US20040163979A1

US20040163979A1 - Bathroom accessory holder and method therefor

Info

Publication number: US20040163979A1
Application number: US10/371,750
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Bender; Steven Keil
Original assignee: Blue Ocean Capital LLC
Current assignee: Blue Ocean Capital LLC
Priority date: 2003-02-21
Filing date: 2003-02-21
Publication date: 2004-08-26

Abstract

A bathroom accessory holder and method therefor, comprising a base member adapted to be suction-coupled to a surface, and a bathroom accessory handle receiving member having a cavity capable of retaining the bottom handle portion of a bathroom accessory, such as a toothbrush, securely in a perpendicular direction relative to a substantially planar surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bathroom accessories and, more specifically, to a holder for a toothbrush and other bathroom accessories and method therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toothbrushes are common brushes used for cleaning teeth, and generally consist of a long handle with a small brush mounted on one end. Finding the ideal, handy, sanitary, space saving place for a toothbrush has been an ongoing challenge for people. Toothbrushes are usually stored in one of three ways: 1) Laying horizontally, for example on a sink or shelf 2) Semi-vertically in a glass or cup, or 3) Vertically in a holder. The first method is not sanitary since the toothbrush, lying on the shelf, may pick up almost any contaminant existing there. The second and third methods are also not sanitary because placing a toothbrush in a glass, cup, or other type of holder collects germs on the toothbrush and holder, and may transmit contaminants between multiple items, such as other toothbrushes, that are in the holder. These three methods also take up space on a sink counter or shelf. Some of these methods also involve items that must be affixed to the bathroom sink or counter. Other ways for storing a toothbrush are not suited to travel due to the cumbersome size or design of the holding receptacles. Therefore, current toothbrush storage methods are in general not ideal for home or travel conditions for both reasons of sanitation and convenience.

Prior art inventions have been known to address certain aspects of this problem. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 200201100134 A1 filed by Dunn, U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,223 issued to Dair, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,445 issued to Mackay describe toothbrushes with suction cup pedestals integrally built into the base. In these inventions, the combined units are capable of standing by themselves on a horizontal, nonporous surface. There are various problems with this design. First, a suction-cup that is integrated into the handle portion of the toothbrush tends to interfere with the designed use of a toothbrush. Toothbrush handles are traditionally developed to be thin, easy to grip, and free to move back and forth without hindrance. The Dunn, Dair and Mackay inventions include an obstructive suction-stand into the base of the brush handle, inhibiting the free and easy use of the brushing motion.

In addition, toothbrush handles with integral suction-cup pedestals fail to take into consideration the personal preferences that users develop as to type, brand, and design of toothbrushes. As personal dental and hygienic items, users tend to develop a loyalty with a specific type of toothbrush. The Dunn, Dair and Mackay inventions require the user to discard the user's personal toothbrush preferences (e.g., brush size, bristle design, bristle texture, etc.) and purchase a toothbrush having an integrated suction-cup pedestal that may not have other desired toothbrush features.

Another drawback to the integrated suction-cup design is that according to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes are now designed to be used for only 3 months, after which time they are to be disposed. Toothbrush holders, however, are meant to be long-lasting items. By integrating the disposable, or short-lasting, toothbrush with the non-disposable, or long-lasting, toothbrush holder, the aforementioned prior art inventions limit the lifespan of the stand itself, while at the same time changing the function of the toothbrush itself. A need therefore existed for a toothbrush and bathroom accessory holder capable of maintaining the design, integrity, usage and function of a toothbrush or other bathroom accessory.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,413 issued to Briggs and U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,087 issued to Pandak describe combination toothbrush carriers and holders. Both have elongated sleeves and covers for housing a toothbrush. The Briggs invention includes a suction cup base on the end to place on a horizontal surface. The Pandak invention relies on “the center of gravity and base of the holder” to keep the toothbrush and holder upright on a horizontal surface. The problem with these inventions is that the elongated sleeves and covers are not sanitary and will allow germs and other contaminants to collect on the sides and the bottom of the sleeve, cover, and toothbrush itself, much like placing a toothbrush in a cup or similar holder.

Other prior art inventions include U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,708 issued to Aoki which describes a toothbrush holder for infants in the shape of an animated character. The Aoki device also contains a suction cup for attaching the device to a flat surface. However, this device requires the brush head area of the toothbrush to be placed in a holder, which impacts negatively on sanitation as discussed above.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,899,242 issued to McNab and U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,971 issued to Salinger describe toothbrush holders containing a suction cup that is attached to the end of the handle opposite to the bristled head, with the face of the suction cup parallel to the toothbrush handle. The positioning of the suction cup face parallel to the toothbrush handle, requires that the suction cup always be attached to a vertical surface in order for the brush to be held in a vertical position for draining. If the suction-cup of the McNab and Salinger inventions were to be placed on a horizontal surface, the brush head of the toothbrush would be proximate a counter surface, creating an unsanitary condition. The McNab and Salinger inventions cannot sanitarily or effectively be used on a horizontal surface. For optimal sanitary conditions, the toothbrush head should be as far from the countertop or other surface as possible, so as to prevent the spread of germs from a counter surface to the brush head. Both the McNab and Salinger inventions place the head of the brush proximate a planar surface capable of transmitting germs.

Suction cups for bathroom accessories are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,742 issued to Immerman and U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,104 issued to Smith. These inventions describe the use of multiple vertical suction mounts which have attachments that include chambers for multiple bathroom accessories like soap, razors, and toothbrushes. These inventions are not using the suction cup as a holder, stand, or receptacle to specifically hold toothbrushes or other bathroom accessories, but rather are using suction cups in place of screws or adhesive to mount a separate holding device to a vertical surface, such as a bathroom wall or shower tile. The attachments must be attached to a vertical surface in order for the brush to be held in a vertical position for draining. Therefore, these holders are not suitable for use on a countertop or other horizontal surface. Also, these holders are certainly not appropriate for travel or other types of portable use.

Suction cups have been used to support other articles on a surface. U.S. Pat. No. 1,587,874 issued to Strickland, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,588,990 issued to Sanchez, describe the use of suction cups on the bottom of dishes and other receptacles to prevent against accidental tipping. These do not specifically address the needs of bathroom accessories, such as the toothbrush, nor are they capable of holding a toothbrush.

A need therefore existed for an independent bathroom accessory and toothbrush holder capable of: holding any standard toothbrush or other bathroom accessory so that the toothbrush or other bathroom accessory can be used in its intended way, storing a toothbrush or other bathroom accessory in a sanitary condition, saving sink or shelf space, being readily accessible, and being easily portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an independent bathroom accessory holder and method capable of retaining and supporting a toothbrush or other bathroom accessory perpendicular to a surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an independent bathroom accessory holder and method that is easily suction-coupled to and removed from a substantially flat surface such as a countertop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bathroom accessory holder is disclosed, comprising, in combination a base member having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, the concave inner surface adapted to be suction-coupled to a substantially planar surface, and a bathroom accessory handle receiving member coupled perpendicularly to the convex outer surface of the base member, the bathroom accessory handle receiving member defines a cavity dimensioned to retain a bottom handle portion of a bathroom accessory by frictional engagement so that the bathroom accessory extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface, the base member and the bathroom accessory handle receiving member forming a one-piece assembly.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for holding a bathroom accessory is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a base member having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, providing a bathroom accessory handle receiving member coupled perpendicularly to the convex outer surface of the base member, the bathroom accessory handle receiving member defines a cavity dimensioned to retain a bottom handle portion of a bathroom accessory by frictional engagement so that the bathroom accessory extends substantially perpendicular to a substantially planar surface, the base member and the bathroom accessory handle receiving member forming a one-piece assembly, suction-coupling the concave inner surface of the base member to the substantially planar surface, and inserting the bathroom accessory handle into the bathroom accessory handle receiving member.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention. [0017]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention, showing the concave inner surface of the base member suction-coupled to a countertop. [0018]
FIG. 3 is a side view of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bathroom accessory holder of FIG. 3, showing the cavity of the bathroom accessory handle receiving member and taken along line [0020] 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention, showing the cavity of the bathroom accessory handle receiving member. [0021]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention, showing the bottom portion of a bathroom accessory handle retained by the bathroom accessory handle receiving member. [0022]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention, showing the bottom portion of a toothbrush handle retained by the bathroom accessory handle receiving member. [0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. [0024] 1-7, reference number 20 refers generally to the bathroom accessory holder of the present invention. The bathroom accessory holder 20 comprises a base member 22 having a convex outer surface 24 and a concave inner surface 25 (shown in FIG. 4) adapted to be suction-coupled to a substantially planar surface 23 (shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7). The substantially planar surface 23 could be any non-porous surface, such as tile, a bathroom countertop, mirror or glass, so long as the substantially planar surface 23 is capable of being gripped by a suction-cup-type member.
Preferably, the concave [0025] inner surface 25 is comprised of dishwasher safe rubber, but it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the bathroom accessory holder 20 in which the concave inner surface 25 is made from a pliable plastic or some other material capable of being suction-coupled to a substantially planar surface. In the preferred embodiment, the base member 22 is substantially circular and has a preferred diameter of approximately 3 centimeters, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the bathroom accessory holder 20 in which the shape and/or diameter of the base member 22 deviates, even substantially, from the preferred shape and/or preferred diameter.
Still referring to FIGS. [0026] 1-7, the bathroom accessory holder 20 further comprises a bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26. The bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26 is coupled perpendicularly to the convex outer surface 24 of the base member 22, forming a one-piece assembly. The bathroom accessory handle receiving member defines a cavity 27 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5) dimensioned to retain a bottom handle portion 28 (shown in FIGS. 6-7) of a bathroom accessory 29 (shown as a toothbrush in FIG. 7) by frictional engagement so that the bathroom accessory 29 extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface 23.
In the preferred embodiment, the [0027] cavity 27 is substantially cylindrical and approximately 1.5 centimeters in depth, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the bathroom accessory holder 20 in which the shape and/or preferred depth of the cavity 27 deviates, even substantially from the preferred shape and depth, so long as the cavity 27 is capable of retaining a bottom handle portion 28 of a bathroom accessory 29 by frictional engagement so that the bathroom accessory 29 extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface 23.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, [0028] 4 and 5, the cavity 27 preferably has an inner diameter of approximately 1 centimeter and comprises a rim 30 having a thickness of approximately 2 millimeters, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26 in which the thickness of the rim 30 and the inner diameter of the cavity 27 deviates, even substantially, from the preferred thickness and inner diameter in either direction so long as the cavity 27 is capable of securely retaining a bottom handle portion 28 of a bathroom accessory 29 by frictional engagement so that the bathroom accessory 29 extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface 23.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the [0029] bathroom accessory 29 is shown as a toothbrush, although it should be clearly understood that any bathroom accessory, such as a razor, lipstick, mascara or some other item commonly used in the bathroom area and having a bottom handle portion 28 is within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Statement of Operation

In order to use the [0030] bathroom accessory holder 20 one must suction-couple the concave inner surface 25 of the base member 22 to a surface 23. This can be accomplished by a user gripping the bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26 and pressing the concave inner surface 25 of the bathroom accessory holder 20 towards a substantially planar surface 23. This movement will create a partial vacuum within the concave inner surface 25 that will create a force capable of securing the bathroom accessory holder 20 to the substantially planar surface 23.
To insert a [0031] bathroom accessory 29, such as a toothbrush, into the bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26, one must use manual force to push the bottom handle portion 28 of the bathroom accessory 29 into the cavity 27 of the bathroom accessory handle receiving member 26. This will cause the inner area of the cavity 27 to slightly expand and grip the bottom handle portion 28, holding the bathroom accessory 29 in place perpendicular to the substantially planar surface 23.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0032]

Claims

I claim:

1. A bathroom accessory holder comprising in combination:

a base member having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, said concave inner surface adapted to be suction-coupled to a substantially planar surface; and

a bathroom accessory handle receiving member coupled perpendicularly to said convex outer surface of said base member, said bathroom accessory handle receiving member defines a cavity dimensioned to retain a bottom handle portion of a bathroom accessory by frictional engagement so that said bathroom accessory extends substantially perpendicular to said substantially planar surface, said base member and said bathroom accessory handle receiving member forming a one-piece assembly.

2. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 wherein said cavity being substantially cylindrical.

3. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 2 wherein said substantially cylindrical cavity being approximately 1.5 centimeters in depth.

4. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 2 wherein said substantially cylindrical cavity comprises a rim having a thickness of approximately 2 millimeters.

5. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 wherein said base member being approximately 3 centimeters in diameter.

6. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 wherein said base member is constructed of rubber.

7. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 wherein said base member is constructed of pliable plastic.

8. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 wherein said cavity has an inner diameter of approximately 1 centimeter.

9. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1 further comprising a bathroom accessory.

10. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 9 wherein said bathroom accessory is a toothbrush.

11. A method for holding a bathroom accessory comprising, in combination, the steps of:

providing a base member having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface;

providing a bathroom accessory handle receiving member coupled perpendicularly to said convex outer surface of said base member, said bathroom accessory handle receiving member defines a cavity dimensioned to retain a bottom handle portion of a bathroom accessory by frictional engagement so that said bathroom accessory extends substantially perpendicular to a substantially planar surface, said base member and said bathroom accessory handle receiving member forming a one-piece assembly;

suction-coupling said concave inner surface of said base member to said substantially planar surface; and

inserting said bathroom accessory handle into said bathroom accessory handle receiving member.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said cavity being substantially cylindrical.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said substantially cylindrical cavity being approximately 1.5 centimeters in depth.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said substantially cylindrical cavity comprises a rim having a thickness of approximately 2 millimeters.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein said base member being approximately 3 centimeters in diameter.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein said base member is constructed of rubber.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein said base member is constructed of pliable plastic.

18. The method of claim 11 wherein said cavity has an inner diameter of approximately 1 centimeter.

19. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing a bathroom accessory.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said bathroom accessory is a toothbrush.