AU2004202347A1 - The ring grip toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

Australia Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT THE RING GRIP TOOTHBRUSH The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best methods of its use known to me.

This application for Standard Patent is in association with Provisional Patent Application Number 2003903002 in the name of Jeffrey Paul Puckeridge (priority date 16/06/2003) Name of applicant Jeffrey Paul Puckeridge 23/05/2004 Palona Crescent Engadine NSW 2233 Page 1 The Ringt GrIn Toothbrush This invention relates to a new concept in everyday toothbrushes and their use, to aid in better control of the toothbrush and increased user satisfaction.

For many years now, toothbrush manufacturers have provided toothbrushes with a variety of "non-slip" handles in an effort to improve user satisfaction in the use of these respective products.

With these current forms of "non-slip" handles, many users remain dissatisfied due to a less than positive grip of their toothbrush. Current "non-slip" handles become less efficient when they become wet and slippery as water and toothpaste finds its way between toothbrush and user's hand during use.

Current "non-slip" technology relies purely on improving friction between toothbrush and the user's hand. This added friction feature may be in the form of a "non-slip" coating or serrations on the toothbrush handle, or raised edges or forms in strategic areas of the toothbrush handle.

These features often fail in providing a positive "non-slip" grip due to the varying influences of water/toothpaste entering between toothbrush handle and user's hand, and the varying pressures of grip applied by the user during brushing. These varying factors create an inconsistency in positive grip, which results in poor control of the toothbrush and thereby user dissatisfaction.

This problem is overcome by The Ring Grip Toothbrush which, by its design, provides a positive mechanical means of toothbrush handle control.

This new method of control is not affected by slip influencing factors such as water and toothpaste. The Ring Grip Toothbrush provides a positive "non-slip" grip of the toothbrush during brushing, which is not affected by water or toothpaste. A true "nonslip" grip results by way of the finger ring which ensures a positive grip and control of the toothbrush, without relying on a desired amount of friction between toothbrush and user's hand.

The positive grip and achieved control of the toothbrush is provided by: The forefinger and thumb, which create load control (while toothbrush head is in the mouth), The swivel point (between toothbrush handle and finger ring) which enables the toothbrush to rotate 360' during use (as progressively turned in the desired rotations by the forefinger and thumb).

The finger ring which impedes to and fro movements of the toothbrush.

Page 2 Control at the swivel point is provided in a positive mechanical method by the finger ring which attaches to the non-bristle end of the toothbrush at the swivel point.

This positive grip of the toothbrush is not influenced or affected by water or toothpaste, which will still enter between user's hand and toothbrush.

The Ring Grip Toothbrush does not rely on optimum friction grip. Current "non-slip" technology fails in providing a positive grip due to the presence of water and toothpaste and varying pressures of grip applied by the user during brushing.

To assist with understanding this invention, reference is made to the attached drawings, both dated 23 May 2004, which shows the Elevation, Plan, and End Elevation drawings of The Ring Grip Toothbrush, (refer figures 2, 3 and 4 of drawing number The Ring Grip Toothbrush is shown held in position in relation to the user's hand (refer figure 1 of drawing number 1).

Note particularly the little finger in place in the finger ring of The Ring Grip Toothbrush, and the pivotal point of The Ring Grip Toothbrush in relation to the user's forefinger and thumb (refer figure 1 of drawing number 1).

This invention is a finger ring made of the same material as the toothbrush handle, (or other suitable material), and the manner in which it attaches to and swivels on the end of a typical toothbrush.

The finger ring may be provided in a number of ring sizes, ranging from small to large, to accommodate the little finger ring size of any person.

The finger ring is of similar thickness and width to any normal wedding ring and attaches to the toothbrush by either a moulded extension of the toothbrush handle at the non-bristle end, or by screw which screws into the toothbrush at this point.

The finger ring is not rigidly fixed to the toothbrush at the attachment point. The attachment method allows the toothbrush to swivel and freely rotate 3600 while controlled by the finger ring.

The purpose of The Ring Grip Toothbrush is to provide a positive "non-slip" grip of the toothbrush during brushing.

Toothbrush manufacturers provide various models of toothbrushes which incorporate slip resistant grips on toothbrush handles to assist a user brushing with a positive grip.

A problem presents however with water and toothpaste running down the handle of the Page 3 toothbrush, causing any grip of the toothbrush to be less than positive. This results in a slippery grip of the toothbrush and uncontrolled brushing action as the user brushing looses positive grip of the toothbrush. This results in occasional jarring of the bristle end of the toothbrush onto the gums, causing pain, discomfort and user dissatisfaction.

To control this risk, a positive grip of the toothbrush handle is provided by the finger ring, and also by the toothbrush handle of this invention which is round and not rectangular. This eliminates the risk of the toothbrush twisting suddenly whilst in the user's hand.

The swivel action of the ring enables the toothbrush to be easily turned to any angle within the user's mouth to allow the bristle of the toothbrush to clean all areas of teeth, on both top and lower gums, in a more controlled and effective manner.

To use this invention, the user inserts the little finger of either their right or left hand into the finger ring and proceeds to brush their teeth in the usual manner, with a more positive control of the toothbrush.

The attached drawings (scale 1:1) illustrate the function of this toothbrush invention and shows where the finger ring attaches to the non-bristle end of the toothbrush.

The finger ring attaches to the toothbrush by either a moulded extension of the tooth brush handle (in the form of a small pivot pin with formed retaining head at its tip), or by a screw which screws into the end of the toothbrush.

A cushioning washer made of shock absorbing resilient material is in place between the finger ring and toothbrush handle to absorb excessive action during use and to facilitate total and unobstructed rotation of the toothbrush while the finger ring is in place on the user's little finger.

VARIATIONS

The finger ring may be produced as an original part of a newly designed toothbrush.

The finger ring may be adapted to toothbrushes of present design.

The length of the toothbrush handle may be varied to accommodate personal grip, for example a person feeling comfortable in gripping the toothbrush handle further toward the bristle end would require a shorter length handled toothbrush.

The Ring Grip Toothbrush may be applied as part of hygiene protocols for mentally or physically disabled persons.

The Ring Grip Toothbrush may aid those persons suffering arthritis.

The Ring Grip Toothbrush may be applied as a novelty toothbrush for children.

Page 4 A plastic hanging hook may be provided to aid allocated storage of The Ring Grip Toothbrush.

The Ring Grip Toothbrush may be applied to other personal aids and utensils, including hairbrushes and combs, knives, forks, spoons, safety shaving razors, to assist users with medical conditions or disability.

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