Toothbrush holder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitary toothbrush holder that holds toothbrushes in place to hang up right or upside down resulting in a cleaner brush that is air dried. It provides a better, easier and secure method of storing the brush after use. It is especially effective for children to place the brush against the holder with little difficulty.

1 . A toothbrush holder for use with a toothbrush having a metallic element comprising:
 a magnetic block for engaging the metallic element in the toothbrush and for removably securing the toothbrush to the block; and   a securing means for mounting the magnetic block on a surface that is convenient for a user of the toothbrush.   
   
   
       2 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic block is at least partially covered in a plastic material to facilitate cleaning the holder. 
   
   
       3 . The holder of  claim 2  wherein the magnetic block is embedded in the plastic material. 
   
   
       4 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the securing means is an adhesive that is placed on one surface of the magnetic block, the adhesive being sufficient to secure the block to the surface. 
   
   
       5 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the securing means is a threaded fastener that can be positioned in at least one aperture in the magnetic block to secure the magnetic block to the surface. 
   
   
       6 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the securing means is a metal plate that is secured to one side of the surface and the magnetic block is positioned on the other side of the surface, the magnetic force of the magnetic block securing the magnetic block to the metal plate to removably secure the magnetic block to the surface. 
   
   
       7 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the securing means is a metal plate that is secured to the surface, the magnetic force of the magnetic block securing the magnetic block to the metal plate to removably secure the magnetic block to the surface. 
   
   
       8 . A toothbrush for use with a magnetic holder comprising:
 a head having bristles positioned thereon, the bristles being disposed for brushing the teeth of a user;   a handle connected to the head, the handle extending from the head;   a piece of metal is secured to either the head or the handle for securing the toothbrush to the magnetic holder.   
   
   
       9 . The toothbrush of  claim 8  wherein the piece of metal is bonded to the exterior of the handle or the head. 
   
   
       10 . The toothbrush of  claim 8  wherein the piece of metal is embedded in the handle or the head. 
   
   
       11 . The toothbrush of  claim 10  wherein the piece of metal is positioned close enough to the exterior surface of the handle or the head to allow the magnetic holder to removably secure the toothbrush to magnetic holder.