Redi brush   

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/271,202 filed Jul. 17, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Redi Brush.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of tooth brushes, and more specifically to the field of tooth brushes which contain dentifrice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs directed to toothbrushes having an integral supply of dentifrice. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,868 to Dale M. Frazell describes a portable toothbrush with dentifrice comprising a disposable toothbrush having a self-contained dentifrice package which is kept unopened until the time of desired use.

U.S. Pat. No. D310,308 to Paul Wolsey is a design patent directed to a combined toothbrush and pen.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,257 to Traci L. Tyron describes a toothbrush with toothpaste feed which incorporates a toothpaste containing cartridge in the handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,466 to Jeff Johnson and Jeremy Steele describes a toothbrush with refillable toothpaste.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable toothbrush which dispenses toothpaste from the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the toothbrush of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close up of the brush head of the toothbrush of the present invention showing the toothpaste channel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of the present invention shown in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Health professionals maintain that through education and a concerted effort, the number of adults and children suffering from dental disease can be significantly reduced through regular brushing. To have a healthy smile, the American Dental Association recommends that teeth should be brushed at least twice daily, preferably after meals. However, this recommendation can often prove to be easier said than done. With the hustle and bustle of busy work and school days, it is simply not practical to cart around a toothbrush and a bulky, messy tube of toothpaste. As a result, consumers are unable to brush their teeth after a lunch meeting or immediately following an afternoon snack. The longer food particles remain in the mouth, the teeth can become susceptible to the formation of cavities and decay. Those who are enjoying a leisurely though busy day of shopping or travel face this dilemma as well. Taking in sights or juggling shopping bags, there is no expedient way to properly care for oral health after every quick bite.

Recognizing the potential for more convenient means of practicing proper oral hygiene while on the go, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Redi Brush, was developed. Simply stated, the Redi Brush is a specially designed portable toothbrush with an attachable cartridge that is pre-filled with toothpaste. A fully assembled Redi Brush uniquely mirrors the appearance of a portable fountain pen, featuring dimensions of approximately six inches (6″) in length and one half inch (0.5″) in width. The head of the Redi Brush features short, fiber crisscrossing bristles with beveled edges to facilitate a cleaning that is both effective and comfortable.

Several distinguishing characteristics set this uniquely designed toothbrush apart from standard models. A series of small circular openings are positioned within the rows of bristles, serving as the egress for toothpaste. In addition, the cylindrical handle of the brush serves as a receptacle for the toothpaste stored inside the unit. This portion of the unit features a thumb-operated button mechanism to permit the dispensation of toothpaste from within the brush onto the bristles.

The Redi Brush can be packaged within a durable plastic casing, shaped in the form of a pen as previously mentioned, to protect the unit from airborne germs and bacteria when not in use. Each unit can also be offered with up to three (3) pre-filled cartridges. Additional embodiments include manufacturing these versatile units in a variety of attractive and eye catching colors, offering brushes with different types of toothpastes and gels such as extra whitening and tartar control, and marketing an array of paste flavors such as mint for adults and bubble gum to appeal to children.

In one embodiment, the cartridges can be made of cardboard and resemble miniature caulk tube cartridges. The use of cardboard provides for ecological disposal of used toothpaste cartridges.

Use of the Redi Brush is very simple and straightforward. First, the user places an encased Redi Brush on their person before heading out on an intended activity. By way of example, a business executive may slip a unit into his or her interior coat pocket on his way to work. Similarly, a mother embarking on a shopping expedition could simply insert a Redi Brush into her purse. Following a meal, the user removes the cap of the Redi Brush “pen.” By simply squeezing the button on the handle portion of the unit, the toothpaste is channeled through the handle and neck of the brush and out through the openings within the rows of bristles. After the desired amount of toothpaste has been dispensed, the user brushes the teeth as normal. Each Redi Brush cartridge contains enough toothpaste for approximately 3 or 4 applications, and can be conveniently stored within its plastic casing when not in use. After all the paste has been dispensed from the Redi Brush cartridge, this portion of the unit can conveniently disposed of and replaced with a fresh cartridge.

There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with this unique invention. Foremost, the Redi Brush provides consumers with a toothbrush and toothpaste, all in one convenient, portable unit. Compact and lightweight, this handy product\'s distinct fountain pen shape allows users to have access to proper oral hygiene at all times, as it can be easily carried in a coat or pants pocket, a purse, or a backpack. Able to brush the teeth at virtually any time of day, consumers are better equipped to fight the battle against cavities and tooth decay. Easy to use, consumers will appreciate the effortless squeeze of fresh toothpaste onto the bristles of the Redi Brush via the handy dispensing button. When used in the home, the practical toothbrush/toothpaste combination frees much needed counter space from bulky and messy tubes of toothpaste. In addition, the plastic casing protects the Redi Brush from surface areas and from the harmful bacterial and germs swirling through the air. For travelers, this product is especially convenient. Easily packed into any shaving kit or travel bag, the Redi Brush eliminates the need for cumbersome toothpaste tubes that can leak onto belongings. Additionally, hotel guests will enjoy the convenience of this product. Made available in hotel vending machines, gift shops, and at lobby desks, the Redi Brush can provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home.

The Redi Brush is an innovative invention that provides consumers with an effective and expedient means of brushing the teeth. Cleverly designed, this product offers an exciting and more practical approach to healthy oral hygiene and can be used by adults and children alike. Affordably priced, the Redi Brush will be well received by virtually all consumers.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.