Abstract:
A dispensing toothbrush includes a toothpaste filled reservoir handle which is attached to a hollow neck which is integral with a hollow brush head. A piston is movable within the reservoir handle for pushing toothpaste toward the hollow neck by way of a suction plunger. A plunger actuating button is connected to the suction plunger which forms first and second chambers in communication with the reservoir handle and the hollow neck. Depressing the plunger button depresses the suction plunger and pushes toothpaste through the hollow neck and a hole in the brush head onto the brush bristles. A vented cover is disposed over the brush head and a floss dispenser is attached to the reservoir handle opposite the end which is attached to the hollow neck.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,802 filed date Sep. 22, 2003. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to brush type cleaning devices, and in one of its aspects to a brush type cleaning device which dispenses a cleaning compound or other flowable material, such as a toothbrush which dispenses toothpaste or gel or other dentifrice and dental floss. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,383 (Glover et al.) shows a paste dispensing brush which includes a stem  12  having a tapered bore therein, and a tapered piston  100  disposed within said tapered bore and “having an outer contour which at least substantially corresponds to the contour of said tapered bore such that said tapered piston will nest in said tapered bore.” 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,489 (Harman et al.) shows a spring which is associated with an entire assembly, occupying the entire width of the cartridge. It also includes a brush aperture blocking member  74 , which divides stem bore  18  into a dry portion and a “pumping chamber.” 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a combination brush and dispenser for cleaning compound or other flowable material, such as a toothbrush combined with a toothpaste and floss dispenser so as to provide a complete oral care system that can be carried and used anywhere. This “All-in-One” feature allows for oral care convenience at the home, office, and gym, on the road or while traveling. 
   The present invention comes complete with a quality soft bristle brush head, 30-60 day usage paste reservoir and 15 yards of dental floss (30-60 day supply) as well the product is designed to use a replacement cartridge. The unit comes with a clear head cover that is side vented for cross action venting to allow the brush to dry faster after use. 
   The present invention has an upper assembly that includes a clear head cover, brush head/neck, plunger button, suction plunger, spring, feed tube straw, ball check connect, and adapter, which can be threaded or a snap-lock adapter. The lower assembly includes of an o-ring, a clear paste reservoir handle, piston, an optional stainless steel metal cleat, a bottom flip cover, a base cap with a floss spool post and cutter. 
   The present invention works by installing the lower assembly with the upper assembly. Depressing the plunger button depresses the suction plunger. This creates a suction which draws paste up from the paste reservoir past the ball check connect and into the feed tube straw which allows paste to be deposited onto the base of the bristle brush head. Once the plunger button is released the plunger pushes up the feed tube straw so as to seal off the opening in the bristle brush head from backwash contaminates and prevents the paste from drying up. As paste is removed the piston and metal cleat travel up the paste reservoir handle creating a solid platform for the paste to push against allowing the process described above to be ready for the next use. The floss included in the paste reservoir handle is pulled from the bottom of the base cap and cutter and then easily removed for use. A bottom flip cap protects the floss from outside elements. 
   The combination of the suction plunger and the feed tube straw provide a positive suction to pull the paste from the paste reservoir handle while pulling up the piston and metal cleat. As well, this design allows the paste reservoir handle to be fully replaceable, by the o-ring air is sealed off at the lower assembly and upper assembly connection. 
   An alternative embodiment of a toothpaste dispensing toothbrush according to the present invention a floss dispenser which includes a floss assembly and a bottom flip cap. The floss assembly houses a floss spool and a floss cutter. It also includes a brush head and neck. A hollow neck, which allows the feed tube to travel, includes an integrated soft rubber membrane button cover for sealing water or paste leakage. The tear drop designed brush head has an orifice, allowing paste to be extruded into the bristles. The bristle pattern is designed to allow the paste to flow upward to the top of the bristles. Molded in the hollow stem is an end closed point indentation to act as a sealing point for a straight feed tube straw. The connection male sleeve portion of this assembly is designed to permanently connect to the paste reservoir handle or allow for replacement cartridge acceptance. The depth and width of this sleeve provides adequate strength at this at this pressure point. Included in the molding are positioning and locking tabs for ease of assembly to position and seal this connection to the replaceable paste reservoir cartridge handle. A waterproof membrane is molded into the base of the neck and upper assembly to prevent water, bacteria and or paste from leaking into or out of the actuation plunger button area. The membrane material acts to grip the clear head cover in a secured locking position when not in use. The bristles are trimmed to and contoured to naturally cradle the teeth, providing a leading cleaning edge on the front end and a sweeping action on the tail. 
   The reservoir handle has a slight conical shape allowing the lower piston to travel easily in an upward direction and harder in a downward direction. An integrated conical shaped orifice on fixed positioned platform allows a solid foundation for a suction plunger and a plunger button to push off of. 
   These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is a dispensing toothbrush according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an assembly view of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a floss cutter of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing toothbrush according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6   a  is an elevational view of a reservoir handle of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 6   b  is a top view of the reservoir handle of  FIG. 6   a;    
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the reservoir handle of  FIG. 6   a  taken along the lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6   a;    
       FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of toothbrush head of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the toothbrush head of  FIG. 8  taken along the lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a plunger button of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a cover for the plunger button of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a piston of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the piston of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is an elevational view of a suction plunger of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the suction plunger of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of an unassembled floss dispenser of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of assembled floss dispenser of  FIG. 16 ; and 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the floss dispenser of  FIG. 17 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the present invention has an upper assembly that comprises of a clear head cover  8 , a brush head/neck  1 , plunger button  4 , a suction plunger  3 , a spring  13 , a feed tube straw  2 , a ball check connect  9 , and an adapter  12 , which can be threaded or a snap-lock adapter. The lower assembly comprises of an o-ring  14 , a clear paste reservoir handle  5 , a piston  6 , a stainless steel metal cleat  7 , a bottom cover  10 , a base cap with floss spool post and a cutter  11 . 
   The present invention works by installing the lower assembly with the upper assembly. By depressing on plunger button  4 , which causes a rocking or levering motion, the ball check connect  9  depresses the suction plunger  3  this creates a suction which draws paste up from the paste reservoir  5  past the ball check connect  9  and into the feed tube straw  2  which allows paste to be deposited onto the bristle brush head  1 . Once the plunger button  4  is released the spring  13  pushes up the feed tube straw  2  so as to seal off the opening in the bristle brush head  1  from backwash contaminates and prevents the paste from drying up. As paste is removed the piston  6  and metal cleat  7  travel up the paste reservoir handle  5  creating a solid platform for the paste to push against allowing the process described above to be ready for the next use. The floss included in the paste reservoir handle  5  is pulled from the bottom of base cap and cutter  11  then easily removed for use. A bottom flip cap  16  protects the floss from outside elements. 
   The combination of suction plunger  3  and feed tube straw  2  provide a positive suction to pull the paste from paste reservoir handle  5  while pulling up piston  6  and metal cleat  7 . As well, this design allows paste reservoir handle  5  to be fully replaceable, by o-ring  14  air is sealed off at the lower assembly and upper assembly connection. 
   As can now be seen, in one aspect, the present invention is a combination toothbrush, toothpaste and floss dispenser so as to provide a complete oral care system that can be carried and used anywhere. This “All-in-One” feature allows for oral care convenience at the home, office, and gym, on the road or while traveling. The present invention comes complete with a quality soft bristle brush head, 30-60 usage paste reservoir and 15 yards of dental floss 30-60 day supply and is designed to use a replacement cartridge. The unit comes with a clear head cover  8  that is side vented  18  for cross action venting to allow the brush to dry faster after use. 
   Another aspect of the invention is a molded ridge  20  along the back of neck  1  which functions as a tongue scraper. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5  and  FIGS. 16-18 , an alternative embodiment of a toothpaste dispensing toothbrush according to the present invention is referred to generally by reference numeral  30 . Toothbrush  30  includes a floss dispenser  32  which includes a floss assembly and a bottom flip cap  34 . The floss assembly houses a floss spool  36  and a floss cutter  38 . The floss assembly and bottom flip cap protect the floss from soiling, as well allow the unit to stand upright. The floss assembly includes a molded plastic base  40  with integrated hinged flip lid cover cap  34 , which includes a center post locking pin  42  for engaging a hole  43  formed in the base. A fixed molded hollow center post  44  is sized to receive floss spool  36  with a lower shoulder which allows the spool to spin freely when pulling out floss. Inserting a floss spool locking cap  46 , which is installed in the hollow end of center post  44  to prevent the floss spool from being removed or falling off while allowing the spool to spin freely upon activation of pulling the floss string. Integrated is a floss guide post  48  for threading the floss through to ensure the floss removes from the spool without tangling. Stainless steel cutter  38  is inserted in the side of the base under the flip lid cover cap for cutting the desired amount of floss. The flatness of the flip lid cover cap allows the base to stand upright. The upper rim of the floss assembly and bottom flip cap is designed to lock into and become permanently part of the handle paste reservoir by snapping in place. 
   Referring also to  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 , a brush head and neck is referred to by reference numeral  50 . A hollow neck  52  for feed tube to travel, includes an integrated soft rubber membrane button cover  54  for sealing water or paste leakage. This part comprises an FDA grade molded plastic hollow neck portion which allows a straight straw type feed tube to slide in an open and closed position within. The tear drop designed brush head  56  has an orifice  58  allowing paste to be extruded into the bristles. The bristle pattern is designed to allow the paste to flow upward to the top of the bristles. Molded in the hollow stem is an end closed point indentation  60  to act as a sealing point for a straight feed tube straw  62 . The connection male sleeve portion  64  of this assembly is designed to permanently connect to the paste reservoir handle  66  or allow for replacement cartridge acceptance. The depth and width of this sleeve provides adequate strength at this pressure point. Included in the molding are positioning and locking tabs for ease of assembly to position and seal this connection to the replaceable paste reservoir cartridge handle. A waterproof membrane is molded into the base of the neck and upper assembly to prevent water, bacteria and or paste from leaking into or out of the actuation plunger button area. The membrane material acts to grip the clear head cover in a secured locking position when not in use. The bristles are trimmed to and contoured to naturally cradle the teeth, providing a leading cleaning edge on the front end and a sweeping action on the tail. 
   Referring also to  FIGS. 6 ,  6   a ,  7 ,  13  and  13 , paste reservoir  66  forms a cartridge handle and houses a paste supply. It is easily gripped and held during use. A fixed platform  68  allows paste to transfer from reservoir handle  66  to upper assembly  50 . A clear or translucent plastic reservoir handle or a clear plastic viewing window  70  allows for monitoring the current paste level. With a clear or translucent reservoir handle, a viewing window can be created by applying a label to the outside of the reservoir handle, where the label has a cutout for the viewing window or a clear portion for the viewing window. A piston  72  comprises an FDA grade molded plastic. The interior wall of reservoir handle  66  is in a slight conical shape, becoming more narrow from the bottom to fixed position platform  68 , allowing lower piston  72  to travel easily in an upward direction and harder in a downward direction since it wedges itself as it goes up. An integrated conical shaped orifice  74  on fixed positioned platform  68  allows a solid foundation for a suction plunger  90  and a plunger button  78  to push off of The bottom of this part has an indented ring  80  to receive the floss assembly and bottom flip cap. The upper female sleeve connection  82  receives the brush neck upper assembly. Each connection sleeve allows for adequate connection surface since this is a critical force pivot point. An area ½ or greater of the cylinder inside dimension is required. The integrated conical orifice  74  provides a cradle for a check ball  84 , a sphere made of plastic or other stable material is inserted into the upper end to control open and closed flow of paste. 
   Lower upward traveling piston  72  travels from suction of paste, thereby providing a platform for the paste to push from, forcing the paste upward towards upper chamber and the discharge aperture. This part travels within the paste reservoir allowing for a constant positive position for the paste to push off of forcing the material forward. Its design allows for clean sweeping fins to travel upward once the paste is extruded out. The paste material clings to the top of the piston creating a suction pulling the piston upward as it is extruded. A V-Shaped outer wall  86  design reduces the friction and drag on the inside wall of the paste reservoir. A hole  88  is formed in the center of the piston, allowing air to exit the paste chamber during assembly after filling chamber. This bleeding of the air out allows the piston to engage with the paste material creating required suction. 
   Depressing suction plunger  90  causes a pull push suction action, drawing paste from the reservoir handle and pushing it into the upper assembly. Outer ribs  92  prevent leakage between the upper and lower assembly. This key part is designed of a plastic material for stable memory and exacting tolerances. The outer portions in upper chamber  94  and lower chamber  96  are ribbed to allow sealing to the receiving parts. These ribs prevent air and or paste material seepage. The lower chamber has a three prong molded cross piece to push against the check ball sphere in a controlled vertical movement. This part functions in a push pull suction. When depressed the suction plunger ejects the material stored in the upper bowel and when released the lower chamber draws more material in the upper chamber bowl. This drawing and ejecting function provides ease in operation compounding the efforts while insuring reliability of function. 
   Interior plunger button  78 , along with a feed tube post  98 , fits over the upper bowl  94  of suction plunger  90  exerting downward pressure activating the suction plunger then returning to the starting position ready for next actuation. Feed tube straw post  98  allows a connection point for feed tube straw  62 . This interior plunger button provides primary actuation. By exerting downward pressure the plunger button allows feed tube straw  62  which is connected to open the paste exiting orifice allowing paste to extrude onto the bristles, while simultaneously depressing the suction plunger. This plunger button is inserted into the sealed receiver in the brush head/neck upper assembly. 
   A lower piston air hole seal  100  fits into air hole  88  located in the middle of the lower piston. The center molded stem  102  fits firmly into the bottom sealing the air bleed hole. This lower piston base piece provides a seal in the air bleed hole used to allow air to exit the paste reservoir handle after filling. By inserting this piston cover air transfer is eliminated between the paste material and lower piston. 
   Pliable rubber button membrane  54  is molded into the brush head/neck upper assembly. By being pliable this part provides a gripping for the thumb or fore finger for actuation. It also provides a positive grip for the clear vented head cover  104 . This sealed part prevents water, bacteria or debris from entering the paste housing. This pliable part is red in color for identification of the actuation plunger button. A sure grip texture provides a non-slip surface for gripping and activation. The pliable rubber allows for movement and compression of the interior plunger button. As well the pliable shoulders grip and lock the head cover in place. 
   Straight feed tube straw  62  secures to the interior plunger button post  98  locking in place to become one with the interior plunger button. Whereas when the plunger button is activated the feed tube straw travels from a starting position of closed to an open position when depressed and returning to a closed position when released. An extruded hollow stem is cut to length so as to seal off inside the brush head/neck upper assembly when in the closed position. This hollow straight feed tube straw reduces friction on the inner walls of the hollow neck. The inside diameter provides adequate size to allow flow of the paste material. This straw is hollow allowing paste to travel inside and deposited into the orifice located in the bristled brush head. 
   Clear vented head cover  104  protects bristled brush head  58  when not in use. The upper side vents  106  allow for cross ventilation reducing drying time between uses. The clear head cover allows the actuation plunger button to be seen and provides a seal from debris. Vent holes in the upper portion allows air to travel across the bristles after use while being protected from debris. This cross ventilation speeds the dry time between uses and prevents bacteria from growing in the moistness of the bristles. 
   Ball check valve  84  acts as a paste flow restrictor and paste reservoir handle shut off during operation. A small plastic sphere is inserted into the paste reservoir handle lower assembly and upper assembly conical connection orifice. During the operation and flow of paste from the lower assembly and upper assembly the ball is pushed downward sealing off the conical orifice, providing restriction of paste flow until the paste is extruded upward. Upon release the ball is drawn upward allowing paste to flow past it filling the lower chamber of the suction plunger to ready for next activation. 
   Floss spool retaining disk  46  acts to secure the floss spool to the floss assembly. A plastic disk with a locking cone  108  for securing the floss spool to the floss assembly, this solid domed piece is inserted into the hollow stem in the floss assembly and is held in place by friction fitting. The shoulder from the disk prevents the floss from sliding off the hollow stem and allows the floss spool to spin freely when in use. 
   A lower piston retaining cleat  110 , an optional part, is for varying viscosity paste. This cleat provides additional strength for a secure position of the lower piston from downward pressure. This is a stainless steel retaining cleat attached to the bottom of the lower piston prior to the piston cover being installed. This is a light gauge  3  pronged stamped cleat, which provides a secure position for the lower piston once it travels upward. The prongs dig into the interior paste reservoir handle and prevent the lower piston from traveling in reverse thus providing a secure platform for the paste to extrude upward upon activation. Once the paste is ejected upward the prongs release and travel with the piston to its next location ready for use. Three (3) prongs verses four (4) or more additional prongs provide a stable platform and minimizes points of drag from additional prongs. This cleat will be used on thicker viscosity pastes and is not needed with more liquid viscosity pastes or gels. 
   A return actuation spring  76 , preferably a stainless steel spring, is under the interior actuation plunger button and suction plunger. This part helps in returning the plunger button, suction plunger and feed tube straw into the closed position. This conical shaped stainless steel spring is located under the interior plunger button and suction plunger to force all related parts into a closed position. Upon activation the spring is forced to a coiled position providing tension so that when it is released the force created pushes the feed straw tube and interior plunger button into the closed position. This spring provides a constant force closing off the feed tube straw creating a positive lock sealing off from leakage and or seepage preventing cross contamination of bacteria&#39;s and or debris into the paste supply. Depending on the thickness of the paste or other cleaning agent, suction plunger  90  can have enough “springiness” to provide the closing force, doing away with the necessity of a spring. 
   From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is well adapted to attain all of the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the apparatus. 
   It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
   As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.