US20130279964A1

US20130279964A1 - EZ1 Travel Brush

Info

Publication number: US20130279964A1
Application number: US13/779,596
Authority: US
Inventors: Tina Booker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2013-10-24

Abstract

The invention provides a portable toothbrush with toothpaste inside the handle. The EZ 1 Travel Brush contains an insertable cartridge prefilled with toothpaste. A fully assembled EZ 1 Travel Located at the proximal end of the handle, where the unit is held, is a small circular dispensing button. Connected to an internal plunger assembly, this button is twisted clockwise to dispense toothpaste from within the brush onto the bristles.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/634,343 filed Feb. 27, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “EZ1 Travel Brush.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of dental accessories, and more specifically to the field of toothbrushes and toothpaste.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for toothbrushes dispensing toothpaste. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,331 to Seott E. Hall, James N. Larimer, Kevin Miller, Richard Thylor and Kevin T. Underwood describes a fluid dispensing and refilling system for a power toothbrush. The fluid delivery and refilling system includes a unit of use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brush head and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brush head in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brush head. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush. This results in a fluid path between the refilling assembly and the reservoir in the toothbrush. A selected sequence of movement of the toothbrush relative to the refilling results in fluid being moved from the external reservoir through the needle into the on board unit of use reservoir in the toothbrush.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,925 to Erin J. Jacobs and J. Scott McDonald describes a toothpaste dispensing automatic toothbrush that includes a head member mounted atop a body member with a brush head releasably coupled to the head member. A reservoir for containing toothpaste is positioned in the body member along with a pump assembly and first motor. The first motor is connected to a battery and drives the pump assembly when actuated by depression of a first switch whereby to urge toothpaste from the reservoir through a channel and onto bristles of the brush head. The brush head includes a rotor with rotor bristles that is operatively connected to a second motor. The second motor may be energized upon actuation of a second switch to cause movement of the rotor. A recharging base may be included for recharging a rechargeable toothbrush battery.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,354 to Gustavo Gutlerrez-Caroa describes a hand operable toothbrush for selectively dispensing dentifrice that includes a proximal section defining a reservoir and a distal section defining a bristle section including a mechanism for engaging the proximal section. The bristle section includes a head portion including a plurality of spaced bristles and a power mechanism for vibrating same. The toothbrush also includes a dispensing mechanism for manually adjusting a volume of the reservoir and thereby causing dentifrice to dissipate outwardly from the reservoir and head portion as needed. The dispensing mechanism includes a gasket engaged with the distal section and a snap ring positioned within the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism and the power mechanism are independently operable.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable and refillable toothbrush with toothpaste inside it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 are two perspective front inside views, one view showing a collapsible toothpaste cartridge with capped ends and the other view showing a prototypical toothbrush with a detachable twist off for inserting a toothpaste cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view showing a toothpaste dispensing tube extending to bristles and a toothpaste plunger at the base of the handle.

FIG. 3 is a functional front view showing a detachable twist off interchangeable head, a stopper and a twist to turn plunger for pushing up toothpaste.

FIG. 4 is a zoom front view of a snap on cap for opening where the toothpaste comes through the head holding the toothbrush bristles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Brushing one's teeth is an integral part of healthy hygiene. In addition to freshening breath and strengthening teeth, proper brushing kills germs and bacteria that can grow inside one's mouth. Tooth decay is a chronic childhood disease. Adults also suffer from various forms of dental disease that often lead to painful oral surgeries and costly trips to the dentist. Vast improvements regarding oral health issues have occurred in the past fifty years. Through dental education and a concerted effort towards good oral hygiene, the number of adults and children suffering from dental disease has been reduced significantly.
To have a healthy smile, one's teeth need to be brushed at least twice daily, preferably after meals. This recommendation often proves to be easier said than done. With the hustle and bustle of busy work and school days, it is impractical to cart around a toothbrush and a bulky messy tube of toothpaste. So individuals are unable to brush their teeth after a lunch meeting or immediately following an afternoon snack. The longer food particles remain in the mouth, the more the teeth are susceptible to the formation of cavities and decay. Those individuals who are enjoying a leisurely day of shopping or travel face this dilemma as well. Whether juggling shopping bags or taking in sights, one finds it inexpedient to properly care for oral health after every quick bite.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as an EZ 1 Travel Brush, is a portable toothbrush with toothpaste inside the handle. The present invention to provides consumers with a convenient and hygienic means of brushing the teeth while on the go. The EZ 1 Travel Brush contains an insertable cartridge prefilled with toothpaste. A fully assembled EZ 1 Travel Brush measures approximately the same length as a standard toothbrush and is designed in an ergonomic hourglass shape. The detachable and replaceable heads of the EZ 1 Travel Brush comprise short and fiber crisscrossing bristles with beveled edges to facilitate a cleaning that is both effective and comfortable. The bristles are fabricated and offered in soft or hard textures depending on the preference of the user. Several distinguishing characteristics set this uniquely designed toothbrush apart from standard toothbrushes. A small circular flap like opening is positioned within the rows of bristles, serving as an egress for toothpaste. The cylindrical handle of the brush serves as a receptacle for the toothpaste stored inside the unit. Located at the proximal end of the handle, where the unit is held, is a small circular dispensing button. Connected to an internal plunger assembly, this button is twisted to dispense toothpaste from within the brush onto the bristles.
The EZ 1 Travel Brush is packaged within a durable plastic casing to protect the unit from airborne germs and bacteria when not in use. Four prefilled toothpaste cartridges and three replaceable brush heads are included with the EZ 1 Travel Brush. The present invention is manufactured in a variety of attractive and eye catching colors including red, green, pink, yellow, black, white, purple, orange and blue. The toothpaste cartridges contain an array of paste flavors such as mint and bubble gum, along with different types of toothpastes and gels such as extra whitening and tartar control.
Use of the EZ 1 Travel Brush is very simple and straightforward. First, the user includes an encased EZ 1 Travel Brush before heading out on an intended activity. A business executive may slip a unit into his interior coat pocket on his way to work. Similarly, a mother embarking on a shopping expedition may insert a EZ 1 Travel Brush into her purse. Following a meal, the user removes the EZ 1 Travel Brush from its plastic casing. By simply twisting the dispenser button in a clockwise manner, the toothpaste is channeled through the handle and neck of the brush and dispensed through the opening within the rows of bristles. After the desired amount of toothpaste has been dispensed, the user brushes their teeth as normal. Each EZ 1 Travel Brush cartridge contains enough toothpaste for approximately thirty days of applications. The cartridge is stored conveniently within its plastic casing when not in use. After dispensing all the paste from the cartridge, the user conveniently disposes the cartridge and replaces it with a full cartridge. The head of the unit is replaced after approximately a month of usage.
Compact and lightweight, the EZ 1 Travel Brush allows users to access proper oral hygiene anytime and is carried easily in a clothes pocket, purse or backpack. Able to brush the teeth any time of day, consumers are equipped to fight the battle against cavities and tooth decay. Easy to use, consumers appreciate the effortless twist of fresh toothpaste onto the bristles of the EZ 1 Travel Brush with the handy dispensing button. When used at home, the practical toothbrush and toothpaste combination frees much needed counter space from bulky and messy tubes of toothpaste. As toothpaste easily falls off the brush head or washes off completely while brushing, the EZ 1 Travel Brush eliminates the need to keep reapplying paste from a separate container. This product is especially convenient for travelers. Easily packed into any shaving kit, travel bag or carry on suitcase, the EZ 1 Travel Brush eliminates the need for cumbersome toothpaste tubes that sometimes leak on to one's belongings. Available in hotel vending machines, gift shops and lobby desks, the EZ 1 Travel Brush provides a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush and paste at home.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable and refillable toothbrush device with a toothpaste filled cartridge inside, comprising: an elongate cylindrical handle for receiving a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is filled with toothpaste, further comprising a detachable and replaceable head, wherein the head comprises short and fiber crisscrossing bristles with beveled edges to facilitate a cleaning that is both effective and comfortable.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the bristles are fabricated and offered in soft or hard textures depending on the preference of the user.

3. The device of claim further comprising a small circular flap opening positioned within the rows of bristles, serving as an egress for toothpaste.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein located at the proximal end of the handle, where the unit is held, is a small circular dispensing button, wherein the button is connected to an internal plunger assembly, and the button is twisted clockwise to dispense toothpaste from within the brush onto the bristles.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the is packaged within a durable plastic casing to protect the unit from airborne germs and bacteria when not in use.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the toothpaste cartridges contain toothpaste selected form the group consisting of flavors such as mint and bubble gum, toothpaste and gel such as extra whitening and tartar control.