Abstract:
A device for storing upon a wall support surface a quantity of toothbrushes and tube of toothpaste. The storage device is comprised of a toothbrush container or receptacle having a plurality of individual cavities located at a front sidewall thereof, each cavity housing an individual, removable toothbrush storage receptacle; an internal cavity that houses a removable toothbrush carrying case located therein, the toothbrush carrying case storing a plurality of toothbrushes; a container located at the top side of the toothbrush container for storing a tube of toothpaste; and rear panel to affix the storage apparatus to the wall of a bathroom at a convenient location thereon.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This version of the invention is concerned with the field of toothbrush and toothpaste storage devices. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with toothbrush and toothpaste storage devices that are comprised of a main container or receptacle having a plurality of individual receptacles and compartments for hygienic storage of toothbrushes and toothpaste and attachment means to affix said storage container or receptacle to the wall of a bathroom at a convenient location therein. 
   PRIOR ART 
   Proper dental hygiene requires the regular use of a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the exterior of teeth and to clean and massage the gums. In a dwelling, toothbrushes and toothpaste are typically stored in a bathroom or other room or space designated for personal hygiene. In most dwellings, especially those with families, the toothbrushes and toothpaste, contained in a tube, are stored in a variety of ways. A common means of toothbrush storage usually consists of a toothbrush rack or holder, which is comprised of a support member configured with several apertures into which toothbrushes are inserted and maintained thereon by the bristles thereof resting upon adjacent surfaces of the support bar. An attachment panel or means to affix the support member to a bathroom wall is located on a rear side of the support member in order to affix the toothbrush rack or holder to a wall surface at a convenient location thereon, typically over a sink or vanity where most tooth brushing occurs. Some toothbrush racks or holders are fabricated with means to store toothpaste, such as an aperture or depression for placement of a tube of toothpaste. Other means of storing toothbrushes may consist of unused drinking receptacles whereby one end of the toothbrush is placed into the interior of the cup and a second end is exposed above the cup edge or simply placing a toothbrush on the surface of a sink, vanity, or nearby shelf. 
   The means of storing toothbrushes described above are unsatisfactory in providing a sanitary and hygienic location to house toothbrushes during non-use. For instance, a toothbrush stored within a rack, holder, or cup whereby the bristles are exposed to the ambient environment may serve as a host for the accumulation of certain airborne organisms within the bristles thereof. The cup over time may accumulate dirt, dust, and other agents within the interior thereof, which may be transferred to the handle of a toothbrush and ultimately to the hands of the user and the bristles of the brush. Additionally, toothbrush positioned upon the surface of a sink or vanity may allow the bristles to collect dirt and or otherwise become soiled. Toothpaste that is not stored properly will soil adjacent areas as toothpaste will drop onto the surface of a sink or vanity or onto nearby toothbrushes. 
   What is needed then to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional methods and means of storing toothbrushes and toothpaste within a bathroom or other room or space wherein personal hygiene is performed is the provision of a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device that is comprised of a container or receptacle having a plurality of individual receptacles and compartments for hygienic storage of toothbrushes and toothpaste and attachment means to affix said storage container or receptacle to the wall of a bathroom at a convenient location therein. Such a storage device would allow storage of toothbrushes and toothpaste in various quantities therein and to permit attachment to the surfaces of walls. 
   DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Numerous designs for toothbrush and toothpaste storage devices and apparatuses have been provided in the prior art. Even though these designs may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present version of the invention as such storage devices and apparatuses are generally limited in their storage capacity and adaptability for attachment to various wall surfaces. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,511, Toothbrush and Toothpaste Holder, issued to Evans on 26 Feb. 1991 discloses a toothbrush and toothpaste holder, a free standing container for storing toothbrushes and a quantity of toothpaste. 
   As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved toothbrush and toothpaste storage device that is comprised of a container or housing into which a plurality of individual toothbrush receptacles are inserted and of a separate receptacle for storage of a tube of toothpaste. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage device houses a toothbrush carrying case that can be removed from the storage device for transporting a plurality of toothbrushes in a hygienic environment. The toothbrush and toothpaste storage device can be affixed to wall surfaces proximate to a location at which tooth brushing occurs, such as that over a sink or vanity. In these respects, the present version of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patents and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed herein. 
   The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present version of the invention, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, relates to the field of toothbrush and toothpaste storage devices. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with toothbrush and toothpaste storage devices that are comprised of a main container or receptacle having a plurality of individual receptacles and compartments for hygienic storage of toothbrushes and toothpaste and attachment means to affix said storage container or receptacle to the wall of a bathroom at a convenient location therein. My version of the invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously, in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail hereinafter. 
   Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment, the invention presents a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device that is comprised of a rectangular housing defined by a toothbrush container and a toothpaste tube container. A series of rectangular cavities are located in a front sidewall of the toothbrush container, and rectangular toothbrush receptacles with a sliding top panel are situated in the cavities. The toothpaste tube container is located on the top side of the toothbrush container and encloses a rectangular interior space into which a tube of toothpaste is stored. A cover is slidingly engaged within opposing sidewalls of the toothpaste tube container and can be opened to permit access to the interior of the toothpaste tube container and closed for storage of a tube of toothpaste. 
   A rectangular toothbrush carrying case is disposed within the interior of the toothbrush container through an aperture located on a sidewall of the container. A sliding panel permits access to the toothbrush carrying case, which can be removed from and inserted into the toothbrush container through said aperture. The toothbrush carrying case is comprised of a rectangular container into which a divider and foam pad is located. A sliding cover is disposed on opposing edges thereof into grooves formed into opposing sidewalls of the carrying case. A series of toothbrushes can be stored within individual compartments formed by the divider, the foam pad and sidewalls of the carrying case. 
   A concavity is located in the rear sidewall of the toothbrush container, and a VELCRO® pad is attached to an interior sidewall within said concavity. The concavity receives partially a wall housing base, which is comprised of a middle rigid panel, an adhesive layer attached a first side of the rigid panel, and a VELCRO® pad attached to a second side of the rigid panel. The wall housing base is affixed to a wall surface by means of the adhesive layer, and the toothbrush and toothpaste storage device is releasably attached to the wall housing base by engaging the VELCRO® pads. 
   My invention, therefore, resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed. It is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
   In order that the detailed description of the invention may be better understood and that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated, additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of my version of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market toothbrush and toothpaste storage device. 
   A further object of my version of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use and versatile toothbrush and toothpaste storage device. 
   A significant object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device that is comprised of a rectangular housing having a toothbrush container, said container having a series of rectangular cavities located in a front sidewall thereof with rectangular toothbrush receptacles disposed in said cavities, an aperture located on a sidewall of said toothbrush container into which a toothbrush carrying case is housed, access to such permitted by a sliding panel door located over said aperture; a toothpaste tube container, said container located on the top side of the toothbrush container and enclosing a rectangular interior space into which a tube of toothpaste is stored, a cover located above said interior space and slidingly engaged within opposing sidewalls of the toothpaste tube container; and a wall housing base comprised of a middle rigid panel, adhesive layer attached to a first side of said panel, and a VELCRO® pad attached to a second side of said rigid panel, said VELCRO® pad releasably attached to a VELCRO® pad located within a concavity formed into a rear sidewall of said toothbrush and toothpaste storage device when said device is mounted to a wall surface, said method of mounting consisting of attaching the adhesive layer of the wall housing base to a wall surface and engaging said VELCRO® pads. 
   A final but very significant object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device that permits a tube of toothpaste and a plurality of toothbrushes to be stored in a hygienic and sanitary manner within a bathroom or other room or space in which personal hygiene is performed and affixed to a wall surface in said rooms or spaces so as to allow easy access to said tube of toothpaste and toothbrushes proximate to an area at which tooth brushing is performed, such as over a sink or vanity. 
   Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
   For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include the exemplary embodiment to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device in accordance with the present version of the invention with a wall attachment panel aligned for releasable attachment at a first side thereof to the rear of the toothbrush and toothpaste storage device and for attachment at a second side thereof to a wall. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device illustrating a rear cavity into which the wall attachment panel is inserted and attached to said device. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view of a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device in accordance with the present version of the invention illustrating the constituent components thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of a sliding panel of a toothbrush and toothpaste storage device. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of a toothbrush carrying case illustrating the constituent components thereof. 
       FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of the divider of a toothbrush carrying case illustrating the construction thereof. 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of a toothbrush receptacle illustrating the constituent components thereof. 
   

   DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
         10  Toothbrush and Toothpaste Storage Device 
         12  Toothbrush Container 
         14  Toothpaste Tube Container 
         16   a  Sidewall 
         16   b  Sidewall 
         18   a  Sidewall 
         18   b  Sidewall 
         20  Aperture 
         22  Toothbrush Receptacle 
         24  Receptacle Handle 
         26  Panel 
         28  Handle 
         30   a, b  Sidewall 
         32   a, b  Sidewall 
         34  Cover 
         36  Finger Pad 
         38  Wall Attachment Panel 
         40  Velcro Pad 
         42  Rigid Panel 
         44  Adhesive Layer 
         46  Cavity 
         48  Velcro Pad 
         50  Sidewall 
         52  Sidewall 
         54  Sidewall 
         56  Receptacle Cover 
         58  Cavity 
         60  Bottom Sidewall 
         62  Slot 
         64  Groove 
         66  Toothbrush Carrying Case 
         68  Container 
         70  Handle 
         72  Cover 
         74  Finger Pad 
         76  Knob 
         78   a, b  Sidewall 
         80   a, b  Sidewall 
         82  Slot 
         84  Groove 
         86  Foam Pad 
         88  Divider 
         90  Compartment 
         92  Toothbrush 
         94  Partition 
         96  Partition 
         98  Opening 
         100  Shank 
         102  Handle 
         104   a, b  Sidewall 
         106   a, b  Sidewall 
         108  Slot 
         110  Groove 
         112  Finger Pad 
         114  Finger Pad 
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   A detailed description of the preferred embodiment is provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
   Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to  FIG. 1  wherein there is illustrated the toothbrush and toothpaste storage device  10 . The present version of the invention  10  is comprised of a toothbrush container  12  and a toothpaste tube container  14 , said toothpaste tube container  14  located on the top side of the toothbrush container  12 . The toothbrush container  12  consists in part of opposed front  16   a  and rear  16   b  sidewalls (see  FIG. 2  for rear sidewall  16   b  in phantom line) and opposed first  18   a  and second  18   b  lateral sidewalls. A rectangular aperture  20  is located in the second lateral sidewall  18   b . A series of rectangular toothbrush receptacles  22  with handles  24  is disposed within cavities formed into the front sidewall  16   a  of the toothbrush container  12 , and a rectangular panel  26  with handle  28  is disposed within a dedicated cavity located in said front sidewall  16   a  of the toothbrush container  12 . The cavity receiving the panel  26  communicates with the aperture  20  at the second lateral sidewall  18   b  so that the panel  26 , when inserted into said cavity, occupies the aperture  20 . 
   The toothpaste tube container  14 , located above the toothbrush container  12 , is comprised in part of opposed front  30   a  and rear  30   b  sidewalls and opposed first  32   a  and second  32   b  lateral sidewalls. A rectangular cover  34  with finger pad  36  is disposed within the tube container  14  at the top edges thereof. A wall attachment panel  38  is aligned for attachment to within the rear side of the toothbrush container  12  of the storage device  10 , said attachment panel  38  comprised of a rectangular pad  40  of hook and loop material, such as VELCRO®, rigid panel  42 , and adhesive layer  44 . As displayed in  FIG. 2 , a cavity  46  (shown in phantom line) is located within the rear side of the toothbrush container  12  of the storage device  10 . A rectangular pad  48  (shown in phantom line) of hook and loop material, such as VELCRO®, is affixed to the rear sidewall  16   b  located adjacent to the cavity  46 . As such, the storage device  10  is thus attached to a wall surface, such as that of a bathroom wall over a sink or vanity, by affixing the wall attachment panel  38  by means of the adhesive layer  44  to said wall surface and then positioning the rear side of the toothbrush container  12  of the storage device  10  against the wall attachment panel  38  until the wall attachment panel  38  is received by the cavity  46 , and cooperating VELCRO® pads  40 ,  48  are engaged. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the aperture  20  and adjacent cavity are defined by the rear sidewall  16   b , an opposed internal sidewall  50 , top sidewall  52 , and bottom sidewall  54  (all shown in phantom line). 
   The toothbrush and toothpaste storage device  10  and components thereof are comprised of material that is lightweight, durable, attractive, and resistant to transmission of moisture, such as plastic, hard rubber, various composite materials, and the like. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , therein illustrated is the toothbrush and toothpaste storage device  10  illustrated in exploded, perspective view displaying the various storage receptacles and components thereof. A rectangular cover  56  panel is located at the top of each toothbrush receptacle  22 . Each toothbrush receptacle  22  is disposed in a corresponding cavity  58  located within the toothbrush container  12 . The interior space of the toothpaste tube container  14  is enclosed by opposed  30   a  and rear  30   b  sidewalls, opposed first  32   a  and second  32   b  lateral sidewalls, and a bottom sidewall  60  (i.e. the top sidewall of the toothbrush container  12 .) The cover  14  is fitted into and through a slot  62  formed within the front sidewall  30   a  and maintained in place by grooves  64  formed into opposed lateral sidewalls  32   a, b.    
   A toothbrush carrying case  66  is stored within the cavity located in the interior of the toothbrush container  12  and is accessed by sliding open the panel  26 . The carrying case  66  is comprised of a rectangular container  68 , two finger handles  70  extending from a sidewall thereof, and a cover  72  with finger pad  74 . The case  66  can be removed from the container  12  via the aperture  20  in the sidewall  18   b  of said container  20  by grasping the finger handles  70 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a pair of knobs  76  is located on opposing corners of the panel  26  and functions to prevent the panel  26  from being separated from the container  12  when said panel  26  is pulled open to allow the carrying case  66  to be removed from or inserted into the toothbrush container  12 . 
   The components of the carrying case  66  are illustrated in detail in  FIG. 5 . The toothbrush carrying case  66  is designed for carrying and storing a series of toothbrushes for transport, such as during travel away from home, or the like. The rectangular container  68  of the case  66  is comprised in part of a first sidewall  78   a  and a second  78   b  opposed sidewall and a third sidewall  80   a  and fourth  80   b  opposed sidewall. A slot  82  is located in the fourth sidewall  80   b  proximate to an unattached edge thereof, and grooves  84  are located in opposed sidewalls  78   a, b  proximate to unattached edges thereof. The cover  72  is releasably attached to the container  68  by being inserted through the slot  82  with opposed, longer side edges thereof disposed within the grooves  84  when said cover  72  is fully inserted into the container  68 . A foam pad  86  is located within the container  68  adjacent to a rear or bottom sidewall of said container  68 , and a divider  88  having a plurality of partitions is disposed within the interior of the container  68 . The partitions of the divider  88  in conjunction with the foam pad  86  and sidewalls  78   a, b ,  80   a, b  of the container  68  form a plurality of compartments  90  suitable for storage of toothbrushes. As shown, a toothbrush  92  is stored within one of the compartments  90 . 
   The divider  88 , illustrated in  FIG. 6 , is comprised of a series of elongate, rectangular partitions  94  that are disposed in parallel relation to each other. The partitions  94  are connected in perpendicular arrangement proximate to one end thereof to a single partition  96 . Openings  98  are located in the single partition  96  adjacent to connections with elongate rectangular partitions  94 . The openings  98  receive the shank portion  100  of a toothbrush handle  102  when said toothbrush  92  is inserted within one of the compartments  90 , said compartments  90  formed when the divider  88  is disposed within the container  68  of the toothbrush carrying case  66 . More particularly, the compartments  90  are defined by any two adjacent elongate rectangular partitions  94 , the foam pad  86 , and lateral sidewalls  80   a, b  of the container  68  of the toothbrush carrying case  66 , or an elongate rectangular partition  94 , the foam pad  86 , and adjacent sidewalls  78   a, b ,  80   a, b  of the container  68  of the toothbrush carrying case  66 . 
   In  FIG. 7 , a toothbrush receptacle  22  is therein illustrated in detail. The receptacle  22  is comprised in part of a first pair of opposed first  104   a  and second  104   b  sidewalls and a second pair of opposed first  106   a  and second  106   b  sidewalls. A slot  108  is located in a sidewall  106   b  proximate to an unattached edge thereof, and grooves  110  are located in opposed sidewalls  104   a, b  proximate to unattached edges thereof. The cover  50  with finger pads  112 ,  114  is releasably attached to the receptacle  22  by being inserted into and through the slot  108  with opposing, longer side edges of said cover  50  disposed within cooperating grooves  110  when said cover  50  is fully inserted into the receptacle  22 . A toothbrush  92  is located within the interior of the receptacle  22 . 
   While this version of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the version of the invention are desired to be protected. For instance, the toothbrush and toothpaste storage device can contain a toothbrush sterilizer with lights signaling the end of sterilization, toothpaste warmer, toothpaste and mouthwash dispenser, cup holder, and other features, such as integrated television, radio, time clock, and the like. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   CONCLUSION AND SCOPE OF INVENTION 
   From the foregoing, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that an improved toothbrush and toothpaste storage device has been provided. The invention is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, yet affords a variety of uses. While my description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the version of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiment thereof. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.