Toothbrush support system

Abstract

A mobile support system for toothbrushes and other oral hygiene products for which it is desirable to provide a temporary support system during travel is discussed. A base unit provides a stable base for the portable system. An expandable top section that is located over the base unit provides a number of openings into which the end of a toothbrush or other similarly shaped oral hygiene product may be placed. The openings are configured so as to provide a fit to the end of the toothbrush or other oral hygiene product that is sufficiently tight to keep the toothbrush or other oral hygiene product in an upright vertical position.

1 . A mobile toothbrush support system, comprising: 
 a base unit containing ballast;    an expandable top unit extending from the base unit, the expandable top unit including a top surface with at least one opening; and    a passage into the top unit that is located underneath, and extends from, the at least one opening, the passage suitable for the insertion of a toothbrush handle.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top surface includes a plurality of openings, each opening connected to a respective passage into the top unit suitable for the insertion of a toothbrush handle.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of openings are different sizes.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of openings are different shapes.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top unit is inflatable.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the ballast in the base unit is sand.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the ballast in the base unit is a liquid gel substance.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the ballast in the base unit is a cardboard insert.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top unit is constructed of inflatable plastic.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top unit includes mechanical expansion means.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an air valve suitable for use in inflating the top unit.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the air valve also is suitable for inflating at least part of the base unit.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top unit is removably in contact with the base unit.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top surface is angled to allow moisture runoff.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the opening is one of oval shaped, circular shaped and square shaped.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the passage extends through the base unit so as to allow moisture runoff to exit the bottom of the passage through the bottom of the base unit.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the passage includes an insert used to secure a toothbrush handle.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the opening includes an insert used to secure a toothbrush handle.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one side of the passage deforms based upon an amount of air pressure contained within the top unit, the at least one side of the passage used to secure a toothbrush handle.  
   
   
       20 . An oral hygiene apparatus support system, comprising: 
 a base unit containing ballast;    an expandable top unit extending from the base unit, the expandable top unit including a top surface with at least one opening; and    a passage into the top unit that is located underneath, and extends from, the at least one opening, the passage suitable for the insertion of an oral hygiene apparatus.    
   
   
       21 . A mobile toothbrush support system, comprising: 
 a base unit;    an expandable top unit extending from the base unit, the expandable top unit including a top surface with at least one opening; and    a passage into the top unit that is located underneath, and extends from, the at least one opening, the passage suitable for the insertion of a toothbrush handle.