Abstract:
A dispensing toothbrush is capable of storage and dispensing toothpaste and dental floss. The toothbrush includes a handle having a chamber constructed to store toothpaste, a dial, and a floss dispenser having a floss spindle, floss aperture and floss cutter, a neck, and a head having bristles and head apertures. The dial is positioned in the handle between the floss dispenser and the neck and turning the dial causes the toothpaste to be extruded through the head apertures. The toothbrush provides a dispensing toothbrush having a solid core that prevents toothpaste from becoming trapped within and that enables dispensing of toothpaste without unintentional dispensing or retraction of dental floss. Toothbrush can be provided in compact size and is ideal for travel in that it consolidates multiple items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss into a single compact device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to toothbrushes, and more particularly to toothbrushes capable of dispensing oral care products. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Oral care is an important component of overall health. Most daily oral care regimens involve cleaning between the teeth with dental floss, brushing the teeth and gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste (also known as dentifrice) and/or rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Generally, the toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss are separate units, which is not convenient for purchase, storage, or travel purposes. 
         [0003]    Some toothbrushes that have integrated toothpaste and/or floss dispensers have been developed. In such toothbrushes, the toothpaste is pushed up through the head of the toothbrush by the advancement of a pusher along a hollow-core coil, which is rotated by the rotation of the base. The hollow-core mechanism, however, creates an opening where toothpaste can be trapped causing the toothpaste to be unable to be extracted from the toothbrush. In addition, because the base (which contains the floss) must be rotated in order to advance toothpaste, such devices risk inadvertent dispensing or retraction of the dental floss. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A dispensing toothbrush is capable of storage and dispensing toothpaste and dental floss. The toothbrush includes a handle having a chamber constructed to store toothpaste, a dial, and a floss dispenser having a floss spindle, floss aperture and floss cutter, a neck, and a head having bristles and head apertures. The dial is positioned in the handle between the floss dispenser and the neck and turning the dial causes the toothpaste to be extruded through the head apertures. The toothbrush provides a dispensing toothbrush having a solid core that prevents toothpaste from becoming trapped within and that enables dispensing of toothpaste without unintentional dispensing or retraction of dental floss. Toothbrush can be provided in compact size and is ideal for travel in that it consolidates multiple items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss into a single compact device. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the handle has a threaded screw rod fixably connected to the dial and a pusher rotatably connected to the screw rod. Rotation of the screw rod via the dial moves the pusher in a direction transverse to the orientation of the handle to cause extrusion of toothpaste. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the handle has a circular cross section presenting channels and the pusher has a circular cross section presenting notches adapted to engage with the channels to prevent the pusher from rotating within chamber. This results in linear movement of the pusher as the dial is rotating to advance the toothpaste through the internal chambers of the device to the head of the toothbrush where it is dispensed. 
         [0007]    Certain embodiments are described further in the following description, examples, claims, and drawings. These embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting a cross-section of a dispensing toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is a side elevation view depicting a cross-section of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is a side elevation view depicting a cross-section of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view depicting a cross-section of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view depicting the exterior of a dispensing toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view depicting the exterior of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view depicting the exterior of the dispensing toothbrush of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view depicting a refill cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIGS. 1-4  depict a dispensing toothbrush  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a handle  200 , neck  300 , and head  400 . In various embodiments, handle  200 , neck  300 , and head  400  can be composed of plastic, wood, metal, or other material that can be suitably formed and adapted for use in high moisture environments. 
         [0018]    Handle  200  can include outer casing  202 . Outer casing  202  can be an elongate cylinder with circular cross-section or be an elongate form having oval, square, hexagonal or other cross-section as necessary. Outer casing  202  can present an outer surface that is smooth, ridged, or faceted. 
         [0019]    A chamber  204  within which toothpaste  600  can be stored can be defined in handle  200 . Chamber  204  can be a void within handle  200 , or can have walls separating it from the inner surface of handle  200 . Chamber  204  can have generally the same cross-section as outer casing  202  with slightly smaller total area such that chamber  204  is defined entirely within outer casing  202 . Chamber  204  can narrow at an end proximate to neck  300  in order to enable toothpaste  600  to travel into neck  300 . 
         [0020]    Toothbrush  100  can further include a toothpaste dispensing mechanism that can include a cylindrical pusher  206 , a screw rod  208 , and a dial  210 . Dial  210  can be fixedly connected to screw rod  208  at an end of screw rod  208  and pusher  206  can be configured to travel along screw rod  208 . As dial  210  is turned, screw rod  208  rotates, moving pusher  206  towards head  400  along threads of screw rod  208 . As pusher  206  is advanced along screw rod  208  towards head  400 , toothpaste  600  is forced out of chamber  204 . 
         [0021]    Pusher  206  can have a cross-section that is keyed to inner cross-section of chamber  204  in order to prevent pusher  206  from rotating relative to chamber  204  such that rotation of screw rod  208  causes linear movement of pusher  206  along screw rod  208 . In one embodiment, pusher  206  can define notches (not shown) that align with channels  212   a  and  212   b  protruding into chamber  204 . In another embodiment, pusher  206  and chamber  204  can be shaped such that pusher  206  cannot be rotated relative to chamber  204 . For example, pusher  206  and chamber  204  can present an oval or rectangular cross-section that prevents pusher  206  from rotating within chamber  204 , and also can provide a more comfortable grip of outer casing  202 . Pusher  206  can be relatively shortened in a direction longitudinal to handle  200  in order to maximize storage space within chamber  204 . Pusher  206  can fill generally the entire cross-section of chamber  204  such that when pusher  206  travels longitudinally within chamber  204  it prevents flow of toothpaste  600  in a direction distal to head  400 . Pusher  206  can be positioned on screw rod  208  by virtue of a threaded aperture  214  that mates with screw rod  208 . 
         [0022]    Screw rod  208  can connect to dial  210  at an end distal to head  400  and connect to interior of chamber  204  at an end proximate to head  400  or can be unconnected and freestanding at the proximal end. Screw rod  208  can be fixedly connected to dial  210  and rotatably connected at the opposite end within chamber such that rotation of dial  210  causes rotation of screw rod  208 . Screw rod  208  can be threaded such that rotation of screw rod  208  within threaded aperture  214  of pusher  206  causes pusher  206  to travel linearly along screw rod  208 . 
         [0023]    Dial  210  can be fixably attached to screw rod  208  at an end distal to head  400 . Dial  210  can have a cross-section of a shape and size to fit and rotate radially within chamber  204 . Dial  210  can be relatively shortened in a direction longitudinal to chamber  204 , in order to maximize storage space within handle  200 . The outer surface of dial  210  can be smooth or can present ridges or grips for ease of use. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , outer casing  202  can present one or more dial openings  216  located and sized such that dial  210  can be seen and manipulated by the user. 
         [0024]    Neck  300  is connected to handle  200  at an end distal to dial  210  and can be unitary formed with handle  200 . Neck  300  can be an elongate cylinder or other elongate form with significantly smaller cross-section than handle  200 . Neck  300  can also taper gradually in cross section from handle  200  to head  300 . Neck  300  presents neck channel  302 . Neck channel  302  provides a passage for flow of toothpaste  600  from chamber  204  to head  400 . Neck channel  302  can be directly, continuously connected and unitarily formed with chamber  204 . 
         [0025]    Head  400  is connected to neck  300  and includes base  402  and bristles  404 . Head  400  can be unitary formed with neck  300 . Bristles  404  can protrude from base  402  and can be oriented in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis of toothbrush  100  as shown, or can be oriented radially around base  402 , or any other suitable configuration. Base  402  includes head channel  408 . Head channel  408  can be directly and unitarily connected to neck channel  302  in order to enable toothpaste  600  flowing from chamber  204  through neck channel  302  into head channel  408 . Base  402  further includes head apertures  412 . Head apertures  412  connect to head channel  408  to allow toothpaste  600  to flow outwardly from head channel  408  between and/or around bristles  404 . Bristles  404  can be composed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, fur, or other material suitable for cleaning teeth. In various embodiments, bristles  404  can be plain or can be coated with a material, such as, for example, xylitol that promotes enhanced oral health. 
         [0026]    Head  400  can also include a tongue cleaner  406 . Tongue cleaner  406  can be arranged on base  402  on a side opposite bristles  404 . Tongue cleaner  406  can be defined by ridges, bumps, or another textured surface suitable for the cleaning soft surfaces of a tongue. Tongue cleaner  406  can be molded directly onto base  402 , or can be a separate structure affixed to base  402  via an adhesive or fasteners. Tongue cleaner  410  can be composed of the same material as head  400 , or another material, such as, for example, rubber, plastic, wood, metal, or other suitable material. 
         [0027]    Handle  200  can also include floss dispenser  500 . Floss dispenser  500  includes floss spindle  502  around which dental floss  700  or other cording can be wound. Floss dispenser  500  can be arranged within handle  200  at an end distal to head  400 . Floss dispenser  500  can have a circular or other cross section cable of rotational movement within handle  200 . A floss aperture  504  can be disposed through outer casing  202  of handle  200  to enable floss to be pulled out of handle  200 . As seen in, for example,  FIG. 2 , a floss cutter  506  through which floss aperture  504  extends can also be disposed on outer casing  202  of handle  200 . Alternatively, the floss aperture  504  can be in a separate location on outer casing  202  from floss cutter  506  in order to present a greater length of floss for grasping by the user. Cutter  506  can include a sharp blade, hook or other projection embedded in outer casing  202 . Cutter  506  can be sunken from surface of outer casing  202  such that the cutter  506  is positioned below an outer perimeter of outer casing  202  of handle  200  in order to prevent inadvertent injury to a user grasping handle  200 . Cutter  506  can be composed of plastic, metal, or other material that can be sufficiently sharp to cut dental floss. Floss dispenser  500  is positioned below dial  210  and is not connected to dial  210  or screw rod  208  such that rotation of dial  210  to cause toothpaste to be dispensed does not cause rotation of floss dispenser  500  or floss spindle  502 . Thus, inadvertent dispensation of floss when dispensing toothpaste is prevented. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, toothbrush  100  can also dispense antiseptic mouthwash. In such embodiments, handle  200 , neck  300 , or head  400  could include a separate chamber containing mouthwash. Mouthwash can be dispensed as a spray through actuation of a button or other similar means on toothbrush or can be accessible by removing a cap or lid disposed on toothbrush. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, toothbrush  100  can include a sanitary bristle cover. Such a cover can be selectively and removably attachable to head  400  to cover bristles  404  when toothbrush  100  is not in use. Cover therefore helps maintain bristles  404  in a sanitary condition between uses. 
         [0030]    In operation, chamber  204  can initially be fully loaded with toothpaste  600  with pusher  206  in a fully retracted position, at an end distal to head  400  as can be seen in  FIG. 3A . As dial  210  is turned, screw rod  208  rotates to linearly advance pusher  206  (which cannot rotate) towards head  400  along threads of screw rod  208 .  FIG. 3B  depicts the pusher  206  after it has advanced partially through chamber  204 . As pusher  206  is advanced, toothpaste  600  is forced out of chamber  204 , into neck channel  302 , head channel  408  and out of head apertures  412 . Thus, as can be seen in  FIG. 4 , only portions of chamber  204  located proximally of the pusher  206  (towards the head) will contain toothpaste, with areas of chamber  204  distal of pusher being empty. When the desired amount of toothpaste has been extracted, the user can proceed with tooth brushing as desired. Chamber  204  can hold sufficient toothpaste for a number of brushings. 
         [0031]    In operation, a small portion of floss  700  can protrude from floss aperture  504 . When floss  700  is pulled, floss spindle  502  can spin to dispense additional floss. Floss  700  can be cut by stretching over blade of floss cutter  506 . There is sufficient length between floss aperture  504  and floss cutter  506  such that after cutting a length of floss for use, another small portion of floss remains extending from floss aperture  504  for the user to grasp for a future use. Floss spindle  502  can also contain sufficient floss for multiple uses. In one embodiment, the amount of floss on the spindle  502  and toothpaste in the chamber  204  are configured to last approximately the same number of uses. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, toothbrush  100  is a limited use toothbrush meant to be disposed of when no more toothpaste  600  and/or dental floss  700  can be extracted such that it is a non-refillable product. In another embodiment, toothbrush  100  can be refilled with toothpaste  600  via a syringe or other device capable of insertion into one or more head apertures  412 . In such an embodiment, dial  210  can be rotated to retract pusher  206  in order to expand available space in chamber  204 . As chamber  204  is expanded, toothpaste  600  can be forced through one or more head apertures  412 , and flow into chamber  204  via head channel  408  and neck channel  302 . 
         [0033]    An alternative cartridge refillable toothbrush embodiment is depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , cartridge  2000  can include a toothpaste dispensing mechanism and floss dispenser  1500 . The toothpaste dispensing mechanism can include chamber  1204  (outlined in dashed lines in  FIG. 8  for sake of clarity), pusher  1206 , screw rod  1208 , and dial  1210 . Chamber  1204  can contain toothpaste  600  which can be dispensed via operation of dial  1210 , screw rod  1208 , and pusher  1206  as described above. As can be seen in  FIGS. 5-7 , floss dispenser  1500  includes floss spindle (not shown), floss aperture  1502 , and floss cutter  1504  which can operate in a similar manner to floss dispenser  500  described above. In the depicted embodiment, floss aperture  1502  can be spaced apart from floss cutter  1504 ; however, floss cutter  1504  may be integrated into floss aperture  1502  as described above. 
         [0034]    Chamber  1204  has a cross section slightly smaller than that of handle  1200  and floss dispenser  1500  can have a cross section smaller, similarly size, or larger than that of handle  1200 . Cartridge  2000  can therefore be slidably inserted into handle  1200  with chamber  1204  oriented towards neck  1400 . When inserted, chamber  1204  can be completely enclosed by handle  1200 , while floss dispenser  1500  can protrude. 
         [0035]    Handle  1200  and cartridge  2000  can be connected via an engagement mechanism. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism can include threads on interior of handle  1200  and corresponding threads on exterior of cartridge  2000  (not shown). The engagement mechanism can also include one or more tabs on cartridge  2000  which correspond to and interlock with one or more slots on handle  1200 , or vice versa, or any other engagement mechanism capable of removably holding cartridge  2000  when inserted to handle  1200 . 
         [0036]    Primary operation of dispensing toothbrush  1100  can be similar to that of dispensing toothbrush  100  described above. Dispensing toothbrush  1100  can also be refilled by removal and replacement of cartridge  2000  providing a new and complete supply of both toothpaste  600  and floss  700 . 
         [0037]    Toothbrushes as described herein are ideal for travel due to the consolidation of multiple necessary tooth care items, such as, for example, a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, into a single item rather than multiple items each needing to be separately carried and stored. In some embodiments, toothbrushes as described herein can be provided in a compact size relative to a standard toothbrush in order to provide even further benefits for travel and storage purposes. 
         [0038]    Many alterations and modifications of the preferred embodiments will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that the particular embodiments depicted and described by way of illustration are in no way intended to be considered limiting. Thus, references to the details of the described embodiments are not intended to limit their scope. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments of the inventions can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations, within the spirit of the invention. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the inventions. Therefore, the above is not contemplated to limit the scope of the present inventions. 
         [0039]    Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the inventions may include fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the inventions may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the inventions may include a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.