US20140346067A1

US20140346067A1 - Toothbrush holder cover

Info

Publication number: US20140346067A1
Application number: US13/900,496
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy D. Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-22
Filing date: 2013-05-22
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

A toothbrush holder cover can fit over a toothbrush holder, such as a conventional countertop toothbrush holder, to protect the toothbrushes stored therein from germ, dust, bathroom sprays, cosmetic and personal hygiene products, and the like. The toothbrush holder cover can include a curved bottom portion to allow for air exchange into and out of the toothbrush holder cover while still providing a balanced surface to rest the toothbrush holder cover upon when placed over a toothbrush holder.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toothbrush holder covers and, more particularly, to a toothbrush holder cover that sets over a toothbrush holder to protect one's toothbrush against germs.
Toothbrushes are often placed in a holder that is open to the bathroom germs, dust, toilet spray, cosmetic and personal hygiene products, and the like. Conventional toothbrush covers often cover the bristles of a toothbrush and can be hard to get on the toothbrush. These covers are many times used for travel. Another conventional travel design is a case designed to hold the entire toothbrush. This, however, can be unattractive and can take up space, often not fitting into a conventional toothbrush holder.
These conventional toothbrush covers, whether they cover the entire toothbrush or just the bristles, often seal the toothbrush. The resulting lack of circulation about the bristles, especially if they are wet, can create an environment conducive to the growth of mold, mildew and germs.
As can be seen, there is a need for a cover that can protect one or more toothbrushes when they are held by a typical countertop toothbrush holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush holder cover comprises a cover with an open bottom end designed to fit over a toothbrush holder; and a shaped bottom edge of the cover operable to allow airflow into and out of the toothbrush holder cover when disposed on a surface
In another aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush holder cover comprises a cover with an open bottom end designed to fit over a toothbrush holder; a bottom edge of the cover having curved indentations operable to allow airflow into and out of the toothbrush holder cover when disposed on a surface; and a knob disposed on a top end of the toothbrush holder cover, wherein the toothbrush holder cover has a height operable to receive the toothbrush holder having one or more toothbrushes stored therein.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for protecting one or more toothbrushes held in a toothbrush holder comprises placing a cover with an open bottom end over the toothbrush holder; and allowing air to exchange into and out of the cover when the cover is placed over the toothbrush holder disposed on a surface via a shaped bottom edge of the cover.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush holder cover, disposed over a toothbrush holder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toothbrush holder cover of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toothbrush holder cover of FIG. 1, raised from a toothbrush holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a toothbrush holder cover that can fit over a toothbrush holder, such as a conventional countertop toothbrush holder, to protect the toothbrushes stored therein from germ, dust, bathroom sprays, cosmetic and personal hygiene products, and the like. The toothbrush holder cover can include a curved bottom portion to allow for air exchange into and out of the toothbrush holder cover while still providing a balanced surface to rest the toothbrush holder cover upon when placed over a toothbrush holder.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a toothbrush holder cover 10 can include a top end and an open bottom end 14. The bottom end 14 can be cut in a shape that provides ventilation and air exchange into and out of the toothbrush holder cover 10 when in place over a toothbrush holder 18, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the bottom end 14 can be curved in smooth curves, as shown in the Figures, to provide air flow 16. In other embodiments, the bottom end 14 can be cut in various geometric or non-geometric shapes, provided that air flow can be achieved when the toothbrush holder cover 10 is in place over the toothbrush holder 18, and provided that the toothbrush holder cover 10 can firmly rest on a countertop or other similar surface 22 around the base of the toothbrush holder 18.
The toothbrush holder cover 10 can have a height that is high enough to cover toothbrushes 20 held by the toothbrush holder 18. For example, in some embodiments, the toothbrush holder cover 10 can be from about 8 to about 12 inches high, usually about 10 inches high. The diameter of the toothbrush holder can be from about 3 to about 5 inches, typically about 4 inches. Typically, the toothbrush holder cover 10 will include a knob 12, or other similar grasping piece, at a top end of thereof.
The toothbrush holder cover 10 can be made in various shapes and sizes. For example, the toothbrush holder cover 10 can have a curved, rounded vertical shape and a round horizontal cross-section, as shown in the Figures. Of course, other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, the toothbrush holder cover 10 could have a square horizontal cross-section that could more accurately match a square shaped toothbrush holder.
The toothbrush holder cover 10 can be made from various materials. Typically, the toothbrush holder cover 10 can be made from a clear material, such as a plastic or acrylic material, however various colors, patterns and designs could be used to make the toothbrush holder cover 10 of the present invention. For example, corporations and individuals can print logos or other information on the toothbrush holder cover 10, allowing its use for promotional purposes. Typically, the material can be chosen to be scratch resistant and safe for cleaning in a dishwasher.
Typically, the toothbrush holder cover 10 is made from a single piece of material, however, in some embodiment, the knob 12 can be made of a separate piece attached to the toothbrush holder cover 10 by a screw, an adhesive, or the like.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toothbrush holder cover comprising:

a cover with an open bottom end designed to fit over a toothbrush holder; and

a shaped bottom edge of the cover operable to allow airflow into and out of the toothbrush holder cover when disposed on a surface.

2. The toothbrush holder cover of claim 1, further comprising a knob disposed on a top end of the toothbrush holder cover.

3. The toothbrush holder cover of claim 1, wherein the shaped bottom edge includes a plurality of curved indentations.

4. The toothbrush holder cover of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush holder cover has a height operable to receive the toothbrush holder having one or more toothbrushes stored therein.

5. A toothbrush holder cover comprising:

a cover with an open bottom end designed to fit over a toothbrush holder;

a bottom edge of the cover having curved indentations operable to allow airflow into and out of the toothbrush holder cover when disposed on a surface; and

a knob disposed on a top end of the toothbrush holder cover, wherein

the toothbrush holder cover has a height operable to receive the toothbrush holder having one or more toothbrushes stored therein.

6. A method for protecting one or more toothbrushes held in a toothbrush holder, comprising:

placing a cover with an open bottom end over the toothbrush holder; and

allowing air to exchange into and out of the cover when the cover is placed over the toothbrush holder disposed on a surface via a shaped bottom edge of the cover.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising lifting and lowering the cover with a knob disposed on a top end of the cover.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the shaped bottom edge includes a plurality of curved indentations.