Abstract:
Brushcards are provided. The brushcards include a planar member having a plurality of sections, each separated by lines of weakness, each section having a handle region and a bristle region. The planar member includes at least one recess, and the member is configured to fold into a toothbrush.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/652,017, filed Feb. 11, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119, and is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Besides its cosmetic values, proper dental hygiene is essential to prevent disease and decay of the teeth, mouth, gums and surrounding areas. Devices and methods for optimum oral care are well known and established and few could argue against their value to society. Perhaps the most recognized oral care apparatus is the toothbrush, which has been a main stay in various shapes and forms for centuries. Many professionals in the dental care field agree that to be the most effective in preventing oral disease, a strict regimen of dental care should be followed. This schedule often includes regular brushing using a cleaning agent such as toothpaste several times a day. This routine in many instances is often preceded or followed by flossing to remove otherwise inaccessible particles of food or debris. Preferably brushing is done after each meal to remove the build up of tartar at the earliest possible opportunity. It is also advisable for aesthetic reasons to care for one&#39;s teeth prior to a meeting, conference or other social situation where one would like not only to present the best visual presence possible, but also to eliminate residue that may contribute to breath odor.  
         [0003]     The problem with maintaining dental hygiene is that away from one&#39;s residence it is both difficult and cumbersome to carry necessary tooth care products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Whereas there are a number of compact and travel toothbrushes along with small tubes of toothpaste, it is difficult to store and lug these devices from place to place, especially in a setting where a luggage bag, purse or satchel is not readily accessible. Also, once used the toothbrush becomes wet, soiled and infectious making it even less desirable. Cylindrical or elongated brushes and tubes are protruding, bulky, and not cosmetically appropriate to carry one one&#39;s person away from their home, car, or hotel room. They are also expensive to replace after each use. Toothbrushes, while invaluable for health are not visually acceptable for public display. These items are also often forgotten or intentionally omitted by travelers, requiring inn keepers to keep a stock of these items in an effort to service their customers. While the guests may benefit from such an endeavor, the hotel often suffers by having to use precious storage space to supply these along with other sundries. Costs for these toiletries are also prohibitive. Few guests would find a partially used tube of toothpaste acceptable, yet at the same time would not finish the average small tube in a normal stay. Additionally, the innkeeper gains no promotional advantage in giving out any of these tooth care items other than possible the good will of having supplied the product. The length of a normal toothbrush may also make it too long to use in many dispensers or vending machines. Other cleaning adjuncts such as wipes, picks, etc. are compact but do not provide the thorough cleaning that is possible only by using a bristle brush. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0004]     In  FIG. 1  reference is made to the device,  10 , shown prior to assembly and without any covering. The device has handle sections,  20 , which may be exact or similar in design. Although the preferred embodiment of the four handle sections  25  is shown, those skilled in the art may appreciate that in varied configurations less or more handle sections may be used. The handle sections narrow at an angle to become brush heads,  25 . The width shape and length of the brush heads,  25 , may vary and are dependent of the desired shape, alignment and size of the device. Crease guides (aka living hinges)  30 , are shown which assist in the symmetrical folding of the handle sections,  20 . Raised tabs,  40 , and tab slots  50  are shown and may be of circular, square, rectangular or of other design. These tabs and tab slots are arranged and aligned in such a manner that the raised tabs  40  insert into the tab slots,  50  and fit together tightly to allow the formation of stable structural support for the device. Bristles,  60  may be of single, double, triple, or more rows and may be preformed, attached, inserted or otherwise affixed into each section of the brush head,  25 . Prior to assembly a storage space,  70  exists between each handle section. This storage space in the preferred embodiment will be used for the storage of a measured amount of toothpaste, powder or other cleaning agent, or a small spool of dental floss. These adjuncts may be packaged in such a manner as to fit neatly into the storage space  70  until needed by the consumer.  
         [0005]      FIG. 2  depicts the device,  10  inserted into the cover  80 . The cover in the preferred embodiment will be made of a material similar to those used in the device  10 , and be aligned and attached in such a way as to conceal the raised tabs  40 , tab slots,  50 , brush heads  25 , bristles  60 , and storage space  70 , along with any cleaning agent or floss. It should be noted that the handle section  20  angle and reduce in size and thickness at a point where they are enclosed by the cover  80  and align in such a manner as to form a uniform, smooth surface on all sides. Grooves may be cut into the interior of the cover  80  to allow raised tabs  40  to fit inside. These raised tabs  40  may also in certain embodiments act as a tension mechanism to hold the device  10  inside the cover  80  until it is separated by the user. When in place, the cover will allow for any logo, imprint or label to give the appearance of being a single piece. Other optional covers may include plastic or shrink wrap, vinyl, waxed paper, pulp paper or cardboard.  
         [0006]      FIG. 3  depicts the device  10  with the cover,  80  in place. In this embodiment the handle sections  20  are visible and align with the cover  80  to provide a flat surface that is suitable for imprinting a logo, design, or border.  
         [0007]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the device  10  with the handle section  20  visible and shows the position of the brush head  25  inside the cover  80 .  
         [0008]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of the device  10  with handle section  20  and brush head  25  partially revealed from cover  80 .  
         [0009]      FIG. 6  depicts a side view of the device  10  removed from the cover  80  with handle section  20  and brush head  25  fully exposed.  
         [0010]      FIG. 7A  depicts an end view of the handle sections  20  of the device  10  in preparation for assembly.  
         [0011]      FIG. 7B  depicts an end view of one outer handle section  20  folded upwardly along the crease  30 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 7C  depicts an end view of a second outer handle section  20  folded upwardly along crease  30 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 7D  depicts an end view of the two center handle sections  20  folded in a downward manner.  
         [0014]      FIG. 7E  depicts an end view of the handle sections  20  folded at the creases  30  in such a manner as all sections are aligned.  
         [0015]      FIG. 7F  depicts an end view of the unit fully assembled and held together in any manner e.g. adhesion, snaps, straps, etc.  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the device after the folding assembly is completed but prior to the completed assembly, with handle sections  20  aligned in such a manner as to align tabs  40  with tab holes  50  and create brush handle  120  and brush top  125 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the final assembly; with raised tabs  40  inserted into tab slots  50  to become completed snap assembly  55  and stabilize brush handle  120  and brush top  125 . These tabs provide both lateral and medial support for the brushcard allowing it to be used in the same manner as a typical toothbrush.  
         [0018]      FIG. 10  depicts the device prior to assembly, with adhesive strips  90  attached. In a preferred embodiment these strips are adhered to the device in advantageous locations. A second side of each strip is exposed through the use of removable tabs, wrappers, or other means. These exposed adhesive strips make contact as handle sections  20  are folded and aligned in a manner such as the bristles  60  are contiguous and neighboring forming a brush head and handle.  
         [0019]      FIG. 11  depicts the device folded and held together by adhesive strips. The location of the strips are encompassed in the final assembly and set between handle sections  20  in such a manner so as no exposed strip remains after proper alignment and assembly, creating brush handle  120  and aligning all bristles  60  to form the desired number of bristle rows.  
         [0020]      FIG. 12  depicts the device prior to assembly making use of inset tab cutouts  150  designed in such a manner as to be secured with bendable tab  140  when the unit is properly aligned. Tabs may be added or repositioned in such a manner as to form the desired assembly method and for strength purposes.  
         [0021]      FIG. 13  depicts the cover  80  imprinted, stamped or labeled in such a manner as to resemble a credit card, room key, or similar item.  
         [0022]      FIG. 14  depicts the device  10  prior to assembly and without any cover or packaging with a floss packet  200  and toothpaste packet  210  set inside of the storage area  70 . 
     
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     In one aspect, the present invention provides a brushcard of a planar member comprising a plurality of sections, each separated by lines of weakness, each section comprising a handle region and a bristle region. The planar member comprises at least one recess, and the member is configured to fold into a toothbrush. In some aspects the planar member comprises two, three, four or more sections, and can comprise a plurality of recesses, with two being of particular use. In further aspects, the planar member includes the use of at least one section, or strip, of adhesive to hold the sections together in the three dimensional toothbrush. In an additional aspect, one or more of the sections comprise a tab and at least one of said sections comprise a tab slot to hold said sections together in said toothbrush. Further aspects include the use of covers that may be lettered with instructions, advertising, etc.  
         [0024]     In an additional aspect, the invention provides kits comprising a planar member and any one of an optional list of additional components, including, but not limited to, aliquots of tooth care products such as toothpaste, tooth powder, dental floss, mouthwash etc. The kits optionally comprise a cover and/or instructions.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     The present invention provides a “brushcard”, which is planar until needed, lightweight, and completely portable. Through its planar design this toothbrush is received by the consumer in a form similar in size and shape to a common credit card. Yet it transforms easily to form a disposable toothbrush with handle. One or more recesses in the substrate allow for optional placement of a single use (e.g. foil wrapper) ration of toothpaste, dental floss, or other dental care adjunct. This unique design allows it to be stored in the most efficient manner without any adverse use of space. That it is similar in size and width to a common credit card it can easily be carried concealed on one&#39;s person (e.g. shirt pocket) without protruding. The benefits of such a device are obvious in social or business settings. Its shape, size and composition also allows it to be imprinted with a logo similar to and much in the way that a common credit card bears the mark of its issuer. This benefit the innkeeper who can have a promotional message or mark placed on the device, much in the way that a card key carries a corporate message. The card shape also allows for it to be dispensed through vending machines, in a candy rack or on the checkout counter. In other applications it can fit quickly into a lunchbox, be served with an airplane meal, or be included in an office food delivery. Should the device be exposed in a social setting it would be difficult to distinguish it as a toothbrush prior to assembly. Additional cost savings can be realized by providing an efficient, measured amount of toothpaste and floss to accompany each toothbrush.  
         [0026]     Accordingly, the present invention provides a planar member with a plurality of sections. The planar member, also referred to herein as a “brushcard”, may be made of any number of materials, including but not limited to, fiberglass, teflon, ceramics, glass, silicon, mica, any number of different plastics (including acrylics, polystyrene and copolymers of styrene and other materials, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polyurethanes, etc.), resins and other polymers; or any materials that would give the appearance, texture or size of a credit card. In certain other embodiments construction could be of cardboard, coated, waxed or pulp based paper, or a combination of material that allow it to be assembled and used as a toothbrush.  
         [0027]     The planar substrate is divided into a plurality of sections, each separated by a line or weakness, sometimes also referred to as “crease guides” or “living hinges”. In general this is a type of scoring, or thinning in the example of injection molded members, that allow easy folding of the planar member into a three dimensional device. In some embodiments the sections may be made independently and then attached, for example through tapes or other adhesives.  
         [0028]     Each section of the planar member comprises a handle region and a bristle region, as is depicted in the figures. The bristles in one embodiment are formed or constructed out of polypropylene or similar material so as to allow the entire unit to be formed as a single unit e.g. injection molded. In other embodiments the bristles that ultimately form the brush are constructed of any number of materials, normally plastic materials, that are bound together in bundles and associated (e.g. glued) to the bristle portion of each section such that remain associated during use of the brushcard. In addition, bristles may be cut, channeled, chamfered, or shaped to allow the most efficient manner of dental cleaning, and may come in different stiffnesses (e.g. soft, medium, hard) depending on the consumer&#39;s desires.  
         [0029]     The brushcard usually includes one or more recesses (also referred to herein as “reservoirs”, “storage spaces” or “wells”) that serve several purposes. As depicted in the figures, the recesses generally allow the folded toothbrush to separate the bristle section from the handle section. In addition, the recess(es) can be used to store one or more aliquots of tooth care products. For example, small aliquots of toothpaste (including toothpaste, tooth powder or other tooth cleaning agents, for example in foil or plastic containers), mouthwash (including mouth care products such as LISTERINE®), dental floss (including small spools, threaders, etc), toothpicks, orthodontic care products (picks, brushes, etc.), or any other tooth cleaning or mouth freshening compounds. In additional embodiments, particularly when the planar thickness of the device is not of concern, these toothcare products need not reside within the recesses in the planar form, but instead are included within a kit as outlined herein.  
         [0030]     In some embodiments, the recesses are present only after assembly; for example, in case where increased strength of the planar member is desired, the recesses may be filled with the substrate and “punched out” prior to assembly of the toothbrush. For example, recess  70  in the figures may actually be plastic, that is separated from the remainder of the planar member by small columns of plastic, which allows the user to “punch out” the recess and then assemble the device.  
         [0031]     In one embodiment, the device may also allow for imprinting, stamping, or the adhering of a logo or design. This can be done in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a cover can be made of any disposable materials, including the materials outlined herein for the member, including plastics, such as a plastic wrapper or shrink wrap, vinyl, waxed paper, cardboard, etc. In some embodiments, a thin cover is designed to slide over all or part of the brushcard, with the two components being configured to slide apart; other embodiments utilize a “wrapper” type configuration where the cover is peeled/pulled off of the brushcard. This may be particularly useful when certain adhesives are used. Similarly, a clear plastic wrapper can be used. Separate printed instructions can also be optionally included in the kits.  
         [0032]     The cover can be imprinted, embossed, labeled, etc. with instructions, advertising, logos, etc. or any combination thereof. In some cases, the lettering and/or pictures can be molded as part of the brushcard, or can be applied later.  
         [0033]     The brushcard is assembled by folding, bending or connecting in any manner that configures the device to look and perform as a toothbrush. The sections of the device are held together after folding in any manner so as to form a single unit. Thus, in one embodiment, the folded sections are held together using adhesive on one or more of the sections. Thus, the device can be held together using an adhesive section or strip. As will be appreciated by those in the art, any number of suitable adhesives can be used, including glues, reversible adhesives, gums, pressure sensitive adhesives, etc. One embodiment utilizes approved by the FDA for use in the mouth, e.g. denture adhesives. For example, suitable dental adhesives include, but are not limited to, Karaya and sodium borate with or without acacia denture adhesive, ethylene oxide homopolymer and or carboxymethylcellulose sodium denture adhesive, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and cationic polyacrylamide polymer denture adhesive, ethylene oxide homopolymer and or karaya denture adhesive, polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and or polyvinylmethylether maleic acid calcium-sodium double salt denture adhesive, polyvinylmethylether maleic anyhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture adhesive. In some cases, the adhesive is a rubber, silicon or gel strip that adheres the sections together.  
         [0034]     In other embodiments the device may snap, insert, align or connect together or be formed using a combination of methods and attachments. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the sections comprises tabs and tab holders that are used to snap the device into a three dimensional toothbrush. Additional methods of securing the assembled device may include a strap, hinge, sleeve, band e.g. rubber, lock or pin. In some cases, the brushcard does not utilize particular holding means but instead relies on the user to hold it together during use.  
         [0035]     Additional explanations and expansions of the invention are made by reference to the figures.