Dentifrice container with oral care implement holder

A portable oral care system comprises an oral care implement and a dentifrice container. The portable oral care system has an oral care implement with a handle and a head with a tooth cleaning element. The oral care implement is collapsible to be configurable between a use and a transport state. Further, the oral care system has a dentifrice container with a cavity for holding dentifrice and a dispensing outlet. Further, when the oral care implement is in the transport state, it is engagable with the dentifrice container for securing the oral care implement to the dentifrice container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an oral care system, in particular, to a container with an oral care implement holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While it is important to clean one's teeth regularly throughout the day, doing so can be difficult. The difficulty may result from the fact that a person usually does not have an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, and a dentifrice, such as toothpaste, available to them throughout the course of a day. For example, at work, at a restaurant, during travel, such items might not be readily available. Further, having to carry separate items such as a toothbrush, a separate dispenser for dentifrice, etc. can be cumbersome. Additionally, carrying the toothbrush into a foreign environment has the potential to expose the toothbrush to unsanitary conditions. Generally, the toothbrush can be exposed to germs or other pathogens. Additionally, the toothbrush can be exposed to other unwanted substances. For example, during transport in a travel bag, an exposed toothbrush has the potential to come into contact with lotions, shampoo, hair, etc. The toothbrush should be kept sanitary to avoid potential health complications which may arise if an unsanitary toothbrush is used. One way of keeping the toothbrush sanitary, is to enclose the toothbrush in a separate container. However, such an additional container would further add to the number of items a user must carry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to an oral care system with an oral care implement and a dentifrice container.

In one aspect, a oral care system that may include an oral care implement and a dentifrice container which are engagable so as to form a compact, convenient, portable oral care system which maintains the oral care instrument in a sanitary condition.

In one aspect of the invention, an oral care implement has a handle and a head with a tooth cleaning element. The oral care implement is collapsible to be configurable between a “use” and a “transport” state. Further, the oral care system has a dentifrice container with a cavity for holding dentifrice and a dispensing outlet. Further, when the oral care implement is in the “transport” state, it is engagable with the dentifrice container for securing the oral care implement to the dentifrice container.

Another aspect of this invention is directed to a dentifrice container engaged with an oral care implement to form an assembly unit. The dentifrice container has a top portion and a bottom portion which engage with opposite longitudinal ends of the oral care implement to hold the oral care implement between said top and bottom portions of the dentifrice container.

Yet another aspect of this invention is directed to a dentifrice container with a cavity for holding dentifrice, a dispensing outlet and opposing first and second sidewalls. Further, the container has a top portion which extends laterally beyond the first sidewall and a bottom portion which extends laterally beyond said first sidewall. The top portion is superimposed above the bottom portion and also the top portion, bottom portion and sidewall together form a storage channel.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a toothbrush, but could be in the form of other oral care implements including simply a tissue cleansing implement. Further, it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1,2A and2B illustrate an oral care system of the present invention. The oral care system includes an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush,100and a dentifrice container200. The toothbrush100generally includes a head101, a handle102and a neck portion103for connecting the head101and the handle102.

The handle102is generally an elongated member that is dimensioned for the user to readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush100. The handle102may be formed of any desired shape or length and in any desired configuration or construction. In the illustrative embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4, the handle102has a sidewall that is shaped to be complementary to and to mate with an applicable sidewall of the dentifrice container200as described below. In the depicted embodiment the handle102has a convex and concave exterior along its length. Further, the handle102has an hourglass shape. These convex and concave surfaces109perform a dual purpose of allowing the user to more easily grip the toothbrush, but also mating with corresponding convex and concave surfaces203of the dentifrice container200.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the dentifrice container200has sidewalls203shaped with curved contours208and the toothbrush handle102is ergonomically shaped with curved contours109. Curved contours208of the dentifrice container200correspond to curved contours109of the toothbrush handle102. Therefore, when the toothbrush handle102is engaged with the dentifrice container200, the curved contours208and109mate to create a compact assembled unit. As shown in theFIG. 2A, concave and convex surfaces of both the toothbrush handle102and dentifrice container200extend along a length from the top to the bottom of each the toothbrush handle102and dentifrice container200. While the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4have curved surfaces, the structure is not limited to such surfaces. In fact, any surfaces, such as angular or rectangular, may be used as long as the nesting/mating feature of the toothbrush100to the dentifrice container200is realized. Accordingly, it may be complementary shaped, but need not be.

Further, the toothbrush handle102can act as a sidewall of the assembled unit. In this configuration, the ergonomic shape of the toothbrush handle102provides curved contours in the shape of the assembled unit so as to enable comfortable gripping of the assembled unit by the user.

The head101includes a tooth cleaning element104. In one embodiment, the tooth cleaning element104is a plurality of bristles connected to the head. It is understood that the bristles are preferably made from nylon although other materials could be used. The bristles also preferably have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, but could have other cross-sectional shapes as well. The diameter of the bristles can vary depending on the desired cleaning action of the bristles. It is recognized that tooth cleaning element104may include elastomeric elements in addition to or in lieu of the bristles. The toothbrush100may, but need not, include a pliable cushioning member108. This pliable cushioning member108can be used in assist in the gripping and the manipulating of the toothbrush100.

In an illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A, the toothbrush100includes an engaging member105, a top surface of the handle106, and a bottom surface of the handle107. The toothbrush100also includes an upper portion of the handle110and a bottom portion of the handle111. As described below, the engaging member105engages with the dentifrice container200to secure the toothbrush100to the dentifrice container200. As shown inFIG. 2, the engaging member105may be positioned on the bottom surface of the handle107. The engaging member105can have a variety of forms. For example, the engaging member105may be a protrusion, slot, spring loaded button, etc. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather merely illustrative. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other forms of the engaging member105that are within the scope of this invention. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2A, the engaging member105is a protrusion.

As shown in illustrative embodimentsFIGS. 5 and 6, the toothbrush100is collapsible. As indicated by the arrows inFIG. 6, the collapsible toothbrush100can be moved between a “use” state such as shown inFIGS. 2A and 4and a “transport” state such as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. In a “use” state the brush is extended so that the head101and neck103are exposed in order to allow the user to brush their teeth. In a “transport” state the entire head101and the neck103are completely enclosed within the handle102to prevent foreign matter from contacting any portion of the head101or neck103. The enclosure of the head101and the neck103is advantageous because, when the toothbrush100is used, the head101of the toothbrush100and at least a portion of the neck103are placed in the user's mouth. As mentioned above, health complications can be caused by using a toothbrush with an unsanitary head. Therefore, this feature can keep the entire head101and the neck103sanitary when the toothbrush100is not being used.

In an embodiment such as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, toothbrush100may additionally include a tissue cleaning element130. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the tissue cleaning element130may be positioned on the back of the head101of toothbrush100. The tissue cleaning element130may be a pad composed of elastic material. The tissue cleaner may include a plurality of nubs133extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The nubs133may be conically-shaped or shaped in any desired configuration known in the art. The tissue cleaning element130can be used to reduce oral malodor problems or remove oral epithelial cells. However, the toothbrush100need not include a tissue cleaning element130. It is recognized that the tissue cleaning element is encased in handle102in the “transport” state.

The oral care system also includes a dentifrice container200. The dentifrice container200generally includes a top201, a bottom202, sidewalls203and a storage channel which can retain a toothbrush. As commonly known, the internal design of the dentifrice container200forms a compartment for holding dentifrice, such as toothpaste or gel. The dentifrice container200also includes a dispenser204for dispensing the dentifrice and a lid205. The dentifrice container200also includes engaging members206and207.

In the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the dispensing member204and the lid205are positioned at a top201of dentifrice container200. However, this particular positioning of the dispensing member204and the lid205is not required. The lid205may be hinged to the dentifrice container200. However, the lid205may be attached to the dentifrice container200in many other ways such as snap fit, tethered, etc. As shown inFIG. 1, the lid205is configured to cover the dispenser204. This can prevent the dentifrice from leaking or otherwise being unintentionally dispensed from the dispenser204. Also, as shown inFIG. 1, the lid205can cover a portion of the toothbrush100when the toothbrush100is engaged with dentifrice container200. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the lid205can cover a portion of the handle102of the toothbrush100, such as the bottom surface of the handle107.

In one embodiment, the opening of the lid205releases the toothbrush100. For example, as seen fromFIG. 2A, if the lid205of the dentifrice container200is opened, the toothbrush100may be removed. However, as shown inFIG. 1, when the lid20D is closed, the toothbrush100is retained by the dentifrice container200. In this way, the toothbrush100is retained even when the oral care system is being carried. This is also shown inFIG. 2Bwhich discloses a top schematic view of the dentifrice container200and the toothbrush100. As can be seen inFIG. 2Bthe toothbrush handle102is retained in the dentifrice container200by the lid205. This method of securing the toothbrush100with the lid205of the dentifrice container200ensures the toothbrush100will not be inadvertently detached from the dentifrice container200during travel. This is because, such an embodiment requires the lid205to opened in order for the toothbrush100to be released. Hence, the lid205aids in preventing disengagement of the toothbrush handle102from the dentifrice container200by restraining the movement of the toothbrush handle102in, for example, a horizontal or vertical direction.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid205of the dentifrice container may remain closed when disengaging the toothbrush100from the dentifrice container200. In this way, if the lid205were to remain closed, the toothbrush100could still be disengaged from the dentifrice container200by pulling the toothbrush100out of a friction fit with engaging member206.

An illustrative embodiment of the compact assembled unit is shown inFIG. 1. This aspect of the invention can make the portable oral care system convenient for users. For example, it is more convenient to carry or store such an assembled unit as opposed to two or three separate pieces. In other words, the user will not have to carry a separate toothpaste dispenser, a separate toothbrush and a separate toothbrush container. This assembled unit also can prevent misplacement of one of portions of the oral care system because the portions of the oral care system are engagable. Further, the ergonomic shape of the assembled unit allows for easier gripping of the structure. The nesting or mating features of the toothbrush handle102with the dentifrice container200provides the compact structure. While the embodiment shown inFIG. 1demonstrates curved, convex and concave surfaces, any surfaces are contemplated so long as the nesting/mating feature of the toothbrush to the dentifrice container200is realized. For example, other angular or rectangular surfaces are included within the scope of this feature.

One method of engagement of the toothbrush100with dentifrice container200is shown inFIG. 1. The handle102is engageable with the dentifrice container200so that the bottom surface of the handle107is engaged with the lid205of the dentifrice container, and a top surface of the handle106is engaged with a bottom202of the dentifrice container200. Such engagement can be accomplished several ways. For example, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 2A, engaging member206is positioned at a top surface of the bottom202of the dentifrice container200. Further, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 2A, engaging member206is a protrusion. This is, however, one embodiment of the engaging member206and should not be construed as limiting. Additionally, engaging member206may be molded, elastic, spring loaded, etc. As shown inFIG. 2A, another engaging member of the dentifrice container, engaging member207, may be positioned at the lid205of the dentifrice container200. The engaging member207could take several forms, however, in one embodiment, the engaging member is merely a vertical sidewall of the lid. This vertical sidewall of the lid may retain the toothbrush100by engaging toothbrush engaging member105. Alternatively, the engaging member207could be a configured portion on the inside of the lid205. In this way, the engaging member207would be adapted to mate with engaging member105of the toothbrush100. Regardless of their form, the dentifrice container's engaging members206and207can engage the handle102of the toothbrush100.FIG. 1shows both the toothbrush's engaging member105engaged with dentifrice container's corresponding engaging member207and the dentifrice container's engaging member206engaged with a top surface of the handle106.

Therefore, as can be seen fromFIG. 1, the toothbrush100can be reliably engaged and secured to dentifrice container200by engaging the toothbrush engaging member105with dentifrice engaging member207and engaging the top surface of the handle106with dentifrice engaging member206. Accordingly, the top surface of the handle106can be covered to ensure sanitary protection. This is advantageous because if the top surface of the handle106becomes contaminated, such contamination can be easily transferred to the neck portion103and head101of the toothbrush. As mentioned above, using a toothbrush with an unsanitary head can cause health complications. Therefore, it is desirable to have the top surface of the handle106covered to ensure sanitary protection. In the collapsible toothbrush described above, while the toothbrush is in the “transport” state, the head101and neck103of the toothbrush100is enclosed within the handle102of the toothbrush and therefore kept sanitary.

While a collapsible toothbrush alone provides a first level of protection for ensuring the toothbrush remains sanitary, the covering of the top surface of the handle106provides the portable care system with a “double” sanitary ensuring feature. Consider the contact between the top surface of the handle106and the neck103of the toothbrush100while the toothbrush100is in the “use” state or when the toothbrush100is converted from the “transport” state to the “use” state or vice versa. Further, consider the generally close proximity of the top surface of the handle106to the neck103and the head101of the toothbrush100while the toothbrush is in the “use” state. Even in the “transport” state, the exterior of the toothbrush, such as the top surface106may be contaminated.

If the top surface of the handle106becomes contaminated, it may transfer contamination to the head101and neck103of the toothbrush once the head101and neck103of the toothbrush100are exposed during opening of the toothbrush100to the “use” state. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 1, the dentifrice container200is designed to cover a top surface of the handle106which is near the head101and neck103of the toothbrush100. By covering the top surface of the handle106, the sanitary state of the head101is better ensured. Therefore, the above described feature provides a “double” sanitary ensuring feature. Initially, the toothbrush100can be converted to a “transport” state. This ensures the head101and neck103are kept sanitary. Secondly, the dentifrice container200can keep the top surface of the handle106covered. This prevents contamination of such surfaces even while stored in a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc. Therefore, there will be no contamination by transference from top surface of the handle106to the neck103or head101.

In an alternative embodiment of the oral care system, the dentifrice container200may include a protective member210. As shown inFIG. 3, the protective member210encloses the upper portion of the handle110. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the protective member210may be an awning-type of device which surrounds and encloses the handle102. In this way, the protective member210can serve at least two purposes. First, the protective member210prevents foreign matter from contacting the upper portion of the handle110. This can be advantageous because, as described above, even when the toothbrush is in the “transport” state, foreign matter can come into contact with the handle102. This foreign matter has the potential to be transferred to the neck portion103and head101of the toothbrush100.

In the collapsible toothbrush100described above, when the toothbrush100is converted from the “transport” state to the “use” state to expose the head101and neck portion103, the neck portion103contacts the upper portion of the handle110. This contact between the upper portion of the handle110and the neck portion103and the generally close proximity of the upper portion of the handle110with both the next portion103and the head101can make transfer of foreign matter from the upper portion of the handle110to the neck portion103and the head101likely. Therefore, preventing foreign matter from initially accumulating on the upper portion of the handle110would substantially diminish the likelihood of such contamination of the head101and the neck portion103. Hence, the protective member210would substantially prevent such contamination. This covering of the upper portion of the handle110provides the portable care system with a “double” sanitary ensuring feature. Initially, the toothbrush100can be converted to a “transport” state. This ensures the head101and neck103are kept sanitary. Secondly, the dentifrice container200can keep the top the upper portion of the handle110covered. This prevents contamination of such surfaces even while stored in a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc. Therefore, there will be no contamination by transference from the upper portion of the handle110to the neck103or head101.

A second purpose of the protective member210is to aid in retaining the toothbrush100in engagement with the dentifrice container200. By enclosing the upper portion of the handle110, the protective member210assists in retaining the toothbrush100in engagement with the dentifrice container200. The protective member210aids in preventing disengagement of the toothbrush handle102from the dentifrice container200by restraining the movement of the toothbrush handle102in, for example, a horizontal or vertical direction.

In this alternative embodiment, the dentifrice container may include an engaging interface209. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the engaging interface209is a recess. However, a recess is not required and the engaging interface may take many other forms. As shown inFIG. 3, the engaging interface209is positioned at a bottom portion of the dentifrice container200. The engaging member105of the toothbrush100can engage with the engaging interface209to secure the toothbrush100to the dentifrice container200.

As with the previous embodiment, in this illustrative alternative embodiment, the dentifrice container200has curved contours208which correspond to the curved contours109of the ergonomic toothbrush100. Therefore, when the toothbrush100is engaged with the dentifrice container200, the curved contours208and109mate to create a compact assembled unit. Further, the toothbrush100can act as a sidewall of the compact assembled unit. In this configuration, the ergonomic shape of the toothbrush provides curved contours in the shape of the assembled unit so as to enable comfortable gripping of the assembled unit by the user. As shown in theFIG. 4, concave and convex surfaces of both the toothbrush handle102and dentifrice container200proceed along a length from the top to the bottom of each the toothbrush handle102and dentifrice container200. While the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3 and 4have curved surfaces, the structure is not limited to such surfaces. In fact, any surfaces, such as angular or rectangular, may be used.

As shown inFIG. 3, the compact assembled unit can make the portable oral care system convenient for users. For example, it is more convenient to carry or store such an assembled unit as opposed to two or three separate pieces. In other words, the user will not have to carry a separate toothpaste dispenser, a separate toothbrush and a separate toothbrush container. This assembled unit also can prevent misplacement of one of portions of the oral care system because the portions of the oral care system are engagable. Further, the ergonomic shape of the assembled unit allows for easier gripping of the structure.

The compact nature of this portable oral care system is advantageous over the carrying separate items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser, container for enclosing the toothbrush, etc. Therefore, this compactness allows the portable oral care system to be kept in many places such as a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc.

Further, the oral care system's retaining features prevent the toothbrush handle102from be inadvertently disengaged from the dentifrice container200. This allows the portable oral care system to be kept in many places such as a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc. without concern of misplacing or losing a portion of the oral care system.

Further, the portable care system has a “double” sanitary ensuring feature. This “double” sanitary ensuring feature is provided by both the collapsible toothbrush100and the dentifrice container200. Initially, the toothbrush100can be converted to a “transport” state. This ensures the head101and neck103are kept sanitary. Secondly, the dentifrice container200can keep the top surface of the handle106and the upper portion of the handle110covered. This prevents contamination of such surfaces even while stored in a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc. Therefore, there will be no contamination by transference from either the upper portion of the handle110or top surface of the handle106to the neck103or head101. This feature allows the user to store the portable oral care system in a purse, gym bag, desk, locker, etc. with greater confidence that the toothbrush will not be contaminated.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 7a. In this illustrative embodiment the toothbrush100engages with the lid205the dentifrice container200. The lid205has an engaging member207. In the illustrated embodiment the engaging member207includes the edges of an aperture through the top of the lid205. The engaging member207may also be configured so that a vertical sidewall of the lid removed as shown inFIG. 7b, but this is not required. The removal of the vertical side wall allows easier insertion and removal of the toothbrush100from the dentifrice container200. In this illustrated embodiment, the head102of the toothbrush extends through the aperture in the lid205of the dentifrice container200and the neck103of the toothbrush100is held by the engaging member207.

This embodiment has the ability to prevent the lid205from opening inadvertently. For example, as seen inFIG. 7awhile the toothbrush100is engaged with the lid205of the dentifrice container, the lid205cannot be pivoted to be opened because the toothbrush neck103will prevent the pivotable movement of the205.

In this embodiment, the toothbrush100may be held in the dentifrice container200solely by the engaging member207or may include other engaging members either on the toothbrush100or the dentifrice container200. For example, another engaging member may be positioned at the bottom of the handle102and yet another engaging member may be positioned at the top surface of the bottom of the dentifrice container200. These two additional engagement members may be operable with each other to secure the toothbrush to the dentifrice container along with the engaging member207.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.