Patent Publication Number: US-2020281346-A1

Title: Toothpaste Dispensing Disposable Toothbrush

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/814,451 filed on Mar. 6, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a disposable toothbrush. More specifically, the present invention is a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste inside the handle, wherein turning the base of the toothbrush dispenses toothpaste from the handle, through the neck of the brush into openings disposed within rows of bristles on the toothbrush head. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Brushing one&#39;s teeth is one of the most important parts of a healthy hygiene. In addition to freshening the breath, proper brushing also kills the germs and bacteria that can grow inside the mouth. The American Dental Association recommends that teeth be brushed at least twice daily, preferably after meals. However, this recommendation can often prove to be easier said than done. With the hustle and bustle of busy work and daily life, it is simply not practical to carry around a toothbrush and a bulky, messy tube of toothpaste when you are away from home. As a result, consumers are unable to brush their teeth immediately following a meal. The longer the food particles remain in the mouth, the more susceptible you are to the formation of germs and bacteria that cause decay. Further, toothpaste and toothbrush are two main things that people often forget to pack when they are travelling or away from home. 
     An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste and is perfect for taking anywhere. It is an aim of the present invention to provide users the convenience of reducing the number of items in their bathrooms, and preventing accidentally missing application of toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a toothbrush with a toothpaste filled handle, that could be operated both manually and automatically. In the manual version, rotating a base portion of the toothbrush, serve as a turn screw operated plunger mechanism, that dispenses toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The automatic version of the present invention would perform similarly, except that instead of rotating the base, a push button on the toothbrush dispenses a fixed amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The present invention is an especially convenient product for travelers, as it could be easily packed into a purse or a travel bag thereby eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that may leak onto travelers&#39; belongings. Further, hotel guests would also enjoy the convenience of this product, as it is disposable, affordable, and perfect for short trips. Furthermore, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, and at lobby desks to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Additionally, the present invention may comprise a variety of attractive and eye-catching colors on the outside and have a variety of toothpastes and gels in different flavors as filling. Examples of such fillings include, but are not limited to, extra whitening, tarter control, mint for adults, bubble gum to appeal children etc. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and lightweight product, that could help users maintain a healthy oral hygiene. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top front left perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom rear right perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of  FIG. 3  taken along A-A′. 
         FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of  FIG. 5 , taken along B-B′. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, where the handle is ergonomically designed to facilitate brushing. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the embodiment in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of  FIG. 10 , taken along C-C′. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , the present invention is a toothpaste dispensing disposable toothbrush. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste, and perfect for taking anywhere. It is an aim of the toothbrush, to provide users the convenience of reducing the number of items in their bathrooms, and preventing accidentally missing applying toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the toothbrush comes with a toothpaste filled handle, that could be operated both manually and automatically. In the manual version, a rotating base portion of the toothbrush, serve as a turn screw operated plunger mechanism, that dispenses toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The automatic version of the present invention would perform similarly, except that instead of rotating the base, a push button on the toothbrush dispenses a fixed amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The present invention is an especially convenient product for travelers, as it could be easily packed into a purse or a travel bag, thereby eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that may leak onto travelers&#39; belongings. Further, hotel guests would also enjoy the convenience of this product, as it is disposable, affordable, and perfect for short trips. Furthermore, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, airports and at lobby desks, to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and lightweight product, that could help users maintain a healthy oral hygiene, when they are in a hurry or away from home. 
     The following description is in reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . As seen in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush comprises a handle  1 , a base  2 , a neck  3 , and a brushing assembly  4 . The handle  1 , the base  2 , the neck  3 , and the brushing assembly  4  may comprise any shape, size, material, color, orientation, component, or arrangement of components, that are known to one or ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not hindered. However, it is preferred that the handle  1  is cylindrical in shape and is rubber coated, for providing a good grip and easy handling. Additionally, the handle  1  may comprise a variety of attractive and eye-catching colors, examples of which include, but are not limited to red, blue, orange, white, purple, and yellow. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle  1  comprises a body  5 , a toothpaste compartment  6 , and a toothpaste dispensing assembly  7 . Preferably, the body  5  is a hollow cylindrical receptacle with one or more groves and ledges for fastening elements. However, the body  5  may comprise any shape, size, or components, that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not altered. In the ideal embodiment of the present invention the toothpaste compartment  6  may store a volume of gel or toothpaste until it is dispensed by the user, and the gel or toothpaste may comprise different varieties and flavors that appeal to both adults and children. Examples of such toothpastes include, but are not limited to, extra whitening, tarter control, mint etc. for adults, and bubble gum, strawberry, cherry etc. for children. Preferably, the toothpaste compartment  6  traverses into a first end  8  of the body  5 , so that the toothpaste compartment  6  can hold enough toothpaste to last for approximately 5-7 days. However, the toothpaste compartment  6  may comprise any size or shape, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not compromised. 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the base  2  is mounted over the first end  8  and the neck  3  is attached to a second end  9  of the body  5 , wherein, the second end  9  is opposite to the first end  8  across the body  5 . This arrangement of the base  2  and the neck  3  enables easy handling and manipulation of the toothbrush for the user. Preferably, the base  2  is a small cylinder, that has a knurled outer surface  2   a , for providing better grip to users. However, the base  2  can comprise any size or shape that do not hinder the intended purpose of the present invention. Continuing with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brushing assembly  4  comprises a brush head  10 , a bristle component  11 , a plurality of openings  12 , and a toothpaste channel  13 . Further, the brush head  10  is mounted adjacent to the neck  3 , opposite to the body  5 , and the bristle component  11  is mounted on a brushing surface  10   a  of the brush head  10 . The positioning of the brush head  10  and the arrangement and shape of the bristle component  11  enables easy handling and efficient cleaning, while operating the toothbrush. As seen in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , the brush head  10  comprises a rectangular shape with rounded edges. However, the brush head  10  may comprise any shape and/or size, such as oval, circular, polygonal etc. that are known to one or ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intentions of the present invention is fulfilled. Similarly, it is preferred that the bristle component  11  comprises short, crisscrossing fiber bristles with beveled edges, that can facilitate an efficient and comfortable cleaning. However, bristles having any different shapes and/or arrangements, such as a dual bristle head with one group of bristles circular in shape and the other group of bristles being oval in shape etc. would fall under the scope of the present invention. 
     It is an aim of the present invention to dispense toothpaste from the handle, into the toothbrush head. Accordingly, the plurality of openings  12  traverse into the brushing surface  10   a , and the toothpaste channel  13  traverse through the brush head  10  and the neck  3 , into the toothpaste compartment  6 . The plurality of openings  12  spans the length of the brushing surface  10   a , serving as the egress for toothpaste, and to provide an unobstructed route for the toothpaste stored in the toothpaste compartment  6  to flow onto the brushing surface  10   a . These plurality of openings  12  may be of any number, size, or location, so long as they do not compromise the integrity of the present invention and do not prevent free flow of toothpaste from the neck  3 . The toothpaste channel  13  may be a singular large entity, or numerous, smaller channels that allow the plurality of openings  12  to be fed with toothpaste. In other words, the plurality of openings  12  is in fluid communication with the toothpaste compartment  6  through the toothpaste channel  13 . 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7  is operatively coupled in between the base  2  and the toothpaste compartment  6 , such that, manipulating the base  2  forces a quantity of toothpaste out of the toothpaste compartment  6 , into the plurality of openings  12 , through the toothpaste channel  13 . In other words, the present invention enables easy dispensing of toothpaste on to the toothbrush bristles, based on how the user manipulates the base. Further, it is an aim of the present invention, that users be able control the dispensing of toothpaste onto the brush head  10 . In order to accomplish that, a manual version of the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7  in the preferred embodiment comprises, a threaded rod  14 , a plunger base  15 , a retainer  16 , a central hole  17 , a female threading  18 , a plunger top  19 , and a plunger seal  20 . 
     The threaded rod  14  may comprise any size or material, as long as the threaded rod  14  may withstand the strain of forcing the plunger seal  20  against the volume of toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment  6 . Further, the threaded rod  14  comprises an upper end  14   a  and a lower end  14   b , wherein the upper end  14   a  is positioned opposite to the lower end  14   b  across the threaded rod  14 . According to the preferred embodiment, the upper end  14   a  is rotatably attached to the retainer  16 , and the lower end  14   b  is attached adjacent to the plunger base  15 . Preferably, the plunger base  15  is a circular disc, that is mounted over the first end  8  of the body  5 , wherein the base  2  is rotatably mounted to the plunger base  15 , opposite to the first end  8 . The rotatability of the base  2  in relation with the plunger base  15  and the threaded rod  14 , governs the smooth functioning of the present invention. 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the retainer  16  is mounted within the toothpaste compartment  6 , adjacent the second end  9 . Preferably, the retainer  16  is a permanently fixed support system within the toothpaste compartment  6 , adjacent the second end  9 , that determines an end point for the threaded rod  14 . Accordingly, the retainer  16  may be a flat ring of similar size and shape to the inner diameter of the toothpaste compartment  6 . However, the retainer  16  may comprise any other shape, size or material, that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intentions of the present invention is preserved. 
     Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the central hole  17  normally traverses through the plunger base  15 , the plunger top  19 , and the plunger seal  20 , thereby enabling the threaded rod  14  to traverse through the plunger base  15 , the plunger top  19 , and the plunger seal  20 . Further, the female threading  18  is laterally attached to the plunger top  19  within the central hole  17 , such that the threaded rod  14  be engaged to the plunger top  19 , by the female threading  18 . The plunger top  19  may be of any size or material, so long as it engages helically with the threaded rod  14 . According to the preferred embodiment, the plunger seal  20  is mounted adjacent to the plunger top  19 , opposite to the plunger base  15 , such that the plunger top  19  is the guiding element for the linear motion of the plunger seal  20 . Further, the threaded rod  14 , the plunger base  15 , the central hole  17 , and the retainer  16  are concentrically aligned, for efficient functioning of the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7 . As seen in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 , the plunger seal  20  is not engaged with the threaded rod  14 . Thus, unable to rotate freely, the helical engagement of the threaded rod  14  and plunger top  19  will force the plunger seal  20  upwards, thereby displacing the toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment  6 . According to the preferred embodiment, the linear motion of the plunger seal  20  terminates as the plunger seal  20  touches the retainer  16 . Thus, in order to efficiently displace the toothpaste from the toothpaste compartment  6 , the plunger seal  20  is coterminous with the toothpaste compartment  6 . In other words, in the preferred embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7  will ride the plunger seal  20  from the plunger base  15  to the retainer  16 , forcing toothpaste out of the toothpaste compartment  6 , through the neck  3 , and out of the plurality of openings  12 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7  further comprises at least one plunger track  21  and at least one plunger flange  22 . Preferably, the plunger track  21  is laterally mounted within the toothpaste compartment  6  and the plunger track  21  extends between the retainer  16  and the plunger base  15 . According to the preferred embodiment, the plunger flange  22  is laterally connected to the plunger seal  20 , and the plunger flange  22  is slidably engaged along the plunger track  21 . This is so that, the plunger track  21  and the plunger flange  22  are congruent to each other and work towards preventing the rotation and/or wobbling action of the plunger seal  20 , as the threaded rod  14  is being rotated. 
     It is an aim of the present invention to enable users to channel toothpaste from the handle  1  through the neck  3  to the plurality of openings  12  of the toothbrush, by simply turning the base  2  clockwise. In order to accomplish that, the present invention further comprises a head  23 , and a base fastener  24 . Preferably, the head is connected adjacent to the lower end  14   b , and the head is positioned in between the plunger base  15  and the base  2 . The head  23  may be of any size or material, provided that the head  23  engages with the threaded rod  14  and may withstand the strain of forcing the plunger seal  20  against the volume of toothpaste in the toothpaste compartment  6 . Further, the base fastener  24  is connected in between the base and the head, such that the head  23  (and thus the threaded rot  14 ) is rotatably couples to the base fastener  24 . This makes sure that rotating the base  2  will rotate the threaded rod  14 , and in turn forces the plunger seal  20  to traverse the length of the toothpaste compartment  6 . 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush comprises a human interface device (HID)  25 , and a base compartment  26 . As seen in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 5 , the HID  25  is laterally mounted onto the base  2  and comprises a rectangular switch. However, the HID  25  may be placed anywhere on the base  2  or handle  1 , and be of any shape, size or material that does not hinder the intended purpose of the present invention. Further, the base compartment  26  is positioned within the base  2 . Preferably the base compartment  26  is a cavity within the base  2 , that follows the lateral dimensions of the base  2 . However, the base compartment  26  may comprise any other shape, size, or compartments, as long as the intended purpose of the present invention is not hindered. According to the alternate embodiment, the toothpaste dispensing assembly  7  further comprises a motor  27  and a battery  28 . Preferably, the motor  27  and the battery  28  are mounted within the base compartment  26 . The motor  27  and the batter  28  can comprise any size, shape, brand and material as long as they confine within the dimensions of the base compartment  26 , and do not compromise the intended purpose of the present invention. Further, the motor  27  is rotatably coupled to the threaded rod  14 , and the HID  25  is electronically coupled to the motor  27 . This is because, it is an aim of the alternate embodiment to let users dispense toothpaste on to the bristle component  11 , by manipulating the HID  25 . Accordingly, when the HID  25  is pushed or turned on, the motor  25  is actuated, which in turn rotates the threaded rod  14 . Rotation of the threaded rod  14  further pushes the plunger seal  20 , thereby dispensing a fixed amount of the toothpaste out of the plurality of openings  12 . Furthermore, the motor  27  and the HID  25  are electrically coupled to the battery  28 , such that the motor  27  and the HID  25  are provided with necessary electrical energy to perform the intended action. Preferably the motor  27  comprises a stepper motor, such that the motor  27  actuates rotation of the threaded rod  14  for a fixed duration. This makes sure the rotation of the threaded rod  14  is not carried on indefinitely, leading to dispensing of unwanted amount of toothpaste through the plurality of openings  12 , and thus wastage of toothpaste. 
     Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, disposable and affordable product, that can easily and efficiently dispense toothpaste on to the brush head, with the turn of the base unit or with the push of a button. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.