US20160296078A1 - Oral Care Implement Support and Oral Care System Comprising the Same - Google Patents
Oral Care Implement Support and Oral Care System Comprising the Same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160296078A1 US20160296078A1 US15/038,520 US201315038520A US2016296078A1 US 20160296078 A1 US20160296078 A1 US 20160296078A1 US 201315038520 A US201315038520 A US 201315038520A US 2016296078 A1 US2016296078 A1 US 2016296078A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- oral care
- care implement
- opening
- support
- magnet
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K1/00—Wash-stands; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K1/08—Accessories for toilet tables, e.g. glass plates, supports therefor
- A47K1/09—Holders for drinking glasses, tooth brushes, hair brushes, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0097—Self supporting, e.g. brushes that stand upright or in other particular ways
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an oral care implement support and to an oral care system comprising the oral care implement support and an oral care implement.
- dentifrice such as toothpaste
- a tube having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable.
- an oral care implement such as a toothbrush
- a user has to align the head of the oral care implement with the opening of the tube and squeeze the tube while at the same time holding the oral care implement steady. Carrying out these processes simultaneously can be difficult or impossible for some users, such as children, individuals with disabilities, and others who are challenged by low strength, coordination or motor control in the fingers, hands or arms.
- An embodiment of the present invention provides an oral care implement support, comprising: a body having formed therein an opening for receiving a portion of an oral care implement; an affixion device connected to the body for affixing the oral care implement support to a surface; and a restrictor for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening, wherein the restrictor is fastened to, or is located within, the body.
- the affixion device comprises a suction cup.
- the affixion device comprises an adhesive pad.
- the restrictor is located within the body.
- the restrictor may be partially or fully embedded in the body.
- the restrictor is fastened to the body.
- the restrictor may be fastened to the body by a fastener, such as an adhesive, a screw or a bolt, or may be fastened to the body by being partially embedded in the body.
- the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening.
- the restrictor comprises a component of a hook-and-loop fastener fastened to the body, or an adhesive fastened to the body.
- the affixion device is at a first end of the body and the opening is at a second end of the body. Further optionally, the second end is opposite from the first end.
- the affixion device is for affixing the oral care implement support to a planar surface with the opening being elongate in a direction that is at an angle of less than 30 degrees to the surface, such as 0 to 15 degrees to the surface.
- the opening is a channel.
- the channel has two open axial ends.
- the channel may be substantially concave.
- the body comprises one or more projections extending into the channel.
- the magnet is a permanent magnet.
- the permanent magnet comprises ferromagnetic material.
- the ferromagnetic material comprises one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone, a compound of rare earth elements, an alloy of rare earth elements, an alloy of iron, an alloy of nickel, and an alloy of cobalt.
- the body is rigid, or substantially rigid.
- the body is formed from a plastic.
- the plastic may be a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.
- the support is free of resilient arms.
- Another embodiment of the present invention provides an oral care system, comprising: any one of the oral care implement supports described above; and an oral care implement, a portion of which oral care implement is receivable in the opening.
- the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening
- the oral care implement comprises a second magnet or a metal portion that is magnetically attracted to the magnet of the oral care implement support when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
- the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head
- the portion of the oral care implement comprises, or is comprised in, one of the handle and the head.
- the second magnet or the metal portion is comprised in one of the handle and the head.
- the affixion device is oriented relative to the opening, and the oral care implement is configured, so that a centre of mass of the oral care implement is within or above the opening, when the oral care implement support is affixed to an upwardly-facing horizontal surface by the affixion device and the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
- the oral care implement has cleaning elements extending therefrom.
- the portion of the oral care implement is receivable in the opening with the cleaning elements extending from the oral care implement in a direction extending away from the surface.
- a surface profile of a portion of the body that defines the opening is a negative of a surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement.
- the oral care implement has a first side and a second side opposite from the first side; wherein cleaning elements are located on the first side of the oral care implement; and wherein the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement is on the second side of the oral care implement.
- the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head, the head having cleaning elements extending therefrom.
- the cleaning elements extend from the head in a direction extending away from the surface, when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening with the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement in contact with the surface profile of the portion of the body that defines the opening.
- the oral care implement is a toothbrush.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an oral care implement support according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an oral care system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the oral care system comprising the oral care implement support of FIG. 1 and an oral care implement, wherein the oral care system is in a first state with the oral care implement separate from the oral care implement support;
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 2 in a second state with a portion of the oral care implement received in an opening of the oral care implement support;
- FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view through the oral care system of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 shows an oral care implement support 100 , hereinafter referred to as the support 100 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the support 100 comprises a body 10 having formed therein an opening 13 for receiving a portion of an oral care implement, an affixion device 20 , comprising a suction cup, connected to the body 10 for affixing the support 100 to a surface, and a restrictor, comprising a magnet 30 (not visible) generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening 13 of the body 10 , for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening 13 .
- the body 10 of the illustrated embodiment is formed from a plastic, more specifically a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- the body 10 has a first end 11 , which is a lower end when the support 100 is oriented in use as shown in the Figures, and a second end 12 , which is an upper end when the support 100 is oriented in use as shown in the Figures, the second end 12 being an opposite end of the body 10 from the first end 11 .
- the suction cup 20 is at the first end 11 of the body 10 and the opening 13 is at the second end 12 of the body 10 .
- the first end 11 is of a smaller cross-sectional area than the second end 12 , and the body 10 smoothly tapers down in cross-sectional area from the second end 12 to the first end 11 .
- the first end 11 may be of the same or a larger cross-sectional area than the second end 12 .
- the first end 11 has a circular cross-sectional shape.
- the first end 11 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, polygonal, triangular, rectangular, or square.
- the opening 13 in the body 10 is in the form of an elongate channel, i.e. a depression or a groove.
- the elongate direction of the channel 13 considered an axial direction of the channel 13
- the channel 13 has two axial open ends 14 , 15 .
- the channel 13 is substantially concave. That is, when looking from one axial end 14 to the opposite axial end 15 , the channel 13 has a substantially concave cross-sectional shape.
- the body 10 may be considered to comprise a wall 18 that defines the channel 13 , and a plurality of projections 16 that extend from the wall 18 into the channel 13 .
- the wall 18 and the projections 16 define a surface profile 17 of a portion of the body 10 that defines the channel 13 .
- the surface profile 17 of the portion of the body 10 that defines the channel 13 preferably is a negative of a surface profile 227 of a portion of an oral care implement 200 to be used with the support 100 in an oral care system 1 .
- the opening 13 may be a hole extending fully or partially through the body 10 with material of the body 10 circumferentially surrounding the hole.
- the suction cup 20 is oriented relative to the channel 13 and the body 10 for affixing the support 100 to an upwardly-facing horizontal surface 5 with the channel 13 above the suction cup 20 and above the surface 5 . More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the suction cup 20 is for affixing the support 100 to a planar surface 5 with the channel 13 being elongate in a direction that is at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to the planar surface 5 . In variations to the illustrated embodiment, this angle may be a different angle, such as any angle in the range of 0 to 30 degrees.
- the suction cup 20 is for affixing the support 100 to a planar surface 5 with the channel 13 being elongate in a direction that is parallel to the planar surface 5 .
- the angle is less than 30 degrees, so as to more stably retain an oral care implement in the channel 13 against the effects of gravity.
- the suction cup 20 defines a chamber 22 and comprises a rim 24 defining an opening 26 of the chamber 22 .
- the rim 24 of the suction cup 20 lies fully on a horizontal surface 5 , as shown in FIG. 4 , the rim 24 is horizontal and lies in a horizontal plane. This is the case, for example, when the rim 24 is affixed to the horizontal surface 5 through the provision of a lower pressure inside the chamber 22 than outside the chamber 22 .
- the suction cup 20 preferably is made of a flexible material, and more preferably is made of a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS).
- a resilient material such as an elastomeric material, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS).
- TPE thermoplastic elastomer
- SEBS styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene
- a permanent magnet 30 comprising ferromagnetic material.
- the ferromagnetic material comprises iron.
- the ferromagnetic material comprises one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone, a compound of rare earth elements, an alloy of rare earth elements, an alloy of iron, an alloy of nickel, and an alloy of cobalt.
- the magnet 30 may be a different type of magnet, such as an electromagnet.
- the support 100 may comprise an electrical power supply for powering the electromagnet, such as a battery or one or more cells, or an electrical connector suitable for electrically connecting the electromagnet to an electrical power supply external to the support 100 , such as the mains electrical power supply.
- an electrical power supply for powering the electromagnet such as a battery or one or more cells
- an electrical connector suitable for electrically connecting the electromagnet to an electrical power supply external to the support 100 such as the mains electrical power supply.
- the magnet 30 is fully embedded within the body 10 . Accordingly, the magnet 30 is located within the body 10 , is protected from damage, and is prevented from being dislodged relative to the channel 13 . However, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 30 instead may be only partially embedded in the body. In embodiments in which the magnet is partially embedded in the body 10 , the magnet 30 may be considered located within the body 10 or fastened to the body 10 , depending on the degree to which the magnet 30 is embedded in the body 10 . In some embodiments, the magnet 30 may be fastened to the body 10 , e.g. to the wall 18 , by a fastener, such as an adhesive, a screw or a bolt.
- a fastener such as an adhesive, a screw or a bolt.
- the permanent magnet 30 is located relative to the channel 13 , and has a magnetic field strength selected, so that the magnetic field generated by the magnet 30 extends into the channel 13 .
- the significance of this feature will be understood from the following explanation.
- the support 100 of FIG. 1 is usable with an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, comprising a second magnet or a metal portion that is magnetically attracted to the magnet 30 when a portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening 13 .
- An oral care system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises the support 100 of FIG. 1 and such an oral care implement, in the form of a toothbrush 200 , as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 .
- the toothbrush 200 comprises a head 202 , a handle 206 , and a neck 204 connecting the head 202 to the handle 206 .
- the toothbrush 200 has a first, front side 210 and a second, rear side 220 opposite from the first side 210 .
- the head 202 has tooth cleaning elements 203 , in the form of bristles, extending therefrom on the first side 210 of the toothbrush 200 .
- the cleaning elements 203 may take different forms.
- the neck 204 is of smaller cross sectional area than the head 202 and the handle 206 .
- the head 202 may be connected directly to the handle 206 without a narrowed neck therebetween.
- a magnet 230 is comprised in the handle 206 of the toothbrush 200 .
- the magnet 230 is fully embedded in the handle 206 but, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 230 may be only partially embedded in the handle 206 so that a portion of the magnet 230 is exposed, or may be fastened to the handle 206 . In this embodiment, the magnet 230 is a permanent magnet.
- the handle 206 of the toothbrush 200 comprises a portion of the toothbrush 200 that is receivable in the channel 13 of the support 100 .
- the magnet 230 is comprised in the portion of the toothbrush 200 that is receivable in the channel 13 .
- the magnet 230 is suitably positioned in the toothbrush 200 so that the magnet 230 is magnetically attracted to the magnet 30 of the support 100 when the portion of the toothbrush 200 is received in the channel 13 .
- the magnetic field strength of the magnet 30 of the support 100 and preferably also the magnetic field strength of the magnet 230 of the toothbrush 200 , are selected so that, when the portion of the toothbrush 200 is received in the channel 13 , magnetic attraction of the magnet 230 of the toothbrush 200 by the magnet 30 of the support 100 stably supports the toothbrush 200 in the channel 13 .
- the magnet 30 has sufficient magnetic field strength to attract the magnet 230 of the toothbrush 200 , even though the magnets 30 , 230 are spaced apart and material of the body 10 and the handle 206 is between the magnets 30 , 230 .
- the suction cup 20 is oriented relative to the channel 13 , and the toothbrush 200 is configured, so that a centre of mass 250 of the toothbrush 200 is within or above the channel 13 , when the support 100 is affixed to an upwardly-facing horizontal surface 5 by the suction cup 20 and the portion of the toothbrush 200 is received in the channel 13 , as best shown in FIG. 4 .
- the portion of the toothbrush 200 is receivable in the channel 13 with the cleaning elements 203 extending from the toothbrush 200 in a direction extending away from the surface 5 .
- the cleaning elements 203 extend from the toothbrush 200 in a direction orthogonal to the surface 5 , when the system 1 is configured in use as shown in the Figures.
- the handle 206 On the second side 220 of the toothbrush 200 the handle 206 has a particular surface profile 227 , of which the surface profile 17 of the portion of the body 10 that defines the channel 13 is a negative, i.e. a co-operable or reverse profile.
- the portion of the handle 206 is stably receivable in the channel 13 with the surface profile 227 of the handle 206 in contact with the surface profile 17 of the portion of the body 10 that defines the channel 13 , so that the handle 206 stably is nested with the channel 13 and the toothbrush 200 stably is nested with the support 100 . Still further, when the system 1 is configured in use as shown in FIGS.
- the cleaning elements 203 and the surface profile 227 of the handle 206 are on opposite sides of the toothbrush 200 , and since the surface profile 17 of the portion of the body 10 defining the channel 13 faces away from the suction cup 20 and the surface 5 , the cleaning elements 203 extend in a direction away from the surface 5 , when the portion of the handle 206 is stably received in the channel 13 with the surface profiles 17 , 227 in contact with each other.
- the toothbrush 200 may comprise a metal portion instead of the magnet 230 , which metal portion is magnetically attracted to the magnet 30 of the support 100 when the portion of the handle 206 of the toothbrush 200 is received in the opening 13 .
- the magnet 230 or metal portion of the toothbrush 200 may be comprised in one of the neck 204 and the head 202 of the toothbrush 200 , rather than in the handle 206 .
- the opening 13 and the neck 204 or head 202 , respectively, are configured so that the neck 204 or head 202 , respectively, comprises a portion of the toothbrush 200 that is receivable in the opening 13 with the magnet 230 or metal portion of the toothbrush 200 magnetically attracted to the magnet 30 of the support 100 .
- the restrictor comprises a magnet 30 generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening 13
- the restrictor may comprise an additional or an alternative device for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening 13 , preferably repeatedly.
- the restrictor may comprise a component of a hook-and-loop fastener fastened to the body 10 or an adhesive fastened to the body 10 .
- the component of the hook-and-loop fastener may be either a component comprising the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener arranged on a carrier, or a component comprising the loops of the hook-and-loop fastener arranged on a carrier.
- the adhesive may be provided on a carrier, such as a pad or strip, fastened to the wall 18 of the body 10 .
- a removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive on the carrier to protect the adhesive prior to use.
- the affixion device 20 comprises a suction cup
- the affixion device 20 may comprise an alternative device for affixing the body 10 to a surface, preferably repeatedly, such as an adhesive pad, e.g. a pad with adhesive applied thereon.
- an adhesive pad e.g. a pad with adhesive applied thereon.
- a removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive on the pad to protect the adhesive prior to use.
- the body 10 is substantially rigid.
- the body may comprise one or more, such as a pair of, resilient arms for clamping the portion of the oral care implement in the opening.
- the opening could be between a pair of resilient arms so that, when the portion of the oral care implement is in the opening, the portion of the oral care implement is held between, and by, the resilient arms.
- oral care implement support is free of resilient arms.
- the surface profiles 227 , 17 of the portion of the toothbrush 200 and the portion of the body 10 defining the channel 13 may take a different form to that shown.
- the respective surface profiles 17 , 227 may be smooth, regular, or have a different irregular nature to that shown.
- the surface profile 227 of the toothbrush 200 is on the second side 220 of the toothbrush 200
- the surface profile 227 of the toothbrush 200 that cooperates with the surface profile 17 of the portion of the body 10 defining the channel 13 may be on a different side of the toothbrush 200 , such as on a lateral side of the toothbrush 200 that connects the first and second sides 210 , 220 .
- the portion of the body 10 defining the channel 13 would be suitably modified so as to still cooperate with the surface profile 227 of the toothbrush 200 in the manner discussed above.
- the support 100 and the system 1 as a whole, is usable to help a user dispense dentifrice onto a head 202 of the toothbrush 200 . It is intended that the user first affixes the support 100 to a surface, preferably an upwardly-facing horizontal surface 5 as shown in FIG. 4 , such as a counter, by affixing the rim 24 of the suction cup 20 to the surface 5 in the manner discussed above.
- the suction cup 20 can be positioned on the surface 5 at a position relative to a sink so that, when the portion of the toothbrush 200 is received in the channel 13 , the head 202 of the toothbrush 200 is over the sink and the toothbrush 200 is held off the surface 5 in a substantially stable position.
- the user can then focus on aligning the opening of a dentifrice tube with the head 202 and subsequently dispensing the dentifrice from the tube onto the head 202 , without simultaneously having to hold the toothbrush 200 steady. Any excess dentifrice can be allowed to fall into the sink, from where it can easily be cleaned up.
- the toothbrush 200 easily can be pulled away easily from the support 100 , against the attractive force of the magnet 30 , for use in an oral care session.
- the support 100 may be retained affixed to the surface 5 during and after the oral care session.
- the oral care system comprises a manually-operated oral care implement, more specifically a manually-operated toothbrush.
- the oral care implement could instead comprise a powered toothbrush wherein one or more cleaning elements provided to the head of the implement are drivable so as to be moved relative to the handle of the implement.
- the oral care implement could instead comprise other forms of oral care implement, such as a soft-tissue cleaner, a tooth polisher, an interdental brush, a tongue scraper, or another implement designed for oral care.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed is an oral care implement support, comprising: a body having formed therein an opening for receiving a portion of an oral care implement; an affixion device connected to the body for affixing the oral care implement support to a surface; and a restrictor for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening, wherein the restrictor is fastened to, or is located within, the body. Also disclosed is an oral care system, comprising: the oral care implement support; and an oral care implement, a portion of which oral care implement is receivable in the opening.
Description
- The present invention relates to an oral care implement support and to an oral care system comprising the oral care implement support and an oral care implement.
- It is known to provide dentifrice, such as toothpaste, in a tube having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable. In order to dispense the dentifrice from the tube onto the head of an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, a user has to align the head of the oral care implement with the opening of the tube and squeeze the tube while at the same time holding the oral care implement steady. Carrying out these processes simultaneously can be difficult or impossible for some users, such as children, individuals with disabilities, and others who are challenged by low strength, coordination or motor control in the fingers, hands or arms.
- There is a need for a device for helping a user dispense dentifrice onto a head of an oral care implement. There also is a need for an oral care system that helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of an oral care implement of the oral care system.
- An embodiment of the present invention provides an oral care implement support, comprising: a body having formed therein an opening for receiving a portion of an oral care implement; an affixion device connected to the body for affixing the oral care implement support to a surface; and a restrictor for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening, wherein the restrictor is fastened to, or is located within, the body.
- Preferably, the affixion device comprises a suction cup. Alternatively or additionally, the affixion device comprises an adhesive pad.
- Optionally, the restrictor is located within the body. For example, the restrictor may be partially or fully embedded in the body. Alternatively, the restrictor is fastened to the body. For example, the restrictor may be fastened to the body by a fastener, such as an adhesive, a screw or a bolt, or may be fastened to the body by being partially embedded in the body.
- Preferably, the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening. Alternatively or additionally, the restrictor comprises a component of a hook-and-loop fastener fastened to the body, or an adhesive fastened to the body.
- Optionally, the affixion device is at a first end of the body and the opening is at a second end of the body. Further optionally, the second end is opposite from the first end.
- Optionally, the affixion device is for affixing the oral care implement support to a planar surface with the opening being elongate in a direction that is at an angle of less than 30 degrees to the surface, such as 0 to 15 degrees to the surface.
- Optionally, the opening is a channel. Further optionally, the channel has two open axial ends. The channel may be substantially concave. Optionally, the body comprises one or more projections extending into the channel.
- Optionally, the magnet is a permanent magnet. Optionally, the permanent magnet comprises ferromagnetic material. Further optionally, the ferromagnetic material comprises one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone, a compound of rare earth elements, an alloy of rare earth elements, an alloy of iron, an alloy of nickel, and an alloy of cobalt.
- Optionally, the body is rigid, or substantially rigid. Optionally, the body is formed from a plastic. The plastic may be a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. Optionally, the support is free of resilient arms.
- Another embodiment of the present invention provides an oral care system, comprising: any one of the oral care implement supports described above; and an oral care implement, a portion of which oral care implement is receivable in the opening.
- Optionally, the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening, and the oral care implement comprises a second magnet or a metal portion that is magnetically attracted to the magnet of the oral care implement support when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
- Optionally, the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head, and the portion of the oral care implement comprises, or is comprised in, one of the handle and the head. Further optionally, the second magnet or the metal portion is comprised in one of the handle and the head.
- Optionally, the affixion device is oriented relative to the opening, and the oral care implement is configured, so that a centre of mass of the oral care implement is within or above the opening, when the oral care implement support is affixed to an upwardly-facing horizontal surface by the affixion device and the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
- Optionally, the oral care implement has cleaning elements extending therefrom. Optionally, the portion of the oral care implement is receivable in the opening with the cleaning elements extending from the oral care implement in a direction extending away from the surface.
- Optionally, a surface profile of a portion of the body that defines the opening is a negative of a surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement.
- Optionally, the oral care implement has a first side and a second side opposite from the first side; wherein cleaning elements are located on the first side of the oral care implement; and wherein the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement is on the second side of the oral care implement.
- Optionally, the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head, the head having cleaning elements extending therefrom. Optionally, the cleaning elements extend from the head in a direction extending away from the surface, when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening with the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement in contact with the surface profile of the portion of the body that defines the opening.
- Optionally, the oral care implement is a toothbrush.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an oral care implement support according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an oral care system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the oral care system comprising the oral care implement support ofFIG. 1 and an oral care implement, wherein the oral care system is in a first state with the oral care implement separate from the oral care implement support; -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the oral care system ofFIG. 2 in a second state with a portion of the oral care implement received in an opening of the oral care implement support; and -
FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view through the oral care system ofFIG. 3 . - The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
- As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
-
FIG. 1 shows an oral care implementsupport 100, hereinafter referred to as thesupport 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thesupport 100 comprises abody 10 having formed therein anopening 13 for receiving a portion of an oral care implement, anaffixion device 20, comprising a suction cup, connected to thebody 10 for affixing thesupport 100 to a surface, and a restrictor, comprising a magnet 30 (not visible) generating a magnetic field that extends into theopening 13 of thebody 10, for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in theopening 13. - The
body 10 of the illustrated embodiment is formed from a plastic, more specifically a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Thebody 10 has afirst end 11, which is a lower end when thesupport 100 is oriented in use as shown in the Figures, and asecond end 12, which is an upper end when thesupport 100 is oriented in use as shown in the Figures, thesecond end 12 being an opposite end of thebody 10 from thefirst end 11. Thesuction cup 20 is at thefirst end 11 of thebody 10 and the opening 13 is at thesecond end 12 of thebody 10. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst end 11 is of a smaller cross-sectional area than thesecond end 12, and thebody 10 smoothly tapers down in cross-sectional area from thesecond end 12 to thefirst end 11. In variations to this embodiment, thefirst end 11 may be of the same or a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond end 12. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst end 11 has a circular cross-sectional shape. In variations to this embodiment, thefirst end 11 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, polygonal, triangular, rectangular, or square. - The
opening 13 in thebody 10 is in the form of an elongate channel, i.e. a depression or a groove. With the elongate direction of thechannel 13 considered an axial direction of thechannel 13, even though thechannel 13 is not strictly linear, thechannel 13 has two axial open ends 14, 15. Thechannel 13 is substantially concave. That is, when looking from oneaxial end 14 to the oppositeaxial end 15, thechannel 13 has a substantially concave cross-sectional shape. Thebody 10 may be considered to comprise awall 18 that defines thechannel 13, and a plurality ofprojections 16 that extend from thewall 18 into thechannel 13. Together, thewall 18 and theprojections 16 define asurface profile 17 of a portion of thebody 10 that defines thechannel 13. As will be described in more detail below, thesurface profile 17 of the portion of thebody 10 that defines thechannel 13 preferably is a negative of asurface profile 227 of a portion of an oral care implement 200 to be used with thesupport 100 in anoral care system 1. - In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the
opening 13 may be a hole extending fully or partially through thebody 10 with material of thebody 10 circumferentially surrounding the hole. - The
suction cup 20 is oriented relative to thechannel 13 and thebody 10 for affixing thesupport 100 to an upwardly-facinghorizontal surface 5 with thechannel 13 above thesuction cup 20 and above thesurface 5. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thesuction cup 20 is for affixing thesupport 100 to aplanar surface 5 with thechannel 13 being elongate in a direction that is at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to theplanar surface 5. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, this angle may be a different angle, such as any angle in the range of 0 to 30 degrees. That is, in some embodiments, thesuction cup 20 is for affixing thesupport 100 to aplanar surface 5 with thechannel 13 being elongate in a direction that is parallel to theplanar surface 5. Preferably, the angle is less than 30 degrees, so as to more stably retain an oral care implement in thechannel 13 against the effects of gravity. - The
suction cup 20 defines achamber 22 and comprises arim 24 defining anopening 26 of thechamber 22. When therim 24 of thesuction cup 20 lies fully on ahorizontal surface 5, as shown inFIG. 4 , therim 24 is horizontal and lies in a horizontal plane. This is the case, for example, when therim 24 is affixed to thehorizontal surface 5 through the provision of a lower pressure inside thechamber 22 than outside thechamber 22. Thesuction cup 20 preferably is made of a flexible material, and more preferably is made of a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS). As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, thesuction cup 20 allows thesupport 100 to be affixed to thehorizontal surface 5, at least temporarily. Thesupport 100 is affixed to thehorizontal surface 5 by applying a force to thesupport 100 in a direction toward thehorizontal surface 5 sufficient to deform thesuction cup 20. The deformation forces air out from thechamber 22 through a gap between thesuction cup 20 and thesurface 5. When the force is removed, there will be a natural tendency for thesuction cup 20 to return to its non-deformed state, which results in slight movement of thesuction cup 20 relative to thehorizontal surface 5, which in turn seals the gap and slightly increases the volume of thechamber 22 to create a partial vacuum therein. This partial vacuum creates a holding force that affixes thesuction cup 20, and the rest of thesupport 100, to thehorizontal surface 5. When a user wishes to detach thesupport 100 from thehorizontal surface 5, they need only apply a force to thesupport 100 in a direction away from thehorizontal surface 5 sufficient to overcome the holding force. This would result in at least a portion of therim 24 being lifted from thehorizontal surface 5, which removes the partial vacuum in thechamber 22 and thus removes the holding force, so that thesupport 100 can be moved away from thehorizontal surface 5 without further hindrance. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , fully embedded within thebody 10 is apermanent magnet 30 comprising ferromagnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferromagnetic material comprises iron. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the ferromagnetic material comprises one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone, a compound of rare earth elements, an alloy of rare earth elements, an alloy of iron, an alloy of nickel, and an alloy of cobalt. In respective variations to each of the embodiments described herein, themagnet 30 may be a different type of magnet, such as an electromagnet. In the latter case, thesupport 100 may comprise an electrical power supply for powering the electromagnet, such as a battery or one or more cells, or an electrical connector suitable for electrically connecting the electromagnet to an electrical power supply external to thesupport 100, such as the mains electrical power supply. - As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, the
magnet 30 is fully embedded within thebody 10. Accordingly, themagnet 30 is located within thebody 10, is protected from damage, and is prevented from being dislodged relative to thechannel 13. However, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, themagnet 30 instead may be only partially embedded in the body. In embodiments in which the magnet is partially embedded in thebody 10, themagnet 30 may be considered located within thebody 10 or fastened to thebody 10, depending on the degree to which themagnet 30 is embedded in thebody 10. In some embodiments, themagnet 30 may be fastened to thebody 10, e.g. to thewall 18, by a fastener, such as an adhesive, a screw or a bolt. - The
permanent magnet 30 is located relative to thechannel 13, and has a magnetic field strength selected, so that the magnetic field generated by themagnet 30 extends into thechannel 13. The significance of this feature will be understood from the following explanation. - The
support 100 ofFIG. 1 is usable with an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, comprising a second magnet or a metal portion that is magnetically attracted to themagnet 30 when a portion of the oral care implement is received in theopening 13. Anoral care system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises thesupport 100 ofFIG. 1 and such an oral care implement, in the form of atoothbrush 200, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 4 . - The
toothbrush 200 comprises ahead 202, ahandle 206, and aneck 204 connecting thehead 202 to thehandle 206. Thetoothbrush 200 has a first,front side 210 and a second,rear side 220 opposite from thefirst side 210. Thehead 202 hastooth cleaning elements 203, in the form of bristles, extending therefrom on thefirst side 210 of thetoothbrush 200. In variations to this embodiment, the cleaningelements 203 may take different forms. Theneck 204 is of smaller cross sectional area than thehead 202 and thehandle 206. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, thehead 202 may be connected directly to thehandle 206 without a narrowed neck therebetween. Amagnet 230 is comprised in thehandle 206 of thetoothbrush 200. In the illustrated embodiment, themagnet 230 is fully embedded in thehandle 206 but, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, themagnet 230 may be only partially embedded in thehandle 206 so that a portion of themagnet 230 is exposed, or may be fastened to thehandle 206. In this embodiment, themagnet 230 is a permanent magnet. - The
handle 206 of thetoothbrush 200 comprises a portion of thetoothbrush 200 that is receivable in thechannel 13 of thesupport 100. Moreover, themagnet 230 is comprised in the portion of thetoothbrush 200 that is receivable in thechannel 13. Specifically, themagnet 230 is suitably positioned in thetoothbrush 200 so that themagnet 230 is magnetically attracted to themagnet 30 of thesupport 100 when the portion of thetoothbrush 200 is received in thechannel 13. The magnetic field strength of themagnet 30 of thesupport 100, and preferably also the magnetic field strength of themagnet 230 of thetoothbrush 200, are selected so that, when the portion of thetoothbrush 200 is received in thechannel 13, magnetic attraction of themagnet 230 of thetoothbrush 200 by themagnet 30 of thesupport 100 stably supports thetoothbrush 200 in thechannel 13. Themagnet 30 has sufficient magnetic field strength to attract themagnet 230 of thetoothbrush 200, even though themagnets body 10 and thehandle 206 is between themagnets - To more stably support the
toothbrush 200 in thechannel 13, thesuction cup 20 is oriented relative to thechannel 13, and thetoothbrush 200 is configured, so that a centre ofmass 250 of thetoothbrush 200 is within or above thechannel 13, when thesupport 100 is affixed to an upwardly-facinghorizontal surface 5 by thesuction cup 20 and the portion of thetoothbrush 200 is received in thechannel 13, as best shown inFIG. 4 . When thesystem 1 is configured in use as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , the portion of thetoothbrush 200 is receivable in thechannel 13 with thecleaning elements 203 extending from thetoothbrush 200 in a direction extending away from thesurface 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaningelements 203 extend from thetoothbrush 200 in a direction orthogonal to thesurface 5, when thesystem 1 is configured in use as shown in the Figures. - On the
second side 220 of thetoothbrush 200 thehandle 206 has aparticular surface profile 227, of which thesurface profile 17 of the portion of thebody 10 that defines thechannel 13 is a negative, i.e. a co-operable or reverse profile. The portion of thehandle 206 is stably receivable in thechannel 13 with thesurface profile 227 of thehandle 206 in contact with thesurface profile 17 of the portion of thebody 10 that defines thechannel 13, so that thehandle 206 stably is nested with thechannel 13 and thetoothbrush 200 stably is nested with thesupport 100. Still further, when thesystem 1 is configured in use as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , since thecleaning elements 203 and thesurface profile 227 of thehandle 206 are on opposite sides of thetoothbrush 200, and since thesurface profile 17 of the portion of thebody 10 defining thechannel 13 faces away from thesuction cup 20 and thesurface 5, the cleaningelements 203 extend in a direction away from thesurface 5, when the portion of thehandle 206 is stably received in thechannel 13 with the surface profiles 17, 227 in contact with each other. As a result of the irregular nature of the cooperating surface profiles 17, 227 of thehandle 206 and the portion of thebody 10 that defines thechannel 13, and as a result of the magnetic attraction of themagnet 230 of thetoothbrush 200 by themagnet 30 of thesupport 100, movement of thetoothbrush 200 relative to thesupport 100 in a direction parallel to the elongate direction of thechannel 13 is restricted. Also, as a result of the magnetic attraction of themagnet 230 of thetoothbrush 200 by themagnet 30 of thesupport 100, movement of thetoothbrush 200 relative to thesupport 100 about a longitudinal axis of thetoothbrush 200 is restricted. - In variations to the illustrated and/or described embodiments, the
toothbrush 200 may comprise a metal portion instead of themagnet 230, which metal portion is magnetically attracted to themagnet 30 of thesupport 100 when the portion of thehandle 206 of thetoothbrush 200 is received in theopening 13. - Furthermore, in variations to the illustrated and/or described embodiments, the
magnet 230 or metal portion of thetoothbrush 200 may be comprised in one of theneck 204 and thehead 202 of thetoothbrush 200, rather than in thehandle 206. Preferably, in such variations, theopening 13 and theneck 204 orhead 202, respectively, are configured so that theneck 204 orhead 202, respectively, comprises a portion of thetoothbrush 200 that is receivable in theopening 13 with themagnet 230 or metal portion of thetoothbrush 200 magnetically attracted to themagnet 30 of thesupport 100. - While in each of the above-described embodiments the restrictor comprises a
magnet 30 generating a magnetic field that extends into theopening 13, in respective variations to each of the embodiments, the restrictor may comprise an additional or an alternative device for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in theopening 13, preferably repeatedly. For example, the restrictor may comprise a component of a hook-and-loop fastener fastened to thebody 10 or an adhesive fastened to thebody 10. The component of the hook-and-loop fastener may be either a component comprising the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener arranged on a carrier, or a component comprising the loops of the hook-and-loop fastener arranged on a carrier. The adhesive may be provided on a carrier, such as a pad or strip, fastened to thewall 18 of thebody 10. A removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive on the carrier to protect the adhesive prior to use. - While in each of the above-described embodiments the
affixion device 20 comprises a suction cup, in respective variations to each of the embodiments theaffixion device 20 may comprise an alternative device for affixing thebody 10 to a surface, preferably repeatedly, such as an adhesive pad, e.g. a pad with adhesive applied thereon. A removable layer or film of material may cover the adhesive on the pad to protect the adhesive prior to use. - In each of the above-described embodiments, the
body 10 is substantially rigid. In variations to the illustrated and/or described embodiments, the body may comprise one or more, such as a pair of, resilient arms for clamping the portion of the oral care implement in the opening. For example, the opening could be between a pair of resilient arms so that, when the portion of the oral care implement is in the opening, the portion of the oral care implement is held between, and by, the resilient arms. However, optionally, oral care implement support is free of resilient arms. - Still further, in variations to the illustrated and/or described embodiments, the surface profiles 227, 17 of the portion of the
toothbrush 200 and the portion of thebody 10 defining thechannel 13 may take a different form to that shown. For example, the respective surface profiles 17, 227 may be smooth, regular, or have a different irregular nature to that shown. Moreover, while in the illustrated embodiment thesurface profile 227 of thetoothbrush 200 is on thesecond side 220 of thetoothbrush 200, in variations to this arrangement thesurface profile 227 of thetoothbrush 200 that cooperates with thesurface profile 17 of the portion of thebody 10 defining thechannel 13 may be on a different side of thetoothbrush 200, such as on a lateral side of thetoothbrush 200 that connects the first andsecond sides body 10 defining thechannel 13 would be suitably modified so as to still cooperate with thesurface profile 227 of thetoothbrush 200 in the manner discussed above. - The
support 100, and thesystem 1 as a whole, is usable to help a user dispense dentifrice onto ahead 202 of thetoothbrush 200. It is intended that the user first affixes thesupport 100 to a surface, preferably an upwardly-facinghorizontal surface 5 as shown inFIG. 4 , such as a counter, by affixing therim 24 of thesuction cup 20 to thesurface 5 in the manner discussed above. Thesuction cup 20 can be positioned on thesurface 5 at a position relative to a sink so that, when the portion of thetoothbrush 200 is received in thechannel 13, thehead 202 of thetoothbrush 200 is over the sink and thetoothbrush 200 is held off thesurface 5 in a substantially stable position. The user can then focus on aligning the opening of a dentifrice tube with thehead 202 and subsequently dispensing the dentifrice from the tube onto thehead 202, without simultaneously having to hold thetoothbrush 200 steady. Any excess dentifrice can be allowed to fall into the sink, from where it can easily be cleaned up. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, thetoothbrush 200 easily can be pulled away easily from thesupport 100, against the attractive force of themagnet 30, for use in an oral care session. Thesupport 100 may be retained affixed to thesurface 5 during and after the oral care session. - In each of the above described exemplary embodiments of the oral care system, the oral care system comprises a manually-operated oral care implement, more specifically a manually-operated toothbrush. However, in variations to these embodiments, the oral care implement could instead comprise a powered toothbrush wherein one or more cleaning elements provided to the head of the implement are drivable so as to be moved relative to the handle of the implement. In still further embodiments, the oral care implement could instead comprise other forms of oral care implement, such as a soft-tissue cleaner, a tooth polisher, an interdental brush, a tongue scraper, or another implement designed for oral care.
Claims (23)
1. An oral care implement support, comprising:
a body having formed therein an opening for receiving a portion of an oral care implement;
an affixion device connected to the body for affixing the oral care implement support to a surface; and
a restrictor for restricting movement of the portion of the oral care implement in the opening, wherein the restrictor is fastened to, or is located within, the body.
2. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the affixion device comprises a suction cup.
3. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the restrictor is located within the body.
4. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening.
5. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the affixion device is at a first end of the body and the opening is at a second end of the body, the second end being opposite from the first end.
6. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the affixion device is for affixing the oral care implement support to a planar surface with the opening being elongate in a direction that is at an angle of 0 to 15 degrees to the surface.
7. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the opening is a channel.
8. The oral care implement support of claim 7 , wherein the channel has two open axial ends.
9. The oral care implement support of claim 7 , wherein the channel is substantially concave.
10. The oral care implement support of claim 7 , wherein the body comprises one or more projections extending into the channel.
11. The oral care implement support of claim 4 , wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet, optionally wherein the permanent magnet comprises ferromagnetic material, further optionally wherein the ferromagnetic material comprises one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, lodestone, a compound of rare earth elements, an alloy of rare earth elements, an alloy of iron, an alloy of nickel, and an alloy of cobalt.
12. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the body is substantially rigid.
13. The oral care implement support of claim 1 , wherein the body is formed from a plastic, such as a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.
14. An oral care system, comprising:
an oral care implement support according to any preceding claim; and
an oral care implement, a portion of which oral care implement is receivable in the opening.
15. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein the restrictor comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field that extends into the opening, and wherein the oral care implement comprises a second magnet or a metal portion that is magnetically attracted to the magnet of the oral care implement support when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
16. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head, and wherein the portion of the oral care implement comprises, or is comprised in, one of the handle and the head.
17. The oral care system of claim 16 , wherein the second magnet or the metal portion is comprised in one of the handle and the head.
18. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein the affixion device is oriented relative to the opening, and the oral care implement is configured, so that a centre of mass of the oral care implement is within or above the opening, when the oral care implement support is affixed to an upwardly-facing horizontal surface by the affixion device and the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening.
19. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein the oral care implement has cleaning elements extending therefrom; and wherein the portion of the oral care implement is receivable in the opening with the cleaning elements extending from the oral care implement in a direction extending away from the surface.
20. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein a surface profile of a portion of the body that defines the opening is a negative of a surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement.
21. The oral care system of claim 20 , wherein the oral care implement has a first side and a second side opposite from the first side;
wherein cleaning elements are located on the first side of the oral care implement; and
wherein the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement is on the second side of the oral care implement.
22. The oral care system of claim 20 , wherein the oral care implement comprises a handle and a head, the head having cleaning elements extending therefrom; and
wherein the cleaning elements extend from the head in a direction extending away from the surface, when the portion of the oral care implement is received in the opening with the surface profile of the portion of the oral care implement in contact with the surface profile of the portion of the body that defines the opening.
23. The oral care system of claim 14 , wherein the oral care implement is a toothbrush.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2013/071222 WO2015076809A1 (en) | 2013-11-21 | 2013-11-21 | Oral care implement support and oral care system comprising the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160296078A1 true US20160296078A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
Family
ID=49709859
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/038,520 Abandoned US20160296078A1 (en) | 2013-11-21 | 2013-11-21 | Oral Care Implement Support and Oral Care System Comprising the Same |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160296078A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3062655A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105705059A (en) |
AR (1) | AR098514A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013405932A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2016006143A (en) |
TW (1) | TW201531262A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015076809A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160167834A1 (en) * | 2013-07-25 | 2016-06-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Dentifrice dispenser |
US20170196408A1 (en) * | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-13 | Diana M. Collins | Horizontal and Vertical Toothbrush Holder Suitable for the Application of Toothpaste |
US20170197071A1 (en) * | 2014-07-11 | 2017-07-13 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | System for the administration of an oral care composition |
US20180207819A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2018-07-26 | The Gillette Company Llc | Personal care product handle |
DE102021001695A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2022-10-06 | Theo Arnitz | Device for holding an electric toothbrush |
USD977278S1 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2023-02-07 | The Gillette Company Llc | Shaving razor stand |
US11648693B2 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2023-05-16 | The Gillette Company Llc | Personal care product docking system |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3351133B1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2020-09-09 | The Gillette Company LLC | Personal care product stand |
EP3420848B1 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2023-10-25 | Trisa Holding AG | Oral hygiene device and protective cap for oral hygiene device |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3782799A (en) * | 1972-08-10 | 1974-01-01 | H Hansen | Magnetic toothbrush-holder |
US4523599A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1985-06-18 | Georges Collet | Attachable toothbrush |
US5163566A (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1992-11-17 | Hempel Jeffrey D | Hygienic magnetic toothbrush holder |
US5573019A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1996-11-12 | Hempel; Jeffrey D. | Hygienic frictional toothbrush holder |
US6622978B1 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2003-09-23 | Scott A. Ghiz | Toothbrush holder and method of using |
US8186642B2 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2012-05-29 | John Weiss-Vons | Portable device accessory |
US8727141B2 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2014-05-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Magnetic toothbrush and holder |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1899242A (en) * | 1932-03-02 | 1933-02-28 | Mcnab Alexander | Toothbrush holder |
US5297677A (en) * | 1993-03-15 | 1994-03-29 | Alfred Burian | Sanitary toothbrush holder |
WO1994027479A1 (en) * | 1993-06-01 | 1994-12-08 | Smith Colin J | Device for securing utensils and containers to smooth surfaces |
US5369835A (en) * | 1993-07-28 | 1994-12-06 | Delphic Inc | Toothbrush assembly |
MY125725A (en) * | 1999-09-22 | 2006-08-30 | Orca Innovation Sdn Bhd | Holder device for toothbrush, table knives, forks and spoons and the like |
US20080311282A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2008-12-18 | Keith Hammon | Method and Device for Stabilizing a Toothbrush for One-Handed Use |
GB2460628A (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2009-12-09 | Meir Amiram | Self righting mechanism using magnets |
US20130125327A1 (en) * | 2011-11-17 | 2013-05-23 | Braun Gmbh | Body Care Appliance For Personal Needs |
-
2013
- 2013-11-21 MX MX2016006143A patent/MX2016006143A/en unknown
- 2013-11-21 WO PCT/US2013/071222 patent/WO2015076809A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-21 AU AU2013405932A patent/AU2013405932A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-11-21 CN CN201380080790.2A patent/CN105705059A/en active Pending
- 2013-11-21 EP EP13799469.5A patent/EP3062655A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-11-21 US US15/038,520 patent/US20160296078A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-10-27 TW TW103136943A patent/TW201531262A/en unknown
- 2014-11-21 AR ARP140104392A patent/AR098514A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3782799A (en) * | 1972-08-10 | 1974-01-01 | H Hansen | Magnetic toothbrush-holder |
US4523599A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1985-06-18 | Georges Collet | Attachable toothbrush |
US5163566A (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1992-11-17 | Hempel Jeffrey D | Hygienic magnetic toothbrush holder |
US5573019A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1996-11-12 | Hempel; Jeffrey D. | Hygienic frictional toothbrush holder |
US6622978B1 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2003-09-23 | Scott A. Ghiz | Toothbrush holder and method of using |
US8727141B2 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2014-05-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Magnetic toothbrush and holder |
US8186642B2 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2012-05-29 | John Weiss-Vons | Portable device accessory |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160167834A1 (en) * | 2013-07-25 | 2016-06-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Dentifrice dispenser |
US20170197071A1 (en) * | 2014-07-11 | 2017-07-13 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | System for the administration of an oral care composition |
US20170196408A1 (en) * | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-13 | Diana M. Collins | Horizontal and Vertical Toothbrush Holder Suitable for the Application of Toothpaste |
US10058219B2 (en) * | 2016-01-07 | 2018-08-28 | Diana M. Collins | Horizontal and vertical toothbrush holder suitable for the application of toothpaste |
US20180207819A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2018-07-26 | The Gillette Company Llc | Personal care product handle |
JP2020513275A (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2020-05-14 | ザ ジレット カンパニー リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニーThe Gillette Company Llc | Handles for personal care products |
US10688674B2 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2020-06-23 | The Gillette Company Llc | Personal care product handle |
USD977278S1 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2023-02-07 | The Gillette Company Llc | Shaving razor stand |
US11648693B2 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2023-05-16 | The Gillette Company Llc | Personal care product docking system |
US11648692B2 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2023-05-16 | The Gillette Company, LLC | Personal care product docking system |
DE102021001695A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 | 2022-10-06 | Theo Arnitz | Device for holding an electric toothbrush |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3062655A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
TW201531262A (en) | 2015-08-16 |
AU2013405932A1 (en) | 2016-05-12 |
WO2015076809A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
MX2016006143A (en) | 2016-08-12 |
AR098514A1 (en) | 2016-06-01 |
CN105705059A (en) | 2016-06-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20160296078A1 (en) | Oral Care Implement Support and Oral Care System Comprising the Same | |
USD679502S1 (en) | Electric skin brush | |
RU2401043C1 (en) | Magnet toothbrush and holder | |
USD520697S1 (en) | Multi-purpose interchangeable liquid and lotion scrubbing arrangement | |
US20160296003A1 (en) | Oral Care Implement and Oral Care System | |
KR20150040792A (en) | Beauty tool | |
RU2004102501A (en) | DENTAL BRUSH CASE | |
JP7069507B2 (en) | Vacuum vacuum cleaner assembly | |
JP5887229B2 (en) | How to use remover for removing cosmetics | |
EP3063075A1 (en) | Dentifrice dispenser and oral care system comprising the same | |
CA2113598C (en) | Holder for a bar of soap | |
KR200452614Y1 (en) | Hygienic cup capable of toottbrush oupporting | |
CN201734141U (en) | Cosmetic brush | |
US20160167834A1 (en) | Dentifrice dispenser | |
KR100802187B1 (en) | Skin beauty care machinery | |
KR200485019Y1 (en) | toothbrush | |
JP3077601U (en) | Toothbrush set | |
US10285555B2 (en) | Electric shock guard for appliance | |
US20230320480A1 (en) | Toothbrush assembly having biodegradable head | |
KR200479831Y1 (en) | Toothbrush | |
US20160029780A1 (en) | Personal hygiene device | |
JP6309127B1 (en) | Golf marker holder | |
JP3114775U (en) | Cup with toothbrush support | |
FR3010874A1 (en) | COSMETIC ACCESSORY COMPRISING AN ACTIVE ELASTOMERIC STYRENE PART | |
JP3033083U (en) | Denture brush |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |