Disposable toothbrush cover
US5139142A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA46B2200/1066
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A protective cover for the bristle portion (10) of a toothbrush (12) is adapted for disposability and reduced bulkiness. The cover is composed of two pieces of flexible, waterproof material (14, 14') which have been bonded along the top edge (16) and lateral edges (18, 20) to form a pouch-like container. The remaining lateral edges (26, 26') are supplied with rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34) to provide for ease of insertion and resealability. The bottom edges (22, 22') are unbonded to allow the toothbrush handle (24) to project externally. Alternately, an adhesive strip closure (72) may be used in place of rib-and-groove closure profiles (32, 34). The toothbrush cover may be produced rapidly and inexpensively to allow for disposal after a usage period of up to ten days, thereby reducing the probability of microbial colonization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.