WO2001036217A1

WO2001036217A1 - Combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2001036217A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/031498
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dorothy Rosenberg; Peter W. Bressler
Original assignee: Dorothy Rosenberg
Priority date: 1999-11-18
Filing date: 2000-11-16
Publication date: 2001-05-25
Also published as: AU1615301A; US6206600B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser (10). The toothpaste dispenser has a top and a compressible container (32) located therein. The container has a top (32a) and a bottom (32b), and toothpaste (27) located therein. The toothbrush includes a head portion (18) which has a plurality of bristles (20) extending therefrom and at least one hole (26) extending thereinto. The toothbrush also includes a stem portion (22) having a channel (24) extending therethrough. The channel has first and second opposing ends. The first end (22a) is in fluid communication with the at least one hole and the second end (22b) is in fluid communication with the top of the container. The toothbrush is reciprocally mounted to the toothpaste dispenser, whereby reciprocation of the toothbrush compresses the container to pump the toothpaste from the container, through the channel, and through the at least one hole and to the bristles.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Combination Toothbmsh and Toothpaste Dispenser

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is sometimes desirable to combine a toothbrush and a toothpaste

dispenser in the same article. Such a combination is ideal for travelers who generally

desire to pack as few items as possible. Additionally, such a combination may be

attractive for children, encouraging them to brush their teeth more often.

It is known, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,787,765, to incorporate a

pump which uses a reciprocating action between a toothbrush and an integrated

toothpaste dispenser to dispense toothpaste from the dispenser onto the free ends of the

bristles. As a user pushes the toothbrush head into the dispenser, toothpaste is pumped

from the dispenser through a nozzle and onto the bristles. U.S. Patent No. 5,096,321

discloses a combination toothbmsh and toothpaste dispenser which incorporates a

pump on the dispenser to pump toothpaste through a hollow cavity within the

toothbrush to distribute toothpaste to the bristles. One drawback to these inventions is

that the mechanisms required to pump the toothpaste are relatively complex and costly

to manufacture.

It would be beneficial to provide a combination toothbrush and

toothpaste dispenser which dispenses the toothpaste to the bristles through a hollow cavity within the toothbmsh by means of a reciprocating pumping action of the

toothbrush with respect to the toothpaste dispenser which incorporates a relatively simple operating mechanism and is inexpensive to manufacture.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a combination toothbrush and

toothpaste dispenser. The combination comprises a toothpaste dispenser and a

toothbrush. The toothpaste dispenser has a top and a container located therein. The container has a top and a bottom, and toothpaste located within the container. The

bottom of the container is movable toward the top of the container. The toothbrush includes a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion has a plurality of bristles

extending therefrom and at least one hole extending thereinto. The stem portion has a channel extending therethrough. The channel has first and second opposing ends. The

first end is in fluid communication with the at least one hole and the second end is in fluid communication with the top of the container. The toothbrush is reciprocally

mounted to the toothpaste dispenser, whereby reciprocation of the toothbrush relative to the toothpaste dispenser from a first position to a second position compresses the

container to pump the toothpaste in a first direction from the container, through the channel, and through the at least one hole and to the bristles, and reciprocation of the

toothbrush from the second position to the first position moves the bottom of the

container toward the top of the toothpaste dispenser.

In a second aspect, the invention is also a combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser. The combination comprises a toothpaste dispenser and a

toothbrush. The toothpaste dispenser includes a container. The container has a top and

a bottom, and toothpaste is located within the container. The top of the container is

movable toward the bottom of the container. The toothbrush includes a head portion

and a stem portion. The head portion has a plurality of bristles extending therefrom

and at least one hole extending thereinto. The stem portion has a channel extending

therethrough. The channel has first and second opposing ends, the first end being in

fluid communication with the at least one hole and the second end extending into and

being in fluid communication with the container. The second end is outwardly

movable from the container. The toothbrush is reciprocally mounted to the toothpaste

dispenser, whereby reciprocation of the toothbmsh relative to the toothpaste dispenser

from a first position to a second position compresses the container to pump the

toothpaste from the container, through the channel, and through the at least one hole

and to the bristles, and reciprocation of the toothbrush from the second position to the

first position extends the second end of the stem portion from the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of

preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in

conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,

there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should

be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a combination

toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser according to the present invention, with the

toothbrush in a first, uncompressed position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view, in section, of the first embodiment of

the combination toothbmsh and toothpaste dispenser according to the present

invention, taken along lines 2-2 in Fig. 1, with the toothbmsh in a first, uncompressed

position;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view, in section, of the first embodiment of

the combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser according to the present

invention, with the cover removed and the toothbrush in a second, compressed

position;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial side elevational view, in section, of an

alternate version of the first embodiment of the combination toothbrush and toothpaste

dispenser, with the cover removed and with a flapper valve in an open position;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial side elevational view, in section, of the

dispenser, with the cover removed and with the flapper valve in a closed position;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view, in section, of a second embodiment of

the combination toothbmsh and toothpaste dispenser according to the present

invention, with the dispenser full; and

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view, in section, of the second embodiment of the combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser according to the present

invention, with the dispenser partially used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for

convenience only and is not limiting. The words "lower" and "upper" designate

directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and

"outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric

center of the combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser and designated parts

thereof. The word "a" is defined to mean "at least one". The terminology mcludes the

words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout.

Referring to Figs. 1-3, a first preferred embodiment of a combination

toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser 10 (hereinafter "dispenser 10") comprises a

toothbrush, generally indicated at 12, a cartridge holder, generally indicated at 14. A

dental floss dispenser, generally indicated at 16, can be optionally provided.

The toothbrush 12 is similar to a conventional toothbrush, and is

comprised of a head portion 18, a plurality of bristles 20 which extend from the head

portion 18, and a stem portion 22. The toothbrush 12 can be a one-piece body

construction with bristles 20 or can be a multi-piece body (not shown) if desired.

Referring to Fig. 2, the stem portion 22 includes a first, top end 22a, located proximate

to, and preferably forming part of, the head portion 18, and a second, bottom end 22b, located within the cartridge holder 14. However, unlike a conventional toothbrush, the

stem portion 22 has a hollow channel 24 extending through the length of the stem

portion 22. The channel 24 has a first, top end 24a and a second, bottom opposing end

24b. The top end 24a is in fluid communication with the head portion 18. At least one

hole 26 is located on the bristle side of the head portion 18 and extends from the

surface of the head portion 18 into the top end 24a of the channel 24 to allow

toothpaste 27 to exit the channel 24 at the head portion 18 as will be discussed in more

detail herein. Although a single hole 26 is preferred, those skilled in the art will realize

that more than one hole 26 can be used. Preferably, the hole 26 is sufficiently large to

prevent any toothpaste 27 in the hole 26 from hardening and clogging the hole 26

between uses. The stem portion 22 is open at the bottom end 24b of the channel 24 and

is in fluid communication with toothpaste 27 in the cartridge holder 14.

As shown in Fig. 2, the stem portion 22 includes a first knob 28

extending from the exterior of the stem portion 22 between the top and bottom ends

22a, 22b for reasons that will be explained. A second knob 29 extends from the

exterior of the stem portion 22 at the bottom end 22b. The top end of the toothbrush 12

above the knob 28 is generally longitudinally co-axial with respect to the cartridge

holder 14, although those skilled in the art will realize that the toothbrush 12 can be

angled, as the orientation of the top end of the toothbrush 12 with respect to the

cartridge holder 14 will not affect the operation of the dispenser 10.

Preferably, the toothbrush 12 is constructed from a pliable plastic or

like material that enables the toothbrush 12 to at least slightly bend without breaking, although those skilled in the art will realize that other materials can be used.

Still referring to Fig.2, the toothbrush 12 is reciprocally mounted in the cartridge holder 14 for pump-like action from the toothbrush 12 with respect to the cartridge holder 14. The cartridge holder 14 includes a hollow shell 30 having a top end 30a which is preferably tapered at least slightly inward for reasons that will be

explained, and a bottom end 30b which can be, but needs not necessarily be, open. The interior of the shell 30 includes a plurality of upwardly facing ratchet teeth 31

extending from below the top end 30a to the bottom end 30b. Preferably, the ratchet teeth 31 extend around the entire interior of the shell 30, although those skilled in the

art will realize that the ratchet teeth 31 can extend only around several portions of the

interior of the shell 30. Preferably, the shell 30 is made of a thermoset plastic such as a polyolefin, polyurethane, polystyrene, polycarbonate or other relatively rigid polymer. Preferably, the shell 30 is capable of being molded.

A compressible container or cartridge 32, which holds the toothpaste 27, is located within the shell 30. The cartridge 32 has an open top end 32a and a closed

bottom end 32b, The cartridge 32 includes a neck 34 having a top end 34a located at the top of the cartridge 32 which extends above the top 30a of the shell 30. The neck

34 is attached to the outside of the second end 22b of the stem portion 22 over the

second knob 29. Preferably, the neck 34 is attached to the stem portion 22 with a press

or interference fit, although those skilled in the art will realize that other types of

connections, such as a threaded connection, can be used.

The neck 34 preferably includes a lip 36 extending around the outer perimeter of the top end 34a of the neck 34. A biasing element, preferably in the form

of a helical spring 40, is mounted around the exterior of the neck 34 such that a top end

40a of the spring 40 is engaged with the lip 36 and a bottom end 40b is engaged with

the tapered top end 30a of the shell 30 as shown in Fig. 2. The spring 40 biases the

toothbrush 12 to a first, generally upward, uncompressed or extended position.

Preferably, the spring 40 is sized to be continuously biased between the lip 36 and the

top end 30a of the shell 30, although those skilled in the art will realize that the spring

40 need not be continuously biased. The spring 40 allows for reciprocal motion

between the toothbmsh 12 and the cartridge holder 14 in a manner to be described.

The top 32a of the cartridge 32 is open and in fluid communication with

the bottom end 24b of the channel 24. The bottom 32b of the cartridge 32 includes at

least one tang 41 extending generally axially/downwardly and radially/outwardly from

the exterior of the bottom 32b of the cartridge 32. The bottom 32b of the cartridge 32

is upwardly movable along the length of the shell 30 toward the top 32a. The at least

one tang 41 engages with the ratchet teeth 31 on the shell 30 in a manner which will be

explained.

Preferably, the cartridge 32 is generally accordion shaped to reduce its

interior volume when compressed, although those skilled in the art will realize that the

cartridge 32 can be other shapes, as long as the cartridge 32 reduces in interior volume

when compressed. The cartridge 32 is preferably constructed from a polymeric

material, although those skilled in the art will realize that other materials can be used.

The neck 34 is preferably made from the same material as the cartridge 32, but is preferably thicker than the wall of the cartridge 32 so as to be relatively incompressible

relative to the cartridge 32.

A cap 42 is located on the first end 30a of the shell 30, exterior of the

spring 40 and the lip 36 and houses the spring 40 and the lip 36. Preferably, the cap 42

is snapped onto the shell 30 such that a lip 42a in the cap 42 engages a tang 30c at the

top of the shell 30, although those skilled in the art will realize that the cap 42 can be

affixed to the shell 30 by other methods, including but not limited to, a threaded

connection.

The dental floss dispenser 16 is mounted on the cartridge holder 14

proximate to the bottom of the dispenser 10, allowing the user to draw a desired length

of dental floss 50 from the dispenser 16 and sever the dental floss 50 at a cutter 52.

Constmction of dental floss dispensers is well known and is not an object of the present

invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that the dental floss dispenser 16 is

optional and need not be installed in the dispenser 10.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the toothbrush 12 is removably insertable

into an open end of a transparent, generally elongated hollow cover 60 such that an

open end 60a of the cover 60 is releasably attachable to the cap 42. Preferably, the cap

42 includes a circumferential lip 42b which interferingly, yet releasingly, engages the

open end 60a of the cover 60. The cover 60 preferably includes a plurality of air holes

62 located through a closed end 60b to release moisture from inside the cover 60 and

reduce the build up of mildew on the toothbrush 12.

The shell 30 is configured to allow a user to pick up the dispenser 10 by the shell 30 and hold the shell 30 while bmshing his/her teeth. The exterior of the shell

30 can include a formed grip 15 for children or others who may have trouble gripping

the shell 30. The formed grip 15 may be shaped to include individual gripping tracks

for each finger. Preferably, the formed grip 15 is made of a soft plastic or rubber to

enable the user to firmly grip the exterior of the shell 30, especially if the shell 30 is

wet, as may be the case. The grip 15 can be a separate member, as shown, affixed by

suitable means (e.g. adhesive or solvent weld or mechanical fastener) or molded as part

of the shell 30. The bottom end 30b of the shell 30 (or the floss dispenser 16, if used)

can act as a base for the dispenser 10, which allows the dispenser 10 to stand vertically

on a surface S, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Preferably, the cartridge 32 contains a predetermined maximum

amount of toothpaste 27 such that the dispenser 10 is disposable. More preferably, the

cartridge 32 is sized to contain at least eight (8) ounces (226 grams) of toothpaste 27.

However, the amount of toothpaste 27 contained within the cartridge 32 is not limiting.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the toothpaste 27 can be in either paste or gel

form, as long as the toothpaste 27 is sufficiently viscous to allow the toothpaste 27 to

generally remain in the channel 24 after being pumped into the channel 24 and not flow

back into the cartridge 32.

Preferably, the toothbrush 12 and the cartridge holder 14 are a single

unit and the entire combination can be thrown away after the toothpaste 27 is exhausted

from the cartridge 32. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the toothbrush

12 can be separable from the cartridge holder 14 for connection to a second cartridge holder (not shown) when the toothpaste 27 in the cartridge 32 has been exhausted.

Operation of the dispenser 10 is as follows. Initially, the dispenser 10 in

the condition as seen in Fig. 2. To use the dispenser 10, the user removes the cap 60

from the dispenser 10. The user then pumps the toothbrush 12 in and out (upward and

downward) of the cartridge holder 14. Initially, the user may have to pump the

toothbrush 12 several times to fill the channel 24 before toothpaste 27 is seen at the

bristles 20.

WTien the toothbrush 12 is pumped down into the cartridge holder 14,

the cartridge 32 is compressed, reducing the interior volume of the cartridge 32. The

knob 28 on the stem portion 22 prevents the toothbrush 12 from being pushed into the

cartridge holder 14 more than a desired amount. The at least one tang 41, which is

engaged with a ratchet tooth 31, prevents the bottom 32b of the cartridge 32 from

moving downward as the stem portion 22 is pushed downward. Preferably, the

cartridge 32 is compressed along the accordion lines of the cartridge 32, although those

skilled in the art will realize that the cartridge 32 need not be compressed along

accordion lines, as long as the cartridge 32 is compressed. Toothpaste 27 in the

cartridge 32 is pumped upward and into the second end 24b of the channel 24. The

toothpaste 27 or any toothpaste already in the channel 24 is forced up the channel 24,

through the at least one hole 26, and is dispensed to the bristles 20 for brushing.

When the toothbrush 12 is pushed down, as shown in Fig. 3, the tapered

first end 30a of the shell 30 prevents movement of the spring 40 past the first end 30a

of the shell 30, compressing the spring 40 between the first end 30a of the shell 30 and the lip 36, storing energy in the spring 40. Pulling the toothbrush 12 up or,

alternatively, allowing the energy stored in the spring 40 to push the toothbrush 12 up,

draws the entire cartridge 32 upward. The toothpaste 27 in the channel 24 prevents air

from entering the cartridge 32 through the channel 24 and subsequently prevents the

cartridge 32 from expanding. As the cartridge 32 moves upward, the at least one tang

41 rides up at least one ratchet tooth 31. Subsequent operation of the dispenser 10

further compresses the container 32 and discharges toothpaste 27 up the stem portion

22 to the bristles 20. If desired, the user can pull dental floss 50 from the dental floss

dispenser 16 for use in flossing by removing a length of dental floss 50 from the

dispenser 16 by using the cutter 52 in a known manner.

In an alternate version of the first embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4 and

5, a check valve 170 can be installed in a channel 124 located within a stem portion

122 to ensure that toothpaste 127 that is pumped above the check valve 170 is not

drawn back into a cartridge 132 when the toothbrush 112 moves to the second position.

The check valve 170 includes a flapper 172 having a free end 172a and a fixed end

172b. Although not shown, the stem portion 122 can be made from a plurality of

pieces to facilitate insertion of the check valve 170 into the stem portion 122.

Operation of the alternate version of the first embodiment is similar to

the operation of the first version of the first embodiment as described above, with the

added feature that, as the toothbrush 112 is compressed from an initial position as

shown in Fig. 4, the flapper 172 pivots about the fixed end 172b and the free end 172a

is forced upward to an open position as shown in Fig. 5, opening a path of fluid communication through the channel 124 from the container 132, past the flapper 172,

to bristles 120. When the toothbrush 112 is released, the toothbrush 112 begins to

return to its initial position from the compressed position and any suction forces which

may be created in the cartridge 132 by the toothbrush 112 returning to its original

position draw the toothpaste 127 located above the flapper 172 in the channel 124

downward. The toothpaste 127 in the channel 124 above the flapper 172 acts to close

the flapper 172 to its original position. As the toothbrush 112 continues to return to its

initial position, the entire cartridge 132 is pulled up the shell 130 in a manner similar to

the manner described in the first version of the first embodiment. Toothpaste 127 in

the channel 124 above the flapper 172 is not drawn back into the cartridge 132.

A second embodiment of the combination toothbrush and toothpaste

dispenser, generally indicated as 210, is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The dispenser 210

includes a toothbrush 212 and a cartridge holder 214. A floss dispenser 216 can be

fixed to the bottom of cartridge holder 214, or alternatively omitted, as described above

in the description of the first embodiment. The toothbrush 212 includes a head portion

218 with a plurality of bristles 220 extending therefrom. The toothbrush 212 also

includes a stem portion 222 having a first, top end 222a fixedly connected to, and

forming part of, the head portion 218 and a second, bottom end 222b, located distal

from the top end 222a. A channel 224 having a first, top end 224a and an opposing,

second, bottom end 224b extends through the stem portion 222. The head portion 218

includes at least one dispensing hole 226 extending thereinto which fluidly

communicates the top end 224a of the channel 224 to the bristles 220. However, those skilled in the art will realize that more than one dispensing hole 226 can be used.

A retainer 227 is located on the outer perimeter of the stem portion 222

within the dispenser 214. Preferably, the retainer 227 is generally annular, although

those skilled in the art will realize that the retainer 227 can be other shapes. The outer

perimeter of the stem portion 222, proximate to the second end 222b, includes a

plurality of downwardly facing ratchet teeth 228. The stem portion 222 is long enough

to extend into the dispenser 214, but short enough to allow the stem portion 222 to

reciprocate in the dispenser 214 as will be discussed.

The dispenser 214 includes a generally annular hollow shell 230 which

has a generally closed top end 230a having an opening 230c through which the stem

portion 222 extends, and a closed bottom end 230b. The exterior of the top end 230a

includes a c cumferential lip 231 to releasably secure a cover. The shell 230 includes

a plurality of downwardly facing ratchet teeth 232 located around an inner perimeter

thereof. Preferably, the ratchet teeth 232 extend around the entire interior of the shell

230, although those skilled in the art will realize that the ratchet teeth 232 can extend

only around several portions of the interior of the shell 230. The interior of the shell

230 also includes a shelf 234 extending inward from the interior perimeter of the shell

230. The shelf 234 is located between the retainer 227 and a toothpaste cartridge 238.

Preferably, the shelf 234 is generally annular, although those skilled in the art will

realize that the shelf 234 can be other shapes, as well. The shelf 234 includes a central

opening 234a located as shown in Fig. 6, which is generally co-axial with the opening

230c and which is sized to allow the stem portion 222 to reciprocate therethrough. The bottom end 230b of the shell 230 (or the floss dispenser 216, if used) can act as a base

for the dispenser 210, which allows the dispenser 210 to stand vertically, as shown in

Figs 6 and 7.

The toothpaste cartridge 238 having a top end 238a and a bottom end

238b and containing toothpaste 240 is located within the shell 230. The bottom end

224b of the channel 224 extends into and is in fluid communication with the cartridge

238. The bottom end 222b of the stem portion 222 is outwardly movable from the

container 238 in a manner to be further explained later herein. The top end 238a of the

cartridge 238 is outwardly flared to engage the ratchet teeth 232 on the shell 230.

Preferably, the top end 238a of the cartridge 238 is flared around the entire perimeter of

the top end 238a, but those skilled in the art will realize that the top end 238a can be

flared around only part of the perimeter, as long as the top end 238a is engageable with

the ratchet teeth 232 on the shell 230. The top end 238a also includes an opening 241

generally co-axial with the opening 234a of the shelf 234 through which the stem

portion 222 of the toothbrush 212 extends. The opening 241 is sized to generally seal

the stem portion 222 passing therethrough, but also to allow the ratchet teeth 228 on the

stem portion 222 to be pulled upward through the opening 241 during an upward stroke

of the toothbrush 212, but to not allow the ratchet teeth 228 on the stem portion 222 to

be pushed into the opening 241 during a downward stroke of the toothbrush 212. The

cartridge 238 is collapsible such that the top 238a of the cartridge 238 is movable

toward the bottom 238b of the cartridge 238. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the cartridge

238 is preferably accordion shaped, but those skilled in the art will realize that the cartridge 238 can be other configurations, as long as the cartridge 238 collapses when

compressed.

A helical spring 244 is located within the shell 230 between the retainer

227 and the shelf 234. The stem portion 222 is disposed inside the spring 244 along a

longitudinal axis of the spring 244. The spring 244 biases the toothbrush 212 to a first

upward position.

Dental floss 250 is located within and is dispensable from the dental

floss dispenser 216 as described above in the first embodiment. The floss 250 is

severable from the floss dispenser 216 by a floss cutter 252, as is well known in the art.

A transparent, generally elongated hollow cover 260 having a free end

260a and a closed end 260b with a plurality of air holes 262 in the closed end 260b is

releasably attachable to the cartridge holder 214. Preferably, the open end 260a of the

cover 260 engages the lip 231 on the top end 230a of the shell 230 in an interfering, yet

easily separable relationship, although those skilled in the art will realize that other

connections can be used.

Preferably, the dispenser 210 in constructed of the same materials as the

dispenser 10 as described above, although those skilled in the art will realize that the

dispenser 210 can be constructed from other materials as well.

Operation of the second embodiment of the dispenser 210 will now be

discussed. The cover 260 is removed from the shell 230. To dispense toothpaste 240

from the cartridge 238 to the bristles 220, the user pushes down on the toothbrush 212 relative to the cartridge holder 214, moving the toothbrush 212 from the first position

to a second, downward, compressed position. The retainer 227 compresses the spring

244 between the retainer 227 and the shelf 234, storing energy in the spring 244. The

ratchet tooth 228 of the stem portion 222 which is engaged with the top end 238a of the

cartridge 238 pushes down on the top end 238a of the cartridge 238, compressing the

cartridge 238. The flared top end 238a of the cartridge 238 moves down at least one

shell ratchet 232, reducing the interior volume of the cartridge 238, and forcing

toothpaste 240 to be pumped from the cartridge 238 into the bottom end 224b of the

channel 224. The toothpaste 240 travels up the channel 224 from the bottom end 224b

to the top end 224a, out the at least one dispensing hole 226, and to the bristles 220 for

brushing.

When the toothbmsh 212 is released relative to the cartridge holder 214,

the energy stored in the spring 244 forces the toothbrush 212 upward and outward

relative to the cartridge holder 214 to the first position by acting against the retainer

227 and the shelf 234. The shell ratchet tooth 232 which is engaged with the flared top

238a of the cartridge 238 prevents the cartridge 238 from expanding. As the

toothbrush 212 moves upward relative to the cartridge holder 214, at least one stem

ratchet tooth 228 extends from the opening 241 in the cartridge 238, returning the

toothbrush 212 to its first, upward position relative to the cartridge holder 214.

Subsequent pumps of the toothbrush 212 relative to the cartridge holder

214 repeat the process described above, sequentially compressing the cartridge 238

downward in the shell 230 from the top 238a of the cartridge 238. Dental floss 250 can be dispensed from the dental floss dispenser 216 in

a known fashion, and the floss 250 can be separated from the dispenser 216 by using

the floss cutter 252 in a known manner.

Preferably sized for adults, a smaller version of the dispenser 10, 210

can be produced on a smaller scale for children, and can be provided without the dental

floss dispenser 16, 216. Additionally, the dispenser 10, 210 as disclosed herein is ideal

for traveling. A smaller version of the dispenser (not shown), containing

approximately two (2) to four (4) ounces (57 to 113 grams) of toothpaste, can be sized

to fit into a typical shaving or travel bag. However, those skilled in the art will realize

that other volumes of toothpaste can be used without departing from the spirit and

scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be

made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive

concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the

particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the

spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser, the

combination comprising:

a toothpaste dispenser having a top and a container located

therein, the container having a top and a bottom, and toothpaste located within the container, the bottom of the container being movable toward the top of the container; a toothbrush including a head portion and a stem portion, the

head portion having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom and at least one hole

extending thereinto, the stem portion having a channel extending therethrough, the

channel having first and second opposing ends, the first end being in fluid

communication with the at least one hole and the second end being in fluid

communication with the top of the container, the toothbrush being reciprocally mounte_^ to the toothpaste dispenser, whereby reciprocation of the toothbmsh relative

to the toothpaste dispenser from a first position to a second position compresses the container to pump the toothpaste in a first direction from the container, through the channel, and through the at least one hole and to the bristles, and reciprocation of the

container toward the top of the toothpaste dispenser.

2. The combination according to claim 1 , wherein the toothbrush is

biased to the first position.

3. The combination according to claim 1 , wherein the toothpaste

dispenser further comprises a base.

4. The combination according to claim 3, wherein the toothpaste

dispenser further comprises a dental floss dispenser mounted on the base.

5. The combination according to claim 1, further comprising a

generally elongated hollow cover having a closed end and an open end, the toothbrush

being insertable into the open end, the open end being releasably mountable to the

toothpaste dispenser, the closed end having a plurality of holes therethrough.

6. The combination according to claim 1, further including a valve

located in the channel, the valve preventing flow of toothpaste in a second direction.

7. A combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser, the

combination comprising: a toothpaste dispenser including a container, the container

having a top and a bottom, and toothpaste located within the container, the top of the

container being movable toward the bottom of the container; and

a toothbrush including a head portion and a stem portion, the

channel having first and second opposing ends, the first end being in fluid

communication with the at least one hole and the second end extending into and being

in fluid communication with the container, the second end being outwardly movable

from the container, the toothbrush being reciprocally mounted to the toothpaste

dispenser, whereby reciprocation of the toothbrush relative to the toothpaste dispenser

from a first position to a second position compresses the container to pump the toothpaste from the container, through the channel, and through the at least one hole

first position extends the second end of the stem portion from the container.

8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the toothbrush is

biased to the first position.

9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the toothpaste

dispenser further comprises a base.

10. The combination according to claim 9, wherein the toothpaste

dispenser further comprises a dental floss dispenser mounted on the base.

11. The combination according to claim 7, further comprising a

toothpaste dispenser, the closed end having a plurality of holes therethrough.