Toothbrush Mat and Method for Making

Abstract

A toothbrush mat for storing a toothbrush between brushings and a method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The toothbrush mat includes an elongated mat body and a flap. After assembly, the mat body and flap cooperate to define a pocket having an opening that is dimensioned and arranged to receive the bristle end of a toothbrush.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This case claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 920,195 filed Mar. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to hygiene and more particularly to the storage of a toothbrush between uses.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Most people prefer to store their toothbrush in a hygienic manner between uses. A sanitary environment is typically desired in which: (a) no other objects are likely to contact the toothbrush, and (b) rapid drying of a wet toothbrush is promoted, or at least not hampered. These conditions are readily provided in one's own home.[0004]But when away from home, such as at a hotel, hospital, or spa, hygienic storage of a toothbrush is often problematic. In particular, these establishments do not typically stock their guest quarters with a device that will prevent a drying toothbrush from coming into contact with other objec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The present invention provides a way to store a toothbrush between brushings while avoiding some of the costs and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0017]In the illustrative embodiment, the pocket includes a vent, which is disposed at the opposite end of the pocket from the access way. The combination of the access way and the vent facilitates air flow through the pocket. The air flow promotes drying of toothbrush bristles after brushing. The toothbrush mat is waterproof, or at least water resistant, to resist deterioration by toothbrush liquids for an extended period of use.

[0022]forming a vent in the flap, wherein the vent is proximal to the fold; and forming a pocket by adhering at least one edge of the flap to the mat body in a manner that creates a gap therebetween, wherein the pocket is dimensioned and arranged to store a bristle end of the toothbrush.

[0023]A toothbrush mat as described herein is capable of storing a toothbrush between uses in a hygienic manner by keeping the toothbrush bristles away from potentially unclean surfaces (e.g., bathroom countertops, vanities, and the like). Furthermore, the toothbrush mat decreases the likelihood that persons handling the toothbrush will directly contact the bristles (e.g., housekeeping personnel needing to move the toothbrush during room cleaning, etc.). Additionally, the toothbrush mats disclosed herein will also prevent a toothbrush that is stored therein from inadvertently rolling or sliding onto unclean surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

But when away from home, such as at a hotel, hospital, or spa, hygienic storage of a toothbrush is often problematic.

In particular, these establishments do not typically stock their guest quarters with a device that will prevent a drying toothbrush from coming into contact with other objects or otherwise limit its exposure to potentially unsanitary conditions.

Hotel guests are often understandably reluctant to place a toothbrush on a bathroom vanity where the bristles of the toothbrush could come into contact with wastewater.

Hygiene aside, some travelers are unwilling to place a toothbrush on a countertop due to a perceived unsightliness.

But anyone familiar with recent findings concerning unsanitary room-cleaning practices will likely be dissuaded from doing so.

But these containers are not suitable for toothbrush storage between daily brushings.

If a travel container were to be used for this purpose, a residue of toothbrush liquids (e.g., toothpaste, saliva, water, etc.) would likely accumulate in the container after only a few uses, rendering it unhygienic.

And it is undesirable to routinely dispose of these travel containers due to cost and convenience considerations.

But disposable toothbrush holders are bulk items and a hotel's decision to use such a product will be very sensitive to pricing and, hence, the supplier's manufacturing cost.

Even if some of the manufacturing cost could be defrayed by leaving a toothbrush holder in a partially unassembled state, the hotel or its guests would incur the inconvenience of assembly.

Although simple stand-up type toothbrush holders address some of these drawbacks, they typically permit the toothbrush liquids to drip down the handle of the toothbrush, creating a mess.

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