Dental hygiene device

A dental hygiene device including a case and a closure. The case includes first and second half-shells hingedly coupled to one another and actuable between open and closed configurations. The closure engages the case when the case is in the closed configuration to thereby secure the case in the closed configuration. The first half-shell may be divided into first and second compartments by a first divider wall. The first divider wall may include first and second notches formed therein and configured to accommodate a toothbrush and a toothpaste container, respectively. The second half-shell may be divided into third and fourth compartments by a second divider wall. When the case is in the closed configuration, the first compartment may be contiguous with at least part of the third compartment, and the second compartment may be contiguous with at least part of the third and fourth compartments.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to dental hygiene and, more particularly, to a dental hygiene device including a case and a closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a dental hygiene device is generally referred to by the reference numeral10. The dental hygiene device10includes a case12and a closure14. In some embodiments, the case12is shaped to resemble the storage root of a carrot plant. In some embodiments, the closure14is shaped to resemble the stem of the carrot plant. Although described herein as resembling the storage root and stem of a carrot plant, the case12and closure14of the dental hygiene device10may instead be shaped to resemble another vegetable, a fruit, a children's character, or the like.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3with continuing reference toFIG. 1, at opposing end portions thereof, the case12includes a shoulder16and a tip18. An external connection20extends from the shoulder16opposite the tip18. In some embodiments, the external connection20is threaded. The case12is bisected so as to include opposing half-shells22and24hingedly coupled to one another via, for example, hinges26and28. The half-shell22defines opposing end portions29aand29band an internal concavity29c. The half-shell22includes a divider wall34. The internal concavity29cof the half-shell22is divided into compartments30and32by the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the divider wall34provides structural integrity to the half-shell22. The half-shell22further includes a tip part33alocated at the end portion29a, which tip part33ais a bisected part of the tip18. The compartment30extends between the tip part33aand the divider wall34. The half-shell22further includes an end wall33blocated at the end portion29b. The compartment32extends between the end wall33band the divider wall34. Similarly, the half-shell24defines opposing end portions35aand35band an internal concavity35c. The half-shell24includes a divider wall40. The internal concavity35cof the half-shell24is divided into compartments36and38by the divider wall40. In some embodiments, the divider wall40provides structural integrity to the half-shell24. The half-shell24further includes a tip part41alocated at the end portion35a, which tip part41ais another bisected part of the tip18. The compartment36extends between the tip part41aand the divider wall40. The half-shell24further includes an end wall41blocated at the end portion35b. The compartment38extends between the end wall41band the divider wall40. The external connection20is also bisected so that respective portions thereof extend from the half-shells22and24. Accordingly, the half-shell22further includes an external connection part33cextending from the end wall33bin a direction opposite the tip part33a, which external connection part33cis a bisected part of the external connection20. Similarly, the half-shell24further includes an external connection part41cextending from the end wall41bin a direction opposite the tip part41a, which external connection part41cis another bisected part of the external connection20.

The case12is actuable, via the hinges26and28, between an open configuration (shown inFIG. 3) and a closed configuration (shown inFIG. 2). The case12is adapted to be held in the closed configuration by, for example, male connectors42a-cand female connectors44a-c. The male connectors42a-cextend from the half-shell22. The female connectors44a-care formed in the half-shell24. The male connectors42a-care adapted to engage the female connectors44a-c, respectively, when the case12is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the male connectors42a-care omitted and replaced with female connectors substantially identical to the female connectors44a-c. In some embodiments, the female connectors44a-care omitted and replaced with male connectors substantially identical to the male connectors42a-c. In some embodiments, the male connectors42a-care omitted and replaced with female connectors substantially identical to the female connectors44a-c, and the female connectors44a-care omitted and replaced with male connectors substantially identical to the male connectors42a-c.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5with continuing reference toFIG. 1, the closure14is generally cup-shaped and includes a bottom46, an outer wall48, and an internal connection50. The outer wall48circumscribes the bottom46. As a result, the bottom46and the outer wall48together define an empty space52capable of receiving a liquid such as, for example, water, mouth-wash, another oral hygiene product, or the like. The internal connection50extends adjacent the bottom46and opposite the empty space52. In some embodiments, the internal connection50is threaded. The internal connection50of the closure14is adapted to engage (e.g., threadably) the external connection20of the case12, including each of the external connection parts33cand41cof the half-shells22and24, respectively, when the case12is in the closed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. Such engagement between the internal connection50and the external connection20secures the case12in the closed configuration.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 8with continuing reference toFIG. 3, the compartment30of the half-shell22extends adjacent, and interior to, the end portion of the case12that includes the tip18. As a result, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the compartment30is contiguous with at least part of the compartment36of the half-shell24. In some embodiments, the male connectors42aand42bextend within, or adjacent, the compartment30. Moreover, the compartment30extends adjacent the divider wall34and opposite the compartment32. The divider wall34includes a pair of notches54and56. In some embodiments, the notch54has a rectangular shape, thus forming a generally U-shaped edge in the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the notch56has a semi-circular shape, thus forming an arc-shaped edge in the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the notch54has a rectangular shape and the notch56has a semi-circular shape.

An end wall58also extends within the compartment30. In some embodiments, the end wall58is spaced in a substantially parallel relation with the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the end wall58provides additional structural integrity to the half-shell22. An instructional label60is adhered to the half-shell22between the end wall58and the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the instructional label60includes instructions (e.g., text and/or graphics) for flossing between teeth and/or applying toothpaste to a toothbrush. For example, the instructional label60may include instructions illustrating the following steps: 1) curve dental floss in a C-shape around each tooth; and 2) use a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 9with continuing reference toFIG. 3, the compartment32of the half-shell22extends adjacent, and interior to, the end portion of the case12that includes the shoulder16. As a result, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the compartment32is contiguous with at least respective portions of the compartments36and38of the half-shell24. In some embodiments, the male connector42cextends within, or adjacent, the compartment32. Moreover, the compartment32extends adjacent the divider wall34and opposite the compartment30.

An end wall62also extends within the compartment32. In some embodiments, the end wall62is spaced in a substantially parallel relation with the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the end wall62provides additional structural integrity to the half-shell22. The end wall62includes a step64having a rectangular shape. The step64forms a bottom edge66and a side edge68in the end wall62. A reflective strip70is adhered to the half-shell22between the end wall62and the divider wall34. In some embodiments, the reflective strip70is made of stainless steel. However, the reflective strip70can be made of any suitable material such as, for example Mylar. In some embodiments, the reflective strip70is about 3″ in length. In some embodiments, the reflective strip70is about ¾″ in width. In some embodiments, the reflective strip70is about 3″ in length and about ¾″ in width.

Textual designations72and74are molded into the interior of the half-shell22. The textual designation72extends adjacent, and between, the notch54and the side edge68. In some embodiments, the textual designation72extends adjacent the reflective strip70. The textual designation74extends adjacent, and between, the notch56and the bottom edge66. In some embodiments, the textual designation74extends adjacent the reflective strip70, opposite the textual designation72. In some embodiments, the textual designation72reads “TOOTHBRUSH” and the textual designation74reads “TOOTHPASTE.”

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 10with continuing reference toFIG. 3, the compartment36of the half-shell24extends adjacent, and interior to, the end portion of the case12that includes the tip18. As a result, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the compartment36is contiguous with at least respective portions of the compartments30and32of the half-shell22. In some embodiments, the female connectors44a-cextend within, or adjacent, the compartment36. Moreover, the compartment36extends adjacent the divider wall40and opposite the compartment38.

An end wall76also extends within the compartment36. In some embodiments, the end wall76is spaced in a substantially parallel relation with the divider wall40. In some embodiments, the end wall76provides additional structural integrity to the half-shell24. In some embodiments, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the end wall76is substantially co-planar with the end wall58. An instructional label78is adhered to the half-shell24between the end wall76and the divider wall40. In some embodiments, the instructional label78includes instructions (e.g., text and/or graphics) for brushing teeth. For example, the instructional label78may include instructions illustrating the following steps: 3) angle toothbrush at the gumline; 4) brush the top of every tooth; 5) gently sweep your tongue; and 6) rinse.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 11with continuing reference toFIG. 3, the compartment38of the half-shell24extends adjacent, and interior to, the end portion of the case12that includes the shoulder16. As a result, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the compartment38is contiguous with at least part of the compartment32of the half-shell22. Moreover, the compartment38extends adjacent the divider wall40and opposite the compartment36.

Walls80and82also extend within the compartment38. The walls80and82each extend from the divider wall40. In some embodiments, the walls80and82are spaced in a substantially parallel relation. In some embodiments, the walls80and82are each spaced a substantially perpendicular relation with the divider wall40. In addition, extending from the wall80, in a direction opposite the wall82, are walls84and86. In some embodiments, the walls84and86are spaced in a substantially parallel relation. In some embodiments, the walls84and86are each spaced in a substantially perpendicular relation with the wall80. The wall84includes a step88. The step88forms a bottom edge90and a side edge92in the wall84. The wall86also includes a step94. The step94forms a bottom edge96and a side edge98in the wall86. Similarly, extending from the wall82, in a direction opposite the wall80, are walls100and102. In some embodiments, the walls100and102are spaced in a substantially parallel relation. In some embodiments, the walls100and102are each spaced in a substantially perpendicular relation with the wall82. The wall100includes a step104. The step104forms a bottom edge106and a side edge108in the wall100. The wall102also includes a step110. The step110forms a bottom edge112and a side edge114in the wall102.

A textual designation116is molded into the interior of the half-shell24. The textual designation116extends adjacent, and between, the wall80and the wall82. In some embodiments, the textual designation116reads “DENTAL FLOSS.”

In some embodiments, the walls84and100are substantially co-planar. In some embodiments, the walls86and102are substantially co-planar. Moreover, in some embodiments, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the walls86and102are both substantially co-planar with the end wall62.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the half-shell22accommodates a toothbrush118. A handle120of the toothbrush118extends within the notch54and adjacent both the bottom edge66and the side edge68. As a result, a head122of the toothbrush118extends within the compartment30. Further, in some embodiments, the half-shell22also accommodates a container124containing, for example, toothpaste. A cap126of the container124extends within the notch54. As a result, an end portion of the container124opposing the cap126extends adjacent the bottom edge66. Finally, in some embodiments, the half-shell24accommodates a floss container127containing, for example, floss. The floss container127is at least partially surrounded by the divider wall40and the walls80,82,84,86,100, and102. As a result, the floss container127is engaged by one or more of: the bottom edges90,96,106, and112, and the side edges92,98,108, and114.

Referring still toFIG. 12, in some embodiments, the case12further includes a male connector128in the compartment36, and a female connector130in the compartment30. The male and female connectors128and130extend adjacent the tip18of the case12so that, when the case12is in the closed configuration, the male connector128engages the female connector130to hold the case12in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the male connector128is omitted and replaced with a female connector substantially identical to the female connector130. In some embodiments, the female connector130is omitted and replaced with a male connector substantially identical to the male connector128. In some embodiments, the male connector128is omitted and replaced with a female connector substantially identical to the female connector130, and the female connector130is omitted and replaced with a male connector substantially identical to the male connector128. In other embodiments, the male connector128and the female connector130are omitted.

Referring toFIG. 13, in some embodiments, the case12is omitted from the dental hygiene device10and replaced with a case132—the case132includes several features/elements that are substantially identical to corresponding features/elements of the case12, which substantially identical features/elements are given the same reference numerals. However, the case132includes some features/elements that are different from the features/elements of the case12discussed herein.

For example, in the case132, the instructional label60is omitted from the compartment30, and the reflective strip70is omitted from the compartment32and replaced with an instructional label134that is substantially identical to the instructional label60. That is, the instructional label134is adhered to the half-shell22between the end wall62and the divider wall34.

For another example, in addition to the step64forming the bottom edge66and the side edge68in the end wall62, the end wall62includes a prong136extending from the bottom edge66and spaced apart from the side edge68. In some embodiments, the prong136is configured to retain the toothbrush118adjacent the side edge68of the end wall62.

For yet another example, the case132includes a reflective surface138extending adjacent, and between, the wall80and the wall82. In some embodiments, the reflective surface138is defined by a solid-faced mirror. In some embodiments, the reflective surface138is made of stainless steel. However, the reflective surface138can be made of any suitable material such as, for example Mylar. In some embodiments, the reflective surface138is about 1⅜″ in length. In some embodiments, the reflective surface138is about 1″ in width. In some embodiments, the reflective surface138is about 1⅜″ in length and about 1″ in width.

For yet another example, rather than being located between the wall80and the wall82, the textual designation116is omitted and replaced with a textual designation140substantially identical to the textual designation116and molded into the interior of the half-shell24on a side of the wall82opposite the wall80. In addition, or instead, the textual designation116may be molded into the interior of the half-shell24on a side of the wall80opposite the wall82.

In operation, the half-shell22of the case132is configured to accommodate the toothbrush118in a manner similar to the manner in which the case12accommodates the toothbrush118, except that the prong136is configured to retain the toothbrush118adjacent the side edge68of the end wall62. Further, the half-shell22of the case132is also configured to accommodate the container124(containing, for example, toothpaste) in a manner similar to the manner in which the case12accommodates the container124. Finally, the half-shell24of the case132is configured to accommodate the floss container127(containing, for example, floss) in a manner similar to the manner in which the case12accommodates the container127.

The present disclosure introduces a dental hygiene device, including a case including opposing first and second half-shells hingedly coupled to one another and being actuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a closure configured to engage the case when the case is in the closed configuration to thereby secure the case in the closed configuration, wherein the first half-shell is divided into first and second compartments by a first divider wall, wherein the second half-shell is divided into third and fourth compartments by a second divider wall, and wherein, when the case is in the closed configuration, the first compartment is contiguous with at least part of the third compartment, and the second compartment is contiguous with at least part of the third compartment and the fourth compartment. In some embodiments, the first divider wall includes first and second notches formed therein and configured to accommodate a toothbrush and a toothpaste container, respectively. In some embodiments, the fourth compartment includes first and second walls each extending from the divider wall. In some embodiments, a reflective surface extends adjacent, and between, the first and second walls. In some embodiments, the fourth compartment further includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls, the third and fourth walls extending from the first wall, the fifth and sixth walls extending from the second wall, and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls each include a side edge formed therein. In some embodiments, a floss container is configured to be accommodated between the respective side edges of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls. In some embodiments, the closure is generally cup-shaped and includes a bottom and an outer wall, the outer wall circumscribing the bottom so that the bottom and the outer wall together define an empty space capable of receiving a liquid. In some embodiments, the closure is shaped to resemble the stem of a carrot plant; and the case is shaped to resemble the storage root of the carrot plant.

The present disclosure also introduces a dental hygiene device, including a case including opposing first and second half-shells hingedly coupled to one another and being actuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a closure configured to engage the case when the case is in the closed configuration to thereby secure the case in the closed configuration, wherein the first half-shell is divided into first and second compartments by a first divider wall, and wherein the first divider wall includes first and second notches formed therein and configured to accommodate a toothbrush and a toothpaste container, respectively. In some embodiments, the second half-shell is divided into third and fourth compartments by a second divider wall. In some embodiments, the fourth compartment includes a reflective surface. In some embodiments, the fourth compartment is configured to accommodate a floss container. In some embodiments, the closure is generally cup-shaped and includes a bottom and an outer wall, the outer wall circumscribing the bottom so that the bottom and the outer wall together define an empty space capable of receiving a liquid. In some embodiments, the closure is shaped to resemble the stem of a carrot plant; and the case is shaped to resemble the storage root of the carrot plant.

The present disclosure also introduces a dental hygiene device, including a case including opposing first and second half-shells hingedly coupled to one another and being actuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a closure configured to engage the case when the case is in the closed configuration to thereby secure the case in the closed configuration, wherein the second half-shell is divided into first and second compartments by a divider wall, and wherein the second compartment includes first and second walls each extending from the divider wall. In some embodiments, a reflective surface extends adjacent, and between, the first and second walls. In some embodiments, the second compartment further includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls, the third and fourth walls extending from the first wall, the fifth and sixth walls extending from the second wall, and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls each include a side edge formed therein. In some embodiments, a floss container is configured to be accommodated between the respective side edges of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls. In some embodiments, the closure is generally cup-shaped and includes a bottom and an outer wall, the outer wall circumscribing the bottom so that the bottom and the outer wall together define an empty space capable of receiving a liquid. In some embodiments, the closure is shaped to resemble the stem of a carrot plant; and the case is shaped to resemble the storage root of the carrot plant.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.