of the
feet 110. Structural features of the figurine 106, such as feet
110, may provide the necessary structural support for toothbrush
100 to maintain an upright position, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The
surface of the two feet 110 of figurine 106 may be planar to the
surface 114 of the base 108 in between. The surface of the two feet
110 and the surface 114 of the base 108 provide a planar surface
area that holds the toothpaste upright when placed on a level
surface 111, such as a sink counter, as shown in FIG. 3, for
example. The presence of the figurine 106 on the handle 104 may
provide a larger surface area and detailed features to provide
better grip of the toothbrush 100 by a user.
[0034] The figurine 106 may also include features to allow for an
object to be attached to toothbrush 100. For example, the figurine
106 may include grooves or slots so that objects, such as
accessories for decorating the figurine 106, may be attached onto
the figurine 106. In another example, the figurine 106 may include
a clip or slot for holding and supporting a power cord for
toothbrush 100 when toothbrush 100 is an electric toothbrush.
[0035] The figurine 106 may be a power source for toothbrush 100
when toothbrush 100 is an electric toothbrush. The figurine 106 may
be a removable external battery or part of a docking station to
recharge an internal battery of toothbrush 100.
[0036] The foregoing description of the disclosed example
embodiments is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in
the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications
to these examples will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art, and the principles disclosed herein may be
applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present invention. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive
and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the
following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *