CA2569382C - Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder - Google Patents

Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2569382C
CA2569382C CA2569382A CA2569382A CA2569382C CA 2569382 C CA2569382 C CA 2569382C CA 2569382 A CA2569382 A CA 2569382A CA 2569382 A CA2569382 A CA 2569382A CA 2569382 C CA2569382 C CA 2569382C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
dental floss
toothbrush
dispenser
handle
supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2569382A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2569382A1 (en
Inventor
Ricardo N. Macias
Gregory R. Byrd
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FLOSS'N BRUSH LLC
Original Assignee
FLOSS'N BRUSH LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FLOSS'N BRUSH LLC filed Critical FLOSS'N BRUSH LLC
Publication of CA2569382A1 publication Critical patent/CA2569382A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2569382C publication Critical patent/CA2569382C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/001Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with means indicating the remaining useful life of brush
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0055Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
    • A46B15/0069Brushes fitted with a interdental devices, e.g. toothpick
    • A46B15/0071Toothbrushes with flossing arrangements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/01Disposable brush
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Abstract

A disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser is provided.
The toothbrush includes a hollow cavity at one end for receiving a dental floss dispenser therein which includes a supply of dental floss. The toothbrush includes a removable end cap which covers and protects the dental floss dispenser when it is not in use. After the supply of dental floss is depleted, the toothbrush may be disposed of.

Description

DISPOSABLE COMBINATION TOOTHBRUSH AND
DENTAL FLOSS HOLDER
The present invention relates to a disposable toothbrush including a dental floss holder, and more particularly, to a combination disposable toothbrush and dental floss holder which includes a supply of dental floss therein.
Disposable toothbrushes are well known in the art for use by consumers during travel or other events. Such toothbrushes are provided in many different designs and sizes for convenience.
In recent years, the benefits of using dental floss have been widely recognized and it is therefore desirable when traveling to use dental floss in addition to a toothbrush; however, it is cumbersome and inconvenient to pack both a toothbrush and a separate supply of dental floss.
Toothbrushes have been developed which include a dental floss holder within the body of the toothbrush. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,924,429 teaches a toothbrush comprising a detachable toothbrush and including a supply of dental floss disposed within the interior cavity of the toothbrush handle. U.S. Patent No.
4,887,621 teaches a combination toothbrush and dental floss holder where the toothbrush includes a hollow handle including a cavity for storing a spool of dental floss.
However, there is still a need in the art for an improved combination toothbrush and dental floss holder which is easy to make and use and which is disposable for travel use.
The present invention meets that need by providing a combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser which is disposable. The toothbrush includes a handle having a hollow cavity at one end for receiving a dental floss dispenser containing a supply of dental floss.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a combination disposable toothbrush and dental floss dispenser is provided comprising a unitary handle having first and second ends where the second end has a hollow interior cavity therein; and plurality of bristles mounted in the first end of the handle. A dental floss dispenser is mounted in the interior cavity of the second end of the handle and contains a supply of dental floss therein. A removable end cap is attached to the second end of the handle.
The end cap preferably covers the dental floss dispenser and functions to protect it when not in use.
The dental floss dispenser preferably comprises first and second ends and includes a hollow interior cavity containing the supply of dental floss. The supply of dental floss is preferably in the form of a spool. Preferably, the first end of the dental floss dispenser includes an aperture therein for withdrawing a length of dental floss from the spool.
The dental floss dispenser preferably further includes an outer sidewall having a base mounted thereto which includes a blade extending therefrom for cutting the dental floss to a desired length.
In use, a user may floss by removal of the protective end cap and extraction of dental floss from the dental floss dispenser, followed by brushing their teeth using the toothbrush portion of the handle. The combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser may be used repeatedly for a time period of about 90 days, after which it may be easily disposed of. As many dentists recommend changing toothbrushes every three months, by use of a 90-day supply of dental floss in the dental floss dispenser, an indication is given as to when to dispose of the toothbrush and start using a new one (i.e., when the dental floss runs out).
Accordingly, it is a feature of the invention to provide a disposable toothbrush and dental floss dispenser combination which may be easily used and disposed of after use. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the combination disposable toothbrush and dental floss dispenser of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the combination of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is an elevational view illustrating the separate elements of the toothbrush/dispenser combination;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the dental floss dispenser; and Fig. 4A is a top view of the dental floss dispenser.
Referring now to the drawing figures, the combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser is illustrated in Figs. 1-3. As shown in Fig. 1, the combination 10 includes a handle 12 comprising first and second ends 14 and 16 and including a hollow interior cavity 18 at the second end 16. The handle is preferably comprised of a molded polypropylene and is ergonomically friendly, i.e., it is designed to enable a user to easily grip and hold the toothbrush during use.
A plurality of toothbrush bristles 20 are mounted in the first end 14 of the handle. The bristles may be anti-bacterial bristles, such as anti-bacterial bristles available from Team Technologies, Inc. of Morristown, Tennessee. However, conventional toothbrush bristles or filaments may also be used. A removable end cap 22 is attached to the second end 16 of the handle in a tight fit so as to be water resistant, allowing for rinsing of the toothbrush without water getting into the floss dispenser 24.
A cross-sectional view of the combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser is illustrated in Fig. 2 and illustrates the dental floss dispenser 24 which is mounted in the interior cavity 18 of the second end 16 of the handle. As shown in greater detail in Figs. 4 and 4A, the dental floss dispenser 24 includes first and second ends 26 and 28 and a hollow interior cavity 30 containing a supply of dental floss, preferably in the form of a spool 32. The dental floss preferably comprises a cocoon of waxed floss which is preferably about 50 yards in length so as to provide approximately 90 days of usage. A number of conventional types of dental floss may be used in the dental floss dispenser. One suitable dental floss for use includes floss available from Ora-Tek (Canada).
As shown in Fig. 4, the first end 26 of the dental floss dispenser includes an aperture 34 therein for withdrawing a length of dental floss from the spool 32. The dental floss dispenser further includes an outer sidewall 36 and a base 38 mounted on the sidewall which includes a blade 41 and a living hinge 42 extending therefrom for cutting the dental floss to a desired length for use. As shown in the exploded view illustrated in Fig. 3, the blade 41 is preferably held in place by living hinge 42 which is positioned in a recessed area 37 in the sidewall of the dispenser.
The toothbrush is assembled as shown in Fig. 3, with the spool 32 inserted partially into the hollow handle at the recessed area 43 at the end of the handle and partially into dental floss dispenser 24 such that the ends of the toothbrush and dental floss dispenser snap lock together.
In use, the toothbrush portion of the handle is used to brush teeth. When it is desirable to floss the teeth, the end cap 22 may be removed from the remainder of the handle as shown in Fig. 3 and a length of floss is withdrawn from the dental floss dispenser 24 through aperture 34 and cut to a desired length using blade 40.
As shown in Fig. 4, outer sidewall 36 of the floss dispenser is shaped so that when floss is draped between aperture 34 and blade 41, there is an easy gripping surface providing for grabbing and pulling on the floss. When the user is done, the cap may be replaced on the handle. After the supply of dental floss is depleted, the toothbrush may then be easily disposed of.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is not considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims (3)

1. In combination, a disposable toothbrush and dental floss dispenser including a 90-day supply of dental floss therein comprising:
an elongated one-piece handle having first and second ends; said second end having a hollow interior cavity therein;
a plurality of toothbrush bristles mounted in said first end of said handle;
a dental floss dispenser having first and second ends, with said second end being inserted in the interior cavity of said second end of said handle and containing said supply of dental floss therein; wherein said second end of said dental floss dispenser is open such that said supply of dental floss is partially positioned in the hollow interior cavity of said second end of said handle and partially in said dental floss dispenser; said dental floss dispenser including an outer sidewall having a base mounted thereto; said base including a blade extending therefrom for cutting said dental floss; and an end cap attached to said second end of said handle which covers said dental floss dispenser when said dental floss dispenser is not in use.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said supply of dental floss is in the form of a spool.
3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said first end of said dental floss dispenser includes an aperture therein for withdrawing a length of dental floss from said spool.
CA2569382A 2004-06-04 2005-05-05 Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder Expired - Fee Related CA2569382C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/861,985 2004-06-04
US10/861,985 US7237560B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2004-06-04 Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder
PCT/US2005/015607 WO2005120188A2 (en) 2004-06-04 2005-05-05 Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2569382A1 CA2569382A1 (en) 2005-12-22
CA2569382C true CA2569382C (en) 2013-11-12

Family

ID=35446351

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2569382A Expired - Fee Related CA2569382C (en) 2004-06-04 2005-05-05 Disposable combination toothbrush and dental floss holder

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7237560B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1765114A2 (en)
JP (1) JP4762234B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100508824C (en)
CA (1) CA2569382C (en)
WO (1) WO2005120188A2 (en)

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US20070209953A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-09-13 Frank Conte Dental Floss Dispensing Device
US20080251097A1 (en) * 2007-04-13 2008-10-16 Ana Arreguin Dental pen
US20090050500A1 (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-02-26 Judith Ultimo Device for reminding the user when to dispose of a toothbrush
US8776806B2 (en) * 2008-06-19 2014-07-15 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral hygiene device with floss storage capability
CN101611959B (en) * 2008-06-23 2014-09-24 法达基·阿里·阿法达基 Poplar box
US8028948B1 (en) * 2008-11-28 2011-10-04 Fly Fishing Xtreme, LLC Fishing line control system
US20100186182A1 (en) * 2009-01-26 2010-07-29 Avila Angela A Oral hygiene device & methods of use thereof
US8529150B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2013-09-10 Richard Carl Olson Toothbrush device
US20120138082A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Joshua Pardue Self contained oral hygiene unit
US8544481B1 (en) * 2011-07-14 2013-10-01 Gloria Smith Brush and toss
US20150074926A1 (en) * 2012-03-12 2015-03-19 Whimi Co., Ltd. Portable toothbrush
BR202012026823U2 (en) * 2012-10-09 2014-07-01 Jairo Augusto Marques De Carvalho IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN CONSTRUCTIVE DESIGN OF BRUSH WITH BRUSH DEVICE, SPECIFIC USE FOR CHILDREN AND PERSONS WITH MOTOR LIMITATION OR SPECIAL NEEDS
WO2014080254A1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-30 Taciuk Michael Thomas Flossing device with asymmetrically curved and bulbous handle
US9049921B1 (en) * 2013-07-24 2015-06-09 Dadrian L. Rackston Floss-dispensing toothbrush device
USD747883S1 (en) 2014-07-10 2016-01-26 Dadrian L. Rackston Floss-dispensing toothbrush device
CA161033S (en) * 2014-08-26 2015-11-12 Finkelfloss Ltd Toothbrush with dental floss dispenser
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WO2020091615A1 (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-05-07 Ernesto Victorio Lima Toothbrush for storing dental floss by units
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4762234B2 (en) 2011-08-31
CA2569382A1 (en) 2005-12-22
WO2005120188A3 (en) 2006-08-24
WO2005120188A2 (en) 2005-12-22
JP2008501409A (en) 2008-01-24
US7237560B2 (en) 2007-07-03
CN100508824C (en) 2009-07-08
EP1765114A2 (en) 2007-03-28
US20050268934A1 (en) 2005-12-08
CN101001552A (en) 2007-07-18

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EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20190506