GB2143428A - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

A tooth brush includes a holder 1 carrying bundles 2 of bristles and having a duct 5 for conveying toothpaste from a tube 4 to the brush head. The holder and tube are enclosed in a case including a body portion 6 and a cap 7 both detachably connected to the holder. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Toothbrush This invention relates to toothbrushes.

According to the invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate holder, bristles carried bythe holder adjacent one end to define a brush head, connection means atthe other end of the holder four securing thereto a toothpaste container, and a ductthrough the holderfor conducting toothpaste from the container to the bristles.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes the following features: a) its outward shape is the same as of afountainpen, wherein the body of the pen consists of a lengthened part with bristles, which has an internal capillary tube thatthe toothpaste passes th rough, having on the lower sidle a threaded opening, where a tube of toothpaste is attached to, by screwing said tube of toothpaste having the usual shape and the suitable dimensions, and said lower side being merely fitted within the case which protects the charge by means of a retaining spring;; b) in orderthatthe toothpaste might reach the bristles, it is only necessaryto put out ofjointthe internal body of the toothbrush and to tighten up slightly thetoothpaste tube, which is fitted on the lower part of the internal body, and afterwards to fit it thereinto again; c) after each toothpaste tube is emptied, the worn outtube can be detached and a new one can be attached thereto; d) if required, a cap withoutfastening spring can be used; and e) it can be carried by the user in his pocket and it is rechargeable.

To assistafull understanding ofthe invention the following detailed description of an embodiment is given, reference being made to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure lisa side view of a toothbrush according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the toothbrush.

The toothbrush illustrated in the drawing comprises atwo.partcasewhich imparts to it the general appearance of a pen, the case having a substantially constant circular cross-section throughout its length.

Accommodated in the case is a holder 1 which has a flattened part at one end carrying bundles 2 of bristles to define the brush head. The other end of the holder is cylindrical and is formed with a threaded socket 3for attaching the nozzle of a tube 4 of toothpaste. A duct 5 formed in the holder leads from the socket 3 to openings between the bristle bundles for conveying toothpasteto the brush head when the tube 4 is squeezed.

The case includes a body portion 6which is arranged to enclose the tube 4 and to constitute a handle ofthe brush when in use, and a cap 7which covers the brush head. The open end of the body portion 6 has a releasable snap fit connection with the cylindrical part of holder 1. Alternatively, a bayonet or screw-threaded connection could be used. The open end of the cap has a sliding friction fit on the cylindrical part of holder 1, but a releasable connection could be used instead asforthebody portion. The cap is provided with a pocket clip 8.

Because the brush head is enclosed the toothbrush can be conveniently carried such as in a pocket, handbag orthe like. When it is to be used, the cap 7 is removed and the body portion 6 is detached to allow the tube 4to be squeezed to deliver a charge of toothpaste to the brush head. The body portion is then replaced and formes a handle while the brush is used in the normal way. Finally, the cap is replaced.

When the tube 4 has been emptied it is easily replaced with a full one due to the screw connection with the holder 1.

1. Atoothbrush comprising an elongate holder, bristles carried bythe holder adjacent one end to define a brush head, connection means atthe other end ofthe holder for securing thereto a toothpaste container, and a ductthroughthe holderforconducting toothpaste from the container to the bristles.

2. Atoothbrush according to claim 1 ,wherein a case is provided and includes a body portion arranged to enclose the toothpaste container and form a handle of the toothbrush, said body portion having a releasable connection with the holder.

3. Atoothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the body portion of the case has a snap-fit connection with the holder.

4. Atoothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the case includes a removable cap forcovering the brush head.

5. Atoothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the cap is a push fit on the holder.

6. Atoothbrush according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cap is providedwith a pocketclip.

7. Atoothbrush according to claim 4,5 or 6, wherein the case is arranged to enclose completely the holder, toothpaste container and brush, and the case has a substantially constant cross-section over the length thereof.

8. Atoothbrush substantially as herein described with reference to the drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Toothbrush This invention relates to toothbrushes. According to the invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate holder, bristles carried bythe holder adjacent one end to define a brush head, connection means atthe other end of the holder four securing thereto a toothpaste container, and a ductthrough the holderfor conducting toothpaste from the container to the bristles. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes the following features: a) its outward shape is the same as of afountainpen, wherein the body of the pen consists of a lengthened part with bristles, which has an internal capillary tube thatthe toothpaste passes th rough, having on the lower sidle a threaded opening, where a tube of toothpaste is attached to, by screwing said tube of toothpaste having the usual shape and the suitable dimensions, and said lower side being merely fitted within the case which protects the charge by means of a retaining spring;; b) in orderthatthe toothpaste might reach the bristles, it is only necessaryto put out ofjointthe internal body of the toothbrush and to tighten up slightly thetoothpaste tube, which is fitted on the lower part of the internal body, and afterwards to fit it thereinto again; c) after each toothpaste tube is emptied, the worn outtube can be detached and a new one can be attached thereto; d) if required, a cap withoutfastening spring can be used; and e) it can be carried by the user in his pocket and it is rechargeable. To assistafull understanding ofthe invention the following detailed description of an embodiment is given, reference being made to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure lisa side view of a toothbrush according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the toothbrush. The toothbrush illustrated in the drawing comprises atwo.partcasewhich imparts to it the general appearance of a pen, the case having a substantially constant circular cross-section throughout its length. Accommodated in the case is a holder 1 which has a flattened part at one end carrying bundles 2 of bristles to define the brush head. The other end of the holder is cylindrical and is formed with a threaded socket 3for attaching the nozzle of a tube 4 of toothpaste. A duct 5 formed in the holder leads from the socket 3 to openings between the bristle bundles for conveying toothpasteto the brush head when the tube 4 is squeezed. The case includes a body portion 6which is arranged to enclose the tube 4 and to constitute a handle ofthe brush when in use, and a cap 7which covers the brush head. The open end of the body portion 6 has a releasable snap fit connection with the cylindrical part of holder 1. Alternatively, a bayonet or screw-threaded connection could be used. The open end of the cap has a sliding friction fit on the cylindrical part of holder 1, but a releasable connection could be used instead asforthebody portion. The cap is provided with a pocket clip 8. Because the brush head is enclosed the toothbrush can be conveniently carried such as in a pocket, handbag orthe like. When it is to be used, the cap 7 is removed and the body portion 6 is detached to allow the tube 4to be squeezed to deliver a charge of toothpaste to the brush head. The body portion is then replaced and formes a handle while the brush is used in the normal way. Finally, the cap is replaced. When the tube 4 has been emptied it is easily replaced with a full one due to the screw connection with the holder 1. CLAIMS

1. Atoothbrush comprising an elongate holder, bristles carried bythe holder adjacent one end to define a brush head, connection means atthe other end ofthe holder for securing thereto a toothpaste container, and a ductthroughthe holderforconducting toothpaste from the container to the bristles.

2. Atoothbrush according to claim 1 ,wherein a case is provided and includes a body portion arranged to enclose the toothpaste container and form a handle of the toothbrush, said body portion having a releasable connection with the holder.

3. Atoothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the body portion of the case has a snap-fit connection with the holder.

4. Atoothbrush according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the case includes a removable cap forcovering the brush head.

5. Atoothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the cap is a push fit on the holder.

6. Atoothbrush according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cap is providedwith a pocketclip.

7. Atoothbrush according to claim 4,5 or 6, wherein the case is arranged to enclose completely the holder, toothpaste container and brush, and the case has a substantially constant cross-section over the length thereof.

8. Atoothbrush substantially as herein described with reference to the drawing.