Daniel J Ferrante

US Patent:

20030088933, May 15, 2003

Filed:

Nov 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/041070

Inventors:

Deanna Woods - Emerson NJ, US
Daniel Ferrante - Ramsey NJ, US

International Classification:

A46B009/04
A46B005/00

US Classification:

015/167100, 015/143100, D04/104000, D04/107000, 248/692000

Abstract:

An improved sanitary toothbrush with a curved proximal end in the general shape of a hook for storing the toothbrush in a suspended, upside down fashion, thereby allowing for air drying of the distal brush portion of the toothbrush and creating a cleaner and more sanitary method of storing the toothbrush after use. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the elongated intermediate handle portion of the toothbrush is designed in the shape of an animal with the curved distal end of the handle forming the animal's tail, thereby making brushing more aesthetically pleasing and appealing to children suffering from sensory integrative dysfunction and accompanying oral defensive disorder. Lastly, the unique curved shape of the proximal end of the toothbrush handle further assists brushing by children, as the handle cradles the child's hand for ease of use and better gripping of the toothbrush by children whose arm and hand strength is significantly less than that of an adult and who may have difficulty holding a standard toothbrush while brushing.