Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/554,921, filed Nov. 26, 2014, entitled “Toothbrush With Collapsible Handle,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosed subject matter relates generally to toothbrushes, and more particularly to a toothbrush with an extendable handle. 
         [0003]    Poor oral hygiene can cause disease of the oral cavity which affects other parts of the body, such as the digestive system and circulatory system. Brushing of the teeth and other tissues of the oral cavity can remove such disease causing elements and organisms. Full sized toothbrushes are suitable for use at home, however, such brushes can become their own source of problems if they are allowed to retain disease causing organisms. Small, disposable toothbrushes are available for single use for cleaning the teeth of the oral cavity. Such products include a small head with bristles and a small fixed handle packaged in a foil package. Once the disposable toothbrush is used the entire toothbrush is discarded. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A toothbrush that is small in size includes a head with an extendable handle assembly allowing the compact toothbrush to be stored in a small sealed plastic package until used. Puncturing the seal of the packaging allows access to the sterile collapsed toothbrush therein. The collapsed toothbrush has a brush head with bristles extending from one side, and an opening containing one or more segments nested within one another. The inner-most segment is pulled outward, away from the brush head, with the adjacent outer segments following. The segments are nested within one another and upon extension form an interference fit with each adjacent interior and exterior segment thereby forming a rigid handle assembly. 
         [0005]    A filament, such as dental floss is contained within the toothbrush. An end of the filament extends from the end of the handle opposite the brush head, and when the handle is extended a user can pull the filament from the toothbrush and use the filament to floss their teeth. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the inner most segment includes a conical member extending outward from the brush head providing structure for a user to grasp and for retaining the filament. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the segments include a retention member that engages the end of each segment when the handle is in an extended configuration to prevent the collapse of the handle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a toothbrush with a collapsible handle embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter with the handle in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the toothbrush with the handle in an extended configuration. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a package for dispensing the toothbrush with a collapsible handle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment toothbrush with a collapsible handle embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter with the handle in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment toothbrush of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the conical member. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment toothbrush with the handle in an extended configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the conical member with a filament wound around the core. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment toothbrush with a collapsible handle embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter with the handle in a collapsed configuration and the projections in a compressed configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment toothbrush with the handle in an extended configuration and the projections in an uncompressed configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosed subject matter, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the disclosed technology in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0026]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description, and are shown in the drawings, and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the disclosed subject matter as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-8  show an embodiment of a cleaning device or toothbrush  102  embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter. The toothbrush  102  includes a brush head  108  and a collapsible toothbrush handle  104  for mechanical removal of debris and organisms from the oral cavity. The toothbrush  102  is portable and disposable providing a convenient instrument for a user to maintain optimal oral hygiene. In an embodiment, the head  108  is manufactured from molded plastic. 
         [0028]    The head  108  is generally small in size and extends from a first end  110  to a second end  112  forming a cavity  120 . In an embodiment, the head  108  includes an opening  122  at the second end  112  and an opening at the first end  110 . In an embodiment, the cavity  120  is formed from a front wall  124  opposite an opening  122 , and a sidewall  126  there between. The front wall  124  forms a stud  204  extending therefrom. The cavity  120  has an interior cross sectional dimension. An engagement member in the sidewall  126  adjacent the opening  122  receives a complimentary engagement member at the first end  134  of a first segment  132 . In an embodiment, the head  108  engagement member is a recess or a groove  128  in the sidewall  126  adjacent the opening  122 , and the complimentary engagement member at the first end  134  of the first segment  132  is a protrusion  140 . In an embodiment, the groove  128  is an annular groove in the sidewall  126 . A plurality of bristles  116  extend outward from a bottom face  114  at the exterior of the head  108  for scouring teeth in an oral cavity. In an embodiment, the bristles  116  are manufactured from nylon and are plugged into holes in the head  108 . In an embodiment, the bristles  116  are formed from the head  108  from a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. In an embodiment, the bristles  116  are combined with flavoring or toothpaste, such as by coating or impregnating the bristles  116 . 
         [0029]    The handle  104  comprises one or more segments formed from plastic that are nested within one another. The segments may have a circular, oblong, elliptical, flat, rectangular, or polyhedral cross-section, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the handle  104  comprises segments  132 ,  152 ,  168 , and  184 . The first segment  132  extends from a first opening  135  at a first end  134  to a second opening  137  at a second end  136 , forming a tubular member with a wall having an exterior  138  and an interior  142 . In an embodiment, the exterior  138  first end  134  includes an engagement member and the interior  142  second end  136  includes an engagement member. In an embodiment, the engagement member of the first end  134  is a protrusion  140  extending from the exterior  138 , and the engagement member of the second end  136  is a groove  144  at the interior  142 . In an embodiment, the groove  144  is an annular groove in the wall. The cross-sectional dimension of the first segment  132  has an exterior and interior dimension defined by the exterior  138  and interior  142 , respectively. The exterior dimension of the first segment  132  generally conforms to the interior cross-sectional dimension of the cavity  120 . 
         [0030]    A second segment  152  extends from a first opening  155  at a first end  154  to a second opening  157  at a second end  156 , forming a tubular member with a wall having an exterior  158  and an interior  162 . In an embodiment, the exterior  158  first end  154  includes an engagement member and the interior  162  second end  156  includes an engagement member, wherein the engagement member at the first end  154  is complimentary to the engagement member at the second end  136 . In an embodiment, the engagement member of the first end  154  is a protrusion  160  extending from the exterior  158 , and the engagement member of the second end  156  is a groove  164  at the interior  162 . In an embodiment, the groove  164  is an annular groove in the wall. The cross-sectional dimension of the second segment  152  has an exterior and interior dimension defined by the exterior  158  and interior  162 , respectively. The exterior dimension of the second segment  152  generally conforms to the interior cross-sectional dimension of the first segment  132 . 
         [0031]    A third segment  168  extends from a first opening  171  at a first end  170  to a second opening  173  at a second end  172 , forming a tubular member with a wall having an exterior  174  and an interior  178 . In an embodiment, the exterior  178  first end  170  includes an engagement member and the interior  178  second end  172  includes an engagement member, wherein the engagement member at the first end  170  is complimentary to the engagement member at the second end  156 . In an embodiment, the engagement member of the first end  170  is a protrusion  176  extending from the exterior  174 , and the engagement member of the second end  172  is a groove  180  at the interior  178 . In an embodiment, the groove  180  is an annular groove in the wall. The cross-sectional dimension of the third segment  168  has an exterior and interior dimension defined by the exterior  174  and interior  178 , respectively. The exterior dimension of the third segment  168  generally conforms to the interior cross-sectional dimension of the second segment  152 . 
         [0032]    A terminal or fourth segment  184  extends from a first opening  187  at a first end  186  to a second opening  189  at a second end  188 , forming a tubular member with an exterior  190  and an interior  194 . In an embodiment, the exterior  190  first end  186  includes an engagement member and the second end  188  forms the end of the handle  196 , wherein the engagement member at the first end  186  is complimentary to the engagement member at the second end  172 . In an embodiment, the engagement member of the first end  186  is a protrusion  192  extending from the exterior  190 . A protrusion  192  extends from the exterior  190  adjacent the first end  186 . The cross-sectional dimension of the fourth segment  184  has an exterior and interior dimension defined by the exterior  190  and interior  194 , respectively. The exterior dimension of the fourth segment  184  generally conforms to the interior cross-sectional dimension of the third segment  168 . 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the segment protrusions are elements intermittently spaced around the circumference of the exterior. In another embodiment, the protrusion is a continuous band element circumscribing the exterior. 
         [0034]    In use, the handle  104  is extended outwardly from the head  108  to span a length between a first end  105  to a second end  106 . Prior to extension, the handle  104  is in a collapsed configuration ( FIGS. 1-3 ), whereby the first segment  132  is nested within the brush head  108 , the second segment  152  is nested within the first segment  132 , the third segment  168 , is nested within the second segment  152 , and the fourth segment  184  is nested within the third segment  168  giving the handle a compact form. The handle  104  is transitioned between a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration by moving the segments away from the head  108 . The extended handle  104  forms a passage  130  extending between the cavity  120  and the second end  188  of the fourth segment  184 . In the collapsed configuration, the second end  188  of the fourth segment  184  extends beyond the second end  172  of the third segment  168  providing sufficient structure for a user to grasp the segment and move the fourth segment  184  away from the head  108 , extending the handle  104 . When the handle  104  is in an extended configuration ( FIGS. 4-8 ), the segments interlock by an interference fit between the protrusions and grooves forming a stiff handle  104  allowing a user to manipulate the head  108  about the teeth within the oral cavity. In an embodiment, the protrusions are formed from a resilient material allowing the protrusions to compress or deform when the handle  104  is in a collapsed configuration, and return to a decompressed or non-deformed configuration when exposed to its corresponding groove. In the extended configuration, the second segment  152  first end  154  is disposed between the third segment  168  first end  170  and first segment  132  first end  134 , the third segment  168  first end  170  is disposed between the terminal or fourth segment  184  first end  186  and second segment  152  first end  154 . The handle  104  is returned to the collapsed configuration by moving the segments inwardly toward the head  108 . In an embodiment, once the protrusions engage their corresponding grooves, the handle  104  cannot return to a collapsed configuration. 
         [0035]    The toothbrush  102  can be stored in a package  302  until use. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the package  302  includes a tray  304  forming a plurality of compartments  306  sealed by a membrane  308 . In an embodiment, a toothbrush  102  is sealed in a compartment  306  until use. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, the toothbrush  102  includes a filament  206 , including dental floss, for cleaning between the teeth of a user. In an embodiment, the filament  206  extends between a first end  208  within the handle to a second end  210  at the exterior  190  of the toothbrush  102 . In an embodiment, the filament  206  extends from a first end  208  at the stud  204  to a second end  210  at the exterior  190  of the toothbrush  102 . In an embodiment, the second end  210  is adhered to the exterior  190  of the terminal segment by an adhesive. When the toothbrush  102  is in a collapsed configuration a portion of the filament  206  is about the stud  204 . Upon extension of the handle  104  the filament  206  extends from the stud  204  through the passage  130  to the exterior  190  of the fourth segment  184 . In an embodiment, the filament  206  is wound around the stud. A user can grasp the second end  210  and pull the filament  206  off of the stud  204  separating the filament  206  from the toothbrush  102  for use when the toothbrush  102  is in either a collapsed configuration or an extended configuration. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, each engagement member and its corresponding engagement member on the adjacent segment or head of the toothbrush  102 , as the case may be, are complimentary in configuration. 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, each groove and its corresponding protrusion of the toothbrush  102  are complimentary in conformation. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the various grooves of the toothbrush  102  may be protrusions, and the various protrusions of the toothbrush  102  are complimentary grooves. For example, the groove  128  of the brush head  108  is a protrusion, and the protrusion  140  of the first segment is a groove complimentary of the brush head protrusions, providing an interference fit. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, the head  108  and segments do not have grooves, and the segments do not have protrusions; the various segments are nested within one another and the head  108  when the handle  104  is in a collapsed configuration, and the exterior wall first ends of each inner segment form an interference fit with the interior wall of its corresponding outer segment second end when the segments are moved outward away from the head  108  and the handle  104  is in an extended configuration. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-14 , an alternative embodiment cleaning device or toothbrush  402  embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter is shown. The second end  188  of the terminal or fourth segment  184  forms a conical member  404  providing structure for a user to grasp the segment and move the fourth segment  184  away from the head  108 . In addition, the conical member  404  allows attachment of the second end  210  of the filament  206 . The conical member  404  includes a sidewall  406  extending outward from a narrow first end  408  to a broad circular second end  410 . The sidewall  406  forms an annular groove  412  adjacent the second end  410  having a depth and a width for receiving the second end  210 . The depth of the groove  412  terminates prior to the interior  194  forming a core  414  of material providing structural support to the conical member  404 . In an embodiment, the width of the groove  412  provides an interference fit with the second end  210  of the filament  206 . In an embodiment, the width of the groove  412  allows the filament  206  to be freely wound around the core  414 . In an embodiment, the entirety of the filament  206  is wound around the core  414  and not retained within the brush head  108  or within the handle ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , an alternative embodiment cleaning device or toothbrush  422  embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter is shown. The interior sidewall of the brush head and interior wall of the segments include a retention member  424  comprising a projection  426  or barb that extends into the interior of the segment from a notch  430  for retaining the handle  104  in an extended configuration. Referring to  FIG. 15 , the handle  104  is shown in a collapsed configuration with notches  430  and projections  426  adjacent grooves  128 ,  144 ,  164 ,  180 . In an embodiment, the interior wall forms the notch  430  and projection  426 . The projection  426  has resilient qualities extends from a base to a tip  428  orientated toward the second end of the corresponding toothbrush  424  element. In an embodiment, brush head  108  and segments  132 ,  152 , and  168  have one retention member  424 . In an embodiment, the brush head  108  and segments  132 ,  152 , and  168  have a plurality of retention members  424 . 
         [0043]    The notch  430  is dimensioned to receive the projection  426  when the projection  426  is in a compressed state. In  FIG. 15  the projection  426  is in a partially compressed state. When the handle  104  is moved from the collapsed configuration ( FIG. 15 ) to the extended configuration ( FIG. 16 ), the protrusions seat within their respective grooves and the retention member  424  transitions from a compressed state to a decompressed state with the tip  428  extending into the passage  130  thereby preventing the handle  104  from being returned to the collapsed configuration. In an embodiment, an audible click sound is heard as the retention member  424  decompresses. As the first segment  132  is transitioned from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration the protrusion  140  passes over a first retention member  424  and into the groove  128 . When the first end  134  passes the tip  428  the projection  426  is no longer under compression and the tip  428  extends into the passage  130  and engages the first end  134  preventing the first segment  132  from being moved back into the brush head  108 . As the second segment  152  is transitioned from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration the protrusion  140  passes over a second retention member  424  and into the groove  144 . When the first end  154  passes the tip  428  the projection  426  is no longer under compression and the tip  428  extends into the passage  130  and engages the first end  154  preventing the second segment  152  from being moved back into the first segment  132 . As the third segment  168  is transitioned from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration the protrusion  176  passes over a third retention member  424  and into the groove  164 . When the first end  170  passes the tip  428  the projection  426  is no longer under compression and the tip  428  extends into the passage  130  and engages the first end  170  preventing the third segment  168  from being moved back into the second segment  152 . As the terminal or fourth segment  184  is transitioned from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration the protrusion  192  passes over a fourth retention member  424  and into the groove  180 . When the first end  186  passes the tip  428  the projection  426  is no longer under compression and the tip  428  extends into the passage  130  and engages the first end  186  preventing the fourth segment  184  from being moved back into the third segment  168 . 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated that the collapsible toothbrush handle  104  can be used for various other applications. Moreover, the collapsible toothbrush handle  104  can be fabricated in various sizes and from a wide range of suitable materials, using various manufacturing and fabrication techniques. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Technology Category: 1