1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an oral hygienic device and more specifically a disposable toothbrush containing medicated or non-medicated dentifrice and either a single dose or multiple doses of dentifrice to enable a single use and disposal or disposal after multiple uses. The disposable toothbrush includes a tubular housing of generally oval-shaped configuration and a slidably extendable and retractable, longitudinally elongated bristle head carrier having a pivotal bristle head at one end which partially telescopes into the end of the tubular housing when the bristle head and bristle head carrier are in retracted position and pivots to an angulated relation to the bristle head carrier when in the extended position. The oval-shaped housing is approximately 3" in length with the carrier and brush head extending approximately 3" from the housing when in extended position to enable the housing to form a handle for the toothbrush. The oval-shaped transverse configuration of the housing includes a major diameter of just over 1" to enable the device to be easily carried in a pocket when in a retracted or collapsed position without producing a noticeable bulge or distortion of a garment. A latch structure retains the brush head carrier in extended position and the brush head telescopes into the end of the tubular housing when in retracted position. In the single use model of the toothbrush, the dentifrice is preloaded in the bristle head and in the multi-use model, there is a reservoir for a multi-load dentifrice cartridge in the tubular housing which forms the handle to enable the user to reload the bristle head with dentifrice for up to five use cycles. The bristle head includes a snap-on feature to enable the bristle heads to be replaced during each use cycle.
2.Description of the Prior Art
It is well known that pathogenic germs thrive on the bristles of a conventional toothbrush and it has been established that the toothbrush is responsible for the transmission of various infections. Various pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses can remain alive on a moist toothbrush for up to a week. The toothbrush is used in the mouth which is a known bacteria containing area and the usually moist bathroom in which the toothbrush is stored assists and in some instances accelerates microbial growth. Cleaning the conventional toothbrush by a simple "rinse and tap method" is generally ineffective in removing toothpaste residue, saliva, and food debris trapped in the bristles or tufts all of which provide an environment to maintain pathogenic organisms alive which can provide a potential for cross-contamination caused by the various pathogenic organisms remaining alive on the toothbrush.
It is also recognized that it is desirable to brush your teeth at more frequent time intervals, such as after eating. However, this is difficult to accomplish since individuals usually do not have toothbrushing equipment available throughout a work day, when travelling or the like. There have been efforts made to provide a collapsible or travelling toothbrush which are sometimes provided with a supply of dentifrice. However, such devices are relatively bulky and not disposable. Thus, while such devices facilitate brushing the teeth at more frequent time intervals, they still have the problem of pathogenic organisms remaining alive on the toothbrush bristles.
The following U.S. patents are relevant to this invention. U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,454,995, 2,620,500, 2,668,973, 2,828,504, 3,205,521, 4,344,535, 4,482,263, 4,530,129, 4,542,828, 4,695,177, 4,866,809,
The prior art in this field of endeavor does not include a disposable toothbrush of small compact size which can be extended to approximate a full size toothbrush with the bristle head being angled with the toothbrush being constructed in a manner to render the device economically disposable after a single use or after a limited number of uses.