GB2587623A - Oral hygiene apparatus - Google Patents

Oral hygiene apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2587623A
GB2587623A GB1914113.4A GB201914113A GB2587623A GB 2587623 A GB2587623 A GB 2587623A GB 201914113 A GB201914113 A GB 201914113A GB 2587623 A GB2587623 A GB 2587623A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
housing portion
electric toothbrush
toothbrush handle
receive
oral hygiene
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1914113.4A
Other versions
GB201914113D0 (en
GB2587623B (en
Inventor
Patel Neil
Patel Paulomi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1914113.4A priority Critical patent/GB2587623B/en
Publication of GB201914113D0 publication Critical patent/GB201914113D0/en
Publication of GB2587623A publication Critical patent/GB2587623A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2587623B publication Critical patent/GB2587623B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D44/00Other cosmetic or toiletry articles, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms
    • A45D44/18Receptacles for hair brushes or tooth brushes as travelling equipment
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B13/00Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
    • A46B13/02Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers
    • A46B13/023Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers with means for inducing vibration to the bristles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0055Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
    • A46B15/0061Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors with a container for accessories, e.g. pills, polish, condoms, cells
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0055Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
    • A46B15/0077Brushes fitted with a mirror
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B17/00Accessories for brushes
    • A46B17/04Protective covers for the bristles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B17/00Accessories for brushes
    • A46B17/02Devices for holding brushes in use
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an oral hygiene apparatus 1 comprising a housing comprising a first housing portion 3 releasably engageable to a second housing portion 4, in which the first housing portion comprises at least one first cavity (9, figure 4) configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush, and a plurality of second cavities 10a,b,c, (figure 4), each second cavity configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, additional heads of an electric toothbrush and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof. The second housing portion is configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush. The second housing portion further provides an actuator configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle, a first opening providing access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening providing access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the eclectic toothbrush handle. The first housing portion may also include a foldable mirror. A method of manufacture of the apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

ORAL HYGIENE APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to oral hygiene apparatus, and in particular to a compact oral hygiene apparatus providing a plurality of oral hygiene tools within a single apparatus
Background
In order to carry out a healthy oral hygiene, a user needs to use a plurality of oral hygiene tools including: a tooth brush (preferably an electric tooth brush), toothpaste, floss and/or interdental brushes, and mouthwash. It can however be difficult for a user to be able to carry and transport so many oral hygiene tools when travelling, for example on business or on holiday. The need for so many different oral hygiene tools requires the use of a significant amount of plastic packaging which is detrimental to the environment. There is also a risk that a user may forget to take one or more of the oral hygiene tools with them when travelling.
There is therefore a need for an oral hygiene apparatus which includes all of the necessary oral hygiene tools within a single apparatus. There is also a need for a compact, easy to transport oral hygiene apparatus. There is also a need for an oral hygiene apparatus which uses less plastic packaging, is more environmentally friendly, and has a smaller associated carbon footprint.
Prior Art
GB2538025 discloses a powered interdental cleaning tool includes a body (201), an interdental cleaning member (235), and a drive member (207). The drive member (207) extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body (201). The drive member (207) is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck (221) extends from the body (201) and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member (207).
US2011/0286783 discloses a toothbrush combined with a toothpaste dispenser with a wall mounted holder. The present invention comprises of a twist knob that is able to push a piston up a toothpaste compartment. The piston creates pressure inside the toothpaste compartment and causes the toothpaste to travel up a main channel. The main channel branches into a plurality of smaller tubes. Each tube has a respective rubber tube dispenser that protrudes and extends from the brush head. The rubber tube dispensers allow the toothpaste to be dispensed on top of the bristles. The toothbrush additionally comprises of a mouthwash strip roll dispensing mechanism positioned in the knob.
US2006/0260635 discloses a toothbrush assembly comprises a brush head assembly connected to an elongate tubular handle housing having a rotatable base attached at the distal end. The brush head assembly comprises a head with rows of bristles surrounded by a plurality of apertures, and a hollow stem. The rear surface of the head has an attached sponge pad. The hollow stem has a channel disposed along a longitudinal axis therein for fluid communication with the apertures in the head on one end and with the toothpaste/gel filled in the housing on an opposing end. A non-toxic piastic coiied stem extends up from the top centre of the base and a circular platform surrounds the stem. Turning the base activates the platform to move up the stern and pressurize the toothpaste/gel in the housing and propel it up the channel and out through the apertures. A floss dispenser is conven ently housed in the base.
The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an oral hygiene apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a first housing portion releasably engageable to a 30 second housing portion, in which the first housing portion comprises at least one first cavity configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush, and a plurality of second cavities, each second cavity configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, additional heads of an electric toothbrush and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof; and in which the second housing portion is configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush, and in which the second housing portion further provides an actuator configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle, a first opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle.
The apparatus may further comprise at least one mirror. In one embodiment, the at least one mirror is moveable between a closed position in which the mirror in which the mirror can not be viewed by a user, and an open position in which the mirror is configured to be viewed by a user. In one embodiment, the first housing portion comprises the at least one mirror. The at least one mirror may be hingeably connected to, or slideably moveable relative to, the first housing portion.
In one embodiment, the mirror is hingeably connected to the second free end of the first housing portion. A recess is provided adjacent the mirror to enable the user to open the mirror easily for use.
In one embodiment, the first housing portion may have a first end configured for releasable engagement with the second housing portion, and a second opposed free end, and in which the plurality of second cavities are located at or adjacent the first end of the first housing portion. It is however to be understood that the second cavities may be provided at any suitable location, such as for example at or adjacent the second end of the first housing portion. The second cavities may be provided in the form of compartments, for example compartments which are configured to be slideably moveable relative to the first housing portion.
In one embodiment, the first housing portion preferably provides a substantially centrally located first cavity extending from the first end thereof towards the second opposed free end of the first housing portion.
The second housing portion may comprise a charging cable for engagement with an 35 electrical socket. The charging cable may be releasably engageable with the first opening of the second housing portion and/or charging port of the electric toothbrush handle. In one embodiment, the electric toothbrush handle comprises a rechargeable battery, such as for example a Li-ion battery. The second housing portion may comprise a first opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle.
The second housing portion may comprise a compartment for receiving and storing the charging cable. The second housing portion may comprise a first end configured to releasably engage the first end of the second housing portion, and a second opposed free end. The compartment may be provided at or adjacent the second opposed free end.
The second housing portion may comprise one or more LED operable to indicate 15 battery life and/or charging of a battery of the electric toothbrush handle.
The electric toothbrush handle may be integrally formed with the second housing portion. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush handle may be releasably engageable to the second housing portion.
The outer surface of the second housing portion may be ergonomically shaped. The outer surface of the second housing portion may comprise silicone portions and/or ribbed portions to enhance grip.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a kit for oral hygiene comprising: an oral hygiene apparatus as described herein; and one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, interdental brushes, and/or additional heads of an electric toothbrush, and any combination thereof.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing an oral hygiene apparatus as described herein, the method comprising: forming a first housing portion comprising at least one first cavity configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush, and a plurality of second cavities, each 35 second cavity configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof; forming a second housing portion configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush, in which the second housing portion further provides an actuator configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle, a first opening configured in use to be in communication 5 with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle; and releasably engaging the first housing portion to the second housing portion.
The toothpaste may be provided as toothpaste tablets. The mouthwash may be provided as mouthwash tablets.
The dental floss may be recyclable. The interdental brushes may be recyclable.
The apparatus, for example one or more of the housing portions, is preferably recyclable.
The housing, for example one or more of the first and second housing portions, may be composed of any suitable material such as for example plastic, metal or 20 sustainable materials such as bamboo.
The apparatus of the present invention is compact and provides all of the essential oral hygiene tools within a single apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention is therefore easily transported and encourages the user to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine whilst travelling. The apparatus of the present invention provides multiple oral hygiene tools within a single apparatus therefore requiring less plastic packaging. The apparatus of the present invention is therefore more environmentally friendly and has a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional apparatus. The apparatus is preferably refillable.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the apparatus of the present invention in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the apparatus of the present invention in an open configuration; and Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the 10 apparatus of Figure 3 in a closed configuration.
Detailed Description of Figures
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.
With reference to the Figures, the oral hygiene apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 comprising a first housing portion 3 releasably engageable to a second housing portion 4. The first housing portion 3 comprises a first end 5 and a second opposed free end 6. The second housing portion 4 comprises a first end 7 configured for releasable engagement with the first end 5 of the first housing portion 3, and a second opposed free end 8.
The first end 5 of the first housing portion 3 is configured for push fit engagement with the first end 7 of the second housing portion 4. It is however to be understood that any suitable releasable engagement configuration may be provided by the first ends 5, 7 of the first and second housing portions 3, 4. For example, the first ends 5, 7 of the first and second housing portions 3, 4 may comprise complementary threaded portions for threaded engagement. The first ends 5, 7 of the first and second housing portions 3, 4 may comprise complementary male and female attachment features for releasable engagement.
The first housing portion 3 comprises at least one first cavity 9 in the form of an elongate channel configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush. The first cavity is located adjacent the first end 5 of the first housing portion 3 and extends towards the second opposed end 6 thereof. The first housing portion 3 may comprise more than one first cavity to receive additional heads of the electric toothbrush.
The first housing portion 3 further comprises three second cavities 10a, 10b, 10c. Each second cavity 10a, 10b, 10c is configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof. Toothpaste and mouthwash may be contained in the form of tablets.
The second housing portion 4 is configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the electric toothbrush handle of the electric toothbrush is integrally formed with the second housing portion. It is however to be understood that the electric toothbrush handle of the electric toothbrush may be releasably engaged to the second housing portion.
The second housing portion 4 further provides an actuator 11 configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle; a first opening 12 configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle; and a second opening 13 configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle.
The second opposed free end 6 of the first housing portion 3 further comprises a pair of mirrors 14 moveable between a closed position in which the mirrors cannot be viewed by a user, and an open position in which the mirrors are spaced apart from each other and configured to be viewed by a user. The pair of mirrors 14 are hingeably connected to the first housing portion 3.
The second housing portion 4 further comprises a compartment 15 configured to 35 receive and store a charging cable 16. The charging cable 16 is releasably engageable with the first opening 12 of the second housing portion 4 and/or charging port of the electric toothbrush handle. The compartment 15 is located adjacent the second opposed free end of the second housing portion.
In use, the user disengages the first end 5 of the first housing portion 3 from the first 5 end 7 of the second housing portion 4 to provide access to the first cavity 9 and second compartments 10a-c. The user may therefore access the oral hygiene tools (such as toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, interdental brushes and toothbrush heads) as required to ensure good oral hygiene. Once used, the user may restore the oral hygiene tools within their respective cavities or compartments and re-engage the first 10 and second housing portions 3, 4 to provide a single oral hygiene apparatus for easy storage and transport.

Claims (14)

  1. Claims 1 An oral hygiene apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a first housing portion releasably engageable to a second housing portion, in which the first housing portion comprises at least one first cavity configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush, and a plurality of second cavities, each second cavity configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, additional heads of an electric toothbrush and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof; and in which the second housing portion is configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush, and in which the second housing portion further provides an actuator configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle, a first opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle.
  2. 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one mirror.
  3. 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the at least one mirror is moveable between a closed position in which the mirror can not be viewed by a user, and an open position in which the mirror is configured to be viewed by a user.
  4. 4. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the first housing portion comprises the at least one mirror.
  5. 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the at least one mirror is hingeably connected to the first housing portion.
  6. 6. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, in which the first housing portion has a first end configured for releasable engagement with the second housing portion, and a second opposed free end, and in which the plurality of second cavities are located at or adjacent the first free end of the first housing portion.
  7. 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the first housing portion provides a substantially centrally located first cavity extending from the first end thereof towards the second opposed free end of the first housing portion.
  8. 8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second housing portion comprises a charging cable for engagement with an electrical socket.
  9. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the charging cable is releasably engageable with the first opening of the second housing portion and/or charging port of the electric toothbrush handle.a first opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle.
  10. 10. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, in which the second housing portion comprises a compartment for receiving and storing the charging cable.
  11. 11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second housing portion comprises one or more LED operable to indicate battery life and/or charging of a battery of the electric toothbrush handle.
  12. 12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the electric toothbrush handle is integrally formed with the second housing portion.
  13. 13. A kit for oral hygiene comprising: an oral hygiene apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; and one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, interdental brushes, and/or additional heads of an electric toothbrush, and any combination thereof.
  14. 14. A method for manufacturing an oral hygiene apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: forming a first housing portion comprising at least one first cavity configured to receive a head of an electric toothbrush, and a plurality of second cavities, each second cavity configured to receive and to dispense one or more of: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss and/or interdental brushes, and any combination thereof; forming a second housing portion configured to receive and to extend around at least a portion of electric toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush, in which the second housing portion further provides an actuator configured in use to activate the electric toothbrush handle, a first opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a charging port of the electric toothbrush handle, and a second opening configured in use to be in communication with or to provide access to a toothbrush head engagement feature of the electric toothbrush handle; and releasably engaging the first housing portion to the second housing portion.
GB1914113.4A 2019-10-01 2019-10-01 Oral hygiene apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2587623B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1914113.4A GB2587623B (en) 2019-10-01 2019-10-01 Oral hygiene apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1914113.4A GB2587623B (en) 2019-10-01 2019-10-01 Oral hygiene apparatus

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201914113D0 GB201914113D0 (en) 2019-11-13
GB2587623A true GB2587623A (en) 2021-04-07
GB2587623B GB2587623B (en) 2022-03-02

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022258862A1 (en) * 2021-06-11 2022-12-15 Rivera Fernandez Jorge Accessory for an electric brush charger

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020088474A1 (en) * 2000-12-26 2002-07-11 Montalvo Michael D. Coolbrush oral hygiene system
US20050211263A1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-09-29 Youti Kuo Toothbrush container with twist vent-caps and integrated dental floss dispenser
US7267126B1 (en) * 2005-04-05 2007-09-11 Banegas Shawn J Portable compact dental hygiene kit
CN208835806U (en) * 2018-10-18 2019-05-07 东莞市达硕科技有限公司 A kind of portable charged box of acoustic power toothbrush

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020088474A1 (en) * 2000-12-26 2002-07-11 Montalvo Michael D. Coolbrush oral hygiene system
US20050211263A1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-09-29 Youti Kuo Toothbrush container with twist vent-caps and integrated dental floss dispenser
US7267126B1 (en) * 2005-04-05 2007-09-11 Banegas Shawn J Portable compact dental hygiene kit
CN208835806U (en) * 2018-10-18 2019-05-07 东莞市达硕科技有限公司 A kind of portable charged box of acoustic power toothbrush

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022258862A1 (en) * 2021-06-11 2022-12-15 Rivera Fernandez Jorge Accessory for an electric brush charger

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Publication number Publication date
GB201914113D0 (en) 2019-11-13
GB2587623B (en) 2022-03-02

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20231001