Toothbrush with a sterilising cap

Abstract

The assembly includes a toothbrush 1 and a matching cap 2. The toothbrush has a stem 3 and a head 4 which is provided with a platform 6 carrying a group of bristles 7 which project to one side of the stem. The cap 2 comprises a container for a sterilising liquid. The platform 6 has a first sealing surface 11 surrounding the group of bristles and the cap 2 has a second sealing surface 15 adapted to engage the first sealing surface such that, in use, the container encloses the bristles and sterilising liquid in a liquid-tight manner.

Description

[0001] TOOTHBRUSH WITH A STERILISING CAP

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the use of toothbrushes, and particularly toothbrushes provided with a sterilising cap.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] According to researchers, as many as 1.2 million bacteria may typically be found on a single used toothbrush. It has been reported that 70% of used toothbrushes are contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria and other pathogens, such as staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, E. Coli, influenza viruses and yeast fungus. The risk of becoming sick from using a toothbrush is often increased due to the way in which toothbrushes are kept. Bathrooms are the perfect place for bacteria to multiply because they are often warm and damp. In addition, toothbrushes are often kept in close proximity to a lavatory, where the simple act of flushing can launch microscopic droplets of water into the air laden with dirt and pathogens. Dentists recommend changing a toothbrush every three months. They also advise keeping toothbrushes dry and immersing the brush in hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash at regular intervals, but few people adhere to this guidance.

[0006] Particular problems can arise when travelling. A wide variety of toothbrush covers and cases are available to prevent the bristles from becoming contaminated or bent in transit. Such covers are also designed to keep the toothbrush dry by allowing moisture to evaporate, but in many cases the toothbrush is kept in a waterproof travel bag, which itself maintains a warm, damp environment in which bacteria can multiply and contaminate the toothbrush head.

[0007] In the UK it is currently very difficult (if not impossible) to get an appointment with a National Health Service dentist and this is affecting the majority of families and their children's teeth. NHS facts and figures show that child tooth decay and extractions are the highest ever with no sign of any reduction. Anything which encourages greater attention to oral hygiene and regular tooth brushing is therefore welcome.

[0008] AU 2014 202 003 Al discloses a travel toothbrush in which a water-soluble capsule of oral care product is provided in the toothbrush head. The capsule is protected from degradation before use by a removable cap. US 6 213 662 discloses a toothbrush with a paste dispenser in the handle. The bristles are protected by a removable cover. US 6 536 979 similarly discloses a toothbrush with a water dispenser in the handle. Again, the bristles are protected by a removable cover, which has an aperture for drainage and air circulation.

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive way of encouraging toothbrush users to sanitise a toothbrush in an effective and convenient manner.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] When viewed from one aspect the present invention proposes a toothbrush assembly of a toothbrush and a matching cap. The toothbrush has a stem and a head which carries a group of bristles projecting to one side of the stem. The cap comprises a container for a sterilising liquid. The head is provided with a first sealing surface surrounding the group of bristles and the cap has a second sealing surface adapted to engage the first sealing surface such that the container encloses the bristles and sterilising liquid in a liquid-tight manner.

[0012] The toothbrush can be more effectively sterilised using a smaller quantity of liquid, and since the toothbrush may be vigorously agitated with the cap in place more thorough cleansing may be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 is a side view of a first form of toothbrush;

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of a second form of toothbrush;

[0016] Figure 3 is a side view of a third form of toothbrush;

[0017] Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of the toothbrush head of Fig. 3 with the cap shown in axial section;

[0018] Figure 5 is a bottom end view of the cap.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Referring firstly to Fig. 1, a toothbrush assembly is shown which includes a manual toothbrush 1 and a cap 2.

[0021] The toothbrush 1 has a stem 3 in the form of a gently cranked handle which is used for manually manipulating the toothbrush in use. A head 4 is integrally moulded at one end of the handle, the head being of a flat elongate shape which merges into the handle at one end. A front face 5 of the head 4 has an integrally moulded platform 6, also of flat elongate shape, which carries a group of bristles 7 which project from the head to one side of the handle 3. The platform 6 has a continuous side face 10 which is provided with a first sealing formation 11 in the form of an endless shallow groove which extends in a continuous ring around the platform 6 surrounding the bristles 7.

[0022] The cap 2, comprises a container for a sterilising liquid and may, for example, be moulded of clear plastic. The cap is generally cup shaped with an end wall 12 surrounded by a continuous side wall 13 defining a single opening 14. The interior of the side wall is provided with a second sealing formation 15 in the form of a shallow endless rib which extends in a continuous ring around the opening 14. The cap 2 is configured such that it can be clipped onto the head 4 to completely enclose the bristles 7, thus protecting them from contamination or damage. The second sealing ring 15 may engage the first sealing ring 11 with the rib engaging the shallow groove to form a liquid-tight seal. Before engaging the cap 2, a small quantity of sterilizing liquid such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash may be placed in the cap so that the bristles are bathed in the liquid, effectively cleaning the bristles of any harmful bacteria or other pathogens. If the cap is substantially filled with sterilizing liquid it will tend to overflow when the bristles are lowered into the liquid, which ensures that the bristles are completely immersed in liquid. Alternatively, if a smaller quantity of sterilizing liquid is used the toothbrush can be vigorously shaken with the liquid- filled cap in place. The resulting agitation will help to distribute the sterilising liquid between and around the bristles for more effective cleansing. The cap 2 can be kept in place so that the bristles remain bathed in the sterilising liquid until the toothbrush is next used.

[0023] Referring now to Fig. 2, a toothbrush assembly is shown which includes an electrically operated toothbrush 1 and a cap 2.

[0024] The toothbrush 1 has an elongate stem 3 of generally circular cross-section which releasably connects the toothbrush with a battery operated motor unit 20 which is held in the hand during use. A drive coupling within the stem 3 transmits reciprocating drive from the unit 20 to a head 4 which is integrally moulded at one end of the stem. The head is of generally cylindrical shape and contains a drive spindle which extends transverse to the stem 4 to transmit reciprocating rotational drive to a circular or oval platform 6 which is rotatably mounted at one side of the head 4. The platform 6 carries a group of bristles 7 which project from the head to one side of the stem 3. The platform 6 has a continuous side face 10 which is provided with a first sealing formation 11 in the form of an endless shallow groove which extends in a continuous ring around the platform 6 surrounding the bristles 7.

[0025] The cap 2, comprises a container for a sterilising liquid and may, for example, be moulded of clear plastic. The cap is generally cup shaped with an end wall 12 surrounded by a continuous side wall 13 defining an opening 14. The interior of the side wall is provided with a second sealing formation 15 in the form of a shallow endless rib which extends in a continuous ring around the opening 14. The cap 2 is configured such that it can be placed onto the platform 6 to completely enclose the bristles 7, thus protecting them from contamination or damage. The second sealing ring 15 may engage the first sealing ring 11 with the rib engaging the shallow groove to form a liquid-tight seal. Before engaging the cap 2, a small quantity of sterilizing liquid such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash may be placed in the cap so that the bristles are bathed in the liquid, effectively cleaning the bristles of any harmful bacteria or other pathogens. If the cap is substantially filled with sterilizing liquid it will tend to overflow when the bristles are lowered into the liquid, which ensures that the bristles are completely immersed in liquid. Alternatively, if a smaller quantity of sterilizing liquid is used and the drive unit is operated with the liquid-containing cap in place, the resulting agitation will help to distribute the sterilising liquid between and around the bristles for more effective cleansing. Since the cap 2 engages the platform 6 there is no requirement to provide a seal between the platform and the internal drive mechanism within the head 4 to prevent loss of liquid.

[0026] It will be noted that in both of the embodiments described above the rib 15 and the groove 11 may be interchanged. In other embodiments of the toothbrush assembly different forms of sealing formation may be used to retain the cap 2 on the platform 6 and maintain an effective seal. For example, the interior of the cap and the outer face 10 of the platform 6 could engage each other in a wedging manner. In any embodiment the cap 2 or the platform 6 could be provided with a flexible elastomeric sealing ring which deforms to engage the opposing face in a liquid-tight sealing manner.

[0027] Another similar form of electrically operated toothbrush 1 and cap 2 are shown in Fig. 3. The toothbrush 1 has an elongate stem 3 of generally circular cross-section which releasably connects the toothbrush head with a battery operated motor unit 20 which is held in the hand during use. A drive coupling within the stem 3 transmits reciprocating drive from the unit 20 to a head 4 which is integrally moulded at one end of the stem. The head is of generally cylindrical shape and contains a drive spindle which extends transverse to the stem 4 to transmit reciprocating rotational drive to a circular platform 6 which is rotatably mounted at one side of the head 4. The platform 6 carries a group of bristles 7 which project from the head to one side of the stem 3. The platform 6 has a continuous side face 10 which is provided with a first sealing ring 21 in the form of an endless elastomeric band which extends in a continuous ring around the platform 6 surrounding the bristles 7.

[0028] The cap 2, comprises a container for a sterilising liquid and may, for example, be moulded of clear plastic. The cap is generally cup shaped with an end wall 12 surrounded by a continuous cylindrical side wall 13 defining an opening 14. Referring to Fig. 4, the interior of the side wall 13 adjacent to the open end of the cap provides a second sealing ring 22 which extends in a continuous ring around the opening 14. The cap 2 is configured such that it can be securely engaged with the platform 6 to completely enclose the bristles 7, thus protecting them from contamination or damage. Quick, simple and secure engagement is achieved by providing first cam formations 25 on the side face 10 of the platform 6. These cam formations are in the form of part-circular flanges which extend around part of the platform 6, inclined in the axial direction. These co-operate with second cam formations 26, also in the form of part-circular flanges inclined in the axial direction, which internally extend around the side wall 13 of the cap 2 - see Fig. 5 also. When the cap is placed over the bristles 7 with a slight screwing motion the first and second cam formations 25 and 26 engage each other and draw the cap onto the platform until the first sealing ring 21 is in sealing contact with the second sealing ring 22.

[0029] Secure attachment of the cap can be ensured by engagement of a first locking formation 27 on the cap with a second locking formation 28 on the platform. As shown in the present embodiment the locking formations may be in the form of pips on the cam formations, although they could also be provided elsewhere on the side wall 13 and platform 6.

[0030] Before engaging the cap 2, a small quantity of sterilizing liquid such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash may be placed in the cap so that the bristles are bathed in the liquid, effectively cleaning the bristles of any harmful bacteria or other pathogens. If the cap is substantially filled with sterilizing liquid it will tend to overflow when the bristles are lowered into the liquid, which ensures that the bristles are completely immersed. Alternatively, if a smaller quantity of sterilizing liquid is used and the drive unit is operated with the liquid-containing cap in place, the resulting agitation will help to distribute the sterilising liquid between and around the bristles for more effective cleansing. Since the cap 2 engages the platform 6 there is no requirement to provide a seal between the platform and the internal drive mechanism within the head 4 to prevent loss of liquid.

[0031] The cap is removed prior to use of the toothbrush by rotating the cap in an opposite direction, applying sufficient force to disengage the locking formations 27 and 28. The cap is then rotated until it can be pulled off the toothbrush head.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the number of cam formations 25 and 26 can vary. For example, three or four pairs of co-operating cam formations could be provided. Also, a single pair of cam formations can be used in the form of helical screw threads. This would necessitate greater angular rotation between the cap and toothbrush head. Furthermore, locking formations may not be necessary as the cap can just be rotated until tight, although a positive click-engagement is useful to indicate that the cap is fully engaged in a liquid-tight manner.

[0033] Since the assembly of toothbrush and cap will generally be sold together they provide an incentive for users to get into the habit of regular sterilisation of their toothbrushes.

[0034] Whilst the above description places emphasis on the areas which are believed to be new and addresses specific problems which have been identified, it is intended that the features disclosed herein may be used in any combination which is capable of providing a new and useful advance in the art.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 29 December 2025 (29.12.2025)1. A method of maintaining the cleanliness of a toothbrush (1) having a stem (3), a head (4), a group of bristles (7) projecting from the head to one side of the stem, and the head having a first sealing surface (11) surrounding the group of bristles (7); which method includes the steps of:- providing a cap (2) to enclose the group of bristles, said cap having a second sealing surface (15) which is adapted to engage said first sealing surface;- placing the cap onto the head (4);- engaging the second sealing surface (15) with the first sealing surface (11);- retaining the cap in liquid-tight engagement with the head; characterised in that- a quantity of sterilising liquid is placed in the cap (2) before the cap is placed into the head;- the cap is placed onto the head (4) whilst containing the sterilising liquid such that the group of bristles enter the sterilising liquid;- the cap is retained in liquid-tight engagement with the head such that the group of bristles remain bathed in the sterilising liquid;2. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (15) comprises a continuous groove.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein one of the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (15) comprises a continuous rib.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (15) comprise complimentary faces which are mutually engageable in wedging manner.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cap (2) and the head (4) are provided with co-operable first and second cam formations (25 and 26) which draw the first and second sealing surfaces into engagement upon rotation of the cap (2).

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the cap (2) and the head (4) are provided with co-operable first and second locking formations (27 and 28).

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the first and second locking formations (27 and 28) are provided on the first and second cam formations (25 and 26).

8. The method of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first sealing surface (11) and the second sealing surface (15) comprises an elastomeric sealing ring.

9. The method of any preceding claim wherein the groupof bristles project from a platform (6) having a side face (10) which incorporates the first sealing surface (11).

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the platform (6) is integrally formed with the head.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the platform (6) is rotatably mounted on the head.

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