Abstract:
A toothbrush holder adapted for ease of packing and unpacking during travel, in which the travel receptacle functions as a drinking cup and which includes a lid having elements for retention of the toothbrush within the cup during travel.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to toothbrush holders and more particularly to a holder adapted for travel use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Travel holders for toothbrushes are known and usually comprise an elongated case in which the toothbrush can be disposed. Another form of travel case is in the form of a small pouch for retaining a toothbrush of a type in which a portion of the handle can be removed. 
     These holders of known construction serve only to contain the toothbrush during travel. Other items for dental hygiene such as a cup, toothpaste, mouthwash, must still be carried separately during travel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a traveling toothbrush holder in which the travel receptacle functions as a drinking cup as well as a container for the brush. The cup includes a lid which may be integrally formed with the cup, and which includes means for retaining the brush during storage, and having a hinged portion disposable in a raised position for drinking use, and in a closed position for retention of a brush within the cup. The container is preferably fabricated of a suitable plastic material, providing relatively inexpensive fabrication and a finished product which can be easily cleaned. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1 in closed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 2 in closed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1 in open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 2 in open position; 
     FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment having an integrally formed lid; and 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional cutaway view of the embodiment of Fig. 6. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings there is shown the traveling toothbrush holder in accordance with the invention and which comprises a cup shaped receptacle 10 having a cylindrical wall 12, a bottom 14, an open mouth 16 and surrounding rim 18. A lid 20 is disposable on the rim 18, the lid having a first portion 22 affixed to the rim, and a second portion 24 pivotable about a hinge line 26 to a raised position, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, and a closed position as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The lid includes an opening 28 centrally disposed therein, the opening being of a size to accommodate the handle of the toothbrush. The opening includes one or more elements 30 for retaining the toothbrush handle when in its closed position. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the element 30 is composed of a tab which lies coplanar within the opening 28, when the lid is closed (FIG. 2), and lies transversely to the opening when the lid is open (FIG. 5). The tab is sized and configured to engage or closely confront the handle of the toothbrush inserted into the lid opening. 
     In the above embodiment, the lid and cup are separately fabricated, with the lid 20 being attachable to the cup rim 18 by a press - fit groove 31 cooperative with the rim 18, as shown in FIG. 1. The hinge is preferably an integrally formed self hinge in the plastic material, usually provided as a seam of reduced thickness. 
     Alternatively, the cup, lid and retaining element can be integrally molded as a single unit of a plastic material providing the requisite cleanliness, as in FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, the cup 10a has an integrally formed cover portion 22a, and a hinged cover portion 24a, pivotable about a hinge 26a. The cover is retained in a closed position by a latch 40. The cover has a tab 30a for retaining the toothbrush handle. 
     The cup receptacle can take a variety of shapes to suit size and aesthetic requirements. In addition to the cylindrical version illustrated, the cup can be of conical configuration, outwardly tapering toward the rim, as in a conventional coffee cup, or of other convenient shape. 
     The toothbrush is installed in the receptacle in the following manner. With the lid raised to its approximate right angle position as shown in FIG. 4, the bristle end 34 of a toothbrush 36 is inserted through the opening 28, and the lid then closed onto the rim. The toothbrush can be pushed into the cup until the bristle end engages the cup bottom. The handle 38 is retained by the tab 30 such that the toothbrush remains secured within the receptacle for easy packing and stowage as a unit for travel. If desired, the cup can be made of sufficient size to contain a small tube of toothpaste and small container of mouthwash. 
     The toothbrush is removed from the receptacle for use by opening the lid 20 to its approximate right angle position, and by pulling the toothbrush by its handle 30 out of the lid retainer. With the lid in its raised position, the cup receptacle is accessable for drinking and rinsing use. To enhance the drinking use of the cup, the lid can be hinged to fold 180° to a fully open position. 
     The invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated in the appended claims.