Dispensing toothbrush

Abstract

A dispensing toothbrush includes a hollow handle. Toothpaste is positioned within the handle. A piston is positioned within the handle below the toothpaste. A brush is affixed to the top of the handle. The brush has an internal channel in fluid communication with the handle that provides a way for toothpaste to exit the toothbrush. A ball valve is positioned within the channel for preventing toothpaste from inadvertently leaking from the toothbrush. A thumbscrew is rotatably secured to the handle. The thumbscrew includes a threaded rod positioned within the handle. The threaded rod is threadably engaged with the piston. A knob is affixed to the bottom of the threaded rod and is positioned outside of the handle. Rotating the knob causes the piston to be driven upwardly so as to push toothpaste from the handle, past the ball valve, and from the brush.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to coating implements with material supply and, more particularly, to brushes, brooms, or mops with flow regulators.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dentists recommend that everyone should brush their teeth after meals to prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, it is not practical to carry a conventional toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in a pocket or purse since they are both bulky and prone to contaminate whatever they contact with toothpaste. Some people have proposed toothbrushes with internal, toothpaste-carrying compartments as a way to get around these problems. Compartmented toothbrushes have, however, not seen widespread commercial acceptance due to their generally complicated constructions, design flaws, and high costs. Therefore, a need exists for a compact and uncomplicated toothbrush that does not leak and that permits users to easily brush their teeth wherever they may be. Many users of my toothbrush woul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]In light of the problems associated with the known toothbrushes, it is a principal object of my invention to provide a dispensing toothbrush that is: compact in size, resistant to leaks, lightweight in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and dependable in use.

[0005]Briefly, my dispensing toothbrush achieves the intended objects by featuring a hollow handle. Toothpaste is positioned within the handle. A piston is positioned within the handle below the toothpaste. A brush is affixed to the top of the handle. The brush has an internal channel in fluid communication with the handle that provides a way for toothpaste to exit the toothbrush. A ball valve is positioned within the channel for preventing toothpaste from inadvertently leaking from the toothbrush. A thumbscrew is rotatably secured to the handle. The thumbscrew includes a threaded rod positioned within the handle. The threaded rod is threadably engaged with the piston. A knob is affixed to the bottom of the threaded rod and is positioned outside of the handle. Rotating the knob causes the piston to be driven upwardly so as to push toothpaste from the handle, past the ball valve, and from the brush.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, it is not practical to carry a conventional toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in a pocket or purse since they are both bulky and prone to contaminate whatever they contact with toothpaste.

Compartmented toothbrushes have, however, not seen widespread commercial acceptance due to their generally complicated constructions, design flaws, and high costs.

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