Special receptacle or package – For a tool – Plural
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-14
2001-03-13
Gehman, Bryon P. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For a tool
Plural
C206S037000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199695
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container for an interdental cleaner, and more particularly, a combination of a holder for containing and holding a toothpick-like cleaner to clean up between teeth and a case thereof.
A toothpick or other similar device for interdental cleaning (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a “toothpick-like interdental cleaner” or simply “interdental cleaner” ) has been heretofore used in order to remove plaque or bits of food stuck between teeth. Although there have been various type toothpick-like interdental cleaners that are not a simple linear toothpick, but rather which have a structure in which ends are different from each other and so on, a case capable of containing and carrying these tooth cleaners has heretofore not been adequately developed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A holder is provided in the form of a plate-like body having a length and a width at least greater than those of an interdental cleaner. A recess is formed in the body, leaving a holding portion for the body of the interdental cleaner disposed in a position corresponding approximately to the longitudinal middle of the plate-like body. The holding portion is formed with a fitting groove, adapted to be fitted with the body of the interdental cleaner along the longitudinal direction. Thus, the toothpick-like interdental cleaner is removably held at the intermediate portion of its body, and its extreme ends positioned within the recess do not come in contact with any interior surfaces, thereby being kept clean. Such a structure is extremely useful for an interdental cleaner having a bent portion at an extreme end.
A case is formed as a tubular body having a length at least long enough to contain the holder, and is advantageously made separable along the longitudinal direction. Thus, the case can be dismantled after use over a certain period of time to get rid of waste, dust or the like which collects in the innermost recess.
In accordance with a further embodiment, fitting grooves are formed at the holding portion of the holder which are offset to each other on the face side and the reverse side of the holding portion. Therefore, two toothpicks can be held within a holder. In addition, such a structure in which the fitting grooves are formed in an offset manner enables the holder to be made thinner and convenient for carrying, and fitting and removing of the interdental cleaner is facilitated since the interdental cleaners can be easily accessed by the fingers.
In a further embodiment, a clip formed in the above-mentioned case or the holder is provided which may be connected to a breast pocket or the like, thus making a container for the interdental cleaner more convenient for carrying.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, engaging protrusions on both sides of a longitudinal end of the holder are formed for engaging grooves adapted to the engaging protrusions within the interior of the case, and a notch is provided having a width at least greater than the thickness of the holder at a part of an opening of the case. Accordingly, when the holder is taken out of the case, the engaging protrusion and the engaging groove are engaged, thereby preventing the holder from popping out abruptly. In addition, the holder can stand on the case by virtue of the notch, which prevents a contact of the holder with a table or the like. Thereby, the cleanliness of the holder and the toothpick-like interdental cleaner can be maintained.
REFERENCES:
patent: 469064 (1892-02-01), McKay
patent: 647187 (1900-04-01), Knapp
patent: 2877892 (1959-03-01), Severson
patent: 4040433 (1977-08-01), Edison
patent: 4269313 (1981-05-01), Smith
patent: 5419346 (1995-05-01), Tipp
patent: 277953 (1951-09-01), None
Gehman Bryon P.
Jordan and Hamburg LLP
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