Patent GB-392248-A (GB)
Title: A device for holding and treating tooth brushes during nonuse
IPC: A47K1/04
Filed: 1931-12-03
Abstract: 392,248. Cleaning toothbrushes. HAY, C. W., 8, Alton Street, Nelson, and HAY, C. R., Lake Farm, Oamaru, North Otago, both in New Zealand. Dec. 3, 1931, No. 33530. [Class 19.] A holder for toothbrushes having means for treating the brushes with a dentifrice or a medicament comprises a receptacle 1 fitted with a water outlet 3 and a water-supply pipe 4 the upper end of which is surrounded by a perforated bowl 5. An upper hollow member 6, having a perforated lower portion 11, slides vertically in the receptacle 1 and is provided with toothbrush racks 12, a holder or funnel 8 for dentifrice or medicament, and a perforated receptacle 9 adapted to fit over the perforated nozzle 4a of the pipe 4. A slide 10 provided with an aperture 10a controls the passage of dentifrice from the funnel 8 to the receptacle 9 which is provided with a flange 13 fitting over the bowl 5. Spring-closed doors 11a, through which the brushes are inserted, are provided in the lower portion 11 of the member 6. The receptacle 1 is provided with a supporting ring 2, Fig. 1, fitted with brackets, lugs or the like for attachment to a suitable fixture. The member 6 is provided with a hinged lid 7, and is suspended by rods, wires, or the like 14 secured to the lid 7 and connected to levers, arms or bows 15. The bows 15 are carried by a member 16 pivoted to supports 17 secured to the ring 2, the member 16 being provided with outer operating arms or bows 23. The member 6 is held in the raised position either by screws 24, Fig. 4, passing through the wall of the receptacle 1 and engaging recesses or hollows 24a in the member 6, by projections 25, Fig. 1, on the bows 23 which coact with sockets 26 on the supports 17, or by chains 27 attached to the bows 23 and provided with rings 28 adapted to engage hooks 29 on the ring 2. A semi-circular rotatable door 34, through which dentifrice is supplied to the hopper 8, is provided in the lid 7. The contents of the funnel may be loosened by depressing a spring-lifted rod 35 projecting through the door 34, the rod carrying a pronged member situated adjacent the outlet of the funnel. Water may be supplied to the pipe 4 through a valve-controlled main 30, or by a rubber tube provided with a bulb by means of which the water is drawn from a container and forced through the pipe, or from a supply tank either directly or through the intermediary of a handoperated pump. In modifications, (1) the receptacle 9 is open-topped and is supported from the member 6 by a cross partition, the funnel 8 being provided with a flared outlet situated over the receptacle, and (2) the bowl 5 is formed without perforations, except for one or more drainage apertures, and is fitted with roses or nozzles for directing the liquid on to the brushes. In use, the brushes are inserted in the racks, dentifrice or medicament is supplied to the receptacle 9, the member 6 is lowered into the receptacle 1, and the water is turned on, when the solution or suspension is sprayed on to the brushes. After treatment, the member 6 is raised and the brushes allowed to hang therein until required for use.