Abstract:
The present invention is directed towards a dentifrice item holder; most particularly a holder capable of holding toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and other various items, such as a rinse container, mouthwash, dental floss, toothpicks, and the like, all together.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/720,305, filed Nov. 24, 2003, which is based upon provisional patent application No. 60/506,086 filed Sep. 25, 2003, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed towards the field of personal hygiene; particularly towards a dentifrice item holder; most particularly a holder capable of holding toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and other items, such as a rinse container, mouthwash, dental floss, toothpicks, and the like, all together in one holder.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     There have long been bathroom fixtures in the form of supporting panels that extend horizontally from a bathroom wall having apertures therein for retaining toothbrushes and/or rinse containers between uses. The lower ends of toothbrush handles are inserted into their respective toothbrush holes until the bristles abut the supporting panel&#39;s upper surface, such that the brush hangs from the panel and air dries.  
         [0004]     A problem with most conventional support panel toothbrush holders has been that they make no provision for retaining a toothpaste tube and other dentifrice related items, i.e. rinse container, together with at least one toothbrush. An additional problem with such supporting panels is that they are often permanently attached to a bathroom wall, hence, not portable.  
         [0005]     In response, various combination toothbrush and toothpaste holders have been proposed, however, none of known prior art provides a combination holder able to simultaneously support a toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse container holder that is easily cleaned and requires no additional parts, such as a hinge or the like.  
         [0006]     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,497 to Stacy discloses a combined toothpaste holder and vented toothbrush container comprising a semi-cylindrical body, a flared base member, a hingedly engaged top and an insert which creates nested channels within the body. An inner channel includes a downward depending flange and engages a toothpaste tube while an outer channel is created within which toothbrush handles depend, the heads being held by the insert and the handles extending into opening. Unlike the instant invention, this combined toothpaste holder and vented toothbrush container is not designed to support and/or house a rinse container therein. Moreover, the design does not lend itself to easy cleaning as it comprises at least four different members that need to be disassembled to ensure through cleaning.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,035 to Deconinck discloses a device for holding a mouth-rinsing glass, toothbrushes and a tube of dentifrice comprising a molded synthetic resin body provided with two upwardly open mutually adjacent receptacles, one of which is dimensioned to receive a glass or cup while the other requires a tubular insert be provided with at least two laterally extending ribs to subdivide the second receptacle into a plurality of compartments, each of which can receive the handle of a toothbrush. A tube of dentifrice can be inserted into the center of the insert. Again, unlike the present invention this design requires an additional part, i.e. an “insert”, with crevices and ligatures that can be difficult to sanitize effectively.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 1,975,691 to Hibbs discloses a projecting support panel for holding a combined toothbrush and tumbler holder. The holder having a series of independent holes intended to receive a toothbrush and/or tube of toothpaste vertically therein. The tumbler rests on the collar of the holder body. Unlike the present invention, this configuration requires a tumbler with a specific diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the holder body collar. This presents a problem should the tumbler become lost or damaged, thereby rendering the assembly ineffective for its intended use. In addition, the independent holes provide no means to air dry or drain any of the fluid collected therein making the holder body difficult to clean, thus, prone to microorganism growth.  
         [0009]     While the foregoing described prior art device may have advanced the art in a variety of ways, there nevertheless remains a need for an elegant, yet simple, device that is able to support a plurality of different dentifrice related items therein that is portable, economical to manufacture, effortless to assemble and permits access into the interior of the container for easier cleaning.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     Consequently, in response to the aforementioned problems found in the prior art it is the principle objective of the present invention to provide a combination toothbrush and toothpaste tube holder capable of vertically supporting at least one toothbrush and at least one tube of toothpaste therein and which can be adapted to receive additional items therein, such as a rinse container, mouthwash, dental floss, and the like.  
         [0011]     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a holder that is of a stable and durable design, while remaining aesthetically pleasing.  
         [0012]     Still another objective of this invention is to disclose one embodiment of a hollow portable holder which is able to store various dentifrice related items therein, (e.g. dental floss, toothpicks or the like), such that these items are all together for easy transport from one location to the next.  
         [0013]     Yet still another objective of this invention is to provide a holder designed to permit increased sanitation since the holder has no intricate parts to clean.  
         [0014]     A further objective of the instant invention is to provide a holder designed to take up less counter space, that is, can include at least one means for removably attaching to a vertical surface, such as a bathroom wall, or fit into a corner of a bathroom countertop.  
         [0015]     An additional objective of the present invention to provide a holder that is economical to manufacture in that it has few components or complicated moving parts.  
         [0016]     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the accompanying descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustrations and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of a holder for supporting various dental accessories together is highly effective and useful in the personal hygiene art.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention having a square cross-section, as seen along the horizontal axis;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1 , shown with three toothbrushes and a toothpaste tube in their respective ports;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is an upper perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1  having a square cross-section wherein the top panel comprises at least one toothbrush port and toothpaste tube port, the top panel is depicted in a first position where access to the interior of the holder is precluded;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3   b  is an upper perspective view of illustrating the holder in  FIG. 3   a  in a second position wherein the interior is, at least, partially accessible;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3   c  is an upper perspective view of the holder in  FIG. 3   a  wherein the interior is in a fully accessible position;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4   a  is an upper perspective view of the holder illustrating the sidewall panels comprising at least one toothbrush port and top panel comprising a toothpaste tube port, the top panel is depicted in the first position where access to the interior of the holder is precluded;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4   b  is an upper perspective view of illustrating the holder in  FIG. 4   a  in a second position wherein the interior is at least partially accessible;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4   c  is an upper perspective view of illustrating the holder in  FIG. 4   a  in the second position wherein the interior is in a fully accessible position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention having a triangular cross-section as seen along the horizontal axis, the top panel comprising a plurality of toothbrush receiving ports and one toothpaste tube receiving port;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6   a  is an upper perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 5  with a triangular cross-section as seen along the horizontal, with the top panel depicted in a first position where access to the interior of the holder is precluded;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6   b  is an upper perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 5  with a triangular cross-section as seen along the horizontal, with the top panel depicted in a first position where admittance to the interior of the holder is accessible;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view of another embodiment illustrating a solid holder having a rectangular cross-section as seen along the horizontal axis comprising a plurality of toothbrush receiving ports and toothpaste tube receiving port opening into individual upright passageways that extend downwardly entirely through the solid holder body into corresponding passageway drain ports in the bottom panel.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]     Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0030]     Referring to now to  FIGS. 1-7 , wherein like elements are numbered consistently throughout,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a dentifrice container, or holder, generally referenced as  10 . Holder  10  includes a body  12  defined by a top panel  22 , a bottom panel  26  in spaced apart relation, along a longitudinal axis thereof, sufficient to retain at least one toothpaste tube  40  and at least one toothbrush  37  in a substantially vertical position ( FIG. 2 ). The holder  10  further comprises at least two pairs of opposing sidewalls panels  20 , wherein each of the sidewall panels  20  are attached to the bottom panel  26 , thereby defining an internal cavity  43  with an upper access opening  45 , as shown in  FIGS. 3   b - 3   c.    
         [0031]     In addition, the holder  10  of  FIG. 1  includes at least one toothbrush receiving ports (or openings)  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  constructed and arranged to receive correspondingly sized toothbrushes  37  and at least one toothpaste tube receiving port  42  also constructed and arranged to receive a correspondingly sized toothpaste tube  40 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The toothbrush receiving ports  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  may all have the same, or different dimensions such as progressively increasing diameters capable of receiving toothbrushes  37  of different sizes.  
         [0032]     In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-4   c , the top panel  22  is slidingly attached to at least one of the pair of opposing sidewalls  20 . In a particularly preferred configuration, the width of the top panel  22  is slidingly received within a correspondingly sized channel, or groove,  62  such that the top panel  22  can be translated within the channel  62  by the user between a first position, where the top panel substantially covers the upper access opening  45  ( FIG. 3   a ) and a second position wherein the top panel  22  provides at least partial access ( FIG. 3   b ) or full access ( FIG. 3   c ) to the interior cavity  43  of the holder body  12 .  
         [0033]     It can be appreciated that when the top panel  22  is positioned to provide at least partial access or full access to the interior cavity  43 , the user may be able to place additional items such as, a rinse cup  60  into the interior cavity  43  and at least one toothbrush  37  or toothpaste tube  40  into corresponding ports formed in the top panel  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c . This configuration is particularly desirous as it able to simultaneously support at least one toothbrush  37 , a rinse container  60  and potentially a toothpaste tube  40  (depending on position of top panel  22  along the channel  62 ). Moreover, when positioned as shown in  FIG. 3   c , the user can readily clean the interior cavity  43 .  
         [0034]     Conversely, the outer periphery of the top panel can include a channel (not shown) constructed and arranged to received a projection (not shown) integrally connected to at least one pair of opposing sidewalls, wherein the top panel is readily translated between the first position and the second position along the projection.  
         [0035]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3   c , the toothbrush receiving ports  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and toothpaste tube receiving port  42  are located within the top panel  22 , however, it is contemplated herein that these ports can be located within the sidewall panels  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 4   a - c  without departing from the scope of the instant invention. Moreover, although not specifically shown herein, it would be obvious to the skilled artisan to include at least one toothbrush receiving port  32  and one toothpaste tube receiving port  42  in both the top and sidewall panels.  
         [0036]     The toothbrush receiving ports  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  are shown herein as circular, however, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to provide openings of different configurations, e.g., oval, square, rectangular, triangular, etc., without departing from the scope of the instant invention. Similarly, the toothpaste tube receiving port  42  may be provided in any shape known in the art.  
         [0037]     In a preferred embodiment, the toothbrush receiving ports  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and/or toothpaste tube receiving port  42  can include a chamfered edge  66  which either projects downward or upward with respect to the surface of panel  20 ,  22  and functions to retain the toothbrush or toothpaste tube in a generally vertical position. In one embodiment, the toothbrush receiving ports are sized such that they are wider than the bristle end of a standard toothbrush  37 , such that the toothbrushes, and/or toothpaste tube, are supported by their lower ends, which rest on either bottom panel  26 , or a support surface (i.e. countertop) when the holder  10  is resting on the support surface.  
         [0038]     In the aforementioned embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4   c , the holder body  12  is shown with generally rectangular cross-section, as seen along the transverse of the longitudinal axis. However, it would be obvious, to provide a holder body with a horizontal cross-section in another desired shape. For instance,  FIGS. 5-6   b  illustrate a holder  10  with a generally triangular horizontal cross-section, as seen along the horizontal axis. Like the previous embodiments, the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 5-6   b  illustrate a body  12  defined by a top panel  22  and a bottom panel  26 , in spaced apart relation along a longitudinal axis thereof, and at least three sidewall panels  20  all attached to the bottom panel  26 , thereby defining an internal cavity  43  with an access opening  45  ( FIG. 6   b ). This triangular configuration can be particularly advantageous for placement of the holder  10  against a countertop corner, thereby, maximizing available countertop space.  
         [0039]     Like the previous embodiments, the top panel  22 , sidewall panels  20  or both, in  FIGS. 5-6   b  includes at least one toothbrush receiving opening  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  adapted to support a correspondingly sized toothbrush (not shown) therein, and at least one toothpaste tube receiving opening  42  to support a correspondingly sized toothpaste tube (not shown). However, in this embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 6   a - b , at least one of said sidewall panels  20  in the holder  10  is slidingly attached to both the top panel  22  and the bottom panel  26 , in order to provide access to the internal cavity.  43 . The width of the sidewall panel  20  is slidingly received within a correspondingly sized channel, or groove,  62  formed within the top and bottom panel  22 ,  26  such that the sidewall panel  20  can be translated within the channel  62  by the user between a first position ( FIG. 6   a ), where the sidewall panel  20  substantially covers the upper access opening  45  and a second position ( FIG. 6   b ) wherein the sidewall panel  20  provides at least partial access to the interior cavity  43  of the holder body  12  for improved cleaning capability.  
         [0040]     Conversely, the outer periphery of the sidewall panel can include a channel (not shown) constructed and arranged to receive a projection (not shown) integrally connected to the top and bottom panel wherein the sidewall panel is readily translated between the first position and the second position along the projection.  
         [0041]     Preferably, the holder body  12  of all the aforementioned embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-6   a  is hollow and can include at least one drain port  44  provided in the bottom panel  26  to allow any fluid therein to be emptied out of the interior of the holder, see  FIGS. 2 and 5 .  
         [0042]     As show in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , all of the aforementioned embodiments can include an elevation means. The elevation means can comprise multiple discrete elevation projections, or foot structures,  64  provided proximate the bottom, peripheral edge of panel  26  such that fluid can empty through the drain port  44 .  
         [0043]     Alternatively, the elevation means can include a single, continuous elevation projection, or rim,  74  illustrated in phantom and provided along the outer surface of the bottom panel  26  periphery so that fluid can empty through at least one drain port  44 . The single peripheral elevation projection  74  is preferred, because it raises the bottom panel  26  from a support surface (i.e. countertop) to permit draining of fluid through drain port  44  and yet contains the fluid beneath the holder body  12  and not all over the support surface.  
         [0044]     Furthermore as shown in  FIG. 7 , it is contemplated herein that the holder body  12  can be formed of a solid material, wherein the toothbrush receiving ports  32  and toothpaste tube receiving port  42  open into individual upright passageways  70 ,  72 , respectively. These passages extend through the holder body  12  and open into corresponding passageway drain ports  44  formed in the bottom panel  26 . Like the aforementioned embodiments, the top panel  22  could be slidingly received within at least two of the sidewall panels  20 .  
         [0045]     It is contemplated that any of the above-mentioned forms of the instant holder  10  can be provided in virtually any desired material (e.g. plastics, metal, fiberglass, resin, porcelain, ceramics, or combinations thereof), color, and texture known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the material may be translucent, transparent or opaque.  
         [0046]     In any of the various embodiments discussed above, the instant holder can include at least one integrally formed means for removably attaching to a vertical surface  76 , such as a bathroom wall, as shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the means for attaching can include at least one, albeit not limited to, a suction cup  80 , a hook, double-sided adhesive or the like, well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments wherein the holder is supported above a horizontal surface, as in  FIG. 7 , the toothbrush receiving ports and/or and toothpaste tube receiving port could be tapered along the longitudinal axis or sized such that they retain the toothbrush and toothpaste therein. For example, the toothbrush receiving port can be smaller than the bristle end of a standard toothbrush, such that the toothbrushes are supported by their bristle portions abutting the upper surface of the top panel  22  when in the first and/or second position.  
         [0047]     It is further contemplated that any of the above-mentioned forms of the instant holder can be used to store smaller dentifrice related items (e.g. toothpicks, dental floss, etc.,) therein which is particularly beneficial when traveling.  
         [0048]     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the invention are illustrated, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.  
         [0049]     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The various apparatus, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.