US20220022641A1

US20220022641A1 - Toothbrush Sanitizing Device

Info

Publication number: US20220022641A1
Application number: US17/376,377
Authority: US
Inventors: Devon Thompson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-21
Filing date: 2021-07-15
Publication date: 2022-01-27

Abstract

A toothbrush sanitizing device is provided. The device includes a container having a base, a perimeter wall, and an open upper end defining an interior volume. A lid is removably securable over the open upper end of the container. An elongated connecting rod is connected to the interior face of the lid. A draining base is secured to a distal end of the elongated connecting rod. The elongated connecting rod includes one or more connectors that contour to and support the head of a toothbrush. The elongated connecting rod further includes one or more fasteners that receive and support the handle of the toothbrush. In operation, the container may be filled with a safe cleaning solution and a toothbrush secured to the elongated connecting rod. When the lid is secured to the container, the toothbrush will be submersed in the safe cleaning solution for cleaning.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/054,240 filed on Jul. 21, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toothbrush sanitizing device. More specifically, the present invention provides a toothbrush sanitizing device that allows users to submerse the head of a toothbrush in a safe cleaning solution placed within the interior volume of a container.
Throughout their day and while they sleep, plaque can build-up within an individual's mouth. Specifically, plaque build-up will form on teeth. Plaque often produces acids after an individual eats or drinks. These acids produced from plaque can destroy a tooth's enamel and result in cavities and potentially gum disease. Moreover, plaque may grow under an individual's gums on roots of their teeth and break down the bones that provide support to the teeth. In order to remove plaque and other types of bacteria from their mouth and teeth, individuals are encouraged to routinely brush their teeth. Brushing one's teeth can effectively remove the plaque and the bacteria that build-up thereon. Unfortunately, the plaque and bacteria may still be present on the head of the toothbrush following the toothbrush's use.
The size of space between the bristles on the head of a toothbrush can result in the plaque and bacteria remaining on the toothbrush after use. Individuals will often believe that just brushing their teeth is sufficient enough to escape the problems of plaque. With plaque's ability to remain on the head of the toothbrush, if the individual does not properly clean their toothbrush, the next time they place it into their mouth, they will be reintroducing the old plaque when attempting to remove the newly established plaque. Thus, the proper handling of the cleaning of the toothbrush is an important part of dental care. However, poor storage of the toothbrush can also lead to the development of bacteria on the bristles.
Additionally, users often store their wet toothbrush in an open container with the toothbrush head extending upwardly. The toothbrush is unshielded from all of the germ particles that are in the air. The wet, slow drying process in an open bathroom is the ideal situation for germs to grow. The airborne germs may contaminate the toothbrush's head. Additionally, the toothbrush head will also be exposed to dead skin and toilet bowl flush particulates. All these particles can remain on the toothbrush head and enter the user's mouth during the subsequent brushing of their teeth. Moreover, toothbrushes are typically stored in proximity with other toothbrushes. This proximity may result in each toothbrush experiencing cross contamination.
Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art references for a toothbrush sanitizing device wherein a toothbrush is stored in a container and the head of the toothbrush is submersed in a safe cleaning solution to prevent the growth of bacteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of toothbrush sanitizing devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new toothbrush sanitizing device tool wherein a toothbrush is submersed in a safe cleaning solution while in storage and limit the toothbrush's exposure to any additional bacteria or germs.
The present invention comprises a container with a removable lid to house a toothbrush when not in use. The lid having an elongated connecting rod, such that when the lid is secured to the container, the elongated connecting rod is extending downwardly into the container. Additionally, connectors and fasteners are disposed along the elongated connecting rod to secure a user's toothbrush thereon. The user may remove the toothbrush from the container for use by detaching the lid from the container. This allows the toothbrush to avoid the possible contamination from any germ particles or bacteria that it may otherwise be exposed to while left out in a bathroom.
Additionally, the present invention comprises a draining base that is disposed on the distal end of the elongated connecting rod. The draining base comprises a plurality of apertures. Thus, the user can place a safe cleaning solution within the internal volume and then insert the elongating rod into the container. When inserted, the plurality of apertures will allow for the safe cleaning solution to pass through the draining base and submerge the head of a toothbrush in the safe cleaning solution. When the head of the toothbrush is submerged in the safe cleaning solution, any bacteria or germs will have a limited ability to grow because the safe cleaning solution will kill off any bacteria that remained on the toothbrush following brushing. This allows the user to have a toothbrush free of bacteria or any other contaminates for their subsequent brushing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

FIG. 1B shows an internal view of an embodiment of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

FIG. 2B shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the distal end of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

FIG. 2C shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the proximal end of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of the toothbrush sanitizing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the toothbrush sanitizing device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be limiting in any respect.
FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a toothbrush sanitizing device. The toothbrush sanitizing device 11 includes a container and a lid 15. The container comprises a base 13, a perimeter wall 12, and an open upper end 23. The perimeter wall 12 extends upwardly from the base 13, defining an interior volume 14. In the shown embodiment, the container includes a threaded interface 25. The threaded interface 25 is proximate to the open upper end 23 of the container. The lid 15 comprises an external surface and an internal surface. The lid 15 includes a perimeter wall 16 that extends downwardly. In the shown embodiment, the lid includes a threaded interface 26. The threaded interface 26 is disposed on the interior of the perimeter wall 16 of the lid 15.
An elongated connecting rod 17 is disposed on the internal surface of the lid 15. The distal end of the elongated connecting rod 17 comprises a draining base 19. A plurality of apertures is disposed on the draining base 19. The draining base 19 is configured to pass through the open upper end 23 of the container. In that when the elongated connected rod 17 is inserted and removed from the interior volume 14, the draining baser 19 will also be inserted and removed from the interior volume 14. The elongated connecting rod 17 further comprises at least one connector 21 and one or more fasteners 18. The at least one connector 21 is an arcuate member affixed to the distal end on opposing sides of the elongated connecting rod 17. The at least one connector 21 is rigid. The at least one connector 21 is proximate to the draining base 19. The arcuate member of the at least one connector 21 is configured to support and contour to the head of a toothbrush. The one or more fasteners 18 are disposed along the elongated connecting rod 17. The one or more fasteners 18 are rigid. In the shown embodiment, the one or more fasteners 18 includes an open end. The open end of the one or more fasteners 18 are configured to receive and support the handle end of the toothbrush. Whereby the at least one connector 21 is perpendicularly oriented relative to the open end of the one or more fasteners 18. The at least one connector 21 and the one or more fasteners 18 thereby secure the toothbrush thereon.
FIG. 1B shows an internal view of an embodiment of a toothbrush sanitizing device. To close the toothbrush sanitizing device 22, the lid 15 will engage with the container. The downwardly extended perimeter wall 16 of the lid 15 will encircle the open upper end of the container. In the shown embodiment, the threaded interface disposed on upper end the container will engage with the threaded interface disposed on the interior of the perimeter wall 16 of the lid 15, forming a system of threaded interfaces 27. The system of threaded interfaces 27 will secure the lid 15 to the container. In another embodiment, the lid 15 is secured the open upper end of the container via a frictional engagement between the perimeter wall 16 of the lid 15 and upper end of container. When the lid 15 is secured to the container, the elongated connecting rod 17 and the draining base 19 will extend downwardly into the interior volume of the container.
FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a toothbrush sanitizing device. Prior to placing the downwardly extended perimeter wall 16 of the lid 15 around the open upper end 23 of the container, a toothbrush may be secured to the elongated connecting rod 17. The toothbrush will be inverted when affixed to the elongated connecting rod 17. The head of the toothbrush, the end with the bristles, will be proximate to the draining base 19. The head of the toothbrush may engage with the at least one connector 21. The at least one connector 21 will secure the head of the toothbrush to the elongated connecting rod 17. The arcuate member will secure both sides of the toothbrush head to allow the bristles to be exposed to the cleanser within the interior volume of the container. The handle of the toothbrush may engage with the one or more fasteners 18. The handle of the toothbrush will slide into the open end of each fastener 18. Each fastener 18 will prevent the handle of the toothbrush from experiencing any undesired movement while affixed to the elongated connecting rod 17.
FIG. 2B shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the distal end of a toothbrush sanitizing device. The head of a toothbrush will be secured to the at least one connector 21. Each connector 21 will have a pair of opposing arms that form the arcuate member. Each opposing arm will contact a side of the toothbrush head. The toothbrush will be oriented so the bristles are directed away from the elongated connecting rod 17. The head of the toothbrush will be oriented towards the draining base 19. A plurality of apertures 24 will be disposed on the draining base 19. Liquids may pass through the plurality of apertures 24 when the elongated connecting rod 17 is placed within the interior volume of the container.
FIG. 2C shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the proximal end of a toothbrush sanitizing device. The handle of a toothbrush will be secured to the one or more fasteners 18. Each fastener 18 extend outwardly from the elongated connecting rod and angle to form a U-shape. The U-shaped fasteners will comprise an open end configured to receive and to retain the handle end of the toothbrush. The handle of the toothbrush will engage the one or more fasteners 18 at the open end. When engaged, the handle of the toothbrush will be supported by the more fasteners 18. The one or more fasteners 18 will prevent any undesired movement from the toothbrush while placed within the interior volume of the container.
FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a toothbrush sanitizing device. In use a safe cleaning solution 31 is placed within the interior volume 14 of the container. The safe cleaning solution 31 will be in a liquid form. In one embodiment, the safe cleaning solution 31 is mouthwash. In another embodiment, the safe cleaning solution 31 is a disinfecting liquid. In another embodiment, the safe cleaning solution 31 is water. The elongated connecting rod 17 and the draining base 19 will be lowered into the interior volume 14 of the container until the perimeter wall of the lid encircles the open upper end of the container. The safe cleaning solution 31 will pass through the draining base 19 via the plurality of apertures 24 until the lid is secured to the container. The draining base 19 will be in proximity to the base 13 of the container. As the safe cleaning solution 31 will passes through the draining base 19, the head of the toothbrush will be submersed in the safe cleaning solution 31. The safe cleaning solution 31 will remove any build-up of bacteria from the head of the toothbrush. A user may lift the lid to detach the perimeter wall of the lid from the open upper end of the container in order to retrieve the toothbrush.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

Claims

I claim:

1. A toothbrush sanitizing device, comprising:

a container;

the container includes a base, a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base, and an open upper end defining an interior volume;

a lid removably securable over the open upper end;

the lid comprises an external surface and an internal surface;

a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the lid;

an elongated connecting rod affixed to the internal surface of the lid;

a draining base disposed on a distal end of the elongated connecting rod;

a plurality of apertures disposed on the draining base;

at least one connector disposed at a connecting point of the elongated connecting rod and the draining base; and

one or more fasteners disposed along the elongated connecting rod.

2. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the perimeter wall of the lid encircles the open upper end of the container.

3. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the lid is secured to the open upper end of the container via a lid fastener.

4. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 4, wherein the lid fastener removably secures the lid to the container is a frictional engagement between the perimeter wall of the lid and upper end of container.

5. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 4, wherein the lid fastener removably secures the lid to the container is a system of threaded interfaces; whereby a threaded interface disposed on the perimeter wall of the lid engages with a threaded interface disposed on the upper end of container.

6. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector secures the head of a toothbrush to the elongated connecting rod.

7. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is an arcuate member affixed to the distal end on opposing sides of the elongated connecting rod.

8. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners secures the handle of the toothbrush to the elongated connecting rod.

9. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners form a U-shape that includes an open end to receive and support the handle end of the toothbrush.

10. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is perpendicularly oriented relative to the open end of the one or more fasteners.

11. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein a safe cleaning solution is placed within the interior volume.

12. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 1, wherein the elongated connecting rod and the draining base extend downwardly into the interior volume of the container when the lid is secured to the open upper end.

13. The toothbrush sanitizing device of claim 8, wherein the safe cleaning solution passes through the plurality of apertures disposed on the draining base when the elongated connecting rod extends downwardly into the interior volume; whereby the safe cleaning solution submerges the head of the toothbrush.