Adjustable Toothbrush Collar

Abstract

An adjustable toothbrush collar includes a body arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adjustable toothbrush collar may further include an attachment mechanism operable to secure the body around the portion of the toothbrush. The body may include and/or be formed of an absorbent material that is operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles of the toothbrush past the portion of the toothbrush around which the adjustable toothbrush collar is secured.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The described embodiments relate generally to dental care tools. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to an adjustable toothbrush collar.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Dental care may generate a great deal of mess. For example, toothpaste, saliva, water, other substances, and/or a mixture thereof may travel from the bristles of a toothbrush to other parts of a toothbrush during brushing. Such substances may get all over a user's hand, make a mess on the toothbrush, and so on. Additionally, the mess may spread after brushing is finished as such substances may continue to travel across the toothbrush. This may result in a displeasing bathroom condition, necessitate frequent cleaning, and/or cause other issues. Such a mess may even have a negative psychological effect on dental hygiene practices.

[0003] This may be further exacerbated when the toothbrush is electric. The speed and/or vibration of electric toothbrushes may further stimulate substances traveling from the bristles beyond what would be caused by non-electric brushing. Additionally, the relatively smaller size of the removable portion of an electric toothbrush may cause such substances to leave few clean areas available for touching during removal of the removable portion. Moreover, such substances may interfere with moving parts, get into electronic components, block power transfer for charging, and so on.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable toothbrush collar. The adjustable toothbrush collar includes a body arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adjustable toothbrush collar further includes an attachment mechanism operable to secure the body around the portion of the toothbrush. The body includes and/or is formed of an absorbent material that is operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles of the toothbrush past the portion of the toothbrush around which the adjustable toothbrush collar is secured.

[0005] In various embodiments, an adjustable toothbrush collar includes a strip of absorbent material and adhesive positioned on a surface of the strip of the absorbent material. The strip of the absorbent material is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adhesive is configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush. The strip of the absorbent material is operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is secured around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0006] In some examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar further includes a backing that covers the adhesive. In various implementations of such examples, the backing is removable to expose the adhesive.

[0007] In a number of examples, the adhesive covers the surface of the strip of the absorbent material. In some examples, the adhesive is configured to attach to the portion of the toothbrush. In a number of examples, the surface is a first surface, the adhesive is configured to attach to a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material, and the second surface is opposite the first surface. In various examples, the surface is a first surface, the adhesive is configured to attach to an attachment component positioned on a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material, and the second surface is opposite the first surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, an adjustable toothbrush collar includes a body configured in a band shape having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, absorbent material disposed on the first surface, and adhesive disposed on the second surface. The adhesive is configured to secure the body while the body is wrapped around a portion of a toothbrush. The absorbent material is operable to resist passage of material from bristles of the toothbrush beyond the portion of the toothbrush while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0009] In various examples, the adhesive covers only part of the second surface. In some examples, the adhesive is configured to release after securing the body while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush and re-secure the body when the body is re-wrapped around the toothbrush. In a number of implementations of such examples, the portion of the toothbrush is a first portion of the toothbrush and the body is re-wrapped around a second portion of the toothbrush. In various implementations of such examples, the first portion of the toothbrush is a neck of the toothbrush and the second portion of the toothbrush is at least one of a head of the toothbrush or a handle of the toothbrush.

[0010] In some examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar is disposable. In other examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar is washable.

[0011] In a number of embodiments, an adjustable toothbrush collar includes a strip of absorbent material and an attachment mechanism. The strip of the absorbent material is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The attachment mechanism is configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush. The strip of the absorbent material is operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0012] In various examples, the attachment mechanism is adhesive. In some examples, the attachment mechanism is a magnetic element. In a number of examples, the attachment mechanism is a set of hook and loop fasteners. In various examples, the attachment mechanism includes a hook. In some examples, the attachment mechanism is at least one of twistable wire, a string, or a snap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

[0014] FIG. 1A depicts a first example adjustable toothbrush collar installed on an electric toothbrush.

[0015] FIG. 1B depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar of FIG. 1A removed from the electric toothbrush.

[0016] FIG. 1C depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar of FIG. 1A during removal of a backing prior to installation on the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1A.

[0017] FIG. 1D depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar of FIG. 1A removed from the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1A and installed on a non-electric toothbrush.

[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a second example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a third example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0020] FIG. 4 depicts a fourth example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a fifth example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0022] FIG. 6 depicts a sixth example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a seventh example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0024] FIG. 8 depicts an eighth example adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0025] FIG. 9 depicts a ninth example adjustable toothbrush collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] The description that follows includes sample systems and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

[0028] The following disclosure relates to an adjustable toothbrush collar. The adjustable toothbrush collar may include a body arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adjustable toothbrush collar may further include an attachment mechanism operable to secure the body around the portion of the toothbrush. The body may include and/or be formed of an absorbent material that is operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles of the toothbrush past the portion of the toothbrush around which the adjustable toothbrush collar is secured.

[0029] This adjustable toothbrush collar may reduce mess generated during brushing by absorbing substances traveling across a toothbrush during brushing. Additionally, this adjustable toothbrush collar may reduce mess traveling across a toothbrush after brushing as remaining substances that drip from the bristles may be absorbed by the adjustable toothbrush collar.

[0030] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1A-9. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0031] FIG. 1A depicts a first example adjustable toothbrush collar 101 installed on an electric toothbrush 110. The electric toothbrush 110 may include a handle portion 114 and a removable portion that includes a head 112 where bristles 111 are attached, a neck 113, and an attachment portion 115. The attachment portion 115 may be configured to removably attach to the handle portion 114. The handle portion 114 may include one or more electronic mechanisms not shown or indicated, such as one or more batteries and/or other power sources, one or more vibration motors and/or other actuators, one or more control mechanisms for moving the removable portion, one or more charging mechanisms and/or other power transfer mechanisms for providing power to and/or charging the one or more batteries and/or other power sources, and so on. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around a portion of the electric toothbrush 110. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles 111 past the portion of the electric toothbrush 110 around which the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is secured.

[0032] As shown, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around the neck 113 of the electric toothbrush 110. However, this is an example. It is understood that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around another portion of the electric toothbrush 110 (such as the head 112 under the bristles 111, the attachment portion 115, the handle portion 114, and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may include a body 102 arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that is configured to wrap around the portion of the electric toothbrush 110. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may further include an attachment mechanism 103 operable to secure the body 102 around the portion of the electric toothbrush 110.

[0034] By way of illustration, in this example, the body 102 may be arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that forms an outer surface of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 and the attachment mechanism 103 may be one or more adhesives that form an inner surface of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101. The adhesives may secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 to the electric toothbrush 110 by adhering to the electric toothbrush 110, the body 102, and/or one or more components positioned thereon.

[0035] This kind of attachment mechanism 103 may allow the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 to be adjustable by being able to have different diameters when different portions of the adhesive adhere to different portions of the electric toothbrush 110, the body 102, and/or one or more components positioned thereon when the body 102 is variously wrapped in different arrangements around various portions of the electric toothbrush 110. This kind of adjustability may enable the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 to be secured around different portions of the electric toothbrush 110 whereas non-adjustable collars may only be secured around particular portions due to only being able to fit over and/or secure to particular portions of the electric toothbrush 110 as a result of having fixed diameters and/or other similar fixed dimensions.

[0036] The adhesive may be one or more different kinds of adhesives. Examples of such adhesives include, but are not limited to, one or more acrylates, methacrylates, epoxy diacrylates, vinyl resins, epoxies, glues, pressure sensitive acrylates, vinyl acetate polymers, polymers, pressure sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, polyvinyl acetates, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, and so on.

[0037] However, is it understood that this attachment mechanism 103 is an example. Various attachment mechanisms are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other examples involving one or more adhesives and examples not involving adhesives are discussed in detail below.

[0038] The body 102 may include and/or be formed of an absorbent material. The absorbent material may be operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles 111 of the electric toothbrush 110 past the portion of the electric toothbrush 110 around which the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is secured.

[0039] In the example shown, the body 102 may be formed of an absorbent material. Such an absorbent material may include, but is not limited to, cotton, cloth, paper, cardboard, pasteboard, natural and/or artificial sponge, foam, and/or any other kind of absorbent material. However, it is understood this is an example. In other implementations, the body 102 may be formed of a non-absorbent material and may be configured with one or more absorbent materials attached thereto. Such absorbent materials may or may not extend all the way across the non-absorbent material in one or more directions. For example, in some implementations, the absorbent material may be positioned to only be underneath the bristles 111 when the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is secured around the portion of the electric toothbrush 110. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] In some examples, the attachment mechanism 103 may be configured such that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is removably attachable around the portion of the electric toothbrush 110. In other words, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured such that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be attached around the electric toothbrush 110 and detached from the electric toothbrush 110 in such a manner that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is not damaged and/or destroyed to the point that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is not able to be reattached to the electric toothbrush 110 and/or another toothbrush. In other examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured for a single use such that removing the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 from the electric toothbrush 110 damages and/or destroys the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 to the point that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is not able to be reattached to the electric toothbrush 110 and/or another toothbrush. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] In various examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured to be disposable. In other examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured to be non-disposable. In such other examples, the absorbent material and/or one or more other portions of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be washable and/or otherwise configured to be reusable. In yet other examples, adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured to be compostable or recyclable. the Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Although the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is illustrated and described in the context of use on an electric toothbrush 110, it is understood that this is an example. Apparatuses such as the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be used on other devices (such as spoons, forks, knives, drills, engine parts, and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 1B depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIG. 1A removed from the electric toothbrush 110. FIG. 1C depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIG. 1A during removal of a backing 104, exposing the adhesive, prior to installation on the electric toothbrush 110 of FIG. 1A.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in this example, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may initially be arranged in a flat strip, flat band, or similar structure having a body 102 with one or more absorbent materials on a first surface (which may be defined as the outer surface after attachment to the electric toothbrush 110 as the first surface may face outward after attachment to the electric toothbrush 110) and an attachment mechanism 103 formed of an adhesive on a second surface (which may be defined as the inner surface after attachment to the electric toothbrush 110 as the second surface may face inward after attachment to the electric toothbrush 110) opposite the first surface. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may also initially include the backing 104 covering the adhesive and/or all or part of the second surface.

[0045] A user may peel the backing 104 off of the adhesive of the attachment mechanism 103, as shown in FIG. 1C. The user may then curl and/or wrap the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 into a collar shape, ring shape, or similar shape, as shown in FIG. 1B. Subsequently, the user may then attach the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 around the electric toothbrush 110, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0046] FIG. 1D depicts the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIG. 1A removed from the electric toothbrush 110 of FIG. 1A and installed on a non-electric toothbrush 210. The non-electric toothbrush 210 may include a handle portion 214, a head 212 where bristles 211 are attached, and a neck 213. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around a portion of the non-electric toothbrush 210. The adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles 211 past the portion of the non-electric toothbrush 210 around which the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is secured.

[0047] As shown, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around the neck 213 of the non-electric toothbrush 210. However, this is an example. It is understood that the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be secured around another portion of the non-electric toothbrush 210 (such as the head 212 under the bristles 211, the handle portion 214, and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Although the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is illustrated and described in FIGS. 1A-1D as including particular components arranged in a particular configuration, it is understood that this is an example. In a number of implementations, various configurations of various components may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] For example, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is illustrated and described as including a body 102 formed of an absorbent material. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may include a body formed of another material and one or more absorbent materials may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the other material. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Additionally, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is illustrated and described as being arranged in a strip, flat band, or similar structure that includes adhesive as an attachment mechanism 103 and is manipulatable into a collar shape, ring shape, or similar shape. However, it is understood that this is an example and that other attachment mechanisms 103 and/or other configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other examples of other attachment mechanisms 103 and/or other configurations will now be discussed in detail.

[0051] For example, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 is illustrated and described as having particular dimensions. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 may be configured in one or more different sizes. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a second example adjustable toothbrush collar 201. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 201 may include a body 202 formed by one or more absorbent materials and an attachment mechanism 203 including one or more adhesives. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adhesive of the attachment mechanism 203 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 201 may only be disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the body 202 rather than covering the entire inner surface of the body 202. Additionally, the adjustable toothbrush collar 201 may include an attachment component 205 on the outer surface of the body 202. The attachment component 205 may be formed of a material to which the adhesive adheres more securely than to the absorbent material. As such, the attachment mechanism 203 may be able to attach more securely than if the adhesive was instead adhered to the absorbent material. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 3 depicts a third example adjustable toothbrush collar 301. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 301 may include a body 302 formed by one or more absorbent materials and an attachment mechanism 303. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the body 302 may be formed as a continuous ring, donut, or similar shape as opposed to a band or strip that may be manipulated into a collar shape, ring shape, or similar shape. Additionally, contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanism 303 may be formed of a material that is configured to deform under the exertion of a force and return to an initial shape when the force is no longer exerted. This may allow the adjustable toothbrush collar 301 to expand in order to pass over larger portions of a toothbrush and then contract to engage a smaller portion of the toothbrush, securing the adjustable toothbrush collar 301 to the smaller portion of the toothbrush. Moreover, in some examples, the attachment mechanism 303 may be formed of a material that is configured to frictionally engage a toothbrush, such as rubber, an elastomer, a polymer, and so on. Examples including this kind of attachment mechanism 303 may be more reusable that examples including adhesive as some adhesives may not be detachable, may lose adhesiveness over time and/or over multiple adhesions and detachments, may become less adhesive due to contamination by dust and/or other contaminants, and so on. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 4 depicts a fourth example adjustable toothbrush collar 401. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 401 may include a body 402 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 401 may include a pair of attachment mechanisms 403A, 403B disposed on opposing surfaces of the body 402, such as adjacent to ends of the body 402. Unlike the attachment mechanism 103 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanisms 403A, 403B may not include adhesive. In this example, the attachment mechanisms 403A, 403B may include a set of hook and loop fasteners, such as those sold under the brand name Velcro.RTM.. As such, the attachment mechanisms 403A, 403B may be operable to secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 401 to a toothbrush by fastening to each other. In some examples, the attachment mechanism 403A may be a hook fastener and the attachment mechanism 403B may be a loop fastener. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the attachment mechanism 403A may be a loop fastener and the attachment mechanism 403B may be a hook fastener. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 5 depicts a fifth example adjustable toothbrush collar 501. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 501 may include a body 502 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 501 may include a pair of attachment mechanisms 503A, 503B disposed adjacent opposing ends of the body 502. Unlike the attachment mechanism 103 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanisms 503A, 503B may not include adhesive. In this example, the attachment mechanisms 503A, 503B may include a set of magnetic elements. As such, the attachment mechanisms 503A, 503B may be operable to secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 501 to a toothbrush by magnetically securing to each other. In some examples, the magnetic elements may be oppositely polarized. By way of a first illustration, the attachment mechanism 503A may be a first magnetic element with a positive pole positioned at a first end of the body 502 and the attachment mechanism 503B may be a second magnetic element with a negative pole positioned at a second end of the body 502. However, it is understood that this is an illustration. In other implementations, the attachment mechanism 503A may be a first magnetic element with a negative pole positioned at a first end of the body 502 and the attachment mechanism 503B may be a second magnetic element with a positive pole positioned at a second end of the body 502. In other examples, the attachment mechanism 503A may be a magnetized element (such as a permanent magnet, a magnetized electromagnet, and so on) positioned at a first end of the body 502 and the attachment mechanism 503B may be a magnetizable element (such as a ferromagnetic element that is not permanently magnetized) positioned at a second end of the body 502. In still other examples, the attachment mechanism 503A may be a magnetizable element (such as a ferromagnetic element that is not permanently magnetized) positioned at a first end of the body 502 and the attachment mechanism 503B may be a magnetized element (such as a permanent magnet, a magnetized electromagnet, and so on) positioned at a second end of the body 502. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 6 depicts a sixth example adjustable toothbrush collar 601. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 601 may include a body 602 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 601 may include a pair of attachment mechanisms 603A, 603B disposed adjacent opposing ends of the body 402. Unlike the attachment mechanism 103 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanisms 603A, 603B may not include adhesive. In this example, the attachment mechanisms 603A, 603B may include a hook and hole and/or similar mechanisms. As such, the attachment mechanisms 603A, 603B may be operable to secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 601 to a toothbrush by engaging each other. As shown, in some examples, the attachment mechanism 603A may be a hole and the attachment mechanism 603B may be a hook. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the attachment mechanism 603A may be a hook and the attachment mechanism 603B may be a hole. In still other implementations, opposing portions of a buckle may be used to replace the attachment mechanisms 603A, 603B. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 7 depicts a seventh example adjustable toothbrush collar 701. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 701 may include a body 702 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 701 may include a pair of attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B disposed adjacent opposing ends of the body 702. Unlike the attachment mechanism 103 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may not include adhesive. In this example, the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may include a set of twistable wires, strings or other kinds of cords configured to be tied together, and/or similar structures. As such, the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may be operable to secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 701 to a toothbrush by twisting and/or tying together. For example, in some implementations, the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may be stainless steel wires and/or galvanized steel wires with a diameter approximately between 19 and 31 (American standard wire gauge) such that the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may bend and retain their shape in order to twist together securely. In other implementations, the attachment mechanisms 703A, 703B may be ropes, cords, stings, yarn, and/or similar structures that may be tied together to form one or more knots. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 8 depicts an eighth example adjustable toothbrush collar 801. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 801 may include a body 802 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the body 802 may be formed from an inflexible material. Instead, the body 802 may be formed of two portions joined by a hinge element 806 at a first end of the two portions and operable to define a gap at a second end of the two portions, adjacent to which a pair of attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B may be positioned. A user may be able to manipulate the adjustable toothbrush collar 801 to move the two portions of the body 802 with respect to each other along the hinge element 806 to decrease the gap and/or attach the two ends of the body 802 adjacent the gap to each other using the attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B, increase the gap and/or detach the two ends of the body 802 adjacent the gap from each other using the attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B, and so on. The attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B may include any kind of attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B. Examples of such attachment mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, one or more adhesives, attachment components, hook and/or loop fasteners, magnetic elements, magnets, magnetized elements, magnetizable elements, hooks and/or holes, twistable wires, strings or other kinds of cords configured to be tied together, and/or other structures illustrated and discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-7. Examples of such attachment mechanisms may also include, but are not limited to, other attachment mechanisms not illustrated or discussed herein. Further, in some examples, a single attachment mechanism positioned adjacent to one of the ends of the body 802 may be used instead of the illustrated pair of attachment mechanisms 803A, 803B (such as a single patch of adhesive and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 9 depicts a ninth example adjustable toothbrush collar 901. Similar to the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 901 may include a body 902 formed by one or more absorbent materials. Contrasted with the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the adjustable toothbrush collar 901 may include a pair of attachment mechanisms 903A, 903B disposed on opposing surfaces of the body 902, such as adjacent to ends of the body 902. Unlike the attachment mechanism 103 of the adjustable toothbrush collar 101 of FIGS. 1A-1D, the attachment mechanisms 903A, 903B may not include adhesive. In this example, the attachment mechanisms 903A, 903B may include a set of one or more studs and sockets of one or more snap mechanisms. As such, the attachment mechanisms 903A, 903B may be operable to secure the adjustable toothbrush collar 901 to a toothbrush by snapping. In some examples, the attachment mechanism 903A may be a stud and the attachment mechanism 903B may be a socket. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the attachment mechanism 903A may be a socket and the attachment mechanism 903B may be a stud. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Although various attachment mechanisms 103-903B are illustrated and discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-9, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, one or more other kinds of attachment mechanisms may be used instead of and/or in addition to the attachment mechanisms 103-903B illustrated and discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 1A-9. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] Although the above illustrates and describes a number of embodiments, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, various techniques of individual embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] In various implementations, an adjustable toothbrush collar may include a strip of absorbent material and adhesive positioned on a surface of the strip of the absorbent material. The strip of the absorbent material may be configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adhesive may be configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush. The strip of the absorbent material may be operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is secured around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0063] In some examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar may further include a backing that covers the adhesive. In various such examples, the backing may be removable to expose the adhesive.

[0064] In a number of examples, the adhesive may cover the surface of the strip of the absorbent material. In some examples, the adhesive may be configured to attach to the portion of the toothbrush. In a number of examples, the surface may be a first surface, the adhesive may be configured to attach to a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material, and the second surface may be opposite the first surface. In various examples, the surface may be a first surface, the adhesive may be configured to attach to an attachment component positioned on a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material, and the second surface may be opposite the first surface.

[0065] In some implementations, an adjustable toothbrush collar may include a body configured in a band shape having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, absorbent material disposed on the first surface, and adhesive disposed on the second surface. The adhesive may be configured to secure the body while the body is wrapped around a portion of a toothbrush. The absorbent material may be operable to resist passage of material from bristles of the toothbrush beyond the portion of the toothbrush while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0066] In various examples, the adhesive may cover only part of the second surface. In some examples, the adhesive may be configured to release after securing the body while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush and re-secure the body when the body is re-wrapped around the toothbrush. In a number of such examples, the portion of the toothbrush may be a first portion of the toothbrush and the body may be re-wrapped around a second portion of the toothbrush. In various such examples, the first portion of the toothbrush may be a neck of the toothbrush and the second portion of the toothbrush may be at least one of a head of the toothbrush or a handle of the toothbrush.

[0067] In some examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar may be disposable. In other examples, the adjustable toothbrush collar may be washable.

[0068] In a number of implementations, an adjustable toothbrush collar may include a strip of absorbent material and an attachment mechanism. The strip of the absorbent material may be configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The attachment mechanism may be configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush. The strip of the absorbent material may be operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

[0069] In various examples, the attachment mechanism may be adhesive. In some examples, the attachment mechanism may be a magnetic element. In a number of examples, the attachment mechanism may be a set of hook and loop fasteners. In various examples, the attachment mechanism may include a hook. In some examples, the attachment mechanism may be at least one of twistable wire, a string, or a snap.

[0070] As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable toothbrush collar. The adjustable toothbrush collar may include a body arranged in a strip, band, or similar structure that is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush. The adjustable toothbrush collar may further include an attachment mechanism operable to secure the body around the portion of the toothbrush. The body may include and/or be formed of an absorbent material that is operable to prevent and/or reduce one or more substances traveling from the bristles of the toothbrush past the portion of the toothbrush around which the adjustable toothbrush collar is secured.

[0071] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

1. An adjustable toothbrush collar, comprising: a strip of absorbent material; and adhesive positioned on a surface of the strip of the absorbent material; wherein: the strip of the absorbent material is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush; the adhesive is configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush; and the strip of the absorbent material is operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is secured around the portion of the toothbrush.

2. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 1, further comprising a backing that covers the adhesive.

3. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 2, wherein the backing is removable to expose the adhesive.

4. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 1, wherein the adhesive covers the surface of the strip of the absorbent material.

5. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to attach to the portion of the toothbrush.

6. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 1, wherein: the surface is a first surface; the adhesive is configured to attach to a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material; and the second surface is opposite the first surface.

7. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 1, wherein: the surface is a first surface; the adhesive is configured to attach to an attachment component positioned on a second surface of the strip of the absorbent material; and the second surface is opposite the first surface.

8. An adjustable toothbrush collar, comprising: a body configured in a band shape having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; absorbent material disposed on the first surface; and adhesive disposed on the second surface; wherein: the adhesive is configured to secure the body while the body is wrapped around a portion of a toothbrush; and the absorbent material is operable to resist passage of material from bristles of the toothbrush beyond the portion of the toothbrush while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

9. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 8, wherein the adhesive covers only part of the second surface.

10. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is configured to: release after securing the body while the body is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush; and re-secure the body when the body is re-wrapped around the toothbrush.

11. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 10, wherein: the portion of the toothbrush is a first portion of the toothbrush; and the body is re-wrapped around a second portion of the toothbrush.

12. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 11, wherein: the first portion of the toothbrush is a neck of the toothbrush; and the second portion of the toothbrush is at least one of a head of the toothbrush or a handle of the toothbrush.

13. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 8, wherein the adjustable toothbrush collar is disposable.

14. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 8, wherein the adjustable toothbrush collar is washable.

15. An adjustable toothbrush collar, comprising: a strip of absorbent material; and an attachment mechanism; wherein: the strip of the absorbent material is configured to wrap around a portion of a toothbrush; the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the strip of the absorbent material in place around the portion of the toothbrush; and the strip of the absorbent material is operable to absorb material moving from bristles of the toothbrush while the strip of the absorbent material is wrapped around the portion of the toothbrush.

16. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises adhesive.

17. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic element.

18. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a set of hook and loop fasteners.

19. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a hook.

20. The adjustable toothbrush collar of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one of twistable wire, a string, or a snap.