초록 ▼

A germicidal toothbrush holder includes a substantially closed, upright cylindrical housing having a detachable top lid. The lid has an annular array of openings through which the bristled ends of toothbrushes may be inserted and removed. A UV lamp of low intensity is operably mounted within the hou

A germicidal toothbrush holder includes a substantially closed, upright cylindrical housing having a detachable top lid. The lid has an annular array of openings through which the bristled ends of toothbrushes may be inserted and removed. A UV lamp of low intensity is operably mounted within the housing for emitting ultraviolet radiation in the 200 to 300 nanometer wavelength range, as well as some radiation in the visible range above 300 nanometers and in the ozone producing range below 200 nanometers. A removable cup structure supports the bristled ends of the toothbrushes in an annular array immediately surrounding the lamp, and has an annular interior surface coated with aluminum for high reflectance of UV radiation. The UV lamp is on continuously to expose the toothbrushes to germicidal radiation and to generate small quantities of ozone which accumulate to have some sterilizing effect. The lower portion of the housing is translucent to visible light, so that the holder operates as well as a nightlight for the bathroom.

대표청구항 ▼

A germicidal toothbrush holder for receiving and holding a plurality of toothbrushes of the common type having an elongated handle with bristles disposed at the distal end of the handle, said germicidal toothbrush holder comprising: (a) a substantially hollow, upright, cylindrical housing having a v

A germicidal toothbrush holder for receiving and holding a plurality of toothbrushes of the common type having an elongated handle with bristles disposed at the distal end of the handle, said germicidal toothbrush holder comprising: (a) a substantially hollow, upright, cylindrical housing having a vertical axis; (b) said housing comprising bottom and side walls and a detachable top lid, all approximately centered on the vertical axis and together encompassing an interior volume of space including an upper space volume for receiving at least the bristled ends of said toothbrushes, and a lower space volume; (c) means disposed in said upper space volume for defining a cylindrical interior surface within the housing, which surface immediately encompasses said upper space volume, and is reflective of radiation in the 200-300 nanometer wavelength spectrum; (d) an electric lamp having a bulb for emitting ultraviolet light which includes substantial radiation in the 200 to 300 nanometer wavelength spectrum; (e) means for mounting the lamp operably within the housing adjacent the bottom wall thereof, with the lamp bulb extending upwardly to within said upper space volume; (f) said lamp bulb being disposed approximately coaxially with the housing, and being spaced apart from said cylindrical interior surface so as to define an annular portion of said upper space volume therebetween; and, (g) means for supporting the toothbrushes in vertical orientation,with the bristled ends downward and disposed at spaced apart locations surrounding said lamp within the annular portion of said upper space volume; (h) said supporting means comprising: means defining a first inwardly extending annular ledge disposed in said upper space volume for abutting the bristled ends of said toothbrushes; and, means defining a second inwardly extending annular ledge disposed in said upper space volume at a location spaced above said first annular ledge, said second annular ledge having a plurality of openings therein disposed at spaced apart locations through which the bristled ends of said toothbrushes may be inserted respectively to rest upon said first annular ledge.