A TOOTHBRUSH

Abstract: A toothbrush consists of a bristle head (10) and a handle (11) comprising a removable holder (12) and a removable cap (15). Within the holder (12) is housed a bobbin (13) of dental floss, the free end of which emerges through an aperture (16) and is passed around a cutter (18) for removal of a length of floss. A toothpick (14) is also retained on the holder (12). The entire toothbrush is preferably disposable.

Description: A TOOTHBRUSH THIS INVENTION concerns a toothbrush comprising a bristle head, a handle and a supply of dental floss. Commonly-used dental floss consists of waxed thread usually wound upon a reel and dispensed from a container having a cutting edge whereby a length of floss may be withdrawn and detached from the supply. For convenience and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising a bristle head and a handle, characterised by a supply of dental floss incorporated in or on the handle and means permitting withdrawal and separation of a length of floss. Preferably, the handle also includes a recess in which is removably contained a toothpick. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a toothbrush made in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof; and Fig. 3 is an exploded plan view of the separate parts of the toothbrush. Referring now to Fig. 1 , a toothbrush consists of a bristle head 10, a stem 10a and a handle 11 the end of which, remote from the bristle head, is formed as a removable holder 12 for a bobbin 13 containing approximately 20 metres of dental floss, and a toothpick 14. A removable cap 15 fits over a rear part of the holder 12 in a water-tight or at least water-resistant manner to prevent ingress of water to the interior of the holder which would cause deterioration of the floss. The holder 12 attaches to the rear part of the bristle head stem 10a by means of an annular groove 10b (see Fig. 3) therein forming a detent with an annular projection 10c on the internal wall of the adjacent end of the holder 12. Also in Fig. 3 it will be seen that the replaceable bobbin 13 of dental floss is inserted into the holder 12 before the latter is assembled with the bristle head 10, the free end of the floss on the bobbin being threaded through a very small aperture 16 at the end of the holder 12 remote from the bristle head 10. Also slidably engaged within the holder 12 alongside the bobbin 13 is the toothpick 14, and a stainless steel pressed cutting blade 18 is inserted in a slot 19 on the external rear part of the holder 12. The aperture 16 must be of such a shape and size that the floss is partial ly gripped thereby providing sufficient frictional resistance to enable a length to be withdrawn and cut by the blade 18. A key-hole shaped aperture, for example, would provide a large enough passage for threading the free end of the f loss and a restricted passage to grip the floss once threaded. If necessary a water-tight bung may be inserted into the aperture. The cap 15 is mounted as a friction fit on the holder 12 to conceal and protect the free end of the floss, the toothpick and the cutter. This arrangement can be seen clearly in Fig. 2 where the free end of the floss is illustrated at 20 held by the cutter 19 and ready for access once the cap 15 is removed. The parts are preferably made from a partially resilient plastics material such as polyethylene thus to ensure a good seal to prevent the ingress of water which must be kept clear of the dental floss. The entire toothbrush is preferably disposable although the holder 1 2 pre-loaded with a bobbin of dental floss may be provided as a replaceable item. The toothpick is preferably located as a friction fit within the rear of the holder 12 or there may be detent means to retain it in place until required for use.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A toothbrush comprising a bristle head and a handle; characterised by a supply of dental floss incorporated in or on the handle and means permitting withdrawal and separation of a length of floss. 2. A toothbrush according to Claim 1 , wherein the dental floss is provided on a bobbin contained within a holder removably incorporated in the handle. 3. A toothbrush according to Claim 2, wherein the bobbin of dental floss is located within the holder such that a free end of the floss is threaded through a restricted outlet aperture in the holder thus partially to grip the floss to provide frictional resistance thereto. 4. A toothbrush according to C l aim 3, wherein the restricted outlet aperture in the holder is of keyhole shape thus to provide a large passage for threading the free end of the floss and the restricted passage to grip the floss once threaded. 5. A toothbrush according to Claim 4, including a water¬ tight bung removably inserted in the restricted outlet aperture. 6. A toothbrush according to Claim 2, including a removable cap which fits over a rear part of the holder in at least a water- resistant manner. 7. A toothbrush according to Claim 2, wherein the holder is removably attached by detent means. 8. A toothbrush according to Claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a recess in which is removably contained a toothpick. 9. A toothbrush according to Claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a cutting blade to enable a withdrawn length of floss to be cut. 10. A toothbrush according to C laim 2, at least a substantial proportion of the components thereof being made from a partially resilient plastics material such as polyethylene.

Inventors: CRUDDAS MICHAEL, LEES DEAN RUSSELL, CRUDDAS, MICHAEL, LEES, DEAN, RUSSELL
Applicants: CRUDDAS MICHAEL, HCARE LIMITED, LEES DEAN RUSSELL, CRUDDAS, MICHAEL, LEES, DEAN, RUSSELL
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A46B15
IPC codes: A46B15, A61C15