GB2325400A - Reservoir toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined bristle head and paste/gel filled reservoir handle, with a removable cap covering the bristle head is a portable pocket-size/handbag accessory as a dental/hygiene tool of convenience. The handle reservoir 1 contains toothpaste/gel. When screw turn feed knob 3 is turned clockwise, a required amount of paste/gel is propelled by means of a plunger 8 on a threaded shaft 7 up through venturi-like duct 4 and on through passage 2 to bristle head 5 to facilitate brushing of teeth. When not in use, cap 6 protects bristle head 5 from contamination, prevents seepage and inhibits solidification of the paste/gel. Cap 6 may snapped on, or screwed on.

Description

LOADED TOOTHBRUSH The invention relates to a portable disposable combination toothbrush and toothpaste/gel produced in a pocket-size/handbag accessory manner and is equipped with a non-retractable reservoir where toothpaste/gel is stored. One name for this device is Loaded Toothbrush.

The conventional toothbrush is designed as a separate product for a solution to be applied to the bristles, such as toothpaste or gel. The standard brush consists of a brush head with bristles, the remaining part being a handle.

The dental profession recommends brushing the teeth a minimum of two or three times a day, however accomplishing this task away from home means one must carry the brush and a tube of toothpaste/gel to work or school. This is often cumbersome and unhygienic.

The invention is presented as a compact disposable toothbrush equipped with a non-retractable reservoir, holding a small amount of toothpaste/gel in its handle. The paste/gel is retrieved by a screw-turn located at the end section of the brush. The toothbrush is also equipped with a plastic cap that covers the front section of the brush head, keeping the bristles clean. preventing any seepage of toothpaste/gel and inhibiting solidification of the toothpaste/gel.

The invention will allow people of all ages to transport the dental tool in an efticient manner and provide dental hygiene anytime, anywhere, especially after meals or snacking. Apart from domestic use the product is particularly beneficial for students/schoolchildren who have school dinners, office workers, and indeed workpersons of any description. The product can be included in guest packs for hotels, travel companies etc. and would also be very compatible with survival packs and military-style rations.

While conceived as a dental care item, the product in its general form is capable of holding and dispensing any paste/gel or similar substance through a bristle head.

A specific embodiment of the invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 shows in perspective the invention Loaded Toothbrush with protective cap removed.

Figure 2 illustrates protective head cap.

Figure 3 shows exploded view of turn screw mechanics used to propel toothpaste/gel to bristle head for use.

Referring to the drawing, Loaded Toothbrush comprises of 1. Handle containing reservoir 2. Toothpaste/gel passage through bristle head 3. Screw turn feed knob to propel paste/gel to bristle head 4. Venturi-type duct with no kinks as passage for paste/gel from reservoir to bristle head 5. Bristle head 6. Protective cap to cover bristle head 7. Threaded shaft to propel plunger 8. Plunger to force paste/gel from reservoir, through duct to bristle head for use 9. Toothpaste/gel reservoir 10. A means of visually determining the current volume of paste/gel in the reservoir

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. A combined bristle head and paste/gel tilled reservoir handle with a feed screw turn knob at the end of the handle, and a removable cap covering the bristle head and titting onto the handle
2. 2. A combined bristle htad and paste/gel filled reservoir handle as claimed in claim I wherein the ap fits tightly by either a snap on or screw thread to the main body, hygiene purposes, to protect the bristles, to prevent any seepage of paste/gel and to inhibit solidification of the paste/gel
3. 3. A combined bristle head and paste/gel filled reservoir handle as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the unit is of pocket-size/handbag accessory proportions, or as a component for ration packs, gift travel packs and similar items
4. 4. A combined bristle head and paste/gel filled reservoir handle as claimed in claim 3 is compatible as being part of a guest pack with facility for host or convenors logo. or < ;orporate message on handle/cap wherein tlie visual means of determining the current volume of paste/gel in the reservoir is incorporated into the pattern and or logo decorating the handle/cap
5. 5. A combined bristle head and paste/gel filled reservoir handle as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein\ the bristle head and the paste/gel are suitable for cleaning teeth