US20060011209A1

US20060011209A1 - Oral hygiene products dispenser stand and dispensing station

Info

Publication number: US20060011209A1
Application number: US10/908,314
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Mehes; Daniel Bloom
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-19
Filing date: 2005-05-06
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

An oral hygiene products dispenser stand for storing and dispensing oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, mouthwash, disposable cups, and dental floss. The stand includes a base, a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base and a shelf connected to the truss. The shelf supports a disposable cup dispenser and a plurality of toothbrush holders. The brush head end of a toothbrush can be placed into a toothbrush holder to be sanitized and dried. The stand serves as an oral hygiene products dispensing station when the base supports a bottle of mouthwash, fluoride rinse or other antiseptic fluid.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an oral hygiene products dispenser stand and, more particularly, to an oral hygiene products dispenser stand for dispensing mouthwash and disposable cups and for sanitizing and storing toothbrushes.
2. Description of Related Art
It is well known that a daily oral hygiene routine that includes the use of a sanitary toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash should be consistently practiced in order to prevent the onset of tooth decay, gum disease and other undesirable oral and dental conditions. However, many people fail to consistently practice a thorough and proper daily oral hygiene routine despite having such knowledge. It is believed that the inconvenient location of the various products and devices needed to practice a proper oral hygiene routine may be a major contributing factor to this problem.
In a typical household bathroom, toothbrushes may be stored in a holder, such as a drinking glass, which is placed on or near a countertop adjacent to a sink. Toothpaste and dental floss may be stored in a different location, such as in a medicine cabinet or drawer. Mouthwash and/or fluoride rinses may be stored in yet another location, such as in a closet or cabinet. Disposable cups, if they are present at all, may be stored in a dispenser that is mounted to a wall at a location other than where the toothbrushes are stored. Thus, the various essential products and devices that must be utilized in order to practice a thorough and proper daily oral hygiene routine are typically scattered throughout the bathroom and some may simply be “out of sight and out of mind.”
The improper storage and sanitation of oral hygiene products and devices can give rise to health concerns. Toothbrushes, in particular, can harbor disease-causing bacteria and germs if not properly sanitized and stored. While consumers are often advised to begin using a new toothbrush at least every three months, they are generally not informed that proper toothbrush sanitation can reduce the spread of household germs and illnesses. There is a need for a convenient and safe method of sanitizing a toothbrush that will help prevent the spread of household germs.
Some equipment for organizing and dispensing oral hygiene products is known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,193 to Dennis discloses a dental storage apparatus that includes a container for mouthwash, a cup dispenser and various compartments for oral hygiene products such as toothpaste, floss, and toothbrushes. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,600 to Riddick et al. discloses an oral hygiene dispenser including a compartment for a mouthwash bottle, a disposable cup dispenser, and gripping elements for holding toothbrushes. While the general concept of organizing oral hygiene products in a single location is known in the art, there exists a need for an improved apparatus for organizing oral hygiene products. Additionally, there exists a need for such an apparatus that also provides for an effective and convenient method of sanitizing toothbrushes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed toward an improved oral hygiene products dispenser stand. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand of the present invention is designed to serve as a convenient central storage and dispensing station for oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, mouthwash, disposable cups, and dental floss, which are essential for practicing a thorough and proper daily oral and dental hygiene routine. In addition to serving as a convenient central storage location for dental and oral hygiene products, the oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention also sanitizes toothbrushes to prevent or retard the growth of bacteria and the spread of germs.
The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention comprises a base, a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base, and a shelf connected to and supported by the truss. A disposable cup dispenser is attached to the shelf. Dental floss can be stored and dispensed from the top of the disposable cup dispenser. A bottle of antiseptic fluid such as mouthwash, fluoride rinse or other oral sanitizing solution can be placed on the base through an opening formed in the shelf. At least one and more preferably a plurality of toothbrush holders are supported by the shelf. Each toothbrush holder comprises a hollow receptacle having an open upper end through which the brush head end of a toothbrush can pass, a closed lower end, and a partition disposed between the open upper end and the closed lower end. The partition divides the hollow receptacle into a lower compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the closed lower end to the partition and an upper compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the partition to the open upper end. The partition prevents the brush head end of a toothbrush from entering the lower compartment. In addition, the partition includes a drain system for allowing an antiseptic fluid to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the partition at a rate of from about 0.05 ounces per minute to about 2 ounces per minute. Thus, the brush head end of the toothbrush can be submerged in antiseptic fluid for a period of time sufficient to properly sanitize the brush head end of the toothbrush, and can be permitted to air dry prior to the next use.
The top of a mouthwash bottle resting on the base preferably extends through the opening formed in the shelf. The mouthwash bottle preferably includes a child-safe dispensing pump closure that facilitates the convenient dispensing of a predetermined amount of mouthwash into a disposable cup, which may be obtained from the cup dispenser. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention can either rest on a countertop or be attached to a wall. When coupled with a bottle of antiseptic fluid, the oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention provides a convenient and compact oral hygiene products dispensing station.
The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the oral hygiene products dispenser stand shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a toothbrush holder component of an oral hygiene dispenser stand according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a second embodiment of an oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the fully assembled dispenser stand shown in FIG. 3 supporting a bottle of mouthwash.
FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of an oral hygiene dispenser stand according to the invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a disassembled oral hygiene products dispenser stand shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show views of a first embodiment of an oral hygiene products dispensing stand 10 according to the invention. The stand 10 comprises a base 20, a truss 30 that is connected to and extends upwardly from the base 20, and a shelf 40 that is connected to the truss 30. A disposable cup dispenser 50 is attached to the shelf 40. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable cup dispenser 50 includes a tail portion 60 that extends downwardly to the base 20 to provide additional support for the shelf 40.
The base 20 is preferably planar and has a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 80. It will be appreciated that the base 20 may be shaped in any manner that is suitable for supporting a bottle. Preferably, the top surface 70 of the base 20 is shaped to support the bottle in an upright orientation. To this end, the top surface 70 of the base 20 may be provided with a rim and/or a depression (not shown) that cradles the bottle and supports it in an upright position.
The bottom surface 80 of the base 20 may include one or more feet 90, as shown in FIG. 2. The feet 90 preferably prevent the stand 10 from sliding on a smooth surface such as a countertop. It will be appreciated that other types of attachment means such as suction cups or VELCRO-type hook and loop fasteners, for example, can also be used.
The function of the truss 30 is to suspend the shelf 40 above the base 20. Thus, the configuration of the truss 30 is not per se critical. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the truss 30 is a substantially planar member that is positioned at an angle relative to both the shelf 40 and the base 20 so that the base 20, truss 30 and shelf 40 together define the shape of a ”Z” (or reverse “Z”, depending upon the side being viewed).
The truss 30 is preferably provided with an opening 100 that is of sufficient size to allow for the passage of a bottle that is placed on the base 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the truss 30 is a solid sheet having a circular or rounded opening 100. It will be appreciated that the shape of the opening 100 in the truss is largely a matter of aesthetic design choice, and that a variety of shapes and sizes can be used.
The base 20 and the shelf 40 may be substantially parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 2, or the base 20 and the shelf 40 may not be parallel to each other (e.g., see FIG. 4). The base 20 and shelf 40 are preferably aligned such that the shelf 40 is generally positioned above the base 20. Preferably, the base 20 and the shelf 40 have approximately the same dimensions, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
The shelf 40 is also provided with an opening 110 that is large enough to allow for the passage of a bottle of antiseptic fluid such as mouthwash or fluoride rinse through the shelf 40 to the base 20. The shape of the opening 110 is not critical. The opening 110 in the shelf 40 shown in FIG. 1 is circular, but other shapes could be used.
The bottom of the bottle rests upon a top surface 70 of the base 20 and the top of the bottle preferably extends through the opening 110 formed in the shelf 40. The middle of the bottle is preferably disposed in the opening 100 formed in the truss 30.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of passages 120 is formed in the shelf 40. Each passage 120 receives a toothbrush holder 130. Each toothbrush holder 130 is sized to receive the brush head end 140 of a toothbrush 150, leaving at least a portion of the handle end 160 of the toothbrush 150 exposed.
The passages 120 may be formed in any desired location on the shelf 40. Preferably, the passages 120 are formed along a peripheral edge of the shelf 40 opposite the connection point to the truss 30 so that the toothbrush holders 130 do not contact the truss 30. However, because of the preferred “Z-shaped” configuration of the stand 10 and the angle of the truss 30, in alternate embodiments, passages could also be formed within the truss 30 to allow the lower portion of the toothbrush holders 130 to pass therethrough.
With reference to FIG. 3, each toothbrush holder 130 comprises a hollow receptacle 170 having an open upper end 180 through which the brush head end 140 of a toothbrush 150 can pass, a closed lower end 190, and a partition 200 disposed between the open upper end 180 and the closed lower end 190. The partition 200 divides the hollow receptacle 170 into a lower compartment 210 defined as that portion of the hollow receptacle 170 from the closed lower end 190 to the partition 200, and an upper compartment 220 defined as that portion of the hollow receptacle 170 from the partition 200 to the open upper end 180. The partition 200 supports the brush head end 140 of the toothbrush 150 and prevents it from entering the lower compartment 210. The partition 200 also includes at least one drain 230 that allows antiseptic fluid to flow from the upper compartment 220 to the lower compartment 210 through the partition 200 at a rate of from about 0.05 ounces per minute to about 2 ounces per minute.
To sanitize a toothbrush 150, a user simply inserts the brush head end 140 of the toothbrush 150 into the toothbrush holder 130 through the open upper end 180 until the brush head end 140 contacts the partition 200. The bristles 240 of the toothbrush 150 are thus immersed in an antiseptic fluid such as mouthwash, which may be introduced into the upper compartment 220 before or after the brush head end 140 of the toothbrush 150 is inserted into the toothbrush holder 130. The antiseptic fluid contacts and thereby sanitizes the brush head end 140 of the toothbrush 150, killing any bacteria and/or germ material that may be trapped or concealed within the bristles 240. The antiseptic fluid flows from the upper compartment 220 to the lower compartment 210 through the drain 230 over a preferred time period preferably ranging from about 30 seconds to 1 hour. After the antiseptic fluid has drained from the upper compartment 220, the bristles 240 of the toothbrush 150 are able to air dry.
Preferably, the lower compartment 210 is releasably attached to the upper compartment 220 using a suitable attachment means. For example, the lower compartment 210 may be provided with threads that engage with threads formed on the upper compartment 220, allowing the two parts to be separated by a twisting motion. Alternatively, the lower compartment 210 may comprise a resilient collar that makes a friction-fit onto the upper compartment 220. Thus, when the lower compartment 210 fills with antiseptic fluid drained from the upper compartment 220, the lower compartment 210 may be separated and removed from the upper compartment 220 to be emptied and then reattached.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each toothbrush holder 130 is provided with a lift tab 250 that extends outwardly from the toothbrush holder 130 adjacent to the open upper end 180. The lift tab 250, which may be of any shape, provides a gripping surface that allows a user to withdraw a toothbrush holder 130 from the passage 120 in the shelf 40. The lift tab 250 also prevents the toothbrush holder 130 from passing completely through the passage 120. The lift tab 250 thus acts as a stop when it makes contact with the shelf 40.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the toothbrush holders 130 do not include a lift tab 250. In such embodiment, the diameter of toothbrush holder 130 is slightly larger near the upper open end 180 than the diameter of the toothbrush holder 130 near the lower closed end 190. The passages 120 are sized to permit passage of the lower closed end 190, but not the upper open end 180. Thus, the toothbrush holders 130 are retained in the passages 120 at or near the midpoint of the toothbrush holders 130. Because a substantial portion of each toothbrush holder 130 extends above and below the shelf 40, there is no need for a lift tab 250 to remove the toothbrush holder 130 from the shelf 40 in this embodiment.
The disposable cup dispenser 50 is attached to the shelf 40, preferably in a notch 260 formed in the shelf 40. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the disposable cup dispenser 50 includes a tail portion 60 that extends downwardly and contacts the base 20. The tail portion 60 preferably terminates in a tooth that is received in a groove or opening formed in the base 20. The tooth and groove preferably have a snap-fit engagement, which assists in securing the disposable cup dispenser 50 to the stand 10. Once connected to the base 20, the tail portion 60 provides support to the disposable cup dispenser 50 and prevents lateral motion of the disposable cup dispenser 50 relative to the shelf 40 and base 20. While a tail portion 60 is shown in the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, alternative support means can be provided to support and prevent lateral motion of the disposable cup dispenser 50. For example, in the third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, a spar 360 is used to provide additional support between the base 20 and the shelf 40.
It will be appreciated that the disposable cup dispenser 50 can be attached to any part of the shelf 40. In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the disposable cup dispenser 50 is attached to a rear side of the shelf 40 opposite of the front side of the shelf 40 where the toothbrush holders 130 are attached. In the presently most preferred third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the disposable cup dispenser 50 is attached to the front side of the shelf 40 with the toothbrush holders 130. If desired, two or more disposable cup dispensers 50 could be attached to the shelf 40.
One or more disposable cups 270 may be inserted into the disposable cup dispenser 50. Disposable cups 270 are loaded into the disposable cup dispenser 50 by pushing a stack of cups 270 upwardly into a mouth 280 of the disposable cup dispenser 50. After the stack of cups 270 have been loaded into the disposable cup dispenser 50 through the mouth 280 of the dispenser 50, a single disposable cup 270 may be selectively removed through the mouth 280 of the dispenser 50 simply by gripping and pulling the cup 270 downwardly from the dispenser 50.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the disposable cup dispenser 50 can be provided with a lid 290 that can be removed to provide access to the interior portion of the disposable cup dispenser 50. In this embodiment, a stack of disposable cups 270 can be loaded into the disposable cup dispenser 50 from the top for dispensing through the mouth 280.
With reference to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, a container of dental floss 300 can optionally be secured to the top of the disposable cup dispenser 50. When the container of dental floss 300 is empty, it can be removed from the top of the disposable cup dispenser 50 and replaced with a new container of dental floss 300.
FIG. 5 shows the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the stand 10 is configured to receive a bottle 310 containing an antiseptic fluid such as mouthwash. The bottle 310 is preferably provided with a pump 320 having a spout 330. A pump 320 allows a user to dispense antiseptic fluid such as mouthwash without lifting the bottle 310. Preferably, the pump 320 is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of antiseptic fluid from the bottle 310 that does not exceed the volume capacity of the disposable cups 270 retained in the disposable cup dispenser 50 or the upper compartment 220 of the toothbrush holders 130.
The pump 320 encourages the use of disposable cups 270, which are far more sanitary for dispensing antiseptic fluids such as mouthwash than using the cap of the bottle 310 as a cup, than sharing a cup among several users, or than dispensing mouthwash into one's mouth directly from the bottle itself. Preferably, the pump 320 is a child-safe pump that can be locked or otherwise secured so that small children cannot access to the contents of the bottle 310.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the pump 320 is configured to pivot on a vertical axis. The toothbrush holders 130 are attached to the perimeter of the shelf 40 beneath where the spout 330 of the pump 320 as is situated as the pump 320 is pivoted. Thus, a user can pivot the pump 320 until the spout 330 is positioned over a toothbrush holder 130, and then use the pump 320 to dispense antiseptic fluid directly into the upper compartment 220 of the toothbrush holder 130 without removing the toothbrush holder 130 from the shelf 40.
The oral hygiene products dispensing stand 10 according to the invention is primarily intended for placement on a countertop adjacent to a sink in a bathroom. The stand 10 is aesthetically pleasing, and it serves as an oral hygiene products dispensing station. All of the products necessary for good oral hygiene are collected in a single location, and the products are readily available for use.
It will be appreciated, however, that the stand 10 can be mounted to a wall, if desired. To facilitate optional wall mounting, the stand 10 may be provided with knockouts 340 (see FIG. 1), which may be removed from the shelf 40 and base 20 to expose mounting openings 350 for mounting the stand 10 to a wall. Nails, screws or other fasteners can be inserted at proper locations in the wall, and then the stand 10 can be suspended from the fasteners using the mounting openings 350.
The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to the invention can be formed as a unitary, integral component using thermoplastic materials by conventional injection molding means. More preferably, however, the stand comprises several components that are assembled to form the stand. The components can be joined together by a snap-fit arrangement using projecting fingers that engage with mating slots formed on adjoining components. Alternatively, the individual components can be joined together by providing mating beads and channels on the components. FIG. 6 is an view of the disassembled oral hygiene dispenser stand shown in FIG. 5. The disassembled stand can be packaged together with one or more oral hygiene products for shipment and sale.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An oral hygiene products dispenser stand comprising:

a base for supporting a bottle containing an antiseptic fluid;

a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base;

a shelf connected to and extending from the truss, wherein the shelf supports:

a disposable cup dispenser; and

a plurality of toothbrush holders, wherein each toothbrush holder comprises a hollow receptacle having an open upper end through which a brush head end of a toothbrush can pass, a closed lower end, and a partition disposed between the open upper end and the closed lower end, wherein the partition divides the hollow receptacle into a lower compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the closed lower end to the partition and an upper compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the partition to the open upper end, wherein the partition prevents the brush head end of a toothbrush from entering the lower compartment, and wherein the partition includes at least one drain for allowing an antiseptic fluid to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the partition at a rate of from about 0.05 ounces per minute to about 2 ounces per minute.

2. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 wherein the shelf is provided with an opening sufficiently large enough for a bottle of antiseptic fluid to pass therethrough to the base.

3. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 2 wherein the shelf is substantially parallel to the base.

4. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 wherein the lower compartment of the hollow receptacle is detachably connected to the upper compartment.

5. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 4 wherein the upper compartment is provided with indicia indicating a maximum capacity of antiseptic fluid that can be contained in the lower compartment.

6. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 further comprising a dental floss holder disposed on the disposable cup dispenser.

7. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 wherein the base has a top surface for contacting and supporting the bottle of antiseptic fluid and a bottom surface that is provided with a plurality of anti-skid feet.

8. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 wherein the base, truss, shelf and disposable cup dispenser are formed of plastic.

9. The oral hygiene products dispenser stand according to claim 1 wherein the hollow receptacles are formed of transparent plastic.

10. An oral hygiene products dispenser stand comprising:

a base having a top surface for contacting and supporting a bottle of antiseptic fluid and a bottom surface that is provided with a plurality of anti-skid feet;

a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base;

a shelf connected to and extending from the truss substantially parallel to the base, wherein the shelf is provided with an opening sufficiently large enough for a bottle of antiseptic fluid to pass therethrough to the base, and wherein the shelf supports:

a plastic disposable cup dispenser having a dental floss holder disposed thereon; and

a plurality of transparent toothbrush holders, wherein each toothbrush holder comprises a hollow receptacle having an open upper end through which a brush head end of a toothbrush can pass, a closed lower end, and a partition disposed between the open upper end and the closed lower end, wherein the partition divides the hollow receptacle into a lower compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the closed lower end to the partition and an upper compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the partition to the open upper end, wherein the lower compartment of the hollow receptacle is detachably connected to the upper compartment, wherein the partition prevents the brush head end of a toothbrush from entering the lower compartment, and wherein the partition includes at least one drain for allowing an antiseptic fluid to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the partition at a rate of from about 0.05 ounces per minute to about 2 ounces per minute, and the upper compartment is provided with indicia indicating a maximum capacity of antiseptic fluid that can be contained in the lower compartment.

11. An oral hygiene products dispensing station comprising:

a base;

a bottle of antiseptic fluid supported by the base, wherein the bottle includes a pump dispenser having a spout;

a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base;

a shelf connected to and extending from the truss, wherein the shelf supports:

a disposable cup dispenser; and

12. The oral hygiene products dispensing station according to claim 11 wherein the shelf is provided with an opening sufficiently large enough for a bottle of antiseptic fluid to pass therethrough to the base.

13. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 12 wherein the shelf is substantially parallel to the base, and wherein at least one of the toothbrush holders is supported by the shelf beneath the spout.

14. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 11 wherein the lower compartment of the hollow receptacle is detachably connected to the upper compartment.

15. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 14 wherein the upper compartment is provided with indicia indicating a maximum capacity of antiseptic fluid that can be contained in the lower compartment.

16. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 11 further comprising a dental floss holder disposed on the disposable cup dispenser.

17. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 11 wherein the base has a top surface for contacting and supporting the bottle of antiseptic fluid and a bottom surface that is provided with a plurality of anti-skid feet.

18. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 11 wherein the base, truss, shelf and disposable cup dispenser are formed of plastic.

19. The oral hygiene products dispenser station according to claim 11 wherein the hollow receptacles are formed of transparent plastic.

20. An oral hygiene products dispenser station comprising:

a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is provided with a plurality of anti-skid feet;

a bottle of antiseptic fluid contacting and supported by the base, wherein the bottle includes a pump dispenser having a spout;

a truss connected to and extending upwardly from the base;

a plurality of transparent toothbrush holders, wherein at least one of the plurality of toothbrush holders is supported by the shelf beneath the spout, and wherein each toothbrush holder comprises a hollow receptacle having an open upper end through which a brush head end of a toothbrush can pass, a closed lower end, and a partition disposed between the open upper end and the closed lower end, wherein the partition divides the hollow receptacle into a lower compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the closed lower end to the partition and an upper compartment defined as that portion of the receptacle from the partition to the open upper end, wherein the lower compartment of the hollow receptacle is detachably connected to the upper compartment, wherein the partition prevents the brush head end of a toothbrush from entering the lower compartment, and wherein the partition includes at least one drain for allowing an antiseptic fluid to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through the partition at a rate of from about 0.05 ounces per minute to about 2 ounces per minute, and the upper compartment is provided with indicia indicating a maximum capacity of antiseptic fluid that can be contained in the lower compartment.