Patent Publication Number: US-2022232963-A1

Title: Toothbrush Device with Replaceable Toothpaste Infused Brush Head

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/141,163, which was filed on Jan. 25, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of toothbrushes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head. The device is primarily comprised of a main body and a removable, toothpaste infused brush head that attaches to the main body. In one embodiment, the brush head attaches to the main body via a threaded connection. The brush head may further be comprised of a plurality of bristles with a layer of toothpaste on top of the bristles. In this manner, multiple brush heads can be used on one main body. Further, multiple different types of toothpaste can be used on multiple differing types of brush heads. The main body may further be hollow and comprised of an interior space that can house at least one toothpick. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When traveling, nearly all individuals bring a toothbrush. During group trips such as family vacations, multiple individuals each bring their own toothbrush. However, this is undesirable as multiple toothbrushes take up unnecessary amounts of space. In addition, if multiple individuals use different brands, flavors, or types of toothpastes, multiple toothpaste tubes also must be brought. This is also undesirable as it is an unnecessary waste of space. Furthermore, applying toothpaste to the head of a toothbrush may be difficult for extremely young or extremely old individuals who lack the necessary dexterity and coordination. As a result, toothpaste may be spilled on nearby surfaces, which then must be cleaned. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush heads that reduce the amount of space needed to bring multiple toothbrushes for multiple different individuals. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush heads that reduce the amount of space needed to bring multiple toothpastes for multiple different individuals. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head that does not require a user to apply toothpaste to the brush head. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head. The device is primarily comprised of a main body and a removable, toothpaste infused brush head that attaches to the main body. In one embodiment, the brush head attaches to the main body via a threaded connection. The brush head may further be comprised of a plurality of bristles with a layer of toothpaste on top of the bristles. In this manner, multiple brush heads can be used on one main body. Further, multiple different types of toothpaste can be used on multiple differing types of brush heads. The main body may further be hollow and comprised of an interior space that can house at least one toothpick. 
     In this manner, the toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved toothbrush with a main body that can be used with a plurality of different brush heads, and wherein each brush head may also be used by numerous different users. As a result, the device reduces the total amount of toothbrushes that need to be brought on a trip by multiple individuals. In addition, the capability to have multiple brush heads with multiple differing types of toothpaste reduces the total amount of toothpaste that needs to be brought on a trip with multiple individuals. Further, the device does not require that a user apply toothpaste to the brush head. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head. The device is primarily comprised of a main body and a removable, toothpaste infused brush head that attaches to the main body. In the preferred embodiment, the main body and brush head are manufactured from a durable, rigid plastic. The main body and brush head may further be any color in the art, may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque, and may be comprised of a plurality of indicia such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The outer surface of the main body may also have a recessed, textured grip area that allows the main body to be easily held by a user. 
     The main body further has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a male protrusion that is further comprised of a continuous opening and a plurality of male threads. The male threads further engage the opening of the first end of a toothpaste infused brush head that has a plurality of female threads. Therefore, the brush head can be removably attached to the main body via the threads. The second end of the brush head is further comprised of a plurality of bristles, wherein the top of the bristles further has a layer of toothpaste, or wherein the bristles may be hollow and instead filled with said toothpaste. In either embodiment, the toothpaste is preferably in a dehydrated and solid state, wherein once in contact with water the toothpaste will become hydrated and semi-solid (i.e., the consistency of normal toothpaste). The brush head may also vary in size to be able to be easily used by infants, children, teenagers, adults, etc. In addition, the toothpaste of the brush head may be any flavor, type and/or color of toothpaste. Further, one embodiment of the device may have a kit comprised of a plurality of brush heads, wherein the brush heads may differ in size, shape, bristle material, indicia, the type of toothpaste on the brush head, etc. The bristles can also be rounded or any other shape. 
     The second end of the main body is also comprised of a cap. The cap can be removed to reveal the interior space of the body. When removed, the cap preferably remains secured to the body via at least one fastener. At least one toothpick can be stored within the interior space of the body, wherein the toothpick may be made of a wood, metal, or plastic material and preferably has at least one pointed end. The toothpick may further be flavored or scented with various natural or artificial flavors known in the art such as, but not limited to, fruit, mint, etc. 
     Accordingly, the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved toothbrush with a main body that can be used with a plurality of different brush heads and wherein each brush head may also be used by numerous differing users. As a result, the device reduces the total amount of toothbrushes that needs to be brought on a trip with multiple individuals. Further, the capability to have multiple brush heads with multiple differing types of toothpaste reduces the total amount of toothpaste that needs to be brought on a trip with multiple individuals. In addition, no toothpaste need be applied to the brush head. In this manner, the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head overcomes the limitations of existing toothbrushes known in the art. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention with a plurality of toothpaste infused brush heads in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved toothbrush. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush heads that reduces the amount of space needed to bring multiple toothbrushes for multiple different individuals. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head that reduces the amount of space needed to bring multiple toothpastes for multiple different individuals. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head that does not require a user to apply toothpaste to the brush head. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head primarily comprised of a main body and a removable, toothpaste infused brush head that attaches to the main body. The brush head preferably attaches to the main body via a threaded connection. In addition, the brush head may further be comprised of a plurality of bristles with a layer of toothpaste on top of or infused within the bristles. Therefore, multiple brush heads can be used on one main body. Further, multiple different types of toothpaste can be used on multiple differing types of brush heads to add further versatility to the device. The main body may further be hollow and comprised of an interior space that can house at least one toothpick. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device  100  is primarily comprised of a main body  110  and a removable, toothpaste infused brush head  150  that attaches to the main body  110 . In the preferred embodiment, the main body  110  and brush head  150  are manufactured from a durable, rigid plastic such as, but not limited to, an acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. In differing embodiments, the main body  110  and brush head  150  may further be any color in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. In addition, the main body  110  and brush head  150  may be comprised of a plurality of indicia  190  such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The outer surface  120  of the main body  110  may further be comprised of a recessed, textured, grip area  122  that allows the main body  110  to be easily held by a user. 
     The main body  110  further has a first end  130  and a second end  140 . The first end  130  has a male protrusion  132  that is further comprised of a continuous opening  134  and a plurality of male threads  136 . The male threads  136  further engage the opening  162  of the first end  160  of a toothpaste infused brush head  150 . The opening  162  has a plurality of female threads  164 . In this manner, the brush head  150  can be removably threaded (i.e., attached) to the main body  110 . Although, in differing embodiments the brush head  150  may attach to the main body  110  using other attachment means such as, at least one fastener  194 , wherein the at least one fastener  194  includes, but is not limited to, a tongue and groove fastener, a magnetic fastener, a snapping fastener, etc. 
     The second end  170  of the brush head  150  is further comprised of a plurality of bristles  172 . In the preferred embodiment of the device  100 , the bristles  172  are rounded and may be manufactured from any artificial or natural material known in the art such as, but not limited to: nylon, bamboo viscose, animal hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, etc. The top of the bristles  172  further have a layer of toothpaste  174 . In a different embodiment, the bristles  172  may be hollow and instead filled with the toothpaste  174  (i.e., within the bristles  172 ). In either embodiment, the toothpaste  174  is preferably in a dehydrated and solid state, wherein once contacted with water the toothpaste  174  will become hydrated and semi-solid (i.e., the consistency of normal toothpaste). Further, the brush head  150  may be enclosed in a plastic wrapper  192  to prevent damage to the brush head  150  and/or to the toothpaste  174  before use. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  of the present invention with a plurality of toothpaste infused brush heads  150  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In various embodiments, the brush head  150  may vary in size to be able to be easily used by infants, children, teenagers, adults, etc. In addition, the toothpaste  174  of the brush head may be any flavor, type and/or color of toothpaste. Further, one embodiment of the device  100  may have a kit  200  comprised of a plurality of brush heads  150 , wherein the brush heads  150  may differ in size, shape, bristle  172  material, indicia  190 , toothpaste  174  infused onto the brush head  150 , etc. In this manner, one main body  110  can be used with a plurality of different brush heads  150 , wherein each brush head  150  may also be used by (for example) numerous differing users. In this manner, the device  100  reduces the total amount of toothbrushes that needs to be brought on a trip with multiple individuals. 
     The second end  140  of the main body  110  is also comprised of a cap  142  which can be removed to reveal the interior space  112  of the body  110 . When removed, the cap  142  preferably remains secured to the body  110  via at least one fastener  144  that in differing embodiments may be fasteners such as, but not limited to, a strap or a hinge. At least one toothpick  180  can be stored within the interior space  112  of the body  110 . In differing embodiments, the toothpick  180  may be made of a wood, metal or plastic material, and preferably has at least one pointed end  182 . The toothpick  180  may further be flavored or scented with various natural or artificial flavors known in the art such as, but not limited to, fruit, mint, etc. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toothbrush device with a replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the toothbrush device with replaceable toothpaste infused brush head  100  may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.