Toothbrush assembly

• US 6,026,532 A
• Filed: 12/30/1996
• Issued: 02/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David J. Catanzaro
• Original Assignee: David J. Catanzaro
• Inventors: Catanzaro, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham, Gary K.
• Application Number:
  US08/777,032
• Time in Patent Office: 1,149 Days
• Field of Search: D 4/104, D 4/107, D 4/108, D 4/125, D 4/126, D 6/528, D 6/534, 15/167.1, 15/143.1, 15/184, 15/257.01, 15/146, 15/246, 248/110, 248/111, 132/308, 132/309, 206/362.3, 206/349, 206/457
• US Class Current: 15/167.1
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0089 Brushes with figurines such as animals on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 15/0097 Self supporting, e.g. brushes that stand upright or in other particular ways
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 17/04 Protective covers for the bristles
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/02 specially shaped for holding by the hand
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 5/023 Grips or handles specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/908 Simulation of diverse device

Abstract

A toothbrush assembly comprising a toothbrush having a first and second end, and a bristle head being positioned on the first side of the first end. A stand in the shape of a pair of feet retains the brush in a vertical position when the stand is placed on a horizontal surface. For additional support, a base may be incorporated with the stand. In preferred form, the handle is in the shape of an animate object conforming with the shape of the foot stand. A cover is provided having the shape of a head conforming with the shape of the handle and foot stand, for selectively covering the bristle head.

Claims

1. A toothbrush assembly comprising:

a) an elongated handle including;

i) a first end;

ii) a second end;

iii) a first and second side; and

iv) a bristle head being positioned on said first end and extending from said first side. and

b) a stand in the shape of first and second feet, each of said first and second feet being elongated to define a toe end and together a common heel end, said first and second feet being joined together and positioned together to form a continuous bottom supporting surface, said heel end of each of said first and second feet being positioned together to form a single heel portion, said single heel portion including a recess extending through a top side thereof and towards a sole thereof for selectively receiving said second end of said handle therein, thereby retaining said handle in a vertical position when said stand is placed on a horizontal surface, said first and second feet each including a side surface, said side surfaces intersecting one another in a common plane.

2. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base connected to a bottom side of said stand.

3. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base includes a recess extending therethrough and in alignment with said recess in said stand for additionally receiving said second end of said handle therein.

4. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toe end of said first and second feet extends in the same direction as said bristle head and said heel end of said first and second feet is substantially flush with said second side of said handle.

5. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toe end of said first and second feet are at an acute angle to one another.

6. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle is in the shape of a torso of an animate object conforming with said shape of said first and second feet, said first end of said handle further including expanded vertical and horizontal members having the shape of arms extending therefrom.

7. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second end of said handle further includes expanded vertical and horizontal members having the shape of legs matching said torso.

8. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a cover having the shape of a head conforming with said shape of said handle and said first and second feet for selectively covering said bristle head.

9. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said animate object is a standing rabbit figure.

10. A toothbrush assembly comprising:

a) an elongated handle including;

i) a first end;

ii) a second end;

iii) a first and second side; and

iv) a bristle head being positioned on said first end and extending from said first side. and

b) a stand in the shape of first and second feet and including a base on which said first and second feet are mounted, said first and second feet and said base each including a recess for receiving said second end of said handle therein, thereby retaining said handle in a vertical position when said stand and said base are placed on a horizontal surface.

11. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said handle is in the shape of a torso of an animate object conforming with said shape of said first and second feet, said first end of said handle further including expanded vertical and horizontal members having the shape of arms extending therefrom.

12. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second end of said handle further includes expanded vertical and horizontal members having the shape of legs matching said torso.

13. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a cover having the shape of a head conforming with said shape of said handle and said first and second feet for selectively covering said bristle head.

14. The toothbrush assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said animate object is a standing girl figure.