Dental liquid catcher

Abstract

A liquid catcher for a toothbrush (100; 200) comprising body (102; 202) having a central opening (108; 208) for a toothbrush (10), the body comprising a concave portion (110; 210) with a mouth (112; 2

Description

03 06 24 Technical Field [0001 ] The present invention related to a dental liquid catcher. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for attachment to, or integrated with, a toothbrush or other dental device for catching the liquid by-products of tooth brushing. By "dental device" we mean a hand-held device for use on the teeth- as well as manual and electric toothbrushes this includes flossers. Background Art

[0002] The process of brushing one's teeth is something that people carry out several times a day. NHS recommendations are that teeth should be brushed for about two minutes last thing before you go to bed and on one other occasion every day. A problem with brushing one's teeth for this duration is that the liquid produced (from toothpaste mixed with saliva) is inviscid and tends to run down the toothbrush onto the user's hand and forearm. This is off-putting and can cause the user to cease brushing early.

[0003] This problem is present with both manual and electric toothbrushes, although affects electric toothbrushes more significantly. Electric toothbrushes are more difficult to clean, and liquid can get trapped more easily, presenting hygiene problems.

[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to mitigate or overcome the aforementioned problems. Summary of Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid catcher according to claim 1.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a toothbrush according to claim 14.

[0007] The catcher therefore may be assembled with an existing toothbrush, or integrated into the toothbrush.

[0008] Advantageously, the present invention catches any waste liquid before it can contact the user's hand and / or drip from the toothbrush. 03 06 24

[0009] Preferably the catcher is formed from a deformable, resilient material to thus form a liquid-tight seal with a toothbrush inserted into the central opening.

[0010] Preferably the concave portion is substantially U-shaped in section. [0011 ] Preferably the concave portion extends all the way around the central opening.

[0012] Preferably the concave portion has a distal wall that extends radially inwardly towards the central opening.

[0013] Preferably the distal wall is curved.

[0014] Preferably the distal wall is part-elliptical.

[0015] Preferably there is a proximal wall defining the central opening, the proximal wall having a distal surface tapered towards the mouth.

[0016] Preferably there is a cross section swept around a central axis.

[0017] Preferably there is a recess defined on a side opposite the mouth, the recess configured to engage with an external feature of a toothbrush inserted into the central opening.

[0018] Preferably the liquid catcher is attached to a handle of the toothbrush, although in other embodiments the catcher may be attached to or incorporated with the head of the toothbrush. In a still further embodiment, the catcher may be positioned between a base / handle and removeable head of a toothbrush.

[0019] Preferably the liquid catcher is stretched over the handle of the toothbrush to form a liquid tight seal therewith. Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first liquid catcher in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a section view of the catcher of Figure 1 along ll-ll; 03 06 24 FIGURE 3 is a schematic section view of the catch of Figure 1 installed on a toothbrush at a first orientation; FIGURE 4a is a schematic section view of the catch of Figure 1 installed on a toothbrush at a second orientation; FIGURE 4b is a detail view of region B in Figure 4; FIGURE 4c is a view of the catcher of Figure 4a in an inverted / cleaning condition; FIGURES 5a and 5b are perspective view of a second liquid catcher in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 6 is a section view of the catcher of Figure 5a along VI-VI; FIGURE 7 is a schematic section view of the catcher of Figure 6 installed on a toothbrush at a first orientation; FIGURE 8a is a section view of a third catcher in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 8b and 8c are section views of the catcher of Figure 8a; FIGURE 9a is a side view of a fourth catcher in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 9b is a detail view of the catcher of Figure 9a; FIGURES 10a and 10b are perspective views of a fifth catcher in accordance with the invention; FIGURES 11a and 11b are perspective views of a sixth catcher in accordance with the invention; and, FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a seventh catcher in accordance with the invention. Description of the first embodiment [0021 ] A first catcher 100 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. Configuration

[0022] The catcher 100 comprises a unitary body 102 constructed from a deformable, resilient material such as a silicone, rubber or elastomer. The body 102 is generally annular in form having a central aperture 104 and a constant, cross section 106 swept about a primary axis A. 03 06 24

[0023] The cross section 1 06 comprises a base 107 (or proximal wall) with an axial support surface 108 (in this case flat in cross section, cylindrical in three dimensions). Axially outwardly from the support surface 1 08 the cross-section defines a concave formation 110, generally U-shaped and having an opening or mouth 112 facing in a first axial direction A1.

[0024] The base 107 has a tapered surface 114 leading into the mouth 112 of the concave formation 11 0.

[0025] The concave formation 110 is generally curved in form, in this case elliptical having a first, long axis LA and a second, shorter axis SA. LA is aligned with the primary axis A such that the ellipse is elongate in that direction. In this embodiment, the mouth 112 spans an angle from 0 degrees to approximately 35 degrees towards the primary axis A, meaning it is generally directed axially inwardly. The tapered surface 114 meets the path of the ellipse at the mouth 112.

[0026] The axial outward wall (the distal wall) of the formation 11 0 curves inwardly from the vertical (following a curved path) towards the primary axis A.

[0027] The elliptical curvature of the formation 110 provides for a curved internal surface 116 and a curved external surface 118 (the formation 11 0 having a generally constant wall thickness t). The external surface 118 curves upwardly to meet the base 107 thereby forming a recess 120 on the underside thereof. Use

[0028] Referring to Figure 3, the catcher 100 is installed on a toothbrush 1 0. Thetoothbrush 10 has a handle or base 12 and a head 14 having bristles 16. In this embodiment, the toothbrush 10 is an electric toothbrush having a replaceable head 14 along with a battery and motor in the base 12.

[0029] The catcher 100 is pushed along the base 12 from either end, the aperture 104 being dimensioned to form a liquid-tight fit against the external surface ofthe base 12. The aperture 1 04 therefore may be dimensioned to be slightly too small (i.e. of lesser diameter or equivalent diameterthan the base 12) such thatthe material stretches and resiles to form the fit. It will also be noted that the base 12 may not be circular in cross-section, and the deformability and resilience ofthe material ofthe body 102 allows the catcher 100 to deform to the appropriate shape and form a liquid-tight seal. 03 06 24

[0030] As can be see, the catcher 100 is installed with the mouth 112 facing the head 14 of the toothbrush 10 (i.e. upwardly in use). As such, any liquid running down the toothbrush from the head 14 will run into the formation 11 0 via the tapered surface 114. Ideally, the catcher 1 00 is positioned above the user's hand in use. Figure 3 shows some liquid run-off 1 8 in the catcher 100. [0031 ] Referring to Figure 4b, the toothbrush 10 has been rotated (as it typically is in use). As can be seen from an inspection of Figure 4b, the run-off 18 is prevented from leaving the opening 112 by the inward curvature of the concave formation 110.

[0032] In order to clean the catcher 100, the brush can be inverted over a sink. The inside of the catcher 1 00 can also be cleaned by exerting an axial force on the formation in the direction A2 (Figure 2). This allows the external side of the concave formation 11 0 to sit against the base 12, the catcher 1 00 effectively being "flipped" inside out, with the internal side 11 6 now facing radially outwardly. This is shown in Figure 4c. Because of the material choice and thickness of the body 102, along with the curvature of the formation 110, the catcher is stable in the condition shown, and the cleaning condition as described (bi-stable), allowing the userto clean the inside of the catcher 1 00. Once clean, it can be "flipped" back by exerting a force on the formation 110 in direction A1. Description of the second embodiment

[0033] Referring to Figures 5a to 7, a second catcher 200 is shown which is similar to the catcher 100 with similar features labelled 100 greater.

[0034] Instead of being entirely rotationally swept / rotationally symmetrical, the catcher 200 has a recessed portion 298 defined on its underside. The recessed portion is formed from a deformation in the formation 11 0 to form a downwardly facing (opposite to the mouth 212) concave portion. The recessed portion 298 is an inverted U-shape and is designed to allow the catcher 200 to sit on a button 20 on the base 12 of the toothbrush (see Figure 7).

[0035] Referring to Figure 5b, the catcher 200 can be inverted per the catcher 100. 03 06 24 Description of the third embodiment

[0036] Referring to Figures 8a to 8c, a third catcher 300 is shown. The catcher 300 is is intended for use on a manual (as opposed to electric) toothbrush and is also constructed from a flexible, resilient material such as a silicone elastomer.

[0037] The catcher300 has a body 302 which is generally cup-shaped having a base region 304 with a cylindrical central opening or aperture 305, and a sidewall 306 that curves and tapers outwards towards a lip 308 at a mouth 310.

[0038] Referring to Figure 8b, the base region 304 has an upper flange 312 extending towards the mouth 310 and a lower flange 314 extending away from the mouth. The flanges 312, 314 provide an extended opening 305 for contact with the outside of a toothbrush.

[0039] The catcher 300 is shown installed on a manual toothbrush 10' having a handle 12', a neck 13' and a head 1 6'.

[0040] Referring to Figure 8c, the catcher 300 is shown in an inverted condition for cleaning, where the lip 308 is flipped forward to invert the sidewall 306. Description of the fourth embodiment

[0041] Referring to Figures 9a and 9b, a fourth catcher 400 is shown. The catcher 400 is substantially similar to the catcher 100 with the exception that it is dimensioned to fit around the replaceable head 14. Description of the fifth embodiment

[0042] Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, a fifth catcher 500 is shown. The catcher 500 is substantially similar to the catcher 200 with the exception that it is provided with a downwardly depending skirt portion 297 extending from the body 502 directly below the opening 504 to bear against the outer surface of the toothbrush handle 12. The skirt 297 defines the recessed portion 298 for the button (not shown). Description of the sixth embodiment

[0043] Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, a sixth catcher 600 is shown. The catcher 600 is substantially similar to the catcher 100 with the exception that it is provided with an elongated base 602 defining an upwardly depending skirt portion 699 extending from the 03 06 24 body 602 directly above the opening 604 to bear against the outer surface of the toothbrush handle 12. The skirt 699 defines a plurality of four axial slots 690 extending from a free end to aid with elastic deformation.. Description of the seventh embodiment

[0044] Referring to Figure 12, a seventh catcher 700 is shown. The catcher 700 is substantially similar to the catcher 400 inasmuch as it encircles the head 14, and like the catcher 600 is it provided with an elongated base 702 defining an upwardly depending skirt portion 799 extending from the body 702 directly above the opening 704 to bear against the outer surface of the toothbrush head 14. The skirt 799 defines a plurality of four axial slots 790 extending from a free end to aid with elastic deformation. On an outer surface of the concave formation 71 0 (i.e. on the convex side) there are provided axial ribs 788 to aid with stiffness in each position, and for grip.

[0045] Variations

[0046] The above embodiments present the catcher 100, 200 as a component separate and not attached to the toothbrush 1 0. In one variation of the present invention, the catcher 100, 200 may be attached to, or integrally formed with, part of the toothbrush 10. For example it may be adhered to the base 12 or may be co-moulded with a rubber / elastomeric grip portion of the base 12.

[0047] In another variation, the catchers 1 00, 200 may be constructed from a stiff material such as an injection moulded polymer, although this is less preferred.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the catchers 100, 200 may not be reversible at all, and therefore have only one condition (that shown it the drawings).

[0049] Although the above first and second embodiments have been described with reference to electric toothbrushes and the third with a manual toothbrush, it will be understood that each embodiment is suitable for use with electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes and other dental cleaning equipment having a handle.

Claims

03 06 241. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush comprising a body having a central opening for a toothbrush, the body comprising a concave portion defining a mouth that faces a toothbrush head end of a toothbrush inserted into the central opening in use, the body being bi-stable betweena first condition wherein the inside of the concave portion faces inwardly; and,a second condition wherein the concave portion is turned inside out such that the inside of the concave portion faces outwardly.

2. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the catcher is formed from a deformable, resilient material to thus form a liquid-tight seal with a toothbrush inserted into the central opening.

3. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the concave portion is substantially U-shaped in section.

4. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the concave portion extends all the way around the central opening.

5. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to any preceding claim, wherein the concave portion has a distal wall that extends radially inwardly towards the central opening.

6. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to claim 5, wherein the distal wall is curved.

7. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to claim 6, wherein the distal wall is partelliptical.

8. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to any preceding claim, comprising a proximal wall defining the central opening, the proximal wall having a distal surface tapered towards the mouth.

9. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to any preceding claim, having a cross section swept around a central axis.

10. A liquid catcher for a toothbrush according to any preceding claim, comprising a recess defined on a side opposite the mouth, the recess configured to engage with an external feature of a toothbrush inserted into the central opening.03 06 2411. Atoothbrush comprising a liquid catcher according to any preceding claim.

12. A toothbrush according to claim 11, wherein the liquid catcher is attached to a handle of the toothbrush.

13. Atoothbrush according to claim 12, wherein the liquid catcher is stretched over the handle of the toothbrush to form a liquid tight seal therewith.

14. Atoothbrush comprising a head and a liquid catcher, the liquid catcher comprising a body having a concave portion defining a mouth that faces the head, the body being bistable betweena first condition wherein the inside of the concave portion faces inwardly; and,a second condition wherein the concave portion is turned inside out such that the inside of the concave portion faces outwardly.1 5. Atoothbrush according to claim 14, wherein the concave portion is substantially U-shaped in section.1 6. A toothbrush according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the concave portion extends all the way around the toothbrush.1 7. A toothbrush according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the concave portion has a distal wall that extends radially inwardly towards the toothbrush.1 8. Atoothbrush according to claim 1 7, wherein the distal wall is curved.1 9. Atoothbrush according to claim 1 8, wherein the distal wall is part-elliptical.

20. A toothbrush according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the catcher has a crosssection swept around a central axis.

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