Toothbrush sanitizing system

Abstract

The present invention is a system for sanitizing common electric toothbrush heads manufactured by Phillips (Sonicare®) and Proctor & Gamble (Oral-B®), their generic equivalents, and standard non-electric toothbrushes, utilizing oral sanitizing agents (mouthwash) such as Listerine®, Scope® and other FDA approved oral name brand sanitizing agents and their generic equivalents. The present invention comprises a sanitizer vessel, a sanitizer vessel holder, a sanitizer wall bracket, a pinch clip cap, a plurality of pinch clips, pinch clip screws, and a full brush cap. Users may add an oral sanitizing agent or mouthwash of choice. The present invention is designed to be compact and portable, allowing a user to store and sanitize toothbrushes and toothbrush heads while traveling.

Description

[0001] Toothbrush Sanitizing System

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrush heads and toothbrush sanitization. Particularly, the present invention is a system for sanitizing common electric toothbrush heads and standard non-electric toothbrushes, utilizing oral sanitizing agents.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Toothbrushes catch bacteria from the user’s mouth during use. In a bathroom, germs and bacteria in the air can also land on a toothbrush and contribute to contamination. These bacteria can grow and multiply if the toothbrush is not properly sanitized. Without proper sanitization, an unclean toothbrush can become a home for harmful bacteria and other microbes.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide a system for sanitizing electrictoothbrush heads and toothbrushes. The present invention allows users to soak electrictoothbrush heads and toothbrushes in an oral sanitizing agent. This sanitization kills unwanted germs and bacteria and prevents further germs and bacteria from growing on the user’s toothbrush between uses.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide compatibility across different types of commonly found electric-toothbrush head sizes and shapes and toothbrushes. The present invention includes pinch clips that are designed to fit common electric toothbrush heads manufactured by Phillips (Sonicare®) and Proctor & Gamble (Oral-B®) and their generic equivalents. The present invention also includes a full brush cap that can accommodate the size and shape of standard non-electric toothbrushes. Another objective of the present invention is to provide portability. The present invention is designed to be compact and portable, allowing a user to store and sanitize electric toothbrush heads and toothbrushes while traveling. In addition to a full brush cap, the present invention includes a pinch clip cap that securely fastens to the sanitizer vessel.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a system for sanitizing common electric toothbrush heads manufactured by Phillips (Sonicare®) and Proctor & Gamble (Oral-B®), their generic equivalents, and standard non-electric toothbrushes, utilizing oral sanitizing agents (mouthwash) such as Listerine®, Scope® and other FDA approved oral name brand sanitizing agents and their generic equivalents. The present invention is designed to be compact and portable, allowing a user to store and sanitize toothbrushes and toothbrush heads while traveling.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front top right perspective view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front bottom right perspective view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a right elevational view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a left elevational view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a rear top left perspective view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a rear bottom left perspective view of a single vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a front top right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing an Oral-B-shaped toothbrush head.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a front top right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing a Sonicare-shaped toothbrush head.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a front bottom right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing an Oral-B-shaped toothbrush head.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a front bottom right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing a Sonicare-shaped toothbrush head.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a front top right perspective view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a front bottom right perspective view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a rear top left perspective view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a rear bottom left perspective view of a double vessel embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a full brush cap.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing an Oral-B-shaped toothbrush head, pinch clip, and pinch clip screw.

[0033] FIG. 25 is a front top right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing an Oral-B-shaped toothbrush head, pinch clip, and pinch clip screw.

[0034] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing a Sonicare-shaped toothbrush head, pinch clip, and pinch clip screw.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a front top right perspective view of an exploded single vessel embodiment of the present invention, showing a Sonicare-shaped toothbrush head, pinch clip, and pinch clip screw.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the abovedisclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and / or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0039] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0040] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0041] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and / or issuing here from. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of the disclosed use cases, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0043] The present invention is a system for sanitizing common electric toothbrush heads manufactured by Phillips (Sonicare®) and Proctor & Gamble (Oral-B®), their generic equivalents, and standard non-electric toothbrushes utilizing oral sanitizing agents (mouthwash) such as Listerine®, Scope® and other FDA approved oral name brand sanitizing agents and their generic equivalents.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1-27, the present invention 100 comprises a sanitizer vessel 101, a sanitizer vessel holder 102, a sanitizer wall bracket 103, a pinch clip cap 104, a plurality of pinch clips 105, pinch clip screws 106, and a full brush cap 107. Users may add an oral sanitizing agent or mouthwash of choice.

[0045] Said sanitizer vessel 101 is inserted into and secured within said sanitizer vessel holder 102. Said sanitizer vessel 101 is partly filled with an oral sanitizing agent or mouthwash of choice. In some embodiments, said sanitizer vessel 101 further comprises a fill line. As shown in FIG. 1-10, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single sanitizer vessel holder 102 that accepts one sanitizer vessel 101. As shown in FIG. 15-22, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a double sanitizer vessel holder 102 that accepts two sanitizer vessels 101. Further embodiments of the present invention exist that may hold three or more sanitizer vessels depending on the user’s needs.

[0046] Said pinch clips 105 grip said toothbrush heads. Said pinch clips 105 are interchangeable depending on the electric toothbrush system utilized by the user. As shown in FIG. 11, 13, 24, 25, said pinch clips 105 are shaped to accept Oral-B-shaped toothbrush heads in some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, 14, 26, 27, said pinch clips 105 are shaped to accept Sonicare-shaped toothbrush heads in some embodiments of the present invention. Said pinch clips 105 are screwed into said pinch clip cap 104 until secure. As shown in FIG. 24-27, said pinch clip screws 106 can attach said pinch clips 105 into said pinch clip caps 104. Said toothbrush heads are inserted into said pinch clips 105 until secure. The distal end of said toothbrush head is inserted through the mouth of said sanitizer vessel 101 until said pinch clip cap 104 contacts with said sanitizer vessel 101. Said pinch clip cap 104 can then be screwed onto said sanitizer vessel 101 until secure. Users should let said toothbrush head soak in an oral sanitizing agent within said sanitizer vessel 101. To use said toothbrush head, unscrew said pinch clip cap 104 from said sanitizer vessel 101, pull said toothbrush head away from said pinch clips 105 and said pinch clip cap 104. In some embodiments, said pinch clip cap 104 further comprises a silicon gasket.

[0047] FIG. 23 provides a full brush cap component 107. To sanitize a standard nonelectric toothbrush, a toothbrush can be inserted directly into said sanitizer vessel 101 and capped with said full brush cap 107 instead of said pinch clips 105 and said pinch clip cap 104. In some embodiments, said full brush cap 107 further comprises a silicon gasket.

[0048] The present invention 100 can be placed on a countertop or mounted to a wall utilizing said sanitizer wall bracket 103. Said sanitizer wall bracket 103 can be attached to a wall via screws and dry wall anchors or a Command Strip® (3M).

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, the present invention 100 can be aesthetically customized with monogramming, labeling, and / or other personalization features.

[0050] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toothbrush sanitizing system comprising: a sanitizer vessel; a sanitizer vessel holder; a pinch clip cap; a pinch clip; a pinch clip screw; wherein said sanitizer vessel fits within a cavity of said sanitizer vessel holder; wherein said pinch clip cap screws onto threads on the neck of said sanitizer vessel; wherein said pinch clip screw screws into threads found within said pinch clip cap; wherein said pinch clip screw is found on the distal end of said pinch clip; and wherein said pinch clip grips a detachable toothbrush head.

2. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, further comprising: a sanitizer wall bracket; wherein said sanitizer vessel holder is connected to said sanitizer wall bracket; and wherein said sanitizer wall bracket can attach said sanitizer vessel holder to a surface.

3. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, further comprising: an oral sanitizing agent.

4. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, wherein said sanitizer vessel further comprises a fdl line.

5. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, wherein said sanitizer vessel holder further comprises a plurality of cavities to accept a plurality of sanitizer vessels.

6. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, wherein said pinch clip cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

7. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 1, further comprising: a full brush cap.

8. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 7, wherein said full brush cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

9. A toothbrush sanitizing system comprising: a sanitizer vessel; a sanitizer vessel holder; a sanitizer wall bracket; a pinch clip cap; a pinch clip; a pinch clip screw; wherein said sanitizer vessel fits within a cavity of said sanitizer vessel holder; wherein said pinch clip cap screws onto threads on the neck of said sanitizer vessel; wherein said pinch clip screw screws into threads found within said pinch clip cap; wherein said pinch clip screw is found on the distal end of said pinch clip; wherein said pinch clip grips a detachable toothbrush head; wherein said sanitizer vessel holder is connected to said sanitizer wall bracket; and wherein said sanitizer wall bracket can attach said sanitizer vessel holder to a surface.

10. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 9, further comprising: an oral sanitizing agent.

11. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 9, wherein said sanitizer vessel further comprises a fill line.

12. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 9, wherein said sanitizer vessel holder further comprises a plurality of cavities to accept a plurality of sanitizer vessels.

13. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 9, wherein said pinch clip cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

14. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 9, further comprising: a full brush cap.

15. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 14, wherein said full brush cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

16. A toothbrush sanitizing system comprising: a sanitizer vessel; a sanitizer vessel holder; a sanitizer wall bracket; a pinch clip cap; a pinch clip; a pinch clip screw; a full brush cap; wherein said sanitizer vessel fits within a cavity of said sanitizer vessel holder; wherein said sanitizer vessel further comprises a fill line; wherein said pinch clip cap screws onto threads on the neck of said sanitizer vessel; wherein said pinch clip screw screws into threads found within said pinch clip cap;wherein said pinch clip screw is found on the distal end of said pinch clip; wherein said pinch clip grips a detachable toothbrush head; wherein said sanitizer vessel holder is connected to said sanitizer wall bracket; and wherein said sanitizer wall bracket can attach said sanitizer vessel holder to a surface.

17. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 16, further comprising: an oral sanitizing agent.

18. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 16, wherein said sanitizer vessel holder further comprises a plurality of cavities to accept a plurality of sanitizer vessels.

19. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 16, wherein said pinch clip cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

20. The toothbrush sanitizing system of claim 16, wherein said full brush cap further comprises a silicone gasket.

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