CA2165349A1 - Toothbrush sterilizing device - Google Patents
Toothbrush sterilizing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2165349A1 CA2165349A1 CA 2165349 CA2165349A CA2165349A1 CA 2165349 A1 CA2165349 A1 CA 2165349A1 CA 2165349 CA2165349 CA 2165349 CA 2165349 A CA2165349 A CA 2165349A CA 2165349 A1 CA2165349 A1 CA 2165349A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- sterilizing
- handle
- receptacle
- modified
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
- A46B17/06—Devices for cleaning brushes after use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for sterilizing toothbrushes by an exposure of the brush bristles to a sterilizing agent within a substantially shaped cylindrical container. The container compartment is filled with a sterilizing agent into which the toothbrush bristles are received. Integral to the toothbrush handle and at the opening of the sterilizing container is a twist-type locking device that secures the bristles of the tooth brush within the internal confines of the cylindrical container.
Description
216~49 FIELD OF INVENTION:
This invention relates to toothbrushes and in particular a device that performs a function of sterilizing toothbrushes. A container is filled with a sterilizing liquid and the bristles of the toothbrush are inserted into the liquid to achieve a disenfecting action around the bristles.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
It well known and recognized that particles of food will remain on a toothbrush after the brush is used. It is also known that bacteria and relevant conlaminants will remain on the toothbrush even after a rinsing with water. In all probability, some of the contaminants will remain on the brush and will be introduced into the mouth when the brush is used again.
Toothbrushes are used on a normal and regular basis, and yet, there is little concern or regard to the condition of the brush bristles either on a physical condition or hygienic basis.
It is widely recognized that toothbrush bristles are potential germ breeders and carriers and that they can spread bacteria and disease. To compound this situation toothbrushes are normally left in a medicine cabinet without proper toothbrush holder devices and, in many instances, these brushes are in close proximity to other toothbrushes in this cabinet. The ease of bacterial transfer between brushes has been a major problem. Bathrooms are normally high in humidity and heat, these conditions are ideal to the conlribution and growth of germs and bacteria to the subjected toothbrush bristles. As we know, the introduction of harmful bacteria and germs into a human's body is undesirable.
There are many known sterilizing processes in the known prior art, however, these do not provide simple or effective toothbrush sterilizing systems.
Various techniques include the usage of sterilizing gases and radiation. These systems require power sources are not considered to be practical for home use.
Previous known systems use an air purifier as a sterilizing agent, however, a proper sterilizing device must provide an apparatus that is capable of doing more than just purifying the air at the toothbrush bristles. The effectiveness of these systems are questionable.
There are known sterilizing systems that provide a compartment that is filled with a sterilizing liquid and the toothbrush is submersed directly into this liquid. This process is not portable and undesirable since there is a possibility that a child could consume the sterilizing liquid.
216~9 , To my knowledge, I do not believe that the known prior art has effectively addressed these difficulties.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
In view of the known foregoing known art disadvantages, the proposed invention will address the concerns of providing an effective and efficient toothbrush sterilization system.
To accomplish this goal, the proposed embodiment presents a structure which consists of a modified toothbrush which shall be used in conjunction with a cylindrical container, the container being the means of holding the sterilizing medium. The general purpose of this new and useful invention, which will be described in greater detail, is to furnish a new toothbrush sterilization system which will encompass all of the new invention advantages and none of the previous system disadvantages.
To achieve this goal7 my invention consists of modified toothbrush and a sterilizing receptacle. The toothbrush is designed with an integral flange-type member that is a part of the handle, this member having a series of male threads that are used for the purpose of engagement of the toothbrush with the sterilizing receptacle. The bottle or receptacle aperture has a corresponding number of female threads which are appropriately positioned to accept the toothbrush handle. As part of the bottle receptacle, a sealing ring is positioned7 this circular and internally dispositioned ring will provide a positive and leak-proof condition that will effectively retain the disinfecting liquid within the container.
The externally positioned engaging threads on the toothbrush handle flange and the internal engaging threads of the bottle aperture will co"l, ibute to a method whereas the toothbrush can be inserted and released from the bottle in an easy and simple one step twist action and yet, the disinfecting liquid will remain totally sealed within its container in the closed position.
It is accordingly a first object of this invention provide a new and useful invention as it pertains to the subject of an enhanced tooth brush sterilizing system.
It is another object of this invention to provide a sterilization system which is small and portable, thereby making the apparatus readily and easily transportable.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a sterilization system that can be used as a stand-alone receptable on a bathroom vanity countertop and also as a portable unit.
216~3~9 , It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a complete and self-contained tooth brush sterilization package, however, the components within the composite package may be marketed on an individual basis or as a total composite package.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a system in which the sterilizing liquid is totally contained within its receptacle thereby making this device a container that is child tamper proof. Addressing bathroom safety is a major concern of this new invention.
It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a sterilizing system that can be manufactured at a nominal cost and cost-effective manner therefore making the invention inexpensive to purchase.
In accordance with these and other objects which will be apparent hereinafter, the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The embodiment of the new invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism between the toothbrush and the sterilizing receptacle.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush in a sealed mode at the receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
As per FIG. 1, the invention is shown to consist of two major components, the modified toothbrush 1 and a sterilizing receptacle 8. The toothbrush member 1 is a one-piece longitudinal member consisting of a handle portion 1, the bristle retaining end 2 and brush bristles 3 which are attached to the bristle retaining end 2. As part of the handle configuration 1 and 2, a flange 5 is integral, and is part of, the handle arrangement. The flange configuration is circular in shape and includes a series of male thread segments 4 that are dispersed around the outer periphery of the flange 5. The principal part of the sterilizing device is an elongated cylindrical housing 8 that can be made from any common thermoplastic polymer material (or equivalent). These materials are preferred since they are .
typically inert to the effects of sterilizing compositions. The housing 8 has a normal open aperture through which the bristle end of the toothbrush can be inserted. The aperture includes a series of female thread components 6 that are dispersed around the inner periphery. The aperture contains a circumfer~"~,;ally ~,oositioned sealing bead 7 which is part of the cartridge. The twist-on sealing action of the new invention will be described in FIG. 2.
In FIG. 2 this view highlights the placement of the toothbrush into the housing, using a twist-action coupling and subsequent, sealing action. The bristle retaining end 2 is fully inserted into the aperture of the cartridge 8 until the threads make contact with each other.
The toothbrush handle 1 is rotated in a clock-wise rotation, thereby ~,oroviding a thread engagement botwcon male thread 4 on flange 5 and the female thread 6 on the internal aperture of the receptacle 8 until the sealing face of the flange 5 makes a firm contact with the sealir~g bead 7. The action of the sealing bead is to prevent the leakage or loss of the disinfecting liquid. To disengage the tooth,brush 1 from the receptacle 8, a reverse turning action in a counter-clockwise direction will release the toothbrush from the container.
FIG. 3 shows the toothbrush 1 in the sealed mode within the receptacle 8. This view shows the sterilizing liquid 9 inside the inner compartment of the receptacle 8. In this position the toothbrush oristles 3 are totaliy immersed within the sterilizing liquid 9. The combined rotational actions of the threads 4 and 6 against the sealing bead 7 will prevent the leakage of any of the sterilizing liquid 9.
My invention resides not in any particular feature but rather in the ~particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed.
The invention has been shown and described herein in what has been considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized that changes and modifications may be made to meet specific requirements and such changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
~4 -
This invention relates to toothbrushes and in particular a device that performs a function of sterilizing toothbrushes. A container is filled with a sterilizing liquid and the bristles of the toothbrush are inserted into the liquid to achieve a disenfecting action around the bristles.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
It well known and recognized that particles of food will remain on a toothbrush after the brush is used. It is also known that bacteria and relevant conlaminants will remain on the toothbrush even after a rinsing with water. In all probability, some of the contaminants will remain on the brush and will be introduced into the mouth when the brush is used again.
Toothbrushes are used on a normal and regular basis, and yet, there is little concern or regard to the condition of the brush bristles either on a physical condition or hygienic basis.
It is widely recognized that toothbrush bristles are potential germ breeders and carriers and that they can spread bacteria and disease. To compound this situation toothbrushes are normally left in a medicine cabinet without proper toothbrush holder devices and, in many instances, these brushes are in close proximity to other toothbrushes in this cabinet. The ease of bacterial transfer between brushes has been a major problem. Bathrooms are normally high in humidity and heat, these conditions are ideal to the conlribution and growth of germs and bacteria to the subjected toothbrush bristles. As we know, the introduction of harmful bacteria and germs into a human's body is undesirable.
There are many known sterilizing processes in the known prior art, however, these do not provide simple or effective toothbrush sterilizing systems.
Various techniques include the usage of sterilizing gases and radiation. These systems require power sources are not considered to be practical for home use.
Previous known systems use an air purifier as a sterilizing agent, however, a proper sterilizing device must provide an apparatus that is capable of doing more than just purifying the air at the toothbrush bristles. The effectiveness of these systems are questionable.
There are known sterilizing systems that provide a compartment that is filled with a sterilizing liquid and the toothbrush is submersed directly into this liquid. This process is not portable and undesirable since there is a possibility that a child could consume the sterilizing liquid.
216~9 , To my knowledge, I do not believe that the known prior art has effectively addressed these difficulties.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
In view of the known foregoing known art disadvantages, the proposed invention will address the concerns of providing an effective and efficient toothbrush sterilization system.
To accomplish this goal, the proposed embodiment presents a structure which consists of a modified toothbrush which shall be used in conjunction with a cylindrical container, the container being the means of holding the sterilizing medium. The general purpose of this new and useful invention, which will be described in greater detail, is to furnish a new toothbrush sterilization system which will encompass all of the new invention advantages and none of the previous system disadvantages.
To achieve this goal7 my invention consists of modified toothbrush and a sterilizing receptacle. The toothbrush is designed with an integral flange-type member that is a part of the handle, this member having a series of male threads that are used for the purpose of engagement of the toothbrush with the sterilizing receptacle. The bottle or receptacle aperture has a corresponding number of female threads which are appropriately positioned to accept the toothbrush handle. As part of the bottle receptacle, a sealing ring is positioned7 this circular and internally dispositioned ring will provide a positive and leak-proof condition that will effectively retain the disinfecting liquid within the container.
The externally positioned engaging threads on the toothbrush handle flange and the internal engaging threads of the bottle aperture will co"l, ibute to a method whereas the toothbrush can be inserted and released from the bottle in an easy and simple one step twist action and yet, the disinfecting liquid will remain totally sealed within its container in the closed position.
It is accordingly a first object of this invention provide a new and useful invention as it pertains to the subject of an enhanced tooth brush sterilizing system.
It is another object of this invention to provide a sterilization system which is small and portable, thereby making the apparatus readily and easily transportable.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a sterilization system that can be used as a stand-alone receptable on a bathroom vanity countertop and also as a portable unit.
216~3~9 , It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a complete and self-contained tooth brush sterilization package, however, the components within the composite package may be marketed on an individual basis or as a total composite package.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a system in which the sterilizing liquid is totally contained within its receptacle thereby making this device a container that is child tamper proof. Addressing bathroom safety is a major concern of this new invention.
It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a sterilizing system that can be manufactured at a nominal cost and cost-effective manner therefore making the invention inexpensive to purchase.
In accordance with these and other objects which will be apparent hereinafter, the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The embodiment of the new invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism between the toothbrush and the sterilizing receptacle.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush in a sealed mode at the receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
As per FIG. 1, the invention is shown to consist of two major components, the modified toothbrush 1 and a sterilizing receptacle 8. The toothbrush member 1 is a one-piece longitudinal member consisting of a handle portion 1, the bristle retaining end 2 and brush bristles 3 which are attached to the bristle retaining end 2. As part of the handle configuration 1 and 2, a flange 5 is integral, and is part of, the handle arrangement. The flange configuration is circular in shape and includes a series of male thread segments 4 that are dispersed around the outer periphery of the flange 5. The principal part of the sterilizing device is an elongated cylindrical housing 8 that can be made from any common thermoplastic polymer material (or equivalent). These materials are preferred since they are .
typically inert to the effects of sterilizing compositions. The housing 8 has a normal open aperture through which the bristle end of the toothbrush can be inserted. The aperture includes a series of female thread components 6 that are dispersed around the inner periphery. The aperture contains a circumfer~"~,;ally ~,oositioned sealing bead 7 which is part of the cartridge. The twist-on sealing action of the new invention will be described in FIG. 2.
In FIG. 2 this view highlights the placement of the toothbrush into the housing, using a twist-action coupling and subsequent, sealing action. The bristle retaining end 2 is fully inserted into the aperture of the cartridge 8 until the threads make contact with each other.
The toothbrush handle 1 is rotated in a clock-wise rotation, thereby ~,oroviding a thread engagement botwcon male thread 4 on flange 5 and the female thread 6 on the internal aperture of the receptacle 8 until the sealing face of the flange 5 makes a firm contact with the sealir~g bead 7. The action of the sealing bead is to prevent the leakage or loss of the disinfecting liquid. To disengage the tooth,brush 1 from the receptacle 8, a reverse turning action in a counter-clockwise direction will release the toothbrush from the container.
FIG. 3 shows the toothbrush 1 in the sealed mode within the receptacle 8. This view shows the sterilizing liquid 9 inside the inner compartment of the receptacle 8. In this position the toothbrush oristles 3 are totaliy immersed within the sterilizing liquid 9. The combined rotational actions of the threads 4 and 6 against the sealing bead 7 will prevent the leakage of any of the sterilizing liquid 9.
My invention resides not in any particular feature but rather in the ~particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed.
The invention has been shown and described herein in what has been considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized that changes and modifications may be made to meet specific requirements and such changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
~4 -
Claims (8)
1. A device for sterilizing toothbrushes comprising: a modified toothbrush; a cylindrical receptacle and a sterilizing agent.
2. A modified tooth brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toothbrush consists of a handle at one end and toothbrush bristles at the opposite extremity of the handle.
3. A modified toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flange device is integral to the tooth brush handle and is axially positioned at an angled relationship to the centre plane of the handle and at a substantial longitudinal midpoint location on the handle.
4. A modified toothbrush as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flange is circular and has an outer diameter for positioning of securing means.
5. A modified toothbrush as claimed in claim 4, wherein the circular flange has a substantial sealing surface.
6. A cylindrical receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a generally tubular housing having an upper end being open so as to be capable of having a liquid located therein and sealed lower end, the open upper end having an method providing attachment means.
7. A cylindrical receptacle as claimed in claim 4-6, wherein the attachment means of the toothbrush and the receptacle co-operate to facilitate coupling and releasing functions.
8. A sterilizing agent as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agent provides a sterilizing function to the toothbrush bristles that are totally immersed within the sterilization agent in the cylindrical receptacle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2165349 CA2165349A1 (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1995-12-15 | Toothbrush sterilizing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2165349 CA2165349A1 (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1995-12-15 | Toothbrush sterilizing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2165349A1 true CA2165349A1 (en) | 1997-06-16 |
Family
ID=4157171
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2165349 Abandoned CA2165349A1 (en) | 1995-12-15 | 1995-12-15 | Toothbrush sterilizing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2165349A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003043478A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-05-30 | Kerrie Lee Nominees Pty. Limited | Toothbrush cleaner |
| GB2404857A (en) * | 2003-08-11 | 2005-02-16 | Jason Alexander Fretwell | Toothbrush holder for disinfecting toothbrushes |
| GB2462540A (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2010-02-17 | Jerry Francis Mahony | A sterilisation device for toothbrushes |
-
1995
- 1995-12-15 CA CA 2165349 patent/CA2165349A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003043478A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-05-30 | Kerrie Lee Nominees Pty. Limited | Toothbrush cleaner |
| GB2404857A (en) * | 2003-08-11 | 2005-02-16 | Jason Alexander Fretwell | Toothbrush holder for disinfecting toothbrushes |
| GB2404857B (en) * | 2003-08-11 | 2006-08-09 | Jason Alexander Fretwell | Toothbrush holder |
| GB2462540A (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2010-02-17 | Jerry Francis Mahony | A sterilisation device for toothbrushes |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |