Abstract:
An innovative ergonomic toothbrush holder and toothpaste dispensing system that is particularly useful and helpful for people with limited motion in their hands and arms. This system allows the toothbrush to remain upright in a hygienic enclosure and further allows an individual to easily uncover the toothbrush and apply toothpaste with one hand. The present invention has the further attribute of storage in a hygienic enclosure that is also suitable for travel.

Description:
FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT 
       [0001]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The instant invention relates to an innovative ergonomic toothbrush holder and toothpaste dispensing system that is particularly useful and helpful for people with limited motion in their hands and arms. This system allows the toothbrush to remain upright and held in place by magnets in a hygienic enclosure and further allows an individual to easily uncover the toothbrush and apply toothpaste with one hand. The present invention has the further attribute of storage in a hygienic enclosure that is also suitable for travel. 
       Description of the Prior Art 
       [0003]    The prior art teaches many different types of toothbrush and toothpaste dispensing systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,567 to Burrowes features a toothbrush with built in toothpaste that is electrically dispensed. U.S. Pat. No. 7,856,738 discloses a hygienic toothbrushing method. U.S. Patent application 20100290829 discloses a combined toothbrush and toothpaste dispensing mechanism. However this device clearly would require two hands to use. 
         [0004]    While all of the above patents represent improvements and enhancements to the overall process of brushing one&#39;s teeth, none addresses the need to offer a method to allow persons with limited use of hands and arms to easily secure a toothbrush, dispense toothpaste, and return the toothbrush to a hygienic location. The present invention solves this long felt need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed toward a device that allows a person with limited use of his or her hands or arms to easily secure a toothbrush from a hygienic enclosure, dispense toothpaste, brush one&#39;s teeth and return the toothbrush to the hygienic enclosure. The basic components of the present invention include a toothbrush, a closed lower cylinder, a movable upper shell apparatus that can open and close, various mechanisms within the closed lower cylinder and movable upper shell that allow the toothbrush to emerge, and a base with a metallic top which also serves as a mechanism for removing the top from a toothpaste tube. 
         [0006]    In simplest terms, the instant invention is operated by the user grasping the outer shell with one hand, moving the movable upper shell up and thereby opening the top of the outer shell and moving the toothbrush up, locking the toothbrush in place, and moving the movable upper shell down thereby allowing the toothbrush to protrude through the opening. The user then puts the tube of toothpaste cap first into the ridged cap orifice located in the base and twists the tube, thereby allowing the ridges to engage the toothpaste cap and remove it from the top of the toothpaste tube. The user then applies the toothpaste to the exposed toothbrush. The user then grasps the device, removes it from the base, and proceeds to brush his or her teeth. 
         [0007]    After the user is finished, he or she places the device back on the base, grasps the outer shell and moves it up which causes the toothbrush to retract and settle in a stable upright position while simultaneously closing the opening. The toothbrush is then safely stored in an enclosed position with only minimal exposure to the various airborne germs that permeate the atmosphere of the modern day bathroom. 
         [0008]    It is important to note that the above steps can be accomplished with one hand, thereby easing considerably the toothbrushing process for a person with limited use of forearms and hands. 
         [0009]    The functioning of the various internal mechanisms that allow the toothbrush to be moved up to the ready position, open and close the opening in the top of the outer shell, and eventually move the toothbrush down to the stable locked storage position are key to the functioning of the instant device and are described in detail in subsequent paragraphs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective cutaway view of the instant invention  10  in the stored position, including the toothbrush  20  enclosed in the movable upper shield  70 , the magnet holding the lower cylinder  30  to the lower rim  35  of the lower cylinder, the hook  50  to which the flexible connector  80  is connected, and the opening  60  at the top of outer shell  70 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a side cutaway view of the instant invention  10  in the stored position, including the toothbrush  20  enclosed in the outer shell  70 , the magnet holding the lower cylinder  30  to the lower rim  35  of the lower cylinder, the hook  50  to which the flexible connector  80  is connected, and the opening  60  at the top of outer shell  70 . Also shown are the button/slider assembly  75  and the flexible closure assembly  90  that serves to open and close the opening in the top of the outer shell  70 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a frontal view of the instant invention  10  with the toothbrush  20  in the ready position protruding through the top of the outer shell  70 . This view also shows the button/slider assembly  75  in the down position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a frontal view of the instant invention  10  with the toothbrush in the stored position and with the button/slider assembly  75  in the movable upper position and with the opening in the top of shell closed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows the device  10  as it transitions from the storage position to the ready position. In order to perform the transition, the outer shell  70  is moved up thereby moving the toothbrush upward also and engaging the mechanisms that cause the opening to open. This figure also shows the base  100  and the ridged toothpaste cap orifice  110 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows the device  10  with the toothbrush  20  in the ready position protruding from the opening in the top of the outer shell  70 . Also shown is the button/slider assembly  75 , a toothpaste tube  150 , the base  100 , and a toothpaste tube cap  120  engaged in the ridged toothpaste tube orifice  110 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side close-up view of the button/slider assembly  75  which is located on the inside of the movable upper shell. In operation, the button/slider assembly is moved up and down to open and close the opening at the top of the movable upper shell. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention is directed toward a device that features one handed operation of a hygienic toothbrush storage and utilization system. The system allows a person with limited use of his or her hands or arms to easily expose a toothbrush from a hygienic enclosure, engage and hold the toothbrush firmly protruding from the top of the device, remove the cap of a toothpaste tube, dispense toothpaste onto the toothbrush, brush one&#39;s teeth and return the toothbrush to the hygienic enclosure. The basic components of the present invention include a toothbrush, a combined closed cylinder/movable upper shell apparatus with a magnet in the bottom of the closed cylinder, various mechanisms within the closed cylinder/movable upper shell that allow the toothbrush to protract and retrace, and a base with a metallic top which also serves as a mechanism for removing the top from a toothpaste tube. 
         [0018]    There are several other aspects of the ability of a person with limited use of arms and hands to use the device. A person with only one hand or arm can use the device and would find it to be of tremendous utility. Another person with arthritic hands or arms would find it easy and utilitarian because it only requires a minimum of force to engage and disengage the button/slider assembly. In an alternate embodiment of the device, the manual button/slider assembly can be replaced by an electronic battery operated button/slider assembly. Finally, the undeniable hygienic nature of is of benefit to a person with limited use of arms and hands in that it requires less cleaning. 
         [0019]    The hygienic nature of the device is a key attribute of this device. One of the issues surrounding use of toothbrushes is the fact that most toothbrushes are exposed to germs and other bacteria that permeate the atmosphere in a modern bathroom. The instant device serves to address this issue by enclosing the toothbrush in a shell that serves to attenuate most of the airborne germs and bacteria. There are some small holes in the shell in order to allow some air flow and prevent mold buildup. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective cutaway view of the instant invention  10  in the stored position, including the toothbrush  20  enclosed in the movable upper shield  70 , the magnet holding the lower cylinder  30  to the lower rim  35  of the lower cylinder, the hook  50  to which the flexible connector  80  is connected, and the opening  60  at the top of outer shell  70 . In general, the entire apparatus is about 10-12 inches high and is no more than two inches in diameter. The device has to be large enough to easily contain all the components, but small enough so that a person can easily grasp it with one hand. An additional feature of the unit is a series of raised “grip strips” around the exterior of the outer shell. This is important for people with arthritis in their hands who may not be able to firmly grip the device. The grip strips allow such a person to grasp and hold the device steady without exerting an inordinate amount of pressure on the device which can be difficult and painful for persons with arthritis. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side cutaway view of the instant invention  10  in the stored position, including the toothbrush  20  enclosed in the outer shell  70 , the magnet holding the lower cylinder  30  to the lower rim  35  of the lower cylinder, the hook  50  to which the flexible connector  80  is connected, and the opening  60  at the top of outer shell  70 . Also shown are the button/slider assembly  75  and the flexible closure assembly  90  that serves to open and close the opening in the top of the outer shell  70 . 
         [0022]    As the outer shell is grasped and moved up approximately two to four inches by the user, the internal mechanisms within the device serve to move the toothbrush up simultaneously until the base of the toothbrush engages a catch and locks into place. The user then moves the outer shell down, which serves to retract the flexible closure assembly  90  and allows the toothbrush to protrude through the opening  60  in the movable upper part of the outer shell  70 . 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a frontal view of the instant invention  10  with the toothbrush  20  in the ready position protruding through the top of the outer shell  70  is shown. This view also shows the button/slider assembly  75  in the down position which, in turn, indicates that the internal mechanisms have locked the toothbrush in the up position so that it protrudes through the opening at the top of the outer shell. In this ready position, the toothbrush is fully engaged and locked by the internal mechanisms and is ready to have the toothpaste applied to the toothbrush—all with one hand. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a frontal view of the instant invention  10  is shown with the toothbrush in the stored position and with the button/slider assembly  75  in the movable upper position and with the opening in the top of shell closed. This indicates that the internal mechanisms have been actuated by the button/slider assembly and have resulted in the toothbrush being retracted into the recesses of the outer shell. It further indicates that the flexible closure assembly has moved up along the inside of the outer shell and closed the opening in the top of the outer shell. In the stored position, the toothbrush is essentially shielded from the airborne germs and bacteria that can be found in any bathroom. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a view is shown of the device  10  as it transitions from the storage position to the ready position. In order to perform the transition, the outer shell  70  is moved up thereby moving the toothbrush upward also and engaging the mechanisms that cause the opening to open. This figure also shows the base  100  and the ridged toothpaste cap orifice  110 . The outer shell is moved up about two to four inches by the user grabbing the outside of the outer shell and moving it upwards. The toothbrush  20  remains in the top of the outer shell as it moves upward. When the outer shell reaches a pre-determined height, the internal mechanisms lock the toothbrush in place and engage the flexible closure assembly. When the user begins moving the outer shell down, the engaged flexible closure assembly also begins to move down and therefore creates the opening at the top of the outer shell. The toothbrush which is locked into the up position protrudes through the opening as the outer shell moves downward. When the outer shell reaches the full down position, the toothbrush is fully exposed, locked into place and ready for use. The base  100  is made of metal, hard plastic, wood, or composite and has a ferrous top which attracts the magnet in the bottom of the lower cylinder. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a view is shown of the device  10  with the toothbrush  20  locked firmly in the ready position protruding from the opening in the top of the outer shell  70 . Also shown is the button/slider assembly  75 , a toothpaste tube  150 , the base  100 , and a toothpaste tube cap  120  engaged in the ridged toothpaste tube orifice  110 . 
         [0027]    This particular view also displays how the user can perform all the functions with just one hand. This view shows a toothpaste cap  120  resting in the ridged toothpaste tube orifice  110 . In practice, the user inserts the toothpaste tube with cap into the orifice and turns/rotates the tube clockwise until the cap comes off Then the user applies the toothpaste from the opened tube  150  onto the toothbrush bristles. When a sufficient amount of toothpaste has been applied, the user returns the uncapped tube to the ridged toothpaste tube orifice, inserts the top into the cap and rotates counterclockwise until it is securely fastened. Then the user withdraws the capped toothpaste tube. At this point, the user is ready to grasp the device with the toothbrush protruding and brush his or her teeth. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a side close-up view of the button/slider assembly  75  which is located on the inside of the movable upper shell. In operation, the button/slider assembly is moved up and down to open and close the opening at the top of the movable upper shell. This particular button/slider assembly engages the flexible closure assembly to expose and close the opening at the top of the outer shell. 
         [0029]    Another key to the operation of the instant device is the working of the internal mechanisms that combine to raise the toothbrush as the outer shell is raised, lock the toothbrush in to the raised position when the outer shell is raised two to four inches, uncover the opening in the top of the outer shell, close the opening in the outer shell when the cylinder is raised and lowered again, and allows the toothbrush to fall back to the stored position when the user is done brushing his teeth. Several different types of mechanisms can be employed to effect these motions, openings, closings, and locks.