User:Kristen Kemnetz

Homework Assignment 1:

• Toothbrush holder and dryer system
  • Patent Number: 4845859
  • Date of Patent: July 11, 1989

• The purpose of this invention is to dry your toothbrush in between uses. The reasoning behind the usefulness of this invention is that a wet toothbrush sitting in a stationary position in between uses allows more bacterial growth on the toothbrush. Another benefit of this design is that a wet toothbrush is more likely to pick up dirt and dust particles, as well as other particles, in the air. The design is a cylindrical toothbrush cup with slots for inserting and holding the toothbrush upright. In order to produce heated air to dry the toothbrush, a lightbulb in the base of the container emits heat and the slots in the cover of the toothbrush holder allow the heated air to circulate upwards and pass by the toothbrush bristles. This patent is interesting because it struck me as a design that could be greatly improved upon to make it desirable to the greater public. I found the patent on "freepatentsonline.com" and it can be accessed by using this link: [1]

Homework Assignment 2:

Description of Patents and Their Benefits

My Selected Patent: Toothbrush holder and dryer system

Patent Number: 4845859

Date of Patent: July 11, 1989

Description: Toothbrush drying device, prevents a wet toothbrush sitting in a stationary position in between uses from growing more bacteria. Prevent toothbrush from picking up dirt and dust particles (as well as other particles in the air). Cylindrical toothbrush cup with slots for inserting and holding the toothbrush upright. Light bulb in the base of the container emits heat. Slots in the base cover of the toothbrush holder allow the heated air to circulate upwards and pass by the toothbrush bristles.

Benefits: Dries toothbrush, easily accessible toothbrush, user does not have to touch light source (burn yourself), enclosed toothbrush encasing, lower transparent portion serves as a night light, toothbrush is stored upright

Cited Patent #1: Toothbrush Drying Device

Patent Number: 3820251

Date of Patent: June 28, 1974

Description: Toothbrush drying device, has a heater in the housing to heat the air. Has an adjustable control device coupled to the heater to control duration of heating. A source of UV light in proximity with the toothbrush destroys bacteria on the bristles.

Benefits: Removable cover, adjustable control for heating duration, UV light source destroys bacterial

Cited Patent #2: Room Deodorizer with Cup and Toothbrush Sterilizing Means

Patent Number: 3114038

Date of Patent: Dec. 10, 1963

Description: Uses sterilizing and deodorizing source electrically actuated lamps or bulbs that emit electromagnetic waves of a germicidal frequency, and generates a gas capable of deodorizing air diffuser

Benefits: Sterilizes toothbrushes, kid-friendly, easily accessible toothbrushes, toothbrush supports are easily cleaned, serves as a night-light, minimal maintenance needed

Discussion of Non-Obviousness, My Patent vs. Patent #1

Discussion of Non-Obviousness, My Patent vs. Patent #2