EP2896316B1 - Système de soin buccal - Google Patents

Système de soin buccal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2896316B1
EP2896316B1 EP15151510.3A EP15151510A EP2896316B1 EP 2896316 B1 EP2896316 B1 EP 2896316B1 EP 15151510 A EP15151510 A EP 15151510A EP 2896316 B1 EP2896316 B1 EP 2896316B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
cap
toothbrush
oral care
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP15151510.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2896316A1 (fr
Inventor
Eduardo Jimenez
Alan Sorrentino
Robert Moskovich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Colgate Palmolive Co
Original Assignee
Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2009/069408 external-priority patent/WO2011078864A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/US2009/069402 external-priority patent/WO2011078863A1/fr
Application filed by Colgate Palmolive Co filed Critical Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority claimed from EP10801318.6A external-priority patent/EP2515705B1/fr
Publication of EP2896316A1 publication Critical patent/EP2896316A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2896316B1 publication Critical patent/EP2896316B1/fr
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
    • A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
    • A46B11/0024—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
    • A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
    • A46B11/0024—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
    • A46B11/0027—Lead-screw mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
    • A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
    • A46B11/0024—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
    • A46B11/0034—Means comprising a rachet mechanism or equivalent for advancing the piston stepwise
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
    • A46B11/0065—Brushes where the reservoir is specifically intended for being replaced when empty
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an oral care system, and more specifically to a system including a toothbrush and a dispenser containing a fluid that detachably couples to the toothbrush.
  • Oral care products or agents are applied in different ways.
  • a common technique used for applying tooth whitening products is to cast an impression of a person's teeth and provide a tray of the shape of this impression. A person then only needs to add a whitening composition to the tray and to apply the tray to his/her teeth. The tray is left in place for a period of time and then removed. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten.
  • Another technique is to use a strip that has a whitening composition on one surface. This strip is applied to a person's teeth and left in place for about 30 minutes. After several applications the teeth are gradually whitened.
  • Yet another technique is to apply a whitening composition to teeth using a small brush. This brush is repeatedly dipped back into the container during the application of the tooth whitening composition to one's teeth. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten.
  • a problem with existing brushing techniques is that saliva in the mouth contains the enzyme catalase. This enzyme will catalize the decomposition of peroxides.
  • the brush can pick up some catalase during the application of some of the whitening product to teeth and transport that catalase back to the bottle. This catalase now in the bottle can degrade the peroxide in the bottle.
  • Another problem with this latter technique is that it does not adapt for use with anhydrous whitening compositions.
  • the brush may transport moisture from saliva from the mouth back into the bottle. This will have a negative effect on the whitening composition by potentially decomposing the peroxide active ingredient.
  • moisture from the wet bristles can enter the bottle.
  • tray-based systems are suitable, many people do not use them due to the fact that they tend to be uncomfortable and/or awkward. Moreover, in order to use a whitening tray, a user must keep the tray and the required components at hand. This not only requires extra storage space in already cramped bathroom cabinets but also requires that the user remember to use the whitening system. Furthermore, these tray-based systems are not conveniently portable for transport and/or travel.
  • oral care product In addition to difficulties in applying some oral care products, storage is sometimes cumbersome and inconvenient for the user.
  • the oral care product must typically be stored separately from oral care tooth cleaning implements such as a toothbrush since the oral care product package and toothbrush heretofore are generally treated as separate and distinct parts of an oral care regimen.
  • a more portable, compact and convenient way to store oral care products, and to dispense and apply those oral care products to oral surfaces is desired.
  • US-A-4,826,341 discloses a valve means for a toothbrush containing a toothpaste dispenser therein.
  • EP-A-1506726 discloses a toothbrush having a toothbrush handle and a toothpaste reservoir.
  • US-A-2007/0267436 discloses a container and a cap having simultaneous sealing of two orifices.
  • the invention provides an efficient, compact, and portable oral care system that combines a toothbrush with a fluid dispenser.
  • certain embodiments are especially suited for easy transport and/or travel.
  • the present invention is directed to a toothbrush that detachably retains a removable dispenser containing a fluid reservoir.
  • the oral care system includes fluids, either active or non-active agents, that may include without limitation, whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection, or other fluidic materials.
  • the dispenser is detachably coupled to the toothbrush.
  • the dispenser may be at least partially located within the handle of the toothbrush so that a portion of the dispenser protrudes from the toothbrush.
  • the dispenser can be completely removable from the toothbrush in certain embodiments so that the user can apply the fluid to his/her oral surfaces with ease, and then re-couple the dispenser to the toothbrush for convenient storage.
  • the dispenser may be a pen-like component.
  • the present invention provides an oral care system according to claim I comprising: a toothbrush having a cavity and a plug in the cavity; a dispenser comprising a reservoir containing a fluid and a dispensing orifice; a cap detachably coupled to the dispenser that seals the dispensing orifice; wherein when the cap is coupled to the dispenser, the cap prohibits the dispenser from being inserted into the cavity; and wherein when the cap is detached from the dispenser, the dispenser can be inserted into the cavity so that the plug penetrates the dispensing orifice and the dispenser is detachably coupled to the toothbrush.
  • any suitable fluid may be used with embodiments and methods described herein according to the present invention.
  • the oral care treatment system may be any type of system including without limitation tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others.
  • the invention is expressly not limited to any particular type of oral care system or oral care material, unless specifically claimed.
  • Embodiments of the oral care system may include without limitation the following fluids: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-attachment, fluoride, tartar control/protection, flavorant, sensate, colorant and others.
  • fluids tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-attachment, fluoride, tartar control/protection, flavorant, sensate, colorant and others.
  • other embodiments of the present invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid and the invention is expressly not limited to any particular oral care system or oral care material alone.
  • the oral care system 100 is a compact readily portable self-contained user-friendly system that comprises all of the necessary components and chemistries necessary for a user to perform a desired oral care treatment routine.
  • the oral care system 100 in one exemplary embodiment comprises a modified toothbrush 200 having a removable dispenser 300 disposed at least partially within its handle 210. Because the dispenser 300 is located within the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200, the oral care system 100 is portable for travel, easy to use, and reduces the amount of required storage space. Furthermore, since the toothbrush 200 and dispenser 300 are housed together, the user is less likely to misplace the dispenser 300 and more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser 300 since brushing will remind the user to simply detach and apply the contents of the dispenser 300.
  • the oral care system 100 comprises the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300.
  • the toothbrush 200 may include tooth engaging elements that are specifically designed to increase the effect of the oral care material in the dispenser on the teeth.
  • the tooth engaging elements may include elastomeric wiping elements that assist in removing stains from teeth and/or assist with forcing the oral care material into the tubules of the teeth.
  • the toothbrush 200 is exemplified as a manual toothbrush, the toothbrush may be a powered toothbrush in certain embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the inventive system can be utilized for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the dispenser 300 with any fluid, such as an oral care agent that achieves a desired oral effect.
  • the fluid is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste as the dispenser 300 is intended to augment not supplant the brushing regimen.
  • the fluid can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients.
  • the toothbrush 200 generally comprises a handle 210, a neck 220 and a head 230.
  • the handle 210 provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 200.
  • the handle 210 may be formed of many different shapes, sizes and materials and may be formed by a variety of manufacturing methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art.
  • the handle 210 can house the dispenser 300 therein as described in detail below.
  • the handle 210 may include a suitable textured grip made of soft elastomeric material.
  • the handle 210 can be a single or multi-part construction.
  • the handle 210 extends from a proximal end 212 to a distal end 213 along a longitudinal axis A-A.
  • a cavity 280 ( FIG.
  • An opening 215 is provided at the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 that provides a passageway into the cavity through which the dispenser 300 can be inserted and retracted. While the opening 215 is located at the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 in the exemplified embodiment, the opening 215 may be located at other positions on the handle 210 in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the opening 215 may be located on a longitudinal surface of the handle 210 (e.g., the front surface, the rear surface and/or the side surfaces) and be elongated to provide sufficient access to the cavity 280.
  • the handle 210 transitions into the neck 220 at the distal end 213. While the neck 220 generally has a smaller transverse cross-sectional area than the handle 220, the invention is not so limited. Broadly speaking, the neck 220 is merely the transition region between the handle 210 and the head 230 and can conceptually be considered as a portion of the handle 210. In this manner, the head 230 is connected to the distal end 213 of the handle 210 (via the neck 220 ).
  • the head 230 and the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200 are formed as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process.
  • the handle 210 and the head 230 may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners.
  • the head 230 and the handle 210 are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention, unless specifically claimed.
  • the head 230 may be detachable (and replaceable) from the handle 210 using techniques known in the art.
  • the head 230 generally comprises a front surface 231, a rear surface 232 and a peripheral side surface 233 that extends between the front and rear surfaces 231, 232.
  • the front surface 231 and the rear surface 232 of the head 230 can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention.
  • the front and rear surfaces 231, 232 can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof.
  • the rear surface 232 may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth polishing structure.
  • An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad comprising a plurality of nubs and or ridges.
  • tooth polishing structure can be an elastomeric element, such as a prophy cup(s) or elastomeric wipers.
  • head 230 is normally widened relative to the neck 220 of the handle 210, it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle 210.
  • the front surface 231 of the head 230 comprises a collection of oral cleaning elements such as tooth engaging elements 235 extending therefrom for cleaning and/or polishing contact with an oral surface and/or interdental spaces. While the collection of tooth engaging elements 235 is suited for brushing teeth, the collection of tooth engaging elements 235 can also be used to polish teeth instead of or in addition to cleaning teeth. As used herein, the term "tooth engaging elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact.
  • tooth engaging elements include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations.
  • Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus.
  • the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness.
  • One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.
  • the tooth engaging elements 235 of the present invention can be connected to the head 230 in any manner known in the art.
  • staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engaging elements.
  • AFT anchor free tufting
  • a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding.
  • the bristles extend through the plate or membrane.
  • the free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function.
  • the ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place.
  • Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention.
  • the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
  • the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are non-unitary separate structures that are specially designed to be detachably coupled together when in an assembled state (referred to herein as a storage state) and completely isolated and separated from one another when in a disassembled state (referred to herein as an application state).
  • the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are illustrated in the storage state in FIGS. 1-2 and in the application state in FIG. 3 .
  • the dispenser 300 can be slidably manipulated and altered between the storage state ( FIGS. 1-2 ) in which the dispenser 300 is located (or docked) in the toothbrush handle 210 and the application state ( FIG. 3 ) in which the dispenser 300 is removed from the handle 210 by the user as desired.
  • the toothbrush 200 comprises an internal cavity 280 in which the dispenser 300 can be inserted (i.e., slid) to effectuate a detachable coupling between the dispenser 300 and the toothbrush 200.
  • the cavity 280 if formed by the inner surface 240 of the toothbrush 200 and extends along the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush 200 from an opening 215 to a transverse end wall 281.
  • the opening 215 forms a passageway into the cavity 280 through which the dispenser 300 can be axially translated.
  • a plug 282 extends axially from the transverse end wall 281.
  • the plug 282 is integrally formed with the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the plug 282 may be a separate component and/or formed of a different material.
  • the plug 282 is provided as a means to seal a dispensing orifice 318 of the dispenser 300 when the dispenser 300 is in the storage state to prevent the fluid from leaking and/or drying out (see FIG. 6 ).
  • the cavity 280 has generally circular transverse-cross sectional profile.
  • the invention is not so limited and in other embodiments, the cavity 280 may have non-circular transverse cross-sectional profiles as desired.
  • the opening 215, which is defined by the proximal edge 251 of the toothbrush 200 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile in the exemplified embodiment.
  • the opening 215 may have non-circular transverse cross-sectional profiles as desired.
  • the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 has a center point C 1 and a diameter D 1 .
  • the size and/or shape of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 is selected to cooperate with the transverse cross-sectional profiles of the dispenser 300 and detachable cap 700 so that: (1) the dispenser 300 can be inserted into the cavity 280 when the cap 700 is detached from the dispenser 300; and (2) the dispenser 300 can not be inserted into the cavity 280 when the cap 700 is coupled to the dispenser 300. This will be described in greater detail below.
  • the dispenser 300 is an elongated tubular pen-like structure that extends along a longitudinal axis B-B.
  • the dispenser 300 generally comprises a housing 301, an applicator 302 located at a distal end 303 of the housing 301, and a rotatable actuator 304 located at a proximal end 305 of the housing 301.
  • the dispenser 300 is designed so as to be capable of being operated to dispense the fluid stored therein using a single hand.
  • the dispenser 300 is positioned in a user's hand so that the rotatable actuator 304 is lodged in the palm of the user's hand.
  • a rotatable actuator 304 is exemplified as the structural mechanism that is activated by the user to dispense the fluid from the dispenser's internal reservoir 317, it is to be understood that other fluid delivery mechanism can be utilized, including without limitation mechanical pumps, electrical pumps, compressible bladders, ratchets, syringe dispensers and/or combinations thereof. Unless specifically recited in a claim, the invention is not to be limited in any manner to the delivery mechanism of the dispenser 300.
  • the housing 301 is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity for the dispenser 300.
  • the housing 301 can be formed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. The chosen plastic(s), however, should be compatible with the oral care material that is to be stored within the dispenser 300 and should not be corroded or degraded by the oral care agents.
  • the housing 301 is exemplified as a single layer construction, in certain embodiments, the housing 301 may be a multilayer construction.
  • an inner layer can be formed from the hard plastic materials described immediately above while an outer layer can be formed of a soft resilient material, such as an elastomeric material.
  • Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomers
  • the elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A suitable range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness.
  • an over-molding construction is one suitable method of forming the outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to inner layer with an appropriate adhesive, sonic welding, or by other means.
  • the housing 301 is an elongated hollow tubular structure extending along the longitudinal axis B-B from the proximal end 305 to the distal end 303.
  • the housing 301 comprises a nozzle portion 371 to which the applicator 302 is coupled, a shoulder portion 372, and a barrel portion 373.
  • the shoulder portion 372 is the transition between the narrow nozzle portion 371 and the larger barrel portion 373.
  • the barrel portion 373 has a substantially constant transverse cross-sectional profile extending from the shoulder portion 372 to the distal end 312 of the housing 301.
  • the barrel portion 373 may have a tapered transverse cross-sectional profile.
  • the housing 301 may not contain a nozzle portion 371 but may merely comprise a barrel portion 373 along the entire length of the housing 301.
  • the housing 301 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile at both the nozzle portion 371 and the barrel portion 373 (shown in FIGS. 4-5 ).
  • the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing 301 can take on non-circular shapes as desired.
  • transverse cross-sectional profile of the shoulder portion 372 at its maximum size (which also corresponds to the transverse cross-sectional profile of the barrel portion 373 ) has a center point C 2 and a diameter D 2 (measured to an outer surface 314 of the housing 301 ).
  • the size and/or shape of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the shoulder portion 372 of the housing 301 is selected to cooperate with the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 so that the dispenser 300 can be inserted (i.e. slid) into the cavity 280 when the cap 700 is detached from the dispenser 300. This will be described in greater detail below.
  • the housing 301 comprises an outer surface 314 and an inner surface 315 that forms an elongated internal cavity 316. As discussed in greater detail below, when the dispenser 300 is fully assembled, the internal cavity 316 of the housing 301 acts as a reservoir 317.
  • the reservoir 317 contains the desired fluid or product, which can be any active or inactive oral care agent.
  • the oral care agent and/or its carrier may be in any form such as a solid or a flowable material including without limitation viscous pastes/gels or less viscous liquid compositions.
  • the fluid is a flowable material having a low viscosity in certain embodiments.
  • Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention.
  • the fluid can be an oral care agent that includes whitening agents, including without limitation, peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions. While a tooth whitening agent and a sensitivity agent are two of the exemplified active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral care agents can be used with embodiments of the present invention and, thus, stored within the reservoir 317.
  • Contemplated fluids can be oral care agents including active or non-active ingredients, including without limitation, antibacterial agents; oxidative or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents; anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum health actives; nutritional ingredients; tartar control or anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients; flavors or flavor ingredients; breath freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents; anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding agents; anti-inflammatory agents; dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activity of any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic ingredients; and combinations thereof.
  • the fluid in one embodiment is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the active agent is intended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition to merely brushing one's teeth.
  • Other suitable fluids could include lip balm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solid state.
  • a dispensing orifice 318 is provided in the distal end 303 of the housing 301 through which fluid stored in the reservoir 317 can be dispensed from the dispenser 300.
  • the dispensing orifice 318 is located in a transverse end wall at the distal end 303 of the housing 301 and extends through the applicator 302.
  • the dispensing orifice 318 can be located in other areas of the housing 301, such as on one of the longitudinal side walls.
  • a plurality of dispensing orifices 318 can be provided.
  • the plurality of dispensing orifices 318 can be provided in a generally circular configuration that may be used to facilitate the fluid being dispensed through the applicator 302.
  • the applicator 302 in the exemplified embodiment, is formed of a soft resilient material, such as an elastomeric material.
  • Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomers
  • the elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used.
  • a suitable range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness.
  • the applicator 302 may be constructed of bristles, a porous or sponge material, or a fibrillated material.
  • Suitable bristles include any common bristle material such as nylon or PBT.
  • the sponge-like materials can be of any common foam material such as urethane foams.
  • the fibrillated surfaces can be comprised of various thermoplastics. The invention, however, is not so limited and the applicator 302 can be any type of surface and/or configuration that can apply a viscous substance onto the hard surface of teeth, including merely an uncovered opening/orifice.
  • the exemplary applicator 302 comprises a tubular sidewall 359 and a transverse end wall 360.
  • An aperture 361 (which can be considered a portion of the dispensing orifice 318 ) is provided in the end wall 360 through which fluid from the reservoir 317 can be dispensed.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 protrudes axially from the proximal end 305 of the housing 301 so that a user can easily grip and rotate the actuator 304.
  • the actuator 304 comprises a dome portion 306 and an anti-rotation feature, which in the exemplified embodiment is in the form of two members 307A, 307B that extend axially from the dome portion 306 toward the distal end 303 of the housing 301 and overlie a portion of the outer surface 314 of the housing 301.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 is rotatable with respect to the housing 301 and also axially reciprocates along axis B-B during rotation.
  • the exemplified internal dispensing subsystem of the dispenser 300 generally comprises a reciprocator 308, an extension member 309, an elevator 310, and a collar 311.
  • the reciprocator 308 comprises the rotatable actuator 304, a resilient member 312 and a drive screw 313.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 is rotatably coupled to the housing 301.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 of the dispenser 300 can be rotated to dispense the fluid from the dispenser 300. More specifically, when the dispenser 300 is in the application state, the rotatable actuator 304 of the dispenser 300 can be rotated with respect to the housing 301 to dispense the fluid from the dispenser 300. As a result, the user can use the dispenser 300 to apply the fluid directly to the desired oral surface. However, when the dispenser 300 is in the storage state (as shown in FIGS. 1-2 ), it is desirable that the dispenser 300 be unable to dispense the fluid, which may occur due to inadvertent rotation of the rotatable actuator 304. Thus, the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are designed so that when the dispenser is in the storage state, the rotatable actuator 304 can not be rotated in a manner that would inadvertently dispense the fluid from the dispenser 300.
  • the dispenser 300 is illustrated in the storage state.
  • the dispenser 300 When in the storage state, the dispenser 300 is docked within the cavity 280 of the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200.
  • An interference fit between the outer surface 314 of the dispenser 300 and an inner surface 240 of the toothbrush 200 detachably couples the dispenser 300 to the toothbrush 200.
  • the dispenser 300 When the dispenser 300 is in the storage state, at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of the dispenser 300 is located within the internal cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the entirety of the housing 301 of the dispenser 300, including the applicator 302 are located within the cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200 when the dispenser 300 is in the storage state.
  • the plug 282 of the toothbrush extends through a portion of the dispensing orifice 318 and seals the dispensing orifice 318 of the dispenser 300 when the dispenser 300 is in the storage state.
  • the extension of the plug 282 through a portion of the dispensing orifice 318 may assist with coupling the dispenser 300 within the cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 of the dispenser 300 protrudes axially from the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200 when in the storage state In this manner, the rotatable actuator 304 of the dispenser 300 forms a longitudinal extension of the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the dome portion 306 of the rotatable actuator 304 continues the natural contour of the handle 210 and provides a rounded proximal end to the oral care system 100, thereby providing a look that aesthetically resembles a traditional manual toothbrush.
  • the rotatable actuator 304 can not be rotated relative to the toothbrush 200 (or relative to the housing 301 of the dispenser 300 ) due to a mechanical interference created between the anti-rotation feature of the rotatable actuator 304 and the anti-rotation feature of the toothbrush 200.
  • the anti-rotation feature of the rotatable actuator 304 comprises the two members 307A, 307B that extend from the dome portion 306 while the anti-rotation feature of the toothbrush 200 comprises two recesses 250A, 250B that are formed into a proximal edge 251 of the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the dispenser 300 is illustrated having a cap 700 detachably coupled thereto.
  • the cap 700 comprises a closed top end and an open bottom end.
  • the cap 700 also generally comprises a tubular portion 701 and a flanged portion 702 extending radially outward from a bottom end of the tubular portion 701.
  • the nozzle portion 371 of the housing 301 is located within the tubular portion 701 of the cap 700 while the flanged portion 702 overlies and abuts the shoulder portion 372 of the housing 301 of the dispenser 300.
  • the flanged portion 702 extends radially outward from the outer surface 703 of the tubular portion 701 and terminates at an annular flange edge 704.
  • the cap 700 is designed so that when the cap 700 is coupled to the dispenser 300, the flanged portion 702 protrudes radially beyond the shoulder portion 372 of the housing 301.
  • the flanged portion 702 of the cap 700 is exemplified as a continuous annular structure, the flange portion 702 could take on other forms.
  • the flanged portion 702 may take the form of a segmented flange or radially extending struts.
  • both the tubular portion 301 and the flanged portion 702 of the cap have generally circular transverse-cross sectional profiles.
  • the invention is not so limited and in other embodiments, the tubular portion 301 and/or the flanged portion 702 may have non-circular transverse cross-sectional profiles as desired.
  • the flanged portion 702 of the cap 700 has a center point C 3 and a diameter D 3 (measured to the flange edge 704 ).
  • the size and/or shape of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the flanged portion 702 is selected to cooperate with the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200 to prohibit the dispenser 300 from being fully inserted into the cavity 280 when the cap 700 is coupled to the dispenser 300.
  • the cap 700 is coupled to the dispenser 300 via a mechanical interference fit.
  • the cap 700 can be detachably coupled to the dispenser 300 in other ways, such as by a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, or the like.
  • the cap 700 seals the dispensing orifice 318 so that the fluid within the reservoir 317 does not leak or dry out prior to its initial use.
  • the cap 700 is provided with a plug 705 that extends axially from a bottom surface of the closed top end of the cap 700.
  • the plug 705 penetrates into and seals the dispensing orifice 318 of the dispenser 300.
  • the oral care system 100 it may be desirable to sell the oral care system 100 in an arrangement where the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are in an uncoupled state.
  • the cap 700 is no longer necessary because the dispenser 300 will be docked in the cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200 where the plug 282 of the toothbrush 200 will seal the dispensing orifice 318 during periods of non-use.
  • the customer will attempt to insert the dispenser 300 with the cap 700 still attached thereto into the cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the cap 700 is designed so that it can not pass through the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200.
  • the dispenser 300 will be prohibited from being fully inserted into the cavity 280 and into the storage state because the cap 700 would be obstructed from passing through the opening 215 (see FIGS. 11-12 ). More specifically, the flange portion 702 of the cap 700 will contact portions of the proximal edge 251 of the toothbrush 200 and be unable to pass through the opening 215.
  • the aforementioned safety feature can be achieved by relatively designing the geometries of the cap 700, the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200, and the housing 301 of the dispenser 300 so that the cap 700 can not be translated through the opening 215 while the housing 301 of the dispenser 300 can be translated through the opening 215.
  • the proximal edge 251 may include one or more recesses and the flange portion 702 may include one or more protuberances, such that the one or more protuberances may mate with the one or more recesses.
  • the recesses and the protuberances may help to prohibit the cap 700 from translating through opening 215.
  • the aforementioned safety feature can be achieved by proper design of the transverse cross-sectional profiles of the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200, the flange portion 702 of the cap 700, and the shoulder portion 372 (and/or the barrel portion 373 ) of the housing 301 of the dispenser 300.
  • the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200 is circular in shape, having a diameter D 1 and a center point C 1 .
  • the transverse cross-sectional profile of the flange portion 702 of the cap 700 is also circular but instead has a diameter D 3 and a center point C 3 .
  • the diameter D 3 is greater than the diameter D 1 .
  • the flange portion 702 of the cap 700 can not pass through the opening 215 of the toothbrush 200. Therefore, if the cap 700 remains coupled to the dispenser 300, the dispenser 300 will be prohibited from being fully inserted into the cavity 280 of the handle 210 and into the storage state (shown in FIG. 11-12 ).
  • the transverse cross-sectional profile of the shoulder portion 372 (and the barrel portion 373) is also circular and has a diameter D 2 and a center point C 2 .
  • the diameter D 2 is less than the diameter D 1 .
  • the aforementioned geometric principles can be applied to any shape (or shapes) that the transverse cross-sectional profiles of the opening 215, the cap 700, and the housing 301 may take on, whether or not the shapes are similar or dissimilar, and/or circular or non-circular.
  • the opening 215 has a transverse cross-sectional profile that is circular in shape and has a diameter D 1 and a center point C 1 .
  • the flange portion 702 (or another portion) of the cap 700 has transverse cross-sectional profile that is rectangular shape having a diagonal and a center point.
  • the flange portion 702 of the cap 700 should be designed so that the diagonal of its rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile is greater than the diameter D 1 of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215.
  • the diagonal is greater than the diameter D 1
  • the rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile of the flange portion 702 of the cap 700 will not fit entirely within the circular transverse cross-sectional profile of the opening 215 (the corners of the rectangle will lie outside of the perimeter of the circle).
  • the cap 700 will prohibit the dispenser 300 from being fully inserted into the cavity 280 of the toothbrush 200 while the cap 700 is coupled thereto.
  • similar calculations can performed for any and all geometries.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires comprenant :
    une brosse à dents (200) comportant une cavité (280) et un bouchon (282) dans la cavité (280) ;
    un distributeur (300) comprenant un réservoir (317) contenant un fluide et un orifice de distribution (318) ;
    un capuchon (700) couplé de manière détachable au distributeur (300) qui ferme de manière étanche l'orifice de distribution (318) ;
    caractérisé en ce que
    lorsque le capuchon (700) est couplé au distributeur (300), le capuchon (700) empêche le distributeur (300) d'être inséré entièrement dans la cavité (280) ; et
    dans lequel lorsque le capuchon (700) est détaché du distributeur (300), le distributeur (300) peut être entièrement inséré dans la cavité (280) de sorte que le bouchon (282) pénètre dans l'orifice de distribution (318) pour le fermer de manière étanche, et
    le distributeur (300) est couplé de manière détachable à la brosse à dents (200).
  2. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la cavité (280) est placée dans une poignée (210) de la brosse à dents (200) et s'étend le long d'un axe longitudinal de la poignée (210).
  3. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la brosse à dents (200) comprend une ouverture (215) placée au niveau d'une extrémité proximale (212) de la poignée (210) qui forme une voie de passage dans la cavité (280), dans laquelle le capuchon (700) comprend une partie ayant un profil en coupe transversale qui ne peut pas s'ajuster à travers le profil en coupe transversale de l'ouverture (215).
  4. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel la brosse à dents (200) comprend une ouverture (215) formant une voie de passage dans la cavité (280), le capuchon (700) comprenant une partie tubulaire (701) et une partie de rebord (702), et dans laquelle la partie de rebord (72) ne peut pas s'ajuster à travers l'ouverture (215).
  5. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le distributeur (300) comprend un logement (301) comportant le réservoir (317), le logement (301) comprenant une partie de buse (371) et une partie d'épaulement (372), la partie de buse (371) placée à l'intérieur de la partie tubulaire (701) du capuchon (700) et la partie de rebord (702) du capuchon (700) faisant saillie radialement au-delà de la partie d'épaulement (272) du distributeur (300) lorsque le capuchon (700) est couplé au distributeur (300).
  6. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le capuchon (700) comprend une partie de rebord (702) et le distributeur (300) comprend une partie d'épaulement (372), la partie de rebord (702) du capuchon (300) faisant saillie radialement au-delà de la partie d'épaulement (372) du distributeur (300) lorsque le capuchon (700) est couplé au distributeur (300).
  7. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel le distributeur (300) comprend un logement (301), un applicateur (302) placé au niveau d'une extrémité distale (312) du logement (300) et couplé de manière fluidique à l'orifice de distribution (318), et un actionneur (304) destiné à distribuer le liquide du réservoir (317) à l'applicateur (302).
  8. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel la brosse à dents (200) comprend une ouverture (215) formant une voie de passage dans la cavité (280), l'ouverture (215) ayant un premier profil en coupe transversale, le capuchon (700) comportant une partie ayant un deuxième profil en coupe transversale qui ne s'ajuste pas entièrement à l'intérieur du premier profil en coupe transversale, et le distributeur (300) comportant un logement (301) ayant un troisième profil en coupe transversale qui s'ajuste entièrement à l'intérieur du premier profil en coupe transversale.
  9. Système (100) de soins bucco-dentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel le bouchon (282) s'étend axialement à partir d'une paroi d'extrémité transversale (281) de la cavité (280).
EP15151510.3A 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soin buccal Not-in-force EP2896316B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2009/069408 WO2011078864A1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2009-12-23 Système de soins buccaux
PCT/US2009/069402 WO2011078863A1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2009-12-23 Système de soins buccaux
US41051410P 2010-11-05 2010-11-05
US42341410P 2010-12-15 2010-12-15
US42344910P 2010-12-15 2010-12-15
US42339710P 2010-12-15 2010-12-15
US42343510P 2010-12-15 2010-12-15
EP10801318.6A EP2515705B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système d'hygiène bucco-dentaire

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10801318.6A Division-Into EP2515705B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système d'hygiène bucco-dentaire
EP10801318.6A Division EP2515705B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système d'hygiène bucco-dentaire

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2896316A1 EP2896316A1 (fr) 2015-07-22
EP2896316B1 true EP2896316B1 (fr) 2016-11-23

Family

ID=49553546

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13183339.4A Not-in-force EP2687126B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soins buccaux
EP13184064.7A Not-in-force EP2674063B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soins buccaux et procédé d'utilisation d'un système de soin buccaux
EP15151510.3A Not-in-force EP2896316B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soin buccal

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13183339.4A Not-in-force EP2687126B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soins buccaux
EP13184064.7A Not-in-force EP2674063B1 (fr) 2009-12-23 2010-12-16 Système de soins buccaux et procédé d'utilisation d'un système de soin buccaux

Country Status (2)

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EP (3) EP2687126B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2848589A1 (fr)

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NO146799L (fr) * 1976-06-08 1900-01-01
GB2103293B (en) 1981-07-21 1985-03-06 Oreal Dosage dispenser device
FR2597734B1 (fr) * 1986-04-24 1991-03-22 Lelievre Thierry Distributeur doseur pour produits pateux, notamment dentifrice, ainsi que les brosses a dents equipees d'un tel distributeur
US4826341A (en) * 1987-09-28 1989-05-02 Kyu Ho Kwak Valve means for toothbrush containing toothpaste dispenser therein
GB2234164A (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-01-30 Lim Seng Hock Toothbrush with toothpaste dispenser
DE4021697A1 (de) * 1990-03-09 1991-09-12 Hertrampf Michael Spender fuer fluessiges oder pastoeses gut
GB2304033A (en) * 1995-08-12 1997-03-12 Dean Russell Lees Toothbrush
DE19729516C2 (de) * 1997-07-10 1999-04-22 Georg Wiegner Pumpe zum dosierten Austragen von flüssigen, gelartigen oder viskosen Substanzen
FR2778829B1 (fr) * 1998-05-22 2000-07-28 Francois Darne Brosse a dents a reservoir
DE10337062A1 (de) * 2003-08-12 2005-03-03 Trisa Holding Ag Zahnbürste mit Zahnbürstenkörper und Zahnpastabehälter
CA2510499A1 (fr) * 2004-06-24 2005-12-24 Rimas Blauzdys Brosse a dents et distributrice de dentifrice integrees
US20070086831A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-19 Wold Truman C Active Pump Toothbrush
US20070267436A1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. Container and a cap having simultaneous sealing of two orifices

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2687126B1 (fr) 2018-05-23
EP2687126A3 (fr) 2015-04-29
EP2687126A2 (fr) 2014-01-22
CA2848589A1 (fr) 2011-06-30
EP2674063A3 (fr) 2015-04-29
EP2674063A2 (fr) 2013-12-18
EP2896316A1 (fr) 2015-07-22
EP2674063B1 (fr) 2017-09-27

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