Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Hygiene Implement Holder with Shield
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to holders for the hygienic storage of bathroom
or kitchen tools
typically used around a sink area, and more particularly to such a hygiene
implement holder with
a protective shield.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Humans often groom themselves around a sink. Toothbrushing occurs over
or near a
sink which is commonly used to spit out water, debris, and toothpaste. After
brushing,
toothbrushes are stored until their next use. It is generally recommended to
store a toothbrush
with the "head up" and exposed to open air in order to allow the toothbrush
and bristles to dry
fully and discourage the growth of bacteria. Among many issues with storing a
toothbrush in this
manner, one drawback is that liquid from the toothbrush drains down and soils
the handle of the
toothbrush which leads to unsanitary build up around the base of the
toothbrush handle.
[0003] Other attempts to offer alternative toothbrush storage have provided
bathroom attachment
points for head-up storage. Still other attempts have been made to provide
devices for resting the
toothbrush over the sink in a slightly downward angle, sometimes over a sink
to encourage
drainage. These devices have many drawbacks, one of which is that there is
extensive contact
with the handle of the toothbrush which will foster bacterial growth.
[0004] Meanwhile, other hygiene maintenance rituals for personal and oral
health care may also
be occurring around the sink area. Activities such as washing hands or other
body parts, shaving,
hair trimming, tongue scraping, flossing, or hair brushing commonly occur over
or near the sink.
Toothbrushes stored by known techniques are exposed to the debris from such
activities.
Additionally, these other hygiene implements are exposed to harmful bacteria
discharged from
the mouth during tooth brushing. The prior devices for storing toothbrushes or
similar
implements often further encourage cross-contamination of spray and debris
from use of those
devices due to exposure to the sink area.
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0005] There exists a need for sanitary toothbrush and other hygiene tools and
implements
storage around a sink where the tools can be protected from splashes but also
permitted sufficient
air flow to fully dry between uses.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The hygiene implement holder comprises a base, a post, at least one
notch, and an arm.
The holder desirably incorporates a splash shield for the area below the arm,
protecting the
hygiene implement during storage. The holder preferably attaches to or may sit
on the edge of a
sink. The holder is formed to receive a hygiene implement such as a
toothbrush, razor, or any
similar tool used for hygiene. An openable cover protects the implement from
splashes above the
arm. Some embodiments will also employ a hanger stemming from the rear for
receiving a
toothbrush accessory such as a bristle travel cover.
[0007] The base is substantially flat on the bottom to rest on a flat surface
and desirably adapted
to form a circle stand structure that permits the holder to sit on the
counter, edge, or rim of the
sink. In the preferred embodiment, the circular base cooperates with or
receives a suction cup
that clings to a surface. Examples of surfaces that may receive the suction
cup so that it is
attachable but is also removable include: the sink ledge, sink basin, shower,
bathtub, countertop
or shelf located near these fixtures. The base, with or without a suction cup
keeps, holds, and
balances the device in place.
[0008] The base transitions to a vertically projecting post. The vertical post
preferably extends
straight up from the base. Particularly when used in conjunction with a
suction cup, the post will
extend from the central area of the base to distribute the load on the suction
cup. The post may
be integrated with the base or may be attached. In the preferred embodiment,
the post is a round
tube with a flat top. The flat top is designed to enable the ability to push
down on the post to
engage the suction cup of the base to adhere to a flat surface. The post is a
vertical shaft designed
to support the handle of the toothbrush with a notch feature acting to cradle
the handle. The
notch is preferably formed to the shape of a curve that is carved out of the
side and near the top
of the post. The curve of the notch serves to enable the support of the handle
of the tool, keeping
it in the position of leaning against the post.
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0009] An arm extends from the post or may be formed to attach to the side of
the post. In the
preferred embodiment, the arm extends out from the post at a substantially
ninety-degree angle
in an arrangement nearly parallel to the countertop and forms a tool receiving
structure. The arm
comprises at least one slot which acts as the second point of contact for
receiving the handle of
the tool. In the preferred embodiment, the arm comprises a receiving structure
with three unique
characteristics. The arm includes a first tool receiving section, a second
tool receiving section,
and an enlarged opening between the first receiving section and the second
receiving section.
The first receiving section, preferably formed by an inlet creating a slot,
serves as the second
point of contact for a tool having an elongated handle. The second receiving
section, preferably
formed by another inlet creating a slot, serves as an independent tool
engaging component for
additional tools. The holder will accommodate tools having long handles, short
handles, or
virtually no handle. The enlarged opening serves as an access to the first
receiving section, the
second receiving section, or both.
[0010] More specifically, and in one embodiment, a hygiene implement defined
by a work end,
and a handle portion, the handle portion having a length, is held by the
present disclosure. The
hygiene implement holder comprises a base member, a first handle receiving
structure, an arm
with additional receiving structures, a shield, and a cover. The first handle
receiving structure is
located above the base and formed by a notch in an upper most portion of a
vertical post and the
vertical post is configured for attachment to the base member. At least one
additional receiving
structure is located on an arm projecting from the base. An articulating cover
with at least one
living hinge covers the arm receiving structure area. The arm is formed by a
horizontal wall
extending axially from the vertical post and the horizontal wall has a first
inlet abutting an
enlarged opening. The enlarged opening abuts a second inlet forming a second
tool receiving
structure. The shield is a vertical wall descending from the arm toward a
draining area of a sink
and at least partially encloses an area below the horizontal arm. The hygiene
implement projects
at a downward angle with the work end resting below the horizontal arm so that
it is protected
from splashes but exposed to airflow.
[0011] In another embodiment, by way of example and not necessarily by way of
limitation, the
toothbrush head and bristles may pass easily through the enlarged opening
before the narrower
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portion of the toothbrush handle enters the handle receiving section. As one
illustration, the head
of a traditional toothbrush will be lowered through the enlarged opening and
once the head of the
brush is clear of the opening, the handle may be leaned against the post notch
and rest within a
first inlet of the arm. When the user wishes to again use the toothbrush, the
process is reversed.
The handle is grasped to lift it from the post notch and as the brush
continues to a substantially
vertical position, the head and bristles may again pass through the enlarged
opening.
[0012] With continuing reference to the toothbrush example, the first tool
receiving section of
the arm may be referred to as the traditional slot, for use with a tool such
as a traditional, manual
toothbrush but many various hygiene implements with an elongated handle and a
work end may
use the holder in a similar manner. For a traditional toothbrush, the
narrowest part of the handle
is often the part closest to the head. The first tool receiving section of the
arm, also called a brush
slot in this embodiment is designed with a dimension to allow the narrowest
part of the handle to
be slid into the slot. When provided with the specified brush slot features,
the first tool receiving
section is dimensioned for the wider part of the toothbrush handle to rest at
or near the edge of
the slot on the arm. This feature offers additional assurance that the entire
toothbrush will not
slip through the receiving structure and fall into the sink.
[0013] The second tool receiving section of the arm is preferably located in
the portion of the
arm further from the post. It is also provided in the form of a slot which is
intended to cooperate
with the standard ergonomic features employed in hygiene tools. For example,
when the second
tool receiving section is used for an electric toothbrush head, it may be
referred to as the
mechanical slot. These electric toothbrush heads are typically removable from
the electric
toothbrush body. The heads are desirably removed and stored so that more than
one person can
use the electric toothbrush body. When stored, electrical toothbrush heads
have similar drying
and draining concerns to that of manual toothbrushes. While these types of
hygiene implements
tend to have a shorter handle, they also have a work end that is larger in
circumference than the
narrowest part of the mechanical toothbrush near the brush head. The second
tool receiving
section, also called the second brush slot, in this embodiment is designed
with a dimension to
allow the narrowest part of the handle to be slid into the slot. Similar to
the use of the first slot
the second slot is also desirably accessed through the enlarged opening which
serves as a
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
passageway for the bristles and head. When provided with the specified brush
slot features, the
second receiving section is dimensioned for the wider part of the toothbrush
handle to rest on the
arm at or near the slot, preventing the entire toothbrush from slipping
through the slot. Also, the
slot is designed with a nob or flange to prevent the toothbrush from slipping
back into the
enlarged opening.
[0014] The enlarged opening may also serve as the passageway for a tool to
enter the receiving
structures of the arm. In one aspect of the disclosure, a cover is provided to
partially cover the
enlarged opening.
[0015] The present disclosure incorporates a shielding wall extending in a
downward direction
from the horizontal arm. In one embodiment, the shield extends at an angle
slightly more than
perpendicular from the arm. As traditional toothbrushes rest against the post
notch and within
the slot or when a mechanical toothbrush rests on the second slot, the splash
shield is designed to
surround the work end (for example the toothbrush bristles) of the stored tool
on three sides. The
shield will protect and guard the working end of the brush from splashes
occurring around the
sink. The configuration of the shield desirably incorporates a height and
varied width that
maximizes cover from regular sink usage but also allows air flow around the
tool. Many
configurations can meet these objectives, but the ideal shield configuration
will enclose various
sizes of toothbrushes and cooperate with various sink styles.
[0016] Attached to the side or rear of the post, at approximately a forty-five-
degree angle, may
be a hanger or stem in the form of a round peg. The hanger serves to store
products, such as:
dental floss or a cover for the bristles of the toothbrush when traveling.
[0017] For traditional toothbrushes, the product has at least two points of
contact to hold the
toothbrush in position. One point of contact is the first, tool handle
receiving section in the form
of a notch at the top of the post. The notch in the post supports the handle
along the middle
section of the length of the handle. A second point of contact is the second
tool handle receiving
section which occurs within the first slot in the arm and that slot supports
the handle at or near
the narrow part of the handle, just above the bristles.
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0018] The hygiene implement such as a toothbrush rests in the holder in an
inverted, tilted
position with the bristles hanging below the handle of the toothbrush. After
cleaning, the entire
toothbrush drips directly into the sink to air dry without any bacterial
exposure from the
countertop or the sink.
[0019] For tools having an elongated handle, the inverted, tilt of the
toothbrush is accomplished
by unique features which call for a minimum of two-points of contact. The
first point of contact
is at the top of the holder where the middle of the toothbrush handle leans
against a notch formed
by an indent in the holder. The second point of contact occurs along the
length of the handle
closer to the work end of the handle, just above the bristles, so that it
rests within a clamp-shaped
receiving wall of the slot. The interaction of the first point of contact and
the second point of
contact holds the toothbrush in position.
[0020] The holder is easy to clean and enables a simple hygienic way to store
a toothbrush after
use. The holder is further sized to permit easy packing for traveling and when
in use does not
require a lot of counterspace. The features of the preferred embodiment permit
full use of the
holder when located on almost all sinks on the market and desirably does not
adversely impact or
restrict regular use of the sink space. While in the holder, the working end
of the tool is protected
from sink use and debris by a shield. In the preferred embodiment the
attachment is removably
provided by the use of a suction cup. Any other mechanisms for permanent or
semi-permanent
attachment around a sink will meet the objectives of the disclosure.
[0021] The holder has particular utility for human grooming tools used in the
bathroom;
however, some bottle brushes and kitchen utensils or cleaning implements may
have storage
requirements similar to those required by a toothbrush. Therefore, the present
disclosure may
find utility around a kitchen sink.
[0022] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the
disclosure and is to
serve as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description
which is to follow.
In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present
disclosure is not limited
to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application
of use described and
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application
should be considered
apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The following drawings further describe by illustration, the advantages
and objects of the
present disclosure. Each drawing is referenced by corresponding figure
reference characters
within the "DETAILED DESCRIPTION" section to follow.
[0024] Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a first embodiment of a
hygiene implement
holder having a manual toothbrush inserted and shown installed on a sink
ledge.
[0025] Figure 2 is a first side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0026] Figure 3 is a second side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0027] Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0028] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0029] Figure 6 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0030] Figure 7 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0031] Figure 8 is a top front perspective view of a first embodiment as
illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0032] Figure 9 is a top rear perspective view of a first embodiment as
illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0033] Figure 10 is a top rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a
hygiene implement
holder having a manual toothbrush inserted.
[0034] Figure 11 is a bottom rear perspective view of a first embodiment as
illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0035] Figure 12 is a bottom rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a
hygiene implement
holder having a manual toothbrush inserted.
[0036] Figure 13 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of a hygiene
implement holder
offering a sample schematic illustration of the insertion of a manual
toothbrush.
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0037] Figure 14 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the
hygiene implement
holder installed on a sink ledge offering a sample schematic illustration of
the insertion of an
electric toothbrush head.
[0038] Figure 15 is a top front perspective view of the sample electric
toothbrush head inserted
in the holder.
[0039] Figure 16 is a top rear perspective view of FIG. 15.
[0040] Figure 17 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of a hygiene
implement holder
illustrating the insertion of a sample electric toothbrush head.
[0041] Figure 18 is a top front perspective view of a multi-notch hygiene
implement holder
according to another embodiment.
[0042] Figure 19 is a bottom rear perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
18.
[0043] Figure 20 is a top rear perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
18.
[0044] Figure 21 is a front view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0045] Figure 22 is a rear view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0046] Figure 23 is a first side view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0047] Figure 24 is a second side view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0048] Figure 25 is a top view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0049] Figure 26 is a bottom view of the holder shown in Fig. 18.
[0050] Figure 27 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
18 with a sample
manual toothbrush and a sample electric toothbrush head inserted and the
holder is shown on a
sink ledge.
[0051] Figure 28 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
18 with a sample
manual toothbrush and a sample electric toothbrush head inserted.
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0052] Figure 29 is a top rear perspective view of the holder shown in Fig. 18
with a sample
manual toothbrush and a sample electric toothbrush head inserted and a sample
travel toothbrush
cover suspended from the hanger.
[0053] Figure 30 is a section side view taken along line A ¨ A from Fig. 25
and showing a
manual toothbrush inserted.
[0054] Figure 31 is a sectional side view taken along line A ¨ A from Fig. 25
and showing a
razor inserted.
[0055] Figure 32 is a side perspective view of the multi-notch hygiene
implement holder having
a manual toothbrush and electric toothbrush head inserted but being stored as
the holder is used
on a flat surface such as a countertop or vanity.
[0056] Figure 33 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the
holder having a
manual toothbrush inserted, shown on a sink ledge, and illustrating the
installation of a protective
cover.
[0057] Figure 34 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the
holder having a
manual toothbrush inserted, shown on a sink ledge, and illustrating an
alternative for a protective
cover.
[0058] Figure 35 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the
holder having a
manual toothbrush inserted, shown on a sink ledge, and showing another mode of
operation for a
protective cover.
[0059] Figure 36 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the hygiene
implement holder with a hinged cover shown in the open position.
[0060] Figure 37 is a bottom rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment
shown in Fig.
36.
[0061] Figure 38 is a front view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
[0062] Figure 39 is a rear view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
[0063] Figure 40 is a first side view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0064] Figure 41 is a second side view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
[0065] Figure 42 is a top view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
[0066] Figure 43 is a bottom view of the holder shown in Fig. 36.
[0067] Figure 44 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
36 with the hinged
cover shown in the closed position.
[0068] Figure 45 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
44 with a sample
manual toothbrush inserted.
[0069] Figure 46 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
44 with a sample
electric toothbrush head inserted.
[0070] Figure 47 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
45 with a sample
manual toothbrush inserted and shown installed on a sink ledge.
[0071] Figure 48 is a top front perspective view of the holder shown in Fig.
46 with a sample
electric toothbrush head inserted and shown installed on a sink ledge.
[0072] Figure 49 is a close-up view of the cover and opening of the exemplary
embodiment.
[0073] Figure 50 is a top rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment.
[0074] Figure 51 is a sectional top front perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment shown
in Fig. 44 depicting aspects of the cover.
[0075] Figure 52 is a sectional bottom perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment showing
the additional aspects of the cover in the closed position.
[0076] Figure 53 is a bottom rear close-up view of the cover latch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] The hygiene implement holder 1 is configured to hold tools 10 used for
cleaning and
grooming around a sink 20. In this discussion, the tool 10 may be primarily
referred to as a
manual toothbrush 101, but the holder 1 will receive various tools including
electric toothbrush
heads 102, razors 103, tongue cleaners (not shown), or other hygiene
implements (see, e.g.,
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
FIGS. 10, 12¨ 17, 27 ¨ 35 and 45 ¨48). FIG. 1 shows a single notch embodiment
of the holder
1 where the holder 1 includes a set of tool receiving slots. In FIG. 1, the
holder 1 is located on a
sink ledge 201 and projects over the sink basin 202 away from the faucet 203
to hold an inverted
tool 10 in a draining position over the edge of the basin 202 and below the
sink's rim. The angle
of the toothbrush allows it to rest against the holder rather than needing to
be clenched.
[0078] As shown in more detail in FIGS. 1 ¨ 13, the holder 1 includes a base 2
configured to join
with the sink ledge 201 while the arm 3 projects to hold the toothbrush 101
for draining over the
sink basin 202. With reference to FIGS. 2 ¨ 3, a post 4 extends in a
substantially vertical
direction from the base 2. In the preferred embodiment, the post 4
incorporates a recess or notch
for receiving a portion of the tool 10. At a minimum the post, with or without
a notch, will
create a first handle receiving structure. The arm 3 projects in one direction
from the post 4
while an accessory hanger 7 extends in another direction from the post 4. The
arm 3 and notch 5
occur on the same side of the post 4. The arm 3 extends horizontally and
terminates in a
vertically descending, slightly angled wall forming a shield 6 around the held
tool 10.
[0079] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 ¨ 3, the illustrated embodiment
employs a hanger 7
from which accessories may be hooked and stored. The hanger 7 projects in a
slightly upward
direction to offer clearance from the counter and a narrow stem to receive
accessories and for
locating those items. Some examples of such toothbrush accessories include
travel covers or
spools of floss (see FIG. 29).
[0080] In FIG. 4 ¨ 5, additional features of various aspects of the holder 1
as well as the
cooperating structures of the arm 3, the notch 5, and the shield 6 can be
better appreciated. The
base 2 offers a substantially flat bottom to sit on a counter. When used with
a suction cup, a
circular stand structure desirably receives the concave shape of the cup and
allows the holder to
be removably joined or sit on the counter, edge, or rim of the sink. In the
preferred embodiment,
the base 2 and suction cup 21 are contiguous portions of the same structure
and adhere the holder
to a flat surface. More permanent coupling options such as hardware may be
used to affix the
holder to a sink or counter. The base, with or without a suction cup, keeps,
holds, and balances
the device in place.
11
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
[0081] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4¨ 5, tool receiving structure of the
arm 3 is
comprised of two tool-receiving sections, specifically slots or inlets, on
either side of an enlarged
opening. In this embodiment, the horizontal wall 31 of the arm 3 comprises a
receiving structure
with three unique characteristics. The arm 3 includes a first tool receiving
section 32, a second
tool receiving section 33, and an enlarged opening 35 disposed between the
first receiving
section 32 and the second receiving section 33. The first receiving section 32
serves as the
second point of contact for a tool 10 having an elongated handle. The second
receiving section
33 serves as an independent tool engaging component for additional hygiene
implements. Tools
having short or virtually no handle will be best stored in the second
receiving section 33. As
shown in FIGS. 4¨ 5 and FIGS. 42 ¨43, the second receiving section 33 also
comprises a
narrower section 34 that aids in the retention of the tool in the second slot
and away from the
enlarged opening. The enlarged opening 35 serves as an access to the first
receiving section 32,
the second receiving section 33, or both. While the illustrated embodiment
includes all of these
features, at a minimum, the horizontal wall 31 of the arm 3 includes any
receiving structure to
provide a second point of contact for the tool, also referred to as a second
handle receiving
structure. This second point of contact may be in the form of a bar or a
single slot which
sufficiently cooperates with the notch 5. In yet another embodiment, the arm 3
is comprised of
an opening and one slot without the need for a second slot (not shown).
[0082] The accompanying figures demonstrate the depth and wall thickness of
the shielding wall
extending in a downward direction from the horizontal arm 3 for this
embodiment. The shield 6
supplements the function of the present disclosure and, therefore, while
beneficial, it is optional.
In addition, the shield 6 may be employed in many various configurations. In
this embodiment,
a thin wall 61 (FIGS. 7 and 39) with a curve 62 (FIGS. 5, 43, and 52) and side
cut-outs 63 (FIGS.
8 ¨ 9 and 24) is illustrated. As traditional toothbrushes rest against the
post notch 5 and within
the first inlet 32 or when a mechanical toothbrush rests on the second inlet
33, the shield is
designed to surround the work end (for example the toothbrush bristles) of the
stored tool on
three sides (see, e.g., FIGS. 10, 12, and 13 and FIGS. 27¨ 30, and FIGS. 45 ¨
48). When
installed on a sink as shown in FIGS. 1, 14, 27, 33 ¨35, and 47 ¨ 48, the sink
basin 202 creates a
fourth wall to fully surround the working end of the stored tool. The function
of shielding the
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
stored tool could be performed by another wall design such as a separate front
wall with two side
walls having various shapes. The configuration of the shield desirably
incorporates a height and
varied width that maximizes cover from regular sink usage but also allows air
flow around the
tool. Many configurations can meet these objectives, but the ideal shield
configuration will
enclose various sizes of toothbrushes and cooperate with various sink styles.
Some uses of the
device may call for a bottom wall (not shown) with or without drain holes to
be added to the
shield 6.
[0083] With continuing reference to FIG. 7, the base 2 transitions to a
vertically projecting post
4. The vertical post preferably extends straight up from the base 2.
Particularly when used in
conjunction with a suction cup 21 (see FIG. 5), the post 2 will extend from
the center of the base
2 to evenly distribute the load on the suction cup 21. The post 4 may be
integrated with the base
2 or may be attached. In the preferred embodiment, the post 4 is a round tube
with a flat top 41.
The flat top 41 is designed to foster the application of downward force on the
post to engage the
suction cup 21 (when present) of the base 2 and to aid in its adherence to a
flat surface. The post
4 may alternatively cooperate with a screw or other mounting hardware. The
post 4 is designed
to support the handle of the toothbrush 101 by the notch 5 feature (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 6 and 8 ¨ 9).
In an illustrated embodiment, the notch 5 is formed to the shape of a curved
face that is carved
out of the side and near the top of the post 4. The curve of the notch 5
serves to enable the
support of the handle of the tool, cradling it in the position of leaning
against the post 4.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, an arm 3 extends from the post 4 or may otherwise
be formed to
attach to the side of the post 4. In the preferred embodiment, a horizontal
wall 31 of the arm 3
extends out from the post 4 at approximately a ninety-degree angle. When
attached to a level
edge of a sink 20, the wall 31 may be substantially parallel to the
countertop. The features of the
holder will function whether the arm 3 is level or not.
[0085] Turning to FIGS. 9 ¨ 13, when employed in a preferred manner, the
draining position of
the toothbrush 101 will result in the bristles 1013 being the lowest point of
the held brush. The
toothbrush head and bristles may pass easily through the enlarged opening 35
before the
narrower portion of the toothbrush handle enters the first inlet 32. The
enlarged opening 35 may
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Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
also serve as the passageway for a tool to enter the second inlet 33. As one
illustration, the head
of a traditional toothbrush will be lowered through the enlarged opening and
once the head of the
brush is clear of the opening, the handle of the toothbrush 101 may be leaned
against the post
notch 5 and rest within slot 32 of the arm opening 35 (see FIGS. 10, 12, and
13). When the user
wishes to again use the toothbrush, the process is reversed. The handle is
grasped to lift it from
the post notch 5 and as the brush continues to a substantially vertical
position, the head and
bristles may again pass through the enlarged opening 35.
[0086] With continuing reference to the toothbrush example in FIGS. 9 ¨ 10,
this first receiving
section 32 may be referred to as the traditional slot, for use with a tool
such as a traditional,
manual toothbrush 101 but many various hygiene implements 10 with an elongated
handle and a
work end may use the holder 1 in a similar manner. As shown by example in FIG.
13, for a
traditional toothbrush 101, the narrowest part of the handle 1011 is often the
part closest to the
head 1012. The first receiving section 32, also called a brush slot in this
embodiment, is designed
with a dimension to allow the narrowest part of the handle 1011 to be slid
into the slot 32. When
provided with the specified brush slot features, the first receiving section
32 is dimensioned for
the wider part of the toothbrush handle to rest along the upper edges of the
slot, preventing the
entire toothbrush from slipping through the slot. Additionally, the toothbrush
head 1012 may
optionally rest against the interior curved wall of the shield 62 for
additional support. See FIG.
13.
[0087] Turning to FIG. 14 and as also shown in FIG. 48, the holder 1 is
located on a sink ledge
201 and projects over the sink basin 202 away from the faucet 203 to hold an
inverted electrical
toothbrush head 102 in a draining position over the edge of the basin 202.
FIGS. 14¨ 17 and
FIGS. 46 and 48 further illustrate the electric toothbrush head 102 being held
in the second
receiving section 33 that is preferably located in the section of the arm 3
closest to the shield 6.
It is also provided in the form of a slot which is intended to operate with
the standard ergonomic
features employed in hygiene tools. For example, when the second receiving
section 33 is used
for an electric toothbrush head 102, it may be referred to as the mechanical
slot. These electric
toothbrush heads are typically removable from the electric toothbrush body
between uses. The
heads are desirably removed and stored so that more than one person can use
the electric
14
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
toothbrush body. When stored, electrical toothbrush heads 102 have similar
drying and draining
concerns to that of manual toothbrushes. While these types of hygiene
implements tend to have
a shorter handle, they also have a work end that is larger in circumference
than the narrowest part
of the handle 1021 of the mechanical toothbrush near the brush head 1022 (see
FIG. 17). The
second receiving section 33, also called the second brush slot, in this
embodiment is designed
with a dimension to allow the narrowest part of the handle to be slid into the
slot. Similar to the
use of the first slot, the second slot is also desirably accessed through the
enlarged opening
which serves as a passageway for the bristles and head. When provided with the
specified brush
slot features, the second receiving section 33 is dimensioned for the wider
part of the toothbrush
handle to rest on each side of the slot in a vertically hanging fashion,
preventing the entire
toothbrush 102 from slipping into the sink 20 through the slot 33. As an
additional aspect of the
second receiving section 33, a flange 34 protrudes as a barrier to urge the
brush handle in the slot
and away from the enlarged opening 35. FIG. 16 illustrates the retaining
aspects of the flange
34. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 demonstrates how the shield 6 protects
the bristles
1023, head 1022 and handle 1021 of the electric toothbrush 102 when it is
suspended from the
second receiving section 33. While the electric toothbrush head 102 is
demonstrated in the
second receiving section 33, a manual toothbrush may also be suspended in a
similar manner
(see, e.g., FIG. 32).
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 18 ¨ 32, another embodiment of the present
disclosure is
illustrated with more than one notch 5. Users may desire additional storage
capacity such as
when multiple tools are stored for one or more users. The larger, multi-notch
embodiment 11 of
the hygiene implement holder will accommodate those needs.
[0089] In FIGS. 22 ¨ 24, a base 2 transitions to a post 4 in a similar manner
to that of other
embodiments. Instead of a flat top post, however, this embodiment has a cross
bar 42 atop the
post 4. The cross bar 42 has more than one notch 5 for receiving the handle of
a tool 10.
[0090] Next, with particular reference to FIGS. 25 ¨ 26, to accommodate the
additional notch 5,
the arm 3 also has additional tool receiving sections. For each additional
notch 5 added, the arm
3 modifications will need to complement the addition. In this embodiment, the
expanded
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
horizontal wall 31 of the arm 3 comprises two separate, tool receiving
sections. As was the case
for the other embodiments, the arm 3 comprises at least one receiving
structure with unique
characteristics. On the left, a first arm receiving structure includes a first
tool receiving section
32, a second tool receiving section 33, and an enlarged opening 35 between the
first receiving
section and the second receiving section. The first tool receiving section 32
of the arm 3 serves
as the second point of contact for a tool 10 having an elongated handle. The
second tool
receiving section 33 primarily serves as an independent tool engaging
mechanism for tools
having a short or virtually no handle. The second receiving section 33 once
again includes a
flange 34 to bias the tool hanging in the second slot. The enlarged opening 35
allows access to
the first receiving section 32, the second receiving section 33, or both. On
the right, a second
arm receiving structure again includes a first tool receiving section 32, a
second tool receiving
section 33, and an enlarged opening 35 between the first receiving section 32
and the second
receiving section 33. The first receiving section 32 serves as the second
point of contact for a
tool having an elongated handle. The second receiving section 33 serves
primarily as an
independent tool engaging component and the flange 34 encourages secure
storage in the second
receiving section 33. The flange 34 may occur on either side of the enlarged
opening 35. The
independent tool engagement options will provide advantages, particularly for
storing tools
having a short, or virtually no, handle. At a minimum, a second, complementary
slot is provided
to cooperate with each notch which acts as the second point of contact for
receiving the handle of
the stored tool. For the multi-notch embodiments, it is understood that as an
alternative mode of
construction, the two enlarged openings 35 illustrated in FIG. 25 could be
joined by removing
the intermediate arm wall 31.
[0091] In FIGS. 18 ¨ 26, the suction cup 21 may again be employed to cooperate
with the base 2
and the hanger 7 is also incorporated in a similar manner. With reference to
FIGS. 23 ¨ 25,
attached to the side or rear of the post 4, at approximately a forty-five-
degree angle, is the hanger
7 in the form of a round peg branching away from the post. The hanger 7 serves
to store
products, such as: dental floss or a cover for the bristles of the toothbrush.
Referring to FIG. 29,
the use of the hanger 7 is demonstrated in conjunction with an accessory,
particularly a travel
16
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
toothbrush cover 105. A hanger 7 with further suspension points may be adapted
to
accommodate additional users.
[0092] FIG. 26 further illustrates the modifications made to the shield 6 for
this multi-notch
version of the present disclosure. The multi-notch version contemplated in
this embodiment
provides for a divider 64 or physical barrier between the shielding sections
below the arm wall
31. The shield 6 here has more than one chamber of protection. The front curve
and shape of the
shield wall is altered to accommodate the multiple chambers. FIGS. 19, 20, and
29 reveal the
shape of the divider wall 64 which includes its own receiving area identified
in the drawings as a
cut-out 63. Alternative multi-tool embodiments may benefit from an alternative
construction that
uses a coextensive shielded chamber without a divider wall. FIGS. 21 and 26
illustrate the
increased width of the shield relative to the place of the multi-notch 5
configuration in this
embodiment.
[0093] FIG. 27 is a schematic demonstration of the multi-notch version of the
holder joined on
the ledge of a sink 20. The holder 11 is located on a sink ledge 201 and
projects over the sink
basin 202 away from the faucet 203 to hold one or more tools in a draining
position over the
edge of the basin 202. FIG. 28 shows the multi-notch version of the holder in
isolation from the
sink and securely storing a manual toothbrush 101 and electric toothbrush head
102.
[0094] In FIG. 29, the holder is shown in use with a manual toothbrush 101 and
an electric
toothbrush head 102 as well as a toothbrush cover 105 hanging from the stem 7.
This example
illustrates the shape of a divider wall 64 which includes its own cut-out 63.
Optionally, the
divider wall may be a different shape or excluded completely.
[0095] FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 25. A
toothbrush is shown in
schematic in order to demonstrate how the brush 101 will be suspended in the
multi-notch
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, for traditional toothbrushes, the holder has
at least two
points of contact to hold the toothbrush in position ¨ one contact point on a
notch 5 and one
contact point on the arm 3 at the first receiving slot 32. The first point of
contact is the notch 5
in the cross bar 42 on top of the post 4. The notch 5 in the post 4 supports
the handle of the
brush 101 at approximately the handle's mid-point. A second point of contact
occurs within the
17
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
"C", "U", or similar clamp-shaped, first slot in the arm and that slot 32
supports the handle 1011,
just above the head 1012 and bristles 1013. The interaction of the first point
of contact and the
second point of contact holds the toothbrush in position. Depending on the
particular toothbrush
and particular shield angle, a third point of contact may be created against
the shield interior wall
for the head 1012 of the toothbrush 101. As illustrated in FIG. 30, a tool
such as a toothbrush
rests in the holder in an inverted position at approximately a 35-degree
angle, with the bristles
1013 hanging below the handle 1011 of the toothbrush 101. The resting hygiene
implement is
desirably held between the notch and the second point of contact such that the
hygiene
implement rests at an angle in the range of between approximately 35 degrees
and approximately
75 degrees. After cleaning, the entire toothbrush 101 drips directly into the
sink to air dry
without any bacteria exposure from the countertop or sink.
[0096] An alternative grooming tool such as a tongue scraper (not shown) would
be stored in the
holder between uses in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 30. In one example
for storing a
tongue scraper, the handle would interact with the first point of contact 5
and the second point of
contact 32, allowing the working end of the tongue scraper to rest below the
arm 3 and be
surrounded by the shield 6.
[0097] FIG. 31 demonstrates a manner of using the holder for storage of a
razor. In FIG. 31, the
enlarged opening 35 of the arm 3 (shown in FIG. 29) permits sufficient
clearance for a razor to
pass through and still be held and stored in a manner similar to a toothbrush
¨ one contact point
on a notch 5 and one contact point on the arm 3 at the first receiving slot
32. When the multi-
notch embodiment is employed, the razor 103 may be stored next to the
toothbrush 101 or other
hygiene implement.
[0098] The unique features of the present disclosure permit yet another manner
of use as shown
in FIG. 32. In FIG. 32, the holder is demonstrated resting on a countertop
where a portion of the
base 2 and a portion of the shield 6 are in contact with the counter, but
neither of the tools stored
within the device touch the countertop. When used in this manner, the manual
toothbrush 101
may optionally be stored in the second receiving section 33 of one receiving
structure. The
holder may also be used on a countertop in the manner shown in FIG. 32 while
having the
18
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
manual toothbrush resting within the two points of contact described and shown
in the other
illustrations such as FIG. 29, having the handle touching the notch and the
working end installed
in the first slot 32 rather than the second slot 33 shown here. The electric
toothbrush head 102 is
illustrated as being stored in the second receiving section 33 on the right
side of the arm.
Alternative base designs would enhance countertop uses.
[0099] As schematically demonstrated in FIGS. 33 ¨ 35, the holder 1 may be
accompanied by a
top cover 8. In one embodiment the top cover 8 may pop into place overtop of
the enlarged
opening 35 of the arm 3 by an interference fit. In some embodiments, the cover
is provided with
a dual hinge to allow for the cover to open like a door for easy removal of
the toothbrush 101
from the enlarged opening 35 as suggested in FIGS. 33 ¨ 34. In other
embodiments, the cover
may be malleable and for access to the toothbrush it can be opened from one
side of the shield,
or the other side of the shield as schematically demonstrated in FIG. 35.
Additional covers such
as a gasket that the toothbrush is pushed through could be implemented. The
top cover 8 is
intended to provide additional protection from contaminants that may enter
through the enlarged
opening 35 but air flow will still be permitted from below the shield and
through the shield cut-
outs 63.
[0100] Turning to FIGS. 36¨ 53, an exemplary embodiment of the holder 1
particularly having a
preferred implementation of a hinged cover 8 is illustrated in more detail.
FIGS. 36 ¨ 43 show
the cover in an open position and affixed to the arm 3 by a hinge 84 which
rotates 180 degrees to
a closed position shown in FIG. 44. With reference to FIG. 36, the enlarged
opening 35 is
encircled by a ledge 36. On one side of the enlarged opening 35, a cutout
section 37
accommodates a hinge 84 which ideally is a living hinge and on the other side
a recess 38 is
configured to receive the handle 87 of the cover as is visible in FIG. 44.
[0101] With continuing reference to FIG. 36, a cutout section 37 occurs for
the cover 8 to rest on
the arm 3 and recess 38 to receive the handle 87 of the cover. The depth of
the ledge 36, and
cutout section 37 and recess 38 match the thickness of the cover 8 so that,
when closed, the cover
is fully seated within the arm 3, as shown in FIG. 44. The cover 8 consists of
three parts, a main
body 81 to cover the enlarged opening 35, a first flap 82 to cover the first
receiving slot 32, and a
19
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
second flap 83 to cover the second receiving slot 33. FIGS. 36 ¨ 43 show
further details of the
cover 8 which are particularly visible when the cover 8 is open. The main body
81 includes a
latch 810. The first flap 82 includes a retainer ball clip 820. The second
flap 83 includes a
retainer ball clip 830. The first retainer ball clip 820 is particularly
visible in FIG. 39. The
second retainer ball clip 830 is particularly visible in FIG. 38. The first
flap 82 moves relative to
the main body 81 due to the first living hinge 85. The second flap 83 moves
relative to the main
body 81 due to the second living hinge 86. The second flap 83 also includes a
cavity 833 to
accommodate the flange 34 (see FIG. 42). FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate creased
slits 831 and 832 on
the second flap 83 to permit wider movement of the flap relative to the main
body 81.
[0102] From the bottom views of FIGS. 37 and 43, the base 2 is appreciated as
being able to
accommodate an attachment mechanism. The simplest attachment for the base 2 is
the insertion
of a removable suction cup 21 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). This form of attachment is
preferred for easy
installation, removal, and cleaning purposes. The suction cup 21 is
schematically represented
within FIGS. 47 ¨48 on the sink ledge 201. FIGS. 37 and 43 also show the
aspects of the shield
6 including the thin wall 61 tapered for the slope of the sink basin and the
curve 62 which have
been further described above. FIGS. 37 and 39 further demonstrate the
thickness of the shield
wall 61 being thickest at the top where the shield 6 connects with the arm 3
and getting thinner
as it descends according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0103] FIG. 44 shows an exemplary cover in a closed position without any
hygiene tools
installed. The cover 8 is seated on the ledge 36 to align the top of the cover
with the top wall 31
of the arm 3. The connection of the cover 8 to the ledge 36 creates a barrier
to prevent water or
particles getting into the protected area. When closed, the cover 8 is secured
to the arm 3 in up
to three locations. The primary and first securing option is a main latch 810
inserted into a latch
receiving slot 39 within the arm 3. See FIG. 37. The latch 810 and slot 39 are
shown in greater
detail within FIGS. 49, 52, and 53. The second securing option is found at the
end of first flap
82. The retainer ball clip 820 aligns and is received by a first niche 320
located within the wall of
the first tool receiving section 32. See FIG. 36. The third securing option
can be found on the
second flap 83 which also has a retainer ball clip 830 that aligns and is
received in a second
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
niche 330 located within the second tool receiving section 33. The retainer
clips 820, 830 and
the recess openings 320, 330 are shown more closely in FIGS. 49 ¨ 52.
[0104] FIGS. 45 ¨48 demonstratively show the exemplary embodiment in use.
Consistent with
the cross sectional views in FIGS. 13, 17, and 30 ¨ 31, the respective hygiene
implements hang
and are protected by the shield. In FIGS. 45 and 47 a manual toothbrush 101 is
inserted into the
first tool receiving section 32, resting against the notch 5 of the post 4.
The cover 8 is closed by
the living hinge 84 and secured by the latch 810 in the slot 39 but the first
flap 82 allows the
toothbrush 101 to protrude through the opening as part of the flap 82 remains
partially open by
the living hinge 85. As used in this instance, the cover 8 is secured through
the main latch 810
and the second retainer clip 830 and the head of the toothbrush 101 is
securely stored beneath the
cover 8 and surrounded by the shield 6. Similarly, when storing an electric
toothbrush head 102
as shown in FIGS. 46 and 48, the second flap 83 is partially open by the
second living hinge 86
and the second flap 83 rests against the toothbrush head 102. The electric
toothbrush head 102 is
installed in the second tool receiving section 33, partially held by the
flange 34, the cover 8 is
closed with the main body 81 secured by latch 810 and first flap 82 secured to
the arm 3 by the
first retainer clip 820. The second flap 83 has two relief points which appear
to be creases or
slits 831, 832 that extend into the main cover body 81 until reaching the
living hinge 86, these
two slits allow the second flap 83 to accommodate the flange section and also
allow the flap to
move unimpeded from a position parallel to the main cover 81 to an open or
more perpendicular
position when holding the electric toothbrush head. As installed and shown in
FIGS. 46 and 48
the electric toothbrush head is protected by the surrounding shield 6 and
cover 8. In addition to
covering the tool receiving section 32, 33, the flaps 82, 83 may also aid in
holding the tools
within the designated space.
[0105] The holder is desirably constructed of inexpensive, durable material
such as plastic or
recycled material. As one example, a living hinge may comprise a thin flexible
hinge (flexure
bearing) made from the same material as the two pieces it connects wherein the
two pieces are
typically of more rigid construction than the hinge area. The living hinge is
able to rotate about
one axis 180 degrees or more - repetitively without breaking. The material
should be easy to
clean and enable a simple hygienic way to store a toothbrush after cleaning.
The holder is further
21
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
sized to permit easy packing for traveling and when in use does not require a
great deal of
counterspace. The holder should be sufficiently sized to accommodate most
toothbrush brands
and styles. The features of the preferred embodiment permit full use of the
holder when located
on almost all sinks on the market and desirably do not adversely impact or
restrict regular use of
the sink space. While in the holder the tool is protected from sink use and
debris by a shield. In
the preferred embodiment the attachment is removably provided by the use of a
suction cup.
Examples of surfaces that may receive the suction cup in an attachably
removable manner by
using the negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to nonporous
surfaces, creating a
partial vacuum, include the countertop alongside of the sink basin or shelf
located above the sink
bowl.
[0106] The holder may rest, be attached, or be affixed to the edge of a sink.
The holder is
formed to receive a hygiene implement such as a toothbrush, razor, or any
similar tool used for
human hygiene. Examples of surfaces that may receive the suction cup in an
attachably
removable manner include the countertop alongside of the sink bowl or shelf
located above the
sink bowl.
[0107] The holder will find additional utility in the kitchen setting where
bottle brushes and
kitchen utensils or cleaning implements may have storage requirements similar
to those required
by a toothbrush. Therefore, the present disclosure may find utility around a
kitchen sink.
[0108] It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present
disclosure which result
from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of
manufacture, shape,
size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written
description or illustrations
contained herein, yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the
art, are within the
scope of the present disclosure.
22
Date recue/Date received 2023-03-17
