Bristled toothpick assembly and method of using the same

A toothpick assembly comprising;

• a toothpick comprising:
• a base with a first end and a second end;
• a first region extending outwardly from the second end of the base;
• wherein the first region is adapted to be insertable into a space between two teeth;
• said first region of the toothpick including a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side which extend between the top and bottom, and wherein the first and second sides terminate in a tip that is located remote from the second end of the base;
• and
• a plurality of bristles extend outwardly from a portion of each of the first and second sides of the first region;
• and wherein the bottom of the first region, which is adapted to be oriented adjacent the gingiva between the two teeth, is free of bristles;
• a case having a bore defined therein;
• and wherein the toothpick is received within the bore and is interlockingly engaged with the case;
• and wherein the toothpick is movable within the bore between a first retracted, non-use position;
• and a second extended position where the toothpick is able to be used;
• wherein the case includes a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side extending between the top and bottom;
• a first end, and a second end;
• and the bore is defined in the case such that the bore originates in the first end of the case and extends for a distance inwardly toward the second end of the case;
• wherein the bore is accessible through an opening in the first end of the case;
• and wherein the toothpick is received through the opening into the bore;
• and when the toothpick is in the first position, substantially the entire toothpick is disposed within the bore;
• and when the toothpick is in the second position, a first part of the toothpick extends out of the opening and a second part of the toothpick is retained within the bore;
• and
• a locking mechanism which secures the toothpick within the bore of the case at both of the first and second positions;
• and wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
• a slot defined in the top of the case, said slot originating at the first end of the case and extending toward the second end thereof;
• and wherein the slot is in communication with the bore;
• a first hole and a second hole defined in the top of the case intersecting the slot and spaced from each other;
• and said first and second holes are wider than the slot;
• and
• a spring-mounted button provided on the toothpick, said button having a shoulder region complementary to both of the first and second holes;
• wherein the button is disposed adjacent an exterior surface of the case and when the toothpick is in either of the first and second positions, the shoulder region of the button is seated within an associated one of the first and second holes;
• and when the toothpick is moved between the first and second positions, the shoulder region of the button is disposed inwardly of an interior surface of the case which defines the bore.