GB2518635A

GB2518635A - Self dispensing toothbrush

Info

Publication number: GB2518635A
Application number: GB1317084.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sharon Parkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-26
Filing date: 2013-09-26
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Also published as: GB201317084D0

Abstract

A self dispensing toothbrush that consists of internal and external 7 dispensing components 1 which can be operated manually or electronically. The toothbrush may preferably have a means for dispensing an instant or automatic measured dose of toothpaste directly to the head 5 and bristles 6, from an internal toothpaste supply 1. The head may have a plurality of secretions 6 that allow toothpaste to reach the bristle area. The supply unit may be able to be replaced when empty. The toothbrush may have a method of allowing the user to view the remaining toothpaste by way of a measuring gauge 2.

Description

Self Dispensing Toothbrush This invention relates to a toothbrush designed for instantly self dispensing a measured amount of toothpaste.

When brushing teeth, individual dosages of toothpaste, sodium fluoride and other active ingredients are unmeasured. Therefore actual toothpaste usage can be applied in unlimited amounts as there are no specified dosages or applications of toothpaste and its active ingredients recommended to target general, specific or more complex individual dental needs.

Improper amounts of toothpaste and flouride dosage, and the unlimited use of toothpaste in dental care can lead to problems such as ineffective teeth cleaning as welt as excessive or insufficient toothpaste and sodium fluoride ingestion; and also unecessesary waste. This can be a problem particularly in caring for teeth in babies, and when training young children how to brush teeth; as well as in dental patients, the blind and partially sighted, and the disabled.

Two individual items are also required for each single process of teeth brushing. As a systemic daily process, this can cause problems relating to ease and convenience of use for those with limited or restricted mobility or if either item is inacessable; as well as further problems associated with waste, bulk and portability.

The present invention overcomes these problems and those associated with unmeasured toothpaste dosage, ingestion and waste by allowing the user to accurately visualise and directly self dispense a measured amount of toothpaste from an integral supply instantly and directly to the head and bristles of the toothbrush.

The present invention also overcomes the problems associated with accessibility, portability and convenience of use by enabling instant dual usage over a period of time from a single item without the daily need for two individual items.

The integral source of toothpaste is supplied by removeable and replaceable toothpaste supply cartridges which are integrated within the toothbrush to directly provide a pre-set and/or user controlled measured dosage of toothpaste each time the toothbrush is used. The length of use from each toothpaste supply cartridge and their active ingredient content can be variable depending on the needs of the user, and may be designed for short term or a longer term of usage.

The self dispensing mechanism of toothpaste may be manual, battery operated or electronic using computerised components within the toothbrush and the toothpaste supply cartridges may be fitted, connected apd/or integrated with the toothbrush in various ways. The toothbrush also provides visual measuring means which allow the progression of toothpaste usage and dosage to be viewed or displayed.

The toothpaste dispensing and measuring mechanism may be adjustable to suit the requirements of the user.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an internal view ofa manual version of self dispensing toothbrush with toothpaste supply cartridge internally fitted and connected.

Figure 2 shows an internal view of an electronic version of self dispensing toothbrush showing a toothpaste supply cartridge internally fitted and connected.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged internal and external view of the head and neck of a self dispensing toothbrush.

Figure 4 shows an internal and external view of an electronic or battery powered version of self dispensing toothbrush and a partially fitted toothpaste supply cartidge.

Figure 5 shows an internal and external view of an alternative push up' version of self dispensing toothbrush.

Figure 6 shows an external view of a manual version of self dispensing toothbrush Figure 7 shows an external view of an electronic version of self dispensing toothbrush Figure 8 shows an external and partially internal view of a manual version of self dispensing toothbrush with the toothpaste supply cartridge prior to being integrated.

In Figure 1, a manual version of self dispensing toothbrush is filled with a toothpaste supply cartridge 1 inside the main body of the toothbrush and is securely connected to an internal fixed tubing system 2 which feeds toothpaste or its contents to the head of the toothbrush 3 and/or into a section of tubing which forms an exit matrix 7 for the toothpaste.

An external moveabie dispensing {operating} button 4 on the side of the toothbrush is connected to an internal moveable component 5.

The button 4 is moved externally along a ridged gradient 6 exerting internal force or pressure onto the toothpaste supply cartridge 1, which forces movement of toothpaste up into the internal tubing 2 and out through an exit matrix 7 directly into the bristles of the toothbrush. A ridged gradient 6 acts as a locking mechanism which prevents unwanted movement of the button 4 and toothpaste. The dispening/operating button can be housed at different locations on the toothbrush.

In figure 2 an electronic version of self dispensing toothbrush is fitted with a toothpaste supply cartridge 1 within the toothbrush and connected internally to fixed tubing or conduit tubing 2 which feeds toothpaste to the head of the toothbrush 3. The external button(s) 4 are conected to an internal power source 5 and internal components 6 which power and control the dosage, visual display and internal movement and flow of toothpaste into the conduit tubing and towards the exit matrix 7 in the head and bristles.

Figure 3 shows the head of a self dispensing toothbrush which contains a fixed enclosed portion of a conduit tubing system 1 which acts as the toothpaste exit matrix by delivering a measured amount of toothpaste out into the bristles 2 through multiple exit holes 3. Tubing 4 inside the neck of the toothbrush connects to an integrated toothpaste supply cartridge 5 and feeds toothpaste into the exit matrix 1.

The toothpaste exit holes 3 are valved 6 to prevent seepage, excess waste or back flow of water. The toothpaste exit holes 3 may be close to or the same holes which house the bristles 2 of the toothbrush.

In Figure 4 an electronic version of self dispensing toothbrush is shown in two halves showing the lower half of a toothbrush fitted with a toothpaste supply cartridge 1. A visual display window 2 shown on the lower half of the toothbrush displays usage information, The upper half of the toothbrush shows an internal view of the toothpaste dispensing components 4 and fixed tubing 5 which leads to the head of the toothbrush 6. The button(s) 3 are connected to an internal power source which control dosage, visual display and flow of toothpaste via the tubing 5 and into the head 6 of the toothbrush. When the two halves of the toothbrush are fitted together, the integrated toot supply cartridge 1 connects to the internal tubing 5. The internal components 4 assist the movement of toothpaste. The visual display area and operating components can be located anywhereon the tool.

Figure 5 shows an alternative manual push up version of self dispensing toothbrush in which a toothpaste supply cartridge I is fitted and connected to tubing 2 which carries measured amounts of toothpaste to the head 5 of the toothbrush The toothpaste supply cartridge also connects to internal components 3 which assist toothpaste dosage and flow. A detachable pusher 4 is shown, which fits at the bottom of the toothbrush and is pushed upwards at each use forcing movement of the internal toothpaste supply I via tubing 2 up towards the head of the toothbrush 5 and out into the bristles 6. The pusher mechanism 4 may be detachable or integrated with the toothbrush, and may be manually or battery powered.

Figure 6 shows a manual version of self dispensing toothbrush with a display window 1 on the main body of the toothbrush to view the progress of toothpaste usage. A dispensing button 2 is moved along a ridged track or gradient 3 which internally moves a measured flow of toothpaste from the integrated supply towards the head 4 and out into the bristles 5 of the toothbrush.

Figure 7 shows an alternative electronic or battery powered version of self dispensing toothbrush showing a digital display window I which displays usage information. The operating and dispensing buttons 2 internally power dosage and aid flow of toothpaste from the integral supply towards the head 3 and out into the bristles 4 of the toothbrush.

Figure 8 shows an alternative manual version of self dispensing toothbrush showing visual display window 1 which displays movement or progression of dosage of toothpaste. the integrated toothpaste supply. The toothpaste supply cartridge 2 is shown prior to being fitted within the toothbrush by connecting to tubing 3 which feeds the toothpaste to the head 5 and bristles 6 of the toothbrush. The dosage of toothpaste is controlled by the operating or dispensing button 4

Claims

Claims 1. A self dispensing toothbrush comprising means for visualising, measuring and self dispensing an instant measured dosage of toothpaste from an integrated toothpaste supply directly to the head and bristles of the toothbrush over a period of time.
2. A self dispensing toothbrush according to claim I in which the integral supply of toothpaste is provided by removable/replaceable toothpaste supply cartridges which are filled within and become integral to the toothbrush.
3. A self dispensig toothbrush according to claim I in which the supply of toothpaste is integrated within the toothbrush by connecting directly to an internal tubing system within the toothbrush which transports the flow of toothpaste and supplies it directly to the head of the toothbrush where it exits out into the bristles of the toothbrush.
4. A self dispensing toothbrush according to claim I in which the means for self dispensing toothpaste are provided by operating external components which exert force onto, or power movement and dosage from, an integrated toothpaste supply either manually or by a battery, electronic or a computerised power source located within, on or integral to the toothbrush.
5. A self dispensing toothbrush according to preceding claims in which the toothpaste exit means are provided by powering the flow of toothpaste internally via the tubing and out through a series or matrix of holes or perforations that directly supply the toothbrush head and are close to or either housing the toothbrush bristles providing toothpaste instantly.
6. A self dispensing toothbrush according to claim I in which the measuring and dispensing of toothpaste is aided by visual means provided by electronic or digitally displayed information or an area or areas on the toothbrush allowing viewing of the progression of toothpaste usage and dosage.
7. A self dispensing toothbrush according to preceding claims in which the length of usage from an internal toothpaste supply cartridge can be variable.
8. A self dispensing toothbrush according to preceding claims in which the means for measuring and dispensing toothpaste flow and dosage can be self adjustable.
9. A self dispensing toothbrush according to preceding claims in which the holes through which toothpaste is expelled into the head and toothbrush bristles are fitted with small one way valves to prevent back flow, and seepage of excess paste.