Abstract:
A dental apparatus for cleansing and stain preventing on-the-go is provided in multiple embodiments. One embodiment allows a user to dispose of the apparatus after use. Another embodiment allows a user to seal and refill the dental apparatus for repeated use. Further, packaging of various types allows a user to house the dental apparatus in multiple ways.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority based on, and is a divisional of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/938,167, filed on Nov. 9, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,956. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to dental cleansing and stain prevention. Specifically, the present invention is a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus. The apparatus includes a convenient ready-to-use form of dentifrice or other similar cleansing compound. The apparatus also serves to prevent dental stains through easy transport and access to cleanser while traveling. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There exist various other means by which individuals may clean their teeth. In the prior art, there are other apparatus designed for the purpose of cleansing or whitening individual&#39;s teeth. The oldest type of dental cleansing apparatus are brushes. Over time, brushes came to be used primarily in conjunction with dentifrice. 
     The vast majority of dental cleansing apparatus are designed for consistent home use. For example, brushes are often large enough to fit conveniently within a fully clenched hand and have bristles exposed to the open air. Similarly, conscientious purchasers of dentifrice utilize containers that are several inches in length and more than one or two inches in diameter. These large brushes and dentifrice containers serve to allow a user numerous uses before the brush is degraded to a substantial degree and before an individual need purchase additional dentifrice. 
     Various other means have also been created, including dental whitening fluids and application means. Individuals have long used toothpicks to remove stubborn food in an effort to quickly clean the teeth and remove stubborn unsightly remaining food parties after a meal. Various types of “mouthwash” have also been created to clean the mouth or freshen breath. 
     Portable dental freshening and cleansing means are desired by the public and are becoming more common. Small articles capable of cleaning or freshening the individual&#39;s breath are increasingly popular. For example, “portable” mouthwash concentrated strips have become popular among those who are concerned about dental freshness. Similarly, chewing breath-freshening gum has been popular for several years. 
     Gum products have also tried to capitalize on the desire to actually clean teeth on the go. Most modern chewing gum manufacturers market at least one significant line of chewing gum as “whitening” or “dental cleansing” gums. Recent television commercials include claims that chewing gum after meals reduces cavities. Other products make similar claims. While these claims may be true, cleansing the teeth with products designed specifically to clean the teeth, rather than products primarily designed to freshen breath or provide sugar as a candy are substantially more effective. 
     Modern society, especially working professionals and other individuals who care about their appearance and dental health, is an increasingly a mobile society. Unfortunately, the typical full-size brush and dentifrice containers are not convenient for a user to take with them when they are on-the-go. Similarly, the dental freshening products and chewing gums most often provide little or no actual cleansing of the visible front portion teeth. Instead, they freshen breath and remove excess particles from only the back, less visible portion of the teeth where the gum or product is actually chewed. 
     Individuals desire the ability to take dental cleaning products with them for use a single time or a few times in a convenient, small package. Individuals also desire that the products actually clean the teeth and prevent dental stains from occurring. 
     Some prior art inventions attempt to provide suitable portable dental cleansers. However, these inventions fail in many respects. Most prior art inventions are bulky, complicated to use or are not suited to single, disposable use that are convenient and do not require the need to visit a restroom. Some of the relevant prior art contains glass portions, unsuitable for transport in a purse or glove compartment. Other prior art provides similar functionality, but does not provide for the maintenance of the dentifrice separate from the applicator until such time as the cleanser apparatus is to be used. 
     For these reasons, there exists in the prior art a need for a compact, ready-to-use dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus that possibly may not contain harsh chemical whitening ingredients. There is also a need for such apparatus to maintain the dental cleanser conveniently on, and accessible or dispensable from the apparatus separately from the air and debris prior to use and to maintain the dental cleanser free of contact with outside air which may dry or evaporate or possibly contaminate the cleanser. 
     There is also a need for a compact, ready-to-use dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus that may be used several times. In the course of multiple uses, there may be a need to provide a means by which the brush may be cleaned on-the-go. There is further a need for the apparatus to maintain the dental cleanser and the brush separate from each other until use. In an alternative embodiment the dental cleanser, a brush cleanser and the brush are separate from each other until use. These and other needs are addressed by the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus for use in maintaining the cleanliness and whiteness of teeth while an individual is on-the-go. The invention provides for a single-use disposable dental cleanser. The invention also provides a dental cleansing apparatus suitable for use on-the-go cleaning in addition to a means by which the brush used for the cleaning may itself be cleaned after use. 
     The present invention includes multiple embodiments. Several embodiments involve single-use brush and dental cleansing material combinations. In these embodiments, a tapered brush is provided along with a small amount of dentifrice or other suitable dental cleaning material. The tapered brush provides for a more complete cleaning process. 
     The brush affixed to the end of a chamber includes at least enough dental cleanser for a single use. The chamber may be emptied by squeezing the chamber. The chamber is arranged in one of a series of ways so as to be squeezed by a user. In the preferred embodiment, the dental cleanser is disposed behind a seal which is ruptured, allowing the dental cleanser to exit the chamber through or within the bristles of the brush for quick and easy use. These devices may be housed in a single plastic wrapper. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the portable dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus includes a brush, a dentifrice (or other suitable dental cleaner) and a brush cleanser. There are several ways in which these elements may be combined in a single apparatus. 
     The brush is maintained in one chamber, the dentifrice is maintained in another and the brush cleanser is maintained in yet another. A user may open the apparatus and gain access to each in turn. First a user accesses the brush, then, with the brush, accesses the dentifrice and applies it to the brush. A user may then clean the user&#39;s teeth while on-the-go. 
     Once the teeth have been suitably cleaned, the user may access the brush cleanser and applies the cleanser to the brush head. The brush cleanser may act alone or in combination with a small amount of water and in some embodiments a napkin to suitably clean the brush. The user may then seal both the dentifrice and the brush cleanser compartments. The brush is now clean and prepared for on-the-go use at a later time. 
     The brush is then returned to its storage compartment. The brush may then be removed at a later time for use, along with the dentifrice. It may be cleaned repeatedly over the course of many uses until the dentifrice or brush cleanser is exhausted. The user may then replenish the dentifrice or brush cleanser. Alternatively, the entire unit may be disposed of and a new one may be used. 
     The novel features which are characteristic of the invention, both as to structure and method of the operation thereof, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be understood from the following description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and they are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus having a transparent skirt. 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  shows an elevation view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a cross-section view of a first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus having an opaque skirt. 
         FIG. 6  shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus. 
         FIG. 7  shows an elevation view of a second embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment including an alternative cap. 
         FIG. 9  shows a plan view of one embodiment including the alternative cap of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 10  shows an elevation view of the first embodiment including the alternative cap of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a partial cross-section view of the first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus in use. 
         FIG. 12  shows the first embodiment of the dental stain prevention apparatus in use. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a plan view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  shows an elevation view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13  with an alternative cap. 
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  shows a closed side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  with an additional element. 
         FIG. 28  shows a plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  with the additional element. 
         FIG. 29  shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  with the additional element. 
         FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30  with the cap removed. 
         FIG. 32  shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 33  shows one embodiment of the packaging of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows an alternative embodiment of the packaging of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows yet another embodiment of the packaging of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows yet another embodiment of the packaging of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  shows a perspective view of alternative dental cleaning apparatus. 
         FIG. 38  shows a plan view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  shows a cross-sectional view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 40  shows an alternative cross-sectional view of the alternative dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 41  shows a cross-sectional close-up of the snapping mechanism of the apparatus of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 42  shows the removal of the brush and dental cleansing mixture. 
         FIG. 43  shows the opening of the container for the dental cleaning mixture. 
         FIG. 44  shows the application of the dental cleaning mixture to the brush. 
         FIG. 45  shows an alternative dental cleaning apparatus. 
         FIG. 46  shows the alternative dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 45  in use. 
         FIG. 47  shows yet another alternative dental cleaning apparatus. 
         FIG. 48  shows a perspective view of yet another dental cleaning apparatus. 
         FIG. 49  shows a plan view of the dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  shows a cross-sectional view of the dental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 51  shows an alternative dental cleaning apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the dental cleansing device  100  of the present invention is shown. The dental cleansing device  100  includes an enclosure  102 . The enclosure  102  may be of a rigid material or of a pliable material. Similarly, each of the many embodiments shown herein may be made up of rigid or pliable materials. In the preferred embodiment the enclosure is made up of a rigid plastic or rigid metal alloy. In alternative embodiments it may be made up of a very malleable plastic or alloy. 
     The enclosure  102  in this embodiment generally takes the cross-sectional shape of a “V.” A malleable plastic skirt  104  is provided to connect one tip of the “V” with another and to thereby enclose the open area created by the “V” of the enclosure  102 . The skirt  104  is clear in this embodiment. As will be seen in later figures, the skirt  104  may instead be translucent or opaque. 
     Also provided is a threaded neck  106  and a multiplicity of brush-like bristles  108 . The threaded neck  106  is used to affix a cap  110  when the device is not in use or has yet to be used. The cap  110  may or may not be equipped with a puncturing point  112  for use in puncturing a seal provided in the base of the threaded neck  106 . Furthermore, the cap  110  may or may not be a cap that “snaps on” or “breaks off” for use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plan perspective and a side perspective of the present embodiment of the invention is shown. Also present in these figure is the enclosure  102 , the skirt  104 , the threaded neck  106  and the bristles  108 . As can be seen, from the top, the bristles  108  appear to be curved in shape (see  FIG. 2 ). From the side, the bristles  108  taper from top to bottom (see  FIG. 3 ). This taper is designed such that the bristles  108  may act more fully and efficiently upon the teeth of a user. Also pictured is the cap  110  for use in protecting the bristles and the contents of the device  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , two cross-sectional views of the device  100  of the present invention are shown. In  FIG. 4A , the enclosure  102 , threaded neck  106  and bristles  108  are shown. In this cross sectional view, the dentifrice  112  may also be seen. Also visible is a seal  114 , provided for the protection of the dentifrice  112  when the device has not yet been used. 
     The term “dentifrice” is applied to the contents of these various dental cleaning apparatus and devices herein. It is to be expressly understood that “dentifrice” refers to any type of dental cleaning fluid or material. In some cases, the “dentifrice” may be contents typically known as “tooth paste.” In other cases, “dentifrice” may refer to a dental cleaning fluid or liquid formulated to clean teeth without the use of water or the gritty texture of tooth paste. In other embodiments the “dentifrice” may also be a formulated for specific purposes, such as whitening, sensitive teeth or breath freshening. In other embodiments, it may be a sugar free confectionary type product specifically formulated to freshen breath. An understanding of the term “dentifrice” should be broadening, not narrowing unless specifically indicated. 
     In  FIG. 4A , the seal  114  remains sealed, because the device  100  has not yet been used. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the seal may be placed at the base of the neck  106  instead of at the head. In  FIG. 4B , the seal is shown in the open position. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the seal  114  must first be broken by the puncturing point  112 . In other embodiments, the seal  114  may be broken through the application of force to the enclosure  102  as shown in  FIG. 4B . This may be provided by creating an intentional weakness in the seal  114  at a point near the middle of the seal  114 . This will allow the seal  114  to break in a pre-determined location when pressure is applied to the enclosure  102 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4B , the exiting dentifrice  116  moves through a break in the seal  114 . This dentifrice  116  is immediately present within the brush bristles  108  and may then be applied to the teeth of a user. The user may then clean his or her teeth. 
     It may not be clear from a review of  FIGS. 1 through 4B  that the present invention is intended to be disposable. The device  100  is of a small size, such that a portion of dentifrice  112  is provided that may be used for one to five uses, at which time the device  100  may be thrown away. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention having an opaque skirt  122  is shown. The device  118  includes an enclosure  120 . As above, the enclosure  120  may be malleable or may be rigid. The device  118  includes an opaque or translucent skirt  122 . The skirt  104  above was transparent. In this embodiment, the primary difference from the prior embodiment is that the skirt  122  is not transparent. 
     In some instances, transparency may be useful for allowing a user to judge the extent to which the dentifrice product has been depleted. This may be easily ascertained by viewing the interior of the device  100 . In other embodiments, such as this one, the transparency may not be necessary and a user may determine the amount present in the device  118  through other means. Opacity or translucency provides for a more uniform appearance of the entire device  118 . 
     Also present in the device  118  shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7  are the threaded neck  124 , the tapered bristles  126 , the cap  128  and the puncturing point  130 . As above, the puncturing point  130  may or may not be provided and may or may not be necessary to break a seal  127 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , an alternative cap  132  for the device  100  (or alternatively the device  118 ) is shown. This cap  132  provides a wide, rectangular head matching the top of the enclosure  102 . The cap  132  may screw or snap on. It is to be understood that the cap  110  and cap  128  may snap or break on and off as well as utilize threads to stay affixed to the devices  100  and  118 , respectively. Similarly, threads may not be provided in the necks  106  and  124 , respectively. 
     The alternative cap  132  provides a means by which the devices  100  and  118  may be stored within containers (shown in  FIGS. 33-36 ). The alternative cap  132  allows the user to more readily grasp the devices  100  and  118  when they are stored within various types of containers. It also provides means by which the devices  100  and  118  may be stored within a purse or other small bag and may be more easily recognized by a user searching for them amongst other items. The cap may also be shaped to aid in packaging or for novel differentiation from other products. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the device  100  is shown in use. As force is applied to the device  100 , for example by means of a forefinger  134  and thumb  136 , the dentifrice  138  exits the device  100  near the bristles of the device  100 . It is to be understood that this process is also for the device  118  and the embodiments of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 13 through 32  as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the device  100  is then placed near the teeth  140  of the user who may then apply the dentifrice  138  to the teeth  140  and use the bristles to brush and clean the teeth. After one or more uses, the device  100  may then be thrown away. 
     Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 13 through 16 . In this embodiment of the device  142 , the enclosure  144  is tapered at one end to allow its use to be more accessible and easy for a user. Similar to previous embodiments, the exterior may be made of malleable plastic or alloys. There are a threaded neck  144 , tapered bristles  146 , a cap  148  and a puncturing point  150 . 
     The neck  144  includes a seal  147  to maintain the dentifrice  138  in a suitable state for use. It is to be understood that the threaded neck  144  may be replaced with a non-threaded neck of a “snap on,” “break off” or similar type. As before, an alternative cap  152  may also be provided. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17 through 19 , yet another alternative embodiment of the device  154  of the present invention is shown. The enclosure  156  is made of a hardened plastic in the preferred embodiment, but may be made of any similar rigid material. In alternative embodiments, the enclosure  156  may be made more flexible. 
     In this device  154 , there is a transparent window  158 . The window  158  is made up of a highly-flexible plastic. This window  158  is the place at which a user may apply pressure in order to force the contents of the device  154  out of the device  154 . The transparent window  158  also allows a user to see the contents of the device  154  for use in determining when to dispose of the device  154 . 
     This device  160  includes a stop  160  and an edge  162 . The edge  162  is immediately adjacent to the tapered bristles  164 . The cap  166  fits snugly over the edge  162  and abuts the stop  160  to thereby cover and protect the bristles  164 . The cap  166  may also “snap” onto the edge  162  which may include one or more ridges onto which the cap  166  may be designed to fit. This embodiment may also provide for removable bristles which may be removed at the stop and replaced with new bristles to allow for multiple uses. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a cross-sectional view of the device  154  of  FIGS. 17 through 19  is shown. As with previous embodiments, the device  154  enclosure  156  is shown along with the stop  160 , the edge  162  and the bristles  164 . As in previous embodiments, the bristles  164  are tapered for ease of use and better access to teeth. 
     Within the device is contained an amount of dentifrice  168 . As with prior embodiments, a seal  170  is included to maintain the freshness and hydration of the dentifrice  168 . The seal  170  is at the head of the device  154 , just beyond the edge  162 . The seal  170  may be broken by pressure from the dentifrice  168  as it is squeezed by a user. The seal  170  may also be broken by a sharp point, provided on the cap  166  or otherwise. As with previous embodiments a puncturing point may be provided as a portion of the cap  166  for this purpose. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21 through 23 , yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device  172  of this embodiment also has an enclosure  174 , preferably made up of a flexible plastic. There are also a threaded neck  176  and tapered bristles  178  to which a cap  180  may be affixed and cover. As with previous embodiments, the cap  180  may include a puncturing point. 
     A cross-sectional view of the device  172  includes the dentifrice  182  and the seal  184 . As with previous embodiments, the seal  184  may break with the pressure applied by dentifrice  182  or may require puncturing prior to the dentifrice leaving the enclosure  174 . A puncturing point provided in the cap  180  or otherwise may puncture the seal  184  if necessary. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 24 through 26 , yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device  186  includes an enclosure  188 , a ridge  190  and tapered bristles  192 . Also included is a cap  194  which fits snugly over the ridge  190  to thereby contain and protect the bristles  192 . In  FIG. 25 , the device  186  is shown with the cap  194  attached to the enclosure  188 . 
     In  FIG. 26 , the device is shown in cross-section. The enclosure  188  is cut-away to show the dentifrice  196  within the enclosure  188 . The ridge  190  and the tapered bristles  192  along with the cap  194  are also shown in cross-section. 
     Also present is the seal  198 , as described in previous embodiments. The seal may be broken with an external device. The seal may also open upon the application of pressure upon the enclosure  188 . The seal  198  is designed to keep the dentifrice clean, moist and protected while the device is in transit or prior to using. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27 through 29  an embodiment similar to that of  FIGS. 23 through 26  is shown. This embodiment includes one additional element that is useful in dental cleaning. The device  200  includes an enclosure  202  a ridge  204 , tapered bristles  206  and a cap  208  just as the prior embodiment. However, this embodiment also includes a slider  210  and a built-in tooth-pick  212 . 
     The slider  210  allows a user to retract and extend the tooth-pick  212 . In some embodiments, the slider may be provided with a number of pre-determined internal ridges designed to hold the slider  210  in place such that the tooth-pick  212  is extended to a particular length. For example, the tooth-pick  212  may be held in place by the slider  210  at positions such as completely extended and completely retracted. The tooth-pick  212  may be provided to a user in this way so that a user may utilize the tooth-pick to clean larger debris from the user&#39;s teeth prior to cleaning the teeth using the bristles  206 . 
     In  FIG. 29 , the tooth-pick  212  may be seen in the completely-retracted position within the enclosure  202 . The dentifrice  214  may also be seen along with the seal  216  as shown in other embodiments. The seal  216  may be broken by external devices or by the pressure applied to the enclosure  202  by a user. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 30 through 32 , yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In  FIG. 30 , the device  218  of the present invention is shown in a closed position. The cap  222  is affixed to the enclosure  220 . In  FIG. 31 , it can be seen that the enclosure  220  includes a ridge  224  and tapered bristles  226  as in previous embodiments. The cap  222  has been removed to allow for this view. 
     This embodiment is generally made of a thin plastic or alloy. The tapered end of the enclosure  220  allows for easier manufacture by machines. The end is simply “crimped” in order to close off each container during manufacture. 
     In  FIG. 32 , a cross-sectional view of this embodiment is shown. The enclosure  220 , ridge  224  and tapered bristles  226  may be seen along with the cap  222 . As with previous embodiments the dentifrice  228  is protected by a seal  230 . The seal serves to keep the dentifrice  228  moist and protected during transit and before use. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 33 through 36 , various containers for the safe transport, containment and sale of any of the embodiments disclosed are shown. In  FIG. 33 , a cigarette-carton-like container  232  is shown. The container  232  includes a rectangular base  234  and a rectangular top  236 . The top of the container  232  may sit snugly over the devices  238  enclosed within. The container  232  fully encloses the devices  238  within so that they may be protected from elements which may contaminate them. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 34 , a similar container  240  is shown, also include a rectangular open base  242  and a flip top  244 . The base  242  is designed in such a way that it my accept a multiplicity of dental cleaning devices.  FIG. 33  demonstrates that various types of devices  246  may be enclosed within this type of container  240 . Multiple rows of devices  246  may be enclosed within the container  240 , dependant upon their size and marketing desires of the manufacturer or retailer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 35 , another alternative container  248  is shown. This container is split into two portions a base portion  250 , containing a plurality of devices  252  and an upper portion  256 , connected by a cardboard or plastic backing  254 , also containing a plurality of devices  258 . The backing  254  allows the device  248  to be folded in half wherein the upper portion  256 , made up of three side walls and a front, and the base portion  250 , also made up of three side walls and a front, may abut one another and an upper flap  260  may then cover both portions to securely hold the device  248  in a closed position. 
     Yet another alternative embodiment for a container  262  is shown in  FIG. 36 . In this embodiment, the container  262  defines a break-away blister pack which is made up of a series of plastic (in the preferred embodiment) portions perforated such that they may be split into individual containers. Each perforated portion  264  contains an indentation  266  suitable for the placement of one dental cleaning device. Other perforated portions, such as second perforated portion  268 , also include indentations, such as indentation  270 , for use in storing additional dental cleaning devices. 
     The container  262  may be enclosed with a cardboard top (not shown) which may also be perforated. Accordingly, a user may “tear off” one or more dental cleaning device, such as one enclosed within the perforated portion  264  for later use. These portions  264  may then be opened and the dental cleaning device removed, used and, if a user so desires, disposed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 37 through 44 , a different device  272  for dental cleaning and the method of its use is shown. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the entire device is made of hardened plastic. This device  272  is made up of a number of compartments. There is a brush compartment  274  connected to a dentifrice compartment  276 . The dentifrice compartment  276  includes a cap  278  attached to the dentifrice compartment  276  by a hinge  280 . 
     A third compartment  282  is connected to the brush compartment  274  by way of a cap  284  also connected by a hinge  286 . The interaction of hinges  280  and  286  in conjunction with the caps  278  and  284  is seen more clearly in  FIG. 43 . Also visible in  FIG. 38  are the two snap-tight closures  288  and  290  that are used to secure the dentifrice compartment  276  and cleansing fluid compartment  282  to their respective caps  278  and  284 . It is to be understood that this embodiment may be square or rectangular in cross-section as well as the round cross-section that is depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 39 and 40 , cross-sectional views of the device  272  can be seen. In these views the brush compartment  274 , including inner chamber  275 , the dentifrice compartment  276  and the cleansing fluid compartment  282  may all be seen. In this embodiment the dentifrice compartment  276  includes a hollow chamber  291  which is filed with dentifrice  292 . The cleansing fluid compartment  282 , including a second hollow chamber  283  is filled with cleansing fluid  294 . 
     The dentifrice  292  may be applied to the brush  296  for use in cleaning the teeth. The cleansing fluid  294  may then be used in the absence of or in conjunction with an external water source, to wash and rinse the brush  296 . In  FIG. 40 , an alternative brush  298  is shown. It is to be understood that a variety of brush types may be used. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 41 , a close-up of a portion of  FIG. 39  is shown. In this Figure the brush compartment  274  includes an inner chamber  275  (see  FIG. 39 ), the dentifrice compartment  276  and the cap  278  may be seen in cross-section. The hinge  280  and snap-tight closure  288  may also be seen. The snap-tight closure  288  acts in such a way that a small protuberance  310  (see  FIG. 43 ) from the exterior of the dentifrice compartment  276  holds the closure  288  in place once it has been pressed over the protuberance. 
     In this cross-section, seals  300  which encircle the entire circumference of the dentifrice compartment  276  where it meets the cap  278  are also shown. These seals  300  serve to ensure that the second compartment  276  does not leak out its dentifrice  292 . Similar seals, such as seal  295  (see  FIG. 39 ), are provided in the cleansing fluid compartment to contain the cleansing fluid  294 . These seals serve to keep the brush, dentifrice and dental cleaning fluid (in some embodiments) separated from the atmosphere. 
       FIG. 41  also shows the snap-in two-part attachment mechanism for the cap  278  to the brush compartment  274 . A ridge  302  extends from one end of the cap  278 . The ridge  302  is circular when viewed from above. This ridge  302  fits snugly into a corresponding groove  304  in the brush compartment  274 . This allows the brush compartment  274  to be combined with the dentifrice compartment  274  for transport and storage. 
     The removal of the brush  298  from the brush compartment  274  may be seen in  FIG. 42 . The brush compartment  274  is also being removed from the cleansing fluid compartment  282 , containing cleansing fluid  294 . The tooth  308  and corresponding groove  306  allow the two compartments to be transported together while also allowing for separation for use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 43 , the separated dentifrice compartment  276  is shown. In this Figure, the dentifrice  292  is shown, along with the hinge  280 , now in a bent position for opening. The ridge  302  is shown extending upwards from the cap  278 . Simultaneously, the snap-tight closure  288  is shown, along with the protuberance  310  to which it affixes when the cap  278  is closed. 
     A perspective view of the separated dentifrice compartment  276  along with the brush  293  is shown in  FIG. 44 . In this Figure, the cap  278  attached to the dentifrice compartment  276  can be seen. A more clear depiction of the snap-tight closure  288  and the corresponding protuberance  310  may also be seen. Similarly, the seal  300 , extending around the entire circumference of the dentifrice compartment  276  top can be seen. The brush  298  is shown in the midst of applying dentifrice to its bristles for application and use on a user&#39;s teeth. In this embodiment, the separate compartments may also be attachable to one another by way of a threaded neck and corresponding threaded compartment as seen in previous figures. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 45 and 46 , an alternative embodiment of a dental cleaning device  312  is shown. The base  314  of the device  312  includes three compartments  316 ,  318  and  320 . The first compartment  316  is filed with dentifrice  322 . The second compartment  318  is filed with cleansing fluid  324 . The third compartment  320  includes a brush  326 . 
     The cap  328  includes corresponding compartments with seals, such as seal  334  for ensuring that none liquid may exit the device  312  once it is closed. The cap  328  includes a snap-tight closure, which corresponds to a protuberance  332 . When closed the device  312  is designed including the seals such that it is substantially air-tight. As above, it is to be expressly understood that this embodiment may take on any number of cross-sectional shapes including squares or rectangles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 46  specifically, the device  312  is shown such that the depth of the chambers  316 ,  318  and  320  may be seen within the base  314 . The cap  328  is opened and the brush  326  is removed such that cleansing fluid  324  may be applied to clean the brush  326 , for example, after brushing the teeth. When closed, the cap  329  includes seals, such as seal  329 , which maintain each compartment separate from the atmosphere. 
     An alternative embodiment is shown in  FIG. 47 . This device  334  includes a base  336  and a lid  338 . The device  334  contains a dentifrice compartment  340  a cleansing fluid compartment  342  and a brush  344 , also contained with a compartment. In some embodiments, the dentifrice compartment  340  and the cleansing fluid compartment  342  may be removable. In these cases, removable portions, such as portion  341  may be removed when the dentifrice has been depleted and may be replaced with a new portion  341  including a new dentifrice compartment  340 . Both the dentifrice compartment  340  and cleansing fluid compartment  342  are provided with a seal  346 ′ in the lid  338  of the device  334 . The seal  346  ensures that dentifrice or cleansing fluid do not escape the device  334  into a user&#39;s purse, for example, while in transit. 
     In this embodiment, the compartments  340  and  342  containing a dentifrice and cleansing fluid respectively, may, as an alternative, be removable and replaceable in order for the option of a variety of dentifrice flavors, and the option of omitting the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, in this alternative embodiment, the brushes are also replaceable. As a result, this embodiment could be less expensive to replace individual components. Also, this embodiment could be manufactured including a higher-quality, stylish exterior portion not intended to be replaced. 
     The device  334  may also include a mirror  348  for viewing one&#39;s teeth while using the brush  344 . The device  334  is closed such that the lid  338  and the base  336  abut one another. In this position the seal  346  covers the dentifrice compartment  340  and the cleansing fluid compartment  342  and keeps the brush  344  relatively contained. The clasp  350  on the lid  338  snaps closed over a wide protrusion  352  on the base  336 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 48 through 50 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device  354  includes a lower portion  356  and an upper portion  358 . The device  354  may be seen in a perspective view and a side view in  FIGS. 48 and 49 . 
     In  FIG. 50 , a cross-sectional view of the device  354  is shown. In this view it can be seen that the upper portion  358  is solid, while the lower portion  356  is substantially hollow including a hollow cavity  361 . The lower portion  356  houses a brush  360 , attached to the upper portion  358 , that in the closed position is completely submerged in dentifrice  362  such that the bristles  364  of the brush  360  are completely covered in dentifrice for use in cleaning teeth. 
     The upper portion  358  is affixed to the lower portion  356  by means of threads  366 . In alternative embodiments, threads may not be used and instead a tooth and groove or a “snap-in” connection may be used. In any such embodiments, the device  354  be substantially air-tight to protect the dentifrice  362  and to ensure that the device  354  does not leak when closed. 
     An additional embodiment is shown in  FIG. 51 . In the device  368  of this embodiment, a plastic backing  370  is provided with a series of indentations (As shown in  FIG. 36 ), such as indentation  372 . Into these indentations, a brush  374  may be placed. As shown in  FIG. 51 , brush  374  includes a base portion having a first large diameter portion adjacent bristles  376  and a second small diameter portion connected to the first portion by a tapering portion. As shown, these portions are circular in cross-section. In this embodiment the bristles  376  of a brush portion have been pre-treated with sufficient amounts of dentifrice  378  to allow a user to remove the brush  374  from the device  368  and begin brushing immediately. 
     A user may “snap off” or “push out” one or more brushes, each contained within an indentation, such as indentation  372 , and covered with a cardboard or other backing. The backing is applied such that the brush is maintained in a substantially air-tight state. The pre-treated brush  374  may also be individually wrapped in any number of packages. This way the dentifrice  378  does not harden or otherwise become unsuitable for use. The user may then open the single indentation  372  and remove the brush  374  for use. Once the user has cleaned his or her teeth, the brush  374  may be disposed. 
     Accordingly, a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus has been described. It is to be understood that the foregoing description has been made with respect to specific embodiments thereof for illustrative purposes only. The overall spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims, as defined in the foregoing description.