Combination floss and toothbrush device

Abstract

The present invention is a combination toothbrush and dental floss dispenser. More particularly, the device is a toothbrush with an extended handle or shaft with traditional brush bristles at one end, and a dental floss dispensing means at the other end. Such may be either incorporated within the brush itself as a single piece, or, alternatively may be detachable in nature. The floss dispenser is preferably cylindrical in nature, and includes a floss cutter and hinged cover panel for the cutter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A combination floss and toothbrush device comprising: 
 an elongated shaft ( 12 ) which comprises a brush head ( 14 ) at one end thereof, the brush head ( 14 ) comprising a plurality of bristles ( 16 ) thereon;    a floss dispenser ( 18 ) removably affixed to a distal end of the shaft ( 12 ), the floss dispenser ( 18 ) generally cylindrical in nature and comprising an aperture at a first end thereof through which floss ( 24 ) may be pulled by a user;    the floss dispenser ( 18 ) further comprising a cap ( 28 ) affixed to an outer surface thereof, the cap ( 28 ) functioning to removably cover a floss cutting device ( 30 );    a spool ( 22 ) containing the floss ( 24 ) removably inserted through aperture ( 16 ) and placed within floss dispenser ( 18 );    a male member ( 20 ) extending from a second end of the floss dispenser ( 18 ) and received by a female counterpart upon the shaft ( 12 ); and    functioning to allow the user to pull the floss ( 24 ) from the spool ( 22 ) and cut the floss utilizing cutting device ( 30 ) to use the floss ( 24 ) in its intended manner.    
     
     
         2 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the floss is flavored.  
     
     
         3 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the brush head is angled to a previously-determined degree.  
     
     
         4 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises a gripping means thereon.  
     
     
         5 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the cap is detachable and is snapped into place.  
     
     
         6 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device is of a single-pieced construction.  
     
     
         7 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device is of a modular construction.  
     
     
         8 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device is travel-sized.  
     
     
         9 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises indicia thereon in the form of previously determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and glow in the dark elements.  
     
     
         10 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the length of the floss is variable, and is intended to correlate to an expected life of the toothbrush.  
     
     
         11 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the length of the shaft is variable.  
     
     
         12 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device is manufactured of materials selected from the group consisting of lightweight and durable plastic, nylon, acrylic or polymers.  
     
     
         13 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the bristles are selected form the group consisting of soft, medium, and firm.  
     
     
         14 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the floss is colored.  
     
     
         15 . The combination floss and toothbrush device as described in  claim 1 , wherein the device is telescopic in nature.