Disposable toothbrush head

#The present invention relates to the field of oral hygiene appliances, and particularly to a toothbrush product. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable toothbrush head having bristles which are shorter than normal bristles and that are coated in toothpaste to provide a convenient toothbrushing option for individuals to clean their teeth while away from home and to always maintain adequate teeth freshening or cleansing. The disposable toothbrush head product is individually wrapped (but doesn't have to be), measures approximately 2″ long by 1″ wide, and can be adhered or applied to a finger of a user using adhesive or a plastic ring during use. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other similar applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

#By way of background, toothbrushes are indispensable and are used not only at home and at work, but also during business and leisure travel. Toothbrushes commonly used in homes are designed to be continually used as long as the bristles are not damaged, or as otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. Disposable hygiene appliances are usually discarded after being used for a brief duration, such as during business or leisure travel. A conventional toothbrush has a handle and an integrally formed head portion, and is used to clean the user's teeth by removing plaque, food and other debris from and between the surfaces of the teeth as well as from the gums. The handle is provided for the user to readily grasp and manipulate the toothbrush, and may be formed of many different shapes and with a variety of constructions. The head portion is disposed on an end portion of the toothbrush support or handle, and is provided with tooth cleaning elements known as bristles. The tooth cleaning elements are attached to a base surface of the head portion, and extend outwardly therefrom.

#Furthermore, conventional toothbrushes are used for cleaning teeth using toothpaste or other cleaning/polishing solutions that are typically applied to the toothbrush just prior to brushing. More specifically, and by way of example, a predetermined amount of toothpaste from a tube containing toothpaste is squeezed, and is applied to the cleaning elements or bristles of the toothbrush head portion. Even disposable toothbrushes known in the art contain a handle and a head to clean the teeth and are to be used with a toothpaste tube. Therefore, in order to brush the teeth using a conventional toothbrush, a toothpaste tube together with the toothbrush is to be provided, thus causing the problem of having to transport and locate both items (as one is typically not of use without the presence of the other), in particular when traveling or when one is away from home or when getting ready for an appointment with, for example, a dentist. Stated differently, carrying both an elongated toothbrush and the elongated toothpaste tube together is an inconvenience and one or both can easily be misplaced while travelling. Further, carrying of one or both items in a wallet or small pocket is generally not feasible.

#The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the disposable toothbrush head product of the present invention having an adhesive backing in accordance with the disclosed structure;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of one potential embodiment of the toothpaste gel coated bristles of the present invention used for cleaning the teeth and removing plaque, food particles and other debris therefrom in accordance with the disclosed structure;

#The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

#As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a disposable toothbrush product that easily, efficiently and effectively cleans plaque, food particles and other debris from the, tongue, teeth and gums of a user. There is also a long felt need in the art for a disposable toothbrush product that has a structure that conforms to the shape of the teeth, is easy to use and also does not damage the user's teeth or gums. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a disposable toothbrush product that is disposable, does not require the presence of an elongated handle portion, is an integral one piece structure, and is inexpensive to manufacture. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a disposable toothbrush product that has toothpaste pre-applied to its bristles, and that does not require a separate toothpaste tube to use the device. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for disposable toothbrush product that can be conveniently carried in a purse, pocket, or wallet for use while away from home, and that enables users to achieve a quick cleansing and freshening while on the go.

#The innovative product of the present invention features a disposable toothbrush head capable of cleaning teeth and gums and removing plaque, food particles and other debris from the user's tongue, teeth and gums. More specifically, the disposable toothbrush head of the present invention has a base with an adhesive strip or attachment ring on an exterior surface, thereby allowing the head to be removably adhered or attached to a user's finger. In an alternate embodiment, a finger ring or band may be attached to the exterior surface for attaching the toothbrush head to the user's finger. Bristles are present on an interior surface of the base, opposite the exterior surface on which the adhesive strip or attachment ring is disposed, and the bristles have varying surface patterns and are generally shorter in height than bristles present on a conventional toothbrush heads. The bristles of the present invention are also coated with a toothpaste gel before being wrapped, sealed or packaged for sale. In design, the overall contour of the disposable toothbrush head product resembles dimensions of the heads of conventional toothbrushes, and is flexible enough to move throughout the mouth to give an effective cleaning of the user's teeth and gums. The toothbrush head product of the present invention is preferably manufactured and sold with the toothpaste or other tooth cleaning solution applied to the bristles, and with a cover providing an airtight seal for the bristles and toothpaste. All of the parts of the toothbrush head are preferably composed of the same synthetic resin or food grade plastic. More specifically, a number of different synthetic resins may be employed including, without limitation, certain polyesters, including for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and one or more of the nylons (such as a nylon material marketed by Dupont®). Notwithstanding, the preferred material for the base is a polypropylene.