Fountain toothbrush

Abstract

A toothbrush includes a handle connected to a head and bristles projecting from the top of the head. A channel runs longitudinally through the handle between a first opening and a second opening such that the first opening is in communication with the second opening through the channel. The first opening is arranged at a proximate end of said channel and said second opening is arranged at a distal end of the channel, the proximate end being closer to the head than the distal end. The channel and the first and second openings are arranged so that a substantially downward running stream of water directed into one of the first opening and the second opening is redirected through the channel and out of the other of the first opening and the second opening to form a fountain when the toothbrush is held substantially horizontally. A direction of a flow of the fountain at the other of the first opening and the second opening having an upward component so that a user, i.e., holder of the toothbrush can easily reach the fountain for oral rinsing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a channel for redirecting at least a portion of a faucet stream. [0002] Brushing teeth is an essential part of any oral hygiene routine. It is recommended that brushing be performed after every meal. However, if a person is not at home, a cup may not be readily available for rinsing after brushing. [0003] Even if a cup is available, cups collect dirt and require frequent cleaning and may not be desirable for use. The use of paper cups solves this problem but is not environmentally friendly as it creates waste. Water directly from a faucet may be used for rinsing. However, it is difficult to get the water from the faucet to a user's mouth without a cup. It is difficult to get enough water using cupped hands. Furthermore, the use of cupped hands may create splashes and spillage. It is also awkward to reach the stream exiting the faucet directly. Accordingly, there is a need for a simple and sanitar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The channel and the first and second openings are arranged so that a substantially downward running stream of water directed into one of the first opening and the second opening is redirected through the channel and out of the other of the first opening and the second opening to form a fountain when the toothbrush is held substantially horizontally. A direction of a flow of the fountain at the other of the first opening and the second opening having an upward component so that a user, i.e., holder of the toothbrush, can easily reach the fountain for oral rinsing.

Problems solved by technology

However, if a person is not at home, a cup may not be readily available for rinsing after brushing.

Even if a cup is available, cups collect dirt and require frequent cleaning and may not be desirable for use.

The use of paper cups solves this problem but is not environmentally friendly as it creates waste.

However, it is difficult to get the water from the faucet to a user's mouth without a cup.

It is difficult to get enough water using cupped hands.

Furthermore, the use of cupped hands may create splashes and spillage.

It is also awkward to reach the stream exiting the faucet directly.

Images