CN212739078U

CN212739078U - Dispenser for oral care compositions

Info

Publication number: CN212739078U
Application number: CN201921561436.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阮东; 戚明; 田垒
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2019-09-19
Filing date: 2019-09-19
Publication date: 2021-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-19
Also published as: US20210122535A1; WO2021052443A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a dispenser for an oral care composition having a nozzle with a distal opening that is larger than a proximal opening, the dispenser having a nozzle with an improved user experience in dosing the oral care composition, such as dosing toothpaste onto a toothbrush.

Description

Dispenser for oral care compositions

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a dispenser suitable for use with an oral care composition such as toothpaste.

Background

Many commercial toothpaste packages have: flexible tubing (for containing toothpaste prior to dispensing); and a functionally attached dispenser having a cylindrical nozzle. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the contents of the tube. When the user squeezes the flexible tube body, a dose of toothpaste is extruded through the cylindrical nozzle of the dispenser and dispensed onto the toothbrush head. The nozzle diameter/geometry is critical to defining the user's experience of dispensing the desired volume of toothpaste from the package. According to unpublished consumer tests, dosage is an important factor affecting the overall brushing experience. Too large a dose may waste toothpaste (causing the user to feel as if the value is lost) and may be frustrating to the user in view of the effort associated with removing the excess toothpaste (e.g., additional rinsing). On the other hand, if the dosage is too small, it does not provide sufficient cleaning benefit to the teeth, nor sufficient freshening benefit to the oral cavity. A more complex problem is the variety of toothbrushes available to the user. For example, some classic manual toothbrushes can have relatively large heads, while smaller heads can be associated with some electric and professional toothbrushes (e.g., children's toothbrushes or gum-sensitive toothbrushes).

Another challenge of dosing is the relative viscosity of the toothpaste. To this end, some consumers report: a relatively high viscosity toothpaste means better quality. However, with such viscosities, it is challenging for some consumer groups (e.g., the elderly) to apply sufficient pressure on a classic toothpaste package to dose with the most desirable level of control and/or dosage. Accordingly, there is a continuing need to provide a dispenser that can improve the dosing experience using a single dispenser design to meet the needs of a myriad of user groups, among toothbrushes, and using a relatively viscous composition to achieve the improvement.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to address one or more of these needs by providing a dispenser: the dispenser is suitable for dispensing oral care compositions and has a mouthpiece with a widened mouthpiece opening that is generally increased in dosing (using the same force as in otherwise classical dispensers). One aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser for an oral care product. The dispenser includes a base that is functionally attachable to a container (e.g., a flexible tube) containing the oral care composition. The dispenser also includes a nozzle extending from the base. The dispenser has a proximal opening at the interface of the nozzle and the base, and an opposite distal opening. The longitudinal axis intersects a centroid of a cross-section of the proximal opening and a centroid of a cross-section of the distal opening. The distal opening has a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening. The nozzle can be in fluid communication with a functionally attached container containing the oral care composition. One example of such a container is a flexible tube. One example of an oral care composition is a paste, preferably a toothpaste.

One advantage of the dispenser is to dispense a dose of the oral care composition that is larger than some classic dispensed doses, thereby increasing the surface area to promote better dispersion of the oral care composition when applied in the oral cavity. This is particularly advantageous for relatively high viscosity oral care compositions (e.g., pastes) that may not disperse as readily as relatively less viscous compositions.

One advantage of the dispenser herein is that modifications to existing products are minimized to minimize cost and capital investment to improve user experience.

These and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention.

Drawings

The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the invention, which is defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a dispenser; and is

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which includes examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad representation of the invention. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this description and practice of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, and the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

As used herein, articles including "the", "a", and "an" when used in a claim or specification are understood to refer to one or more of what is claimed or described.

The term "plurality," as used herein, refers to more than one.

As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including" are intended to be non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the end result can be added. Thus, the terms "consisting essentially of …" and "consisting of …" are embodied in the term "comprising". As used herein, "consisting essentially of …" means that the apparatus, device, method, component, and/or composition may include additional ingredients, but only if such additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed apparatus, device, method, component, and/or composition.

By "oral care composition" is meant a composition that is not intentionally swallowed for purposes of systemic administration of a particular therapeutic agent during normal use, but rather is retained in the oral cavity for a time sufficient to contact the dental surfaces (i.e., teeth) and/or oral tissues for treatment. Oral care products can be in a variety of compositional forms, including toothpastes, dentifrices, tooth gels, subgingival gels, denture cleansing compositions, denture adhesives, and the like. Preferred oral care compositions are paste compositions, preferably toothpaste compositions.

By "oral care product" is meant a package containing one or more doses, preferably multiple doses, of an oral care composition. The dispenser is part of a package containing the oral care composition.

Referring to fig. 1, a dispenser (1) for an oral care product is provided. The dispenser (1) comprises a base (9). The base (9) may be functionally attached to a container (not shown) containing the oral care composition. The container is preferably a tube, preferably a flexible tube, more preferably a flexible toothpaste tube, which can be squeezed by a user to express the contained oral care composition from the main tube through a functionally attached dispenser (1). For example, the base (9) may have a thread, preferably an inwardly facing thread (11), for functionally attaching a container (wherein the container has a complementary thread, preferably a complementary outwardly facing thread (not shown)). The dispenser (1) further comprises a nozzle (13). The nozzle (13) extends from the base (9) (along a longitudinal axis (15)). The nozzle (13) is in fluid communication with a functionally attached container. A nozzle (13) extending from the base (9) has a proximal opening (19) at the interface of the nozzle (13) and the base (9). The distal opening (17) is opposite the proximal opening (19). The longitudinal axis (15) intersects the centroid of the cross section of the proximal opening (19) and the centroid of the cross section of the distal opening (17). The longitudinal axis (15) is orthogonal to these cross sections. The nozzle (13) has a widened nozzle opening. That is, the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19). In one example, the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is 5% to 115%, preferably 10% to 70%, more preferably 20% to 46% greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19).

Still referring to fig. 1, the nozzle (13) further includes an intermediate opening (21) located between the proximal opening (19) and the distal opening (17) (relative to the longitudinal axis (15)). Preferably, the longitudinal axis (15) is orthogonal to the cross section of the intermediate opening (21), more preferably intersecting the centroid of the intermediate opening cross section. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening (21) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19), preferably 3% to 55% larger. The cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening (21) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17), preferably 3% to 30% smaller. Preferably, the shape of these cross-sections (i.e., the cross-sections of the distal opening, the intermediate opening, and/or the proximal opening) are the same, more preferably, each is circular. That is, the distal opening (17) has the same cross-sectional shape as the proximal opening (19). Preferably, the distal opening (17) and the proximal opening (19) each have a circular shape in cross section. More preferably, the intermediate opening (21) also has a circular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional areas of the distal opening (17), the proximal opening (19) and the intermediate opening (21) are each independently 15mm²To 205mm²Preferably 30mm²To 115mm²(it is recognized that the cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening, and the cross-sectional area of the distal opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening).

Still referring to fig. 1, the nozzle (13) has a height, measured along the longitudinal axis, of 3mm to 20mm, preferably 4mm to 12 mm. The dispenser may include a cap (3) for releasably capping the spout (13). The lid is preferably hinged (5) (to avoid loss or dislocation). The nozzle (13) and base (9) (but not counting the lid (3)) have a height, measured along the longitudinal axis (15), of from 2mm to 20mm, preferably from 3mm to 13 mm. Finally, the skirt (7) extends outwardly and circumferentially around at least the base (9), preferably below the base (9) (to visually conceal the attachment (not shown) between the base and the container).

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of fig. 1. The dispenser (1) comprises a nozzle (13) which intersects the longitudinal axis (15). Starting from the outermost opening and further into the nozzle (13) along the longitudinal axis (15), the nozzle (13) has a distal opening (17), a middle opening (21) and a proximal opening (19). The skirt (7) extends outwardly and circumferentially around at least the base (not shown in fig. 2). The lid (3) is attached in the manner of a hinge (5). The dispenser is made of plastic. Preferably, the plastic is polypropylene. Preferably, the dispenser is made by injection moulding said plastic.

The dispensers described herein are particularly suitable for oral care compositions, especially toothpastes, having a viscosity in the range of 150,000 to 850,000 centipoise ("cP"). A method for assessing viscosity is described. The viscometer is

Viscometer (Brookfield viscometer), model DV-IPrime, with Brookfield "Helipath" stand. The viscometer is placed on a lifting bracket and leveled by a level gauge. The E spindle was attached and the viscometer was then set to 2.5 RPM. The spindle is removed, the viscometer is zeroed and the E spindle is installed. Then, before starting the measurement, the main shaft was lowered until the rung parts were immersed in the paste. Simultaneously, a power switch and a lifting frame on the viscometer are turned on to start to rotate the spindle downwards. The timer is set to 48 seconds and turned on simultaneously with the motor and the crane. And read after 48 seconds. Readings are in cP.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it teaches, teaches or discloses any such invention alone or in any combination with any other reference or references. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A dispenser (1) for an oral care composition, characterized in that the dispenser comprises:

a base (9) functionally attachable to a container containing the oral care composition;

a nozzle (13) extending from the base (9), the nozzle having a proximal opening (19) at an interface of the nozzle (13) and the base (9), and an opposite distal opening (17);

a longitudinal axis (15) intersecting the centroid of the cross section of the proximal opening (19) and the centroid of the cross section of the distal opening (17);

wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19); and is

Wherein the nozzle (13) is capable of fluid communication with the functionally attached container containing the oral care composition.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is 5% to 115% greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19).

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is 10% to 70% greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19).

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17) is 20% to 46% greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19).

5. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece (13) further comprises an intermediate opening (21) between the proximal opening (19) and the distal opening (17), wherein the intermediate opening (21) has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19) but smaller than the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17).

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening (21) is 3% to 55% greater than the cross-sectional area of the proximal opening (19).

7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the cross-sectional area of the intermediate opening (21) is 3% to 30% smaller than the cross-sectional area of the distal opening (17).

8. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distal opening (17) has the same cross-sectional shape as the proximal opening (19).

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the distal opening (17) and the proximal opening (19) each have a circular shape.

10. The dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate opening (21) between the proximal opening (19) and the distal opening (17) also has a circular cross-sectional shape.

11. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nozzle (13) has a height, measured along the longitudinal axis (15), of 3mm to 20 mm.

12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the nozzle (13) has a height, measured along the longitudinal axis (15), of 4mm to 12 mm.

13. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the distal opening (17), the proximal opening (19), and a middle opening (21) longitudinally midway between the distal opening (17) and the proximal opening (19) are each independently 15mm²To 205mm²。

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the distal opening (17), the proximal opening (19), and a middle opening (21) longitudinally midway between the distal opening (17) and the proximal opening (19) are each independently 30mm²To 115mm²。

15. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cover (3) for releasably covering the spout (13).

16. The dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the cover (3) is hinged (5).

17. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nozzle (13) and the base (9) have a height, measured along the longitudinal axis (15), of from 2mm to 20 mm.

18. The dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the nozzle (13) and the base (9) have a height, measured along the longitudinal axis (15), of 3mm to 13 mm.

19. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base (9) comprises a thread.

20. The dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the thread is an inwardly facing thread (11).

21. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a skirt (7) extending outwardly and circumferentially around at least the base (9).

22. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a container containing an oral care composition, the container being functionally attached to the base.

23. The dispenser of claim 22, wherein the oral care composition is a toothpaste paste composition.

24. Dispenser according to claim 22, wherein the container and the base (9) are functionally attached to each other by means of a thread.

25. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the paste composition has a viscosity of 150,000 centipoise to 850,000 centipoise.

26. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the container is a tube, and wherein the paste composition is a toothpaste.

27. The dispenser of claim 26, wherein the tube is a flexible tube.

28. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispenser is made of plastic.

29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein the plastic is polypropylene.

30. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein the dispenser is made by injection molding the plastic.