Patent US4433029A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4040433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toothpick and container assembly
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-02-06
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Granted: 1977-08-09
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Expires: 1996-02-06
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed herein a reusable toothpick and container assembly. The assembly includes a toothpick having an elongated blade terminating at one end in a tip for removing debris from between the user's teeth and having at the other end a cap by which the toothpick can be grasped. The container is an elongated vial, for holding mouthwash, into which the blade can be inserted and which can be sealed by the end cap. This provides for storage and cleansing of the toothpick between uses.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G. Edison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C15/00; A61C15/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly comprising: elongated, tubularly-shaped and transparent container means for holding a liquid, said container means being closed at one end and having an open mouth at the other end which is adapted to be sealed so as to provide a fluid-tight container; and molded plastic toothpick means which includes an elongated blade-shaped portion having a V-shaped cross-section and terminating at one end in a tip for picking debris from between a user's teeth, and end cap means cooperatively associated with the other end of the blade-shaped portion for grasping by the user and adapted to sealingly cooperate with said open mouth to provide said seal, said toothpick adapted to be stored within said container and in contact with a liquid therein for cleansing said toothpick for reuse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly comprising: elongated, tubularly-shaped and transparent container means for holding a liquid, said container means being closed at one end and having an open mouth at the other end which is adapted to be sealed so as to provide a fluid-tight container; and molded plastic toothpick means which includes an elongated blade-shaped portion having a V-shaped cross-section and terminating at one end in a tip for picking debris from between a user's teeth, and end cap means cooperatively associated with the other end of the blade-shaped portion for grasping by the user and adapted to sealingly cooperate with said open mouth to provide said seal, said toothpick adapted to be stored within said container and in contact with a liquid therein for cleansing said toothpick for reuse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly as in claim 1, wherein said blade-like portion and said end cap are integral.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly as in claim 1, wherein the other end of said blade-shaped portion and said cap means are separate members, each having means for cooperation in securing said cap means to said blade-shaped portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly as in claim 3, wherein said securement means on said blade-shaped portion includes a cross-shaped end, and said securement means on said end cap includes a recess in said cap for snugly receiving said cross-shaped end so as to secure said blade-shaped portion to said cap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A reusable toothpick-and-container assembly as in claim 2, wherein said toothpick is made of polypropylene.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-08 | 1981-02-07 | 1981-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-08 | 1985-02-07 | 1985-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-08 | 1989-02-07 | 1989-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |