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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
  • A46B15/0095—Brushes with a feature for storage after use
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
  • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
  • A46B5/0033—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions bending or stretching or collapsing
  • A46B5/0041—Mechanical joint or hinge, made up of several components
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A46—BRUSHWARE
  • A46B—BRUSHES
  • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
  • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
  • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
  • A46B5/0075—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being adjustable and stable during use
• • 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

Definitions

• the present: invention relates generally to an oral care system, and specifically to an oral care system including a toothbrush and at least one dispenser that are coupled to a housing.
• Oral care products or agents are applied in different ways.
• a common technique used for tooth whitening products is to cast an impression of a person's teeth and provide a tray of the shape of this impression.
• tray-based systems are suitable, many people do not use them due to the fact that they tend to be uncomfortable and or awkward.
• a user 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.
• these tray-based systems are not con veniently 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.
• Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient, compact, and portable oral care system that combines an oral care implement such as a toothbrush with an oral care product or agent dispenser in highly portable housing.
• an oral care implement such as a toothbrush
• an oral care product or agent dispenser in highly portable housing.
• Such embodiments are especially suited for easy transport and/or travel.
• the invention can be an oral care system comprising: a housing comprising a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface; a through-slot extending through the housing from the first side surface to the second side surface and having an open top end; an elongated member rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a rotational axis, the elongated member comprising a first portion located on a first side of the rotational axis and a second portion located on a second side of the rotational axis; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the first portion of the elongated member; a dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongated member through which an oral care material stored in the elongated member can be dispensed; and the elongated member rotatabie about the rotational axis between: (1) a first state in which the first portion of the elongated member protrudes from the housing while the second portion of the elongated member
• the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a through-slot extending through the handle; an elongated member rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a rotational axis, the elongated member comprising: a toothbrush head located on a first side of the rotational axis; and a dispenser comprising a store of oral care material located on a second side of the rotational axis; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the toothbrush head; the elongated member rotatabie about the rotational axis between: (1 ) a first state in which the toothbrush head protrudes from the handle while the dispenser is nested within the through-slot; and (2) a second state in which the dispenser protrudes from the housing while the toothbrush head is nested within the through-slot.
• the invention can be an ora care system comprising; a housing; a member rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a rotational axis; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the member; a dispensing orifice in the member through which an oral care material stored in the elongated member can be dispensed; and the elongated member rotatabie about the rotational axis, the member is an integral construction.
• the invention can be an oral care system comprising: a housing comprising first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface; a through-slot extending through the housing .from the first side surface to the second side surface and having a open top end; a member rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a rotational axis, the member comprising a first portion located on a first side of the rotational axis, a second portion located on a second side of the rotational axis, and a third portion located on a third side of the rotational axis; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the first portion of the elongated member; a first dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongated niember through which a first oral care material stored in the second portion can be dispensed; and a second dispensing orifice in the third portion of the elongated member through which a second oral care material stored in the third portion ca be
• Figure 1 A. is a front view of an oral care system according to one embodiment of the present invention including an elongated member rotatably coupled to a noosing and having a first portion of the elongated member protrude from the housing, wherein the arrows indicate the direction of rotation of the elongated niember;
• Figure I B is a front view of the oral care system of FIG. LA wherein the elongated member has been rotated so that a second portion of the elongated member protrudes from the housing;
• Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the oral care system taken along line 11-11 of FIG, 1 A;
• Figure 3 is a close-up view of area ill of FIG. 2;
• jOOlSj Figure 4A is a cross- sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA of FIG. 1 A in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a mechanism for locking the elongated member in place when the first portion of the elongated member protrudes from the housing;
• Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1VB-S VB of FIG. I B in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a .mechanism for locking the elongated member in place when the second portion of the elongated member protrudes from the housing,
• Figure 5 A is a front view of an oral care svsiem according to another embodiment of the present inventioa wherei the elongated member comprises a first portion configured as a toothbrush, a second portion configured as a first dispenser, and a third portion configured as a second dispenser, and wherein the elongated member is in a first state:
• Figure SB is a front view of the oral care system of FIG. 5A wherein the elongated member has been rotated to a second state;
• Figure 5C is a front view of the oral care system of FIG. 5A wherem the elongated member has been rotated to a third state
• Embodiments of the oral care system include a dispenser that may include, without limitation, one or more of the following oral care fluids: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti- attachment, fluoride, tartar control protection, flavorant, sensate, colorant and others.
• a dispenser may include, without limitation, one or more of the following oral care 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 oral care fluid and the invention is expressly not limited to any particular oral care system or fluid alone.
• a more detailed, although still non-exhaustive, listing of possible oral care materials that may be stored in the dispenser of the present invention and utilized with the oral care system will be provided below.
• the oral care system 100 is a compact readily portable self-contained user-friendly system that comprises ail of the necessary components and chemistries for a user to perform a desired oral care treatment routine.
• the oral care system 100 in one exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a housing having a toothbrush and a dispenser that are pivotably or rotatabiy coupled thereto.
• the oral care system 100 is portable for travel, easy to use, and reduces the amount of required storage space. Furthermore, since the toothbrush and dispenser are housed together, the user is less likely to misplace the dispenser and will be more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser since brushing will remind the user to simply detach and apply the contents of the dispenser.
• the oral care system 100 generally comprises a housing 1. 10 and an elongated member 1 20 rotatabiy coupled to the housing 1 10.
• the elongated member 120 is rotatabiy coupled to the housing 1 10 for rotation about a rotational axis A- A.
• the elongated member 120 comprises a first portion 121 located on a first side of the rotational axis A -A and a second portion 522 located on a second side of the rotational axis A- A.
• the second side of the rotational axis A- A at which the second portion 122 is located is opposite the first side of the rotational axis A ⁇ A at which the first portion 1 2 1.
• the first and second portions 121 , 122 extend from the rotational axis A- A at 180° (angular) apart from one another, thereby formin a substantially linear structure.
• the first and second portions 1.21, 122 extend from the rotational axis A-A at otlier angular offsets, suc as less than 180 including 90* or 1.20° apart.
• the second side of the rotational axis A-A at which the second portion 122 is located is not opposite from the first side of the rotational axis A-A at which the first portion .121.
• the elongated member 120 may comprise more than two portions extending from the rotational axis A-A.
• the elongated member 120 comprises various components that assist a user in oral care as will be discussed in detail below.
• the housing 1.10 provides a mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the oral care system 100 during use.
• the housing 1 10 can take on various shapes, sizes and configurations other than those illustrated to enhance the comfort and gripabiSity of the housing 1 10 to a user during use o f the oral care system 1.00.
• the first and second portions 123 , 122 of the elongated member 120 are integrally connected so that rotation of one of the first or second portions 121. 122 of the elongated member 120 about the rotational axis A-A results in corresponding rotation of the other one of the first or second portions 121 , 122 of the elongated member 120 about the rotational axis A-A,
• the elongated member 120 ma be formed as a one-piece structure that includes both the first and second portions 121 , 122,
• the first and second portions 12.1 , 122 of the elongated member 120 can be separatel formed and connected at a later stage in the manufacturing process. Regardless of the formation of the elongated member, the first and second portions 121 , 1.22 of the elongated member 20 are integrally connected together and rotate together.
• each of the first and second portions I2L 322 of the elongated member are applied to a user's oral cavity separately to achieve separate oral care benefits.
• each of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated member can be applied to a user's oral cavit sequentially so that a combined oral care benefit can be achieved.
• the elongated member 120 may alternatively or addiiionany rotate in an opposite rotational direction to that depicted by the arrows in FIG. 1 A .
• the housing 3 10 is formed of a rigid, plastic material, such as or example without limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
• the elongated member 120 is also formed of one of the rigid plastic materials noted above.
• the invention is not to be so limited in ail. embodiments and in certain other embodiments the housing 3 10 and.br the elongated member .120 can be formed of other materials.
• the housing 1 10 and portions of the elongated member 120 may be overmolded with a soft, resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, to provide comfort to a user when gripping the housing 1 10 during use of the oral care system 1 0 to clean and or sanitize a user's oral cavity.
• a soft, resilient material such as a thermoplastic elastomer
• the first portio 121 of the elonga ted member 120 forms a toothbrush device that can be used by a user to brush and/or scrub his or her teeth.
• the first portion 1.21 of the elongated member forms a neck 126 and a head 127 of the toothbrush device while the housing 1 30 forms a handle of the toothbrush device.
• the head 127 of the first portion 321 of the elongated member 1.20 has a first surface 123 and an opposing second surface 124.
• a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 125 extend from the first surface 123 of the head 327 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120.
• the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 has a terminal end 128, and the plurality of toot cleaning elements 125 are located adjacent to the terminal end 128 of the first portion 123 of the elongated member 320.
• The exact structure, pattern, orientation and material of the tooth cleaning elements 125 is not to be limiting of the present invention unless so speci fied in the claims.
• the term "tooth cleaning 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.
• tooth cleaning elements include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, eiastomenc protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containina such materials or combinations.
• Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suiiabie for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness.
• SEBS styrene-ethylene3 ⁇ 4utylene-siyrene block copolymer
• the tooth cleaning elements 125 of the present invention can be connected to the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 in any manner known in the art.
• staples/anchors, tn-mold tufting (IMF) 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 membran 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 o below the tuft block.
• the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 may also include a soft tissue cleanser coupled to or positioned on its second surface 124.
• a soft tissue cleanser that may be used with the presen invention and positioned on the second surface 124 of the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 1.20 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,143,462, issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of the present application, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• the soft tissue cleanser may include protuberances, which can take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof.
• the invention is not to be so limited and in certain embodiments the head 127 of the first portion 121 of tie elongated member 120 may not include any soft tissue cleanser.
• An oral care material 140 is stored in the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a terminal end
• a dispensing orifice 132 is formed into the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120.
• the dispensing orifice 132 provides an opening in the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 through which the oral care material 140 contained within the second portion 122 of the elongated member can be dispensed.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 forms a dispenser 130 for containing a store of ihe oral care material 140.
• the dispenser 130 is an elongated structure having an inner surface 14.1 that defines a hollow interior cavity 142 for storing the oral care material 140 therein.
• the dispenser 130 may be retillable so that a user can refill the oral care materiai 140 into the dispenser 130 after depletion thereof.
• the entire oral care system 100 will be replaced.
• the amount of the oral care material 140 may be indicative of the life-cycle of the tooth cleaning elements 125 (i.e.. the oral care material 140 may last, for three months when used regularly, which is the time period recommended for replacement of a toothbrush).
• the dispenser 130 comprises an elongated body portion 133 and an applicator 134.
• the elongated body portion 133 may be formed of a compressible material so that, the oral care material 1.40 contained therein, can be dispensed.
• the invention is not to be so limited and other techniques for dispensing the oral care material 130 from the dispenser 130 can be used, such as for example a threaded screw coupled to an elevator platform, a mechanical, electrical or electromechanical pump, or the like..
• the dispensing orifice 132 is formed into the applicator 134 of the dispenser 130.
• the applicator 134 may be formed of an eSastoraeric material to provide comfort when applying the oral care material directly onto a user's teeth and/or oral surfaces from the dispenser 130. Specifically, when dispensing the oral care material 140 directly onto a tooth, the applicator 134 can be made to contact the toot directly to ensure that the oral care material 140 is adequately and sufficiently applied onto the tooth surface. Forming the applicator 134 out of an elastomerie material makes this direct dispensing process more comfortable for a user.
• the applicator 134 may be formed of other materials, including bristles, a porous or sponge material, or a fibri Hated material. Furthermore, in still other embodiments the applicator 134 may be omitted and the dispensing orifice 132 can be formed directly into the dispenser 130 for dispensing the oral care material 1.40 contained therein.
• he elongated member 120 further comprises a cap 139 detachably coupled to the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120.
• the cap 139 is detachably coupled to the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 to enclose the dispensing orifice 132 and prevent accidental dispensing of the oral care materia! 140 from the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 from occurring.
• the cap 139 may include a sealing member that protrudes into the dispensing orifice 132 to perform the seal.
• the cap 139 merely covers a portion of or the entirety of the applicator 134 to prevent leakage of the oral care mater ial 140 stored therein.
• a second cap may be provided to be detachably coupled to the first portion 121. of the elongated member 120 so as to provide protection to the tooth cleaning elements 125 extending therefrom, j ⁇ 038
• the housing 1 10 forms a handle for applying the oral care material contained within the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120.
• the housing 1 10 is used as the handle both when the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 is used to c lean a user's teeth and/or oral cavity and when the second portion 122 of the elongated member is used to apply the oral care material 140 onto a user's teeth and/or oral, cavity.
• the housing 1 10 can be shaped in any desired ergonomic fashion to achieve a comfortable gripping surface for a user.
• the elongated member 120 comprises both tooth cleaning elements 125 extending therefrom and the oral care material 140 stored therein for use in an oral care regimen.
• the oral care system 100 functions as a stand-alone device for oral care that can achieve both tooth and oral surface cleaning as well as other benefits achieved through use of the oral care material 140 as will be discussed in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the oral care system 100 may merely be considered a toothbrush wherei the housing 1 1 forms the handle of the toothbrush and the elongated member 120 comprises a toothbrush head having tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom and a dispenser containing an oral care material.
• the housing 10 comprises a first side surface 1 1 1 and a second side surface 1 1.2 opposite the first side surface 111.
• a through-slot 1 15 extends through the housing 1 10 from the first side surface 1 11 to the second side surface J 12.
• each of the first and second side surfaces 1 I I , 1 12 comprises an opening that provides access to the through-slot 1 15.
• the through- slot 1 .15 provides a passageway for the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated member 120 to pass through the housing 1 10 when the elongated member .120 is rotated about the rotational axis A-A.
• the through-slot 1 15 enables the elongated member 120 to alternate between having the first portion 121 protruding from the housing 1 30 and having the second portion 122 protruding from the housing 1 10 and enables a full 360° rotation of the elongated member 120 about the rotational axi A-A.
• the oral care system 100 comprises a pin 1 17 upon which the elongated member 120 rotates.
• the pin 1 .17 is an elongated cylindrical shaped pin that extends along the rotational axis A-A.
• the pin 1 17 extends through a through-hole 18 formed into the elongated member 120.
• the distance from the pin 1 17 and the rotational axis A-A to the terminal end 128 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 is substantially equal t the distance from the pin 117 and the rotational axis A-A to the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120, Furthermore, although the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is illustrated as being the end of the applicator 134, in certain embodiments the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 can be the end of the cap 139. This ensures that bot the first and second portions 32 L 122 of the elongated member 120 fit within the through-slot 1 15 of the housing 1 10.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 has an outer surface 129. Furthermore, the housing 110 has an inner surface 1 13 that defines the through-slot .1 15. In the exemplified embodiment; when the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is nested within the through-slot: 1 15 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer surface 129 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is in surface contact with the inner surface 1 13 of the housing i 10, Thus, the width of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 at the outer surface .129 is substantially equal to the width of the inner surface 13 of the housing i 10 that defines the through-slot 1 5.
• Such a structural arrangement and relative sizing of the components ensures that when the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is located within the through-slot 1 15, it will not rotate out of the through- slot 1. 5 without a user applying a force to rotate the elongated member 120,
• the first portion 121 of the elongated member 20 has an outer surface 139 at the head portion 127 thai is substantially equal in width to the outer surface .129 of the second portion 1.22 of the elongated member 120.
• the elongated member 120 is prevented from rotation without some user assistance.
• the outer surfaces 139, 129 of the first and second port ions 121 , 122 of the el ongated member 120 rub against the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 10 to form an interference fit therebetween in order to maintain the elongated member 120 in a particular state of rotation (i.e., in the first state with the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 protruding from the housing 1 1 , or in the second state with the second portion 122 of the elongated member 1.20 protruding from the housing).
• the fit between the outer surfaces 1.39, 129 of the first and second portions 1.21, 122 of the elongated member 120 and the inner surface 113 of the housing I K ) is not so tight as to prevent rotation, but merel to prevent undesired and continuous rotation of the elongated member 120 without the user applying a force on the elongated member 120 or otherwise purposely rotating the elongated member .120.
• the widths at the outer surfaces 139, 1:29 of the first and second portions 121 , .122 of the elongated member 120 may be smaller than the width of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 that defines the through-slot 1 .15 to ensure that the rotation of the elongated member 120 is not retarded or prevented.
• the oral care system 100 includes a locking element 180 that is biased into a locking position when one of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongated member 120 is located within the through- lot to prevent rotation of the elongated member .120 without a user disengaging the locking element 180, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
• other locking systems can be used to prevent rotation of the elongated member J 20 when such rotation is undesirable, examples of which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS, 4.4 and 4B.
• the through-slot 1 15 further comprises an open top end 1 16 which further enables the first and/or second portions 121 , 122 of the elongated member 120 to protmde from the housing ⁇ 0 and further facilitates rotational movement of the elongated member 120 relative to the housing 1 10,
• the elongated, member 120 is rotatable about the rotational axis A-A betwee a first state, as illustrated in FIG.
• the tooth cleaning elements 125 can be used to brush and/or otherwise clean a user's teeth and oral surfaces while the housing 1 10 protects the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 and keeps the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 out of the user's way so as not to interfere with the tooth brushing.
• the oral care material 140 can be dispensed into a user's oral cavity to provide various benefits to the user while the housing 1 1.0 protects the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 and the tooth cleaning elements 125 against damage and keeps the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 out of the user's way so as not to interfere with the oral care material 140 dispensing.
• the oral care system 100 in the second state illustrated in FIG. B durin periods of non-use.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises the cap 139 for protecting the applicator 134 and preventing leakage of the oral care material 1.40 stored therein.
• the tooth, cleaning elements 125 are not protected against damage when the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 protrudes from the housing 1 10,
• the oral care system 100 can be stored with either of the first or second portions 1.21, 122 of the elongated member 1.20 protruding from the housing 1 10 as desired.
• the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 comprises a first recess 146.
• the second portion 1 2 of the elongated member 120 comprises a second recess 147.
• each of the first and second recesses 146, 147 are illustrated as being square-shaped recesses. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the shape and relative size of the recesses 146, 147 is not to be limiting of the invention in ail embodiments.
• Each of the first and second recesses 146, 147 is a divot or indentation formed into the first and second portions 121. 122 of the elongated member, respectively.
• a portion of the locking element 180 fits into the first and second, recesses 146, 147 to prevent rotation of the elongated member 120.
• the first recess 146 is located a first distance Dj from the rotational axis A-A.
• the second recess 1 7 is located a second distance ⁇ 3 ⁇ 4 from the rotational axis A-A. Furthermore, the second distance D2 is the same or substantially equal to the first distance Dt.
• the first and second recesses 146, 147 provide a region on the first and second portions 121 , 1.22 of the elongated member 120 for the locking element 1.80 to engage the first and second portions 1 2 1 , 122 of the elongated member 120 to prevent rotatio of the elongated member 120 when such rotation is undesirable, such as during use and storage of the oral care system 100.
• the locking mechanism 1.80 is able to engage both of the recesses 146, 147 independently depending upon which of the first or second portions 121. 122 of the elongated member 120 is located within the through-slot 1 15 of the housing 1 10.
• the first portion 121 has a first length L ; measured from the rotational axis A-A to the distal end 128 while the second portion 122 has second length L? measured from the rotational axis A-A to the distal end 151 (FIG, ⁇ A),
• the first and second lengths h ⁇ , L2 are substantially equal to one another, in another embodiment, the first and second lengths Lj, I..2 may not be equal.
• the first length Lj is greater than the second length L2.
• the second length L2 is greater than the first length Lj.
• the locking element 180 will be described in mote detail.
• the locking element I SO is used for maintaining the elongated member 120 in the first state or the second state described above. Specifically, the locking element 180 prevents rotation of the elongated member 120 by engaging the recesses 146, 147 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated member 120.
• the locking element 180 generally comprises a latch portion 181 and a biasing element 182.
• an actuator 183 is operably coupled to the locking element 180 to alter the locking element 180 between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the embodiment exemplified in FIGS.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is nested within the through-slot 1 15 of the housing 1 10 and the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 protrudes from the housing 110.
• the locking element 180 engages the recess 147 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120. More specifically, the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 protrudes into the recess 147 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 to prevent the elongated member 120 from rotating about the rotational axis A-A.
• the locking element 180 is biased into the locked state, illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the locking element 180, and specifically the latch portio 181 of the locking element 180 engages the elongated member 120 to prevent relative rotation between die elongated member 120 and the housing 1 10. More specifically, the latch portion 181 of the locking element ISO protrudes into the recess 146, 147 of either the first or second portion 1.2.1 , 122 of the elongated member 120, depending upon which one of the first or second portions 121 , 122 of the elongated member 120 are located within the through-slot 1 15.
• the latch portion 181 of the Socking element 180 nests within the first recess 146 of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 to prevent rotation of the elongated member 120.
• the latch portion 1.81 of the locking element ISO nests within the second recess 1.47 of the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 to prevent rotation of the elongated member 120.
• the biasing element 182 is a torsion spring.
• the biasing element 1.82 can be a compression spring, a tension spring, a barrel spring, an extension spring, a coil spring, a drawbar spring, a magazine spring, a spring pin, a cotter pin, spring washers, wave springs or any other type of element capable of biasing the locking element 180 into the locked state as illustrated.
• the locking element I SO is alterable between the locked state discussed above and an unlocked state in which the locking element. 180 disengages the elongated member 120 to allow relative rotation between the elongated member 320 and the housing MO. Specifically, by actuating the actuator 183, the latch portion 18! of the locking element 180 is removed f om the first or second recess 146, 147 of the first or second portion 1.21, 122 of the elongated member 120, respectively. When the latch portion 181 of the locking element SO is removed from the first or second recess 146. 147. the locking member 180 is in the unlocked state.
• the actuator 183 must be actuated with enough force to overcome the bias of the biasing element 1.82 in order to pull the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 out of the first or second recess 146, 147. Upon removing the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 out of the first or second recess 146, 147, the locking element 180 is in the unlocked state and relative rotation between the elongated member 120 and the housing 1 1 is enabled.
• the locking element 380 is in the locked state by having the latch portion 181 of the locking element 380 protrude into the first recess 346.
• the recesses 146, 347 may be omitted and the lock state can be achieved by the locking element 1.80 engaging the outer surface of the elongated member 120 with enough force to prevent rotation thereof relative to the housing 1 10.
• the locking element 1.80 ca be altogether omitted.
• the interference fit or contact between the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 and the outer surfaces 139, 129 of the first and second portions 121 , 122 of the elongated member 120 can be used to maintain the elongated member 120 in the first and/or second states and prevent rotation of the elongated member ⁇ 20 relative to the housing ⁇ 0.
• relative rotation between the elongated member 120 and the housing 1 10 can be prevented by other mechanisms, including for example without limitation a set screw, a slide lock, a .magnetic lock, a twist-lock, a button-type lock, an electronic lock, a pin lock or the like.
• the component that engages the elongated member 120 will be considered the locking element.
• the transverse cross-sectional profiles of the first and second portions 121 , 122 of the elongated member 120 can be formed to maintam the elongated member 120 in the first and/or second states, thereby serving as a locking mechanism, as discussed below.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B concurrently, an alternative mechanism for maintaining the elongated member 120 in the first and/or second states will be described.
• the embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be utilized both with and without the locking elemen I SO discussed above.
• both the mechanism discussed below and the locking element 180 can be used in combinatio to maintain positioning of the elongated member 120 relative to the housing 1 30 and to prevent undesirable rotation of the eiongated member 120.
• either only the locking element 180 discussed above or only the alternative mechanism discussed below can be used.
• neither the locking element 180 nor the alternative mechanism discussed below are utilized and rotation of the elongated member 120 can be prevented simply by a user grippin the housing 1 10 and preventing the elongated member 120 from sliding out of the through-slot, or any other techniques discussed herein.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated membe 120 is illustrated nested within the through-slot. 1 15 of the housing 110.
• the elongated member 120 is in the first state (i.e., the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 is protruding from the housing 1 10 and the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is nested within the through-slot 1.15 of the housing .1 1.0).
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a transverse cross- sectional profile configured to matingiy engage the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 to maintain the elongated member 120 in the first state.
• the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 comprises a first pair of spaced apart protuberances 105 on a first side 101 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10.
• the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 1 also comprises a second pair of spaced apart protuberances 106 on a second side 102 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10. the second side 102 being opposite the first side 101.
• Each of the protuberances 1 5 on the first side 101 of the inner surface ⁇ 13 of the housing 1 10 is aligned with one of the protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10.
• a first socket 103 is formed between the pair of protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 110 and a second socket 1.04 is formed between the pair of protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing J 1.0.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a transverse cross-sectional profile configured to matingly engage the inner surface 1 1.3 of the housing 1 10. More specifically; the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a first protuberance 107 and a second protuberance 1 8.
• the first protuberance 107 nests within the first socket 103 and the second protuberance 10S nests within the second socket 104. fit this manner, the elongated member 120 is prevented from further rotation about the rotational axis A ⁇ A without a force being applied on the elongated member 120.
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 with the transverse cross-sectional profile described above, and forming the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 with the transverse cross-sectional profile described above creates a built-in locking mechanism that assists with maintaining the elongated member 120 in the first state.
• the elongated member 1.20 can be rotated by applying force on the elongated member 120 sufficient to disengage the protuberances 107, 108 of the second portion of the elongated member 1.20 from the sockets 103, 104 in the inner surface 1 13 of the housing n o.
• the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 is illustrated nested within the through-slot 1 15 of the housing 110.
• the elongated member 120 is in the second state (i.e., the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 is protruding from the housing 1 10 and the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 is nested within the through -slot 1 15 of the housing 1 10).
• the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 comprises a transverse cross-sectional profile configured to matingly engage the inner surface .1 13 of the housing 1 1.0 io maintai the elongated member 120 in. the first state.
• the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 comprises the first pair of spaced apart protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface ⁇ ⁇ 3 of the bousing 1 10.
• the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 110 also comprises the second pair of spaced apart protuberances 106 o the second s ide 102 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10, the second side .102 being opposite the first side 101.
• the first socket 103 is formed between the pair of protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 1.0
• the second socket 104 is formed between the pair of protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10.
• the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a transverse cross-sectional profile configured to matingly engage the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10. More specifically, the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 (i.e., the head 127 of the toothbrush device) comprises a first contoured side surface 175 and a second contoured side surface 176. When the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 rotates into the through- slot 1 15 of the housing 1 10, the first contoured side surface 175 nests within the first socket 103 and the second contoured side surface 176 nests within the second socket 104.
• the elongated member 120 is prevented from further rotation about, the rotational axis A-A without a force being applied on the elongated member 120.
• forming the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 with the transverse cross- ectional profile described above, and forming the inner surface 1 13 of the housing 1 10 with the transverse cross- sectional profile described above creates a built-in locking mechanism that assists with maintaining the elongated member 120 in the second state.
• the protuberances 107, 108 on the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 are located the same distance from the axis of rotation A-A as the first and second contoured side surfaces 175, 1.76 of the second portion .122 of the elongated member 120.
• the transverse cross-sectional profile of the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 that enables the first portion 12.1 of the elongated member 120 to engage the sockets 103, 104 and the transverse cross-sectional profile of the second portion 12 of the elongated member 122 that enables the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 to engage the sockets 103, 104 are located the same distance f om the axis of rotation A- A.
• the oral care system 100 generally comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a store of orai care material. While the invention is described herein with respect to th use of tooth cleaning elements as one of the two primary components, of the oral care system 100, it is to be understood that other alternative oral cleaning mechanisms (as alternatives to tooth cleaning elements) can be used within the scope of the invention, including powered or movable tooth cleaning elements, a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, a water pick, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, tooth engaging elements specially designed to increase the effect of the oral care material on the teeth or any otlier type of componem that is commonly used for oral care. Thus, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of oral cleaning mechanism unless a specific type of oral, cleaning mechanism is specified in the claims.
• the inventive system can be utilized for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the elongated member 120 with any oral care material, such as an oral care fluid that achieves a desired oral effect.
• the oral care materia! is preferably free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste as the oral care material is intended to augment not supplant the brushing regimen.
• the oral care material may he or may include toothpaste.
• the oral care materials and/or its medium can be selected to complement toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients,
• the oral care materials contained within the elongated member 120 may be a measured amount of a semi-viscous, yet fiowable, aesthetically pleasing, pleasant tasting oral care composition that is dosed or metered through the dispensing orifice and delivered directl into a user's oral cavity or onto the tooth cleaning elements.
• the oral care material can either be a fiowable liquid and/or a solid that is easily dispensed for consumer use.
• the fiowable liquids may include, without limitation, pastes, gels, rinses, foams, scrubbers, solids, liquids and/or aerosols under compressed air.
• the oral care materials can be used for a variety of oral care needs including but not limited to whitening, sensitivity, gum health, stain-removal, enamel strengthening, mouthrinse, breath spray, sanitizer solution for a toothbrush, a whole mouth care solutions.
• the oral care material may also include active ingredients typical of use in whole mouth oral care formulations.
• the oral care material may also contain sweeteners, particulates, and sensates capable of deli vering unique benefits to the consumer.
• the oral care material can be used as a stand-alone formulation.
• the composition has the capability and potential of containing and delivering active ingredients, such as Fluoride, Arginine, TricSosan, or the like, while further providing potential cleaning, stain-removal, whitening of the teeth surface with the incorporation of chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide, or polishing abrasives such as, for example, silica, dicaScium phosphate, precipitated calcium carbonate or the like.
• the composition also has the capability of delivering consumer perceivable visual signals via unique colorants, shapes, stripes, sparkles, extruded forms, etc. while further delivering consumer perceivable sensory signals delivered via unique flavors, sweeteners, sensates, or the like.
• the oral care materials include materials that provide oral health benefits to a. user upon contact with a user's oral cavity.
• the oral care materials are fluidic materials.
• the oral care materials include a mouthwash solution that cleans the oral surfaces when applied thereto and provides the user with breath freshening benefits
• the oral care materials include a tooth cleaning solution, such as a dentifrice.
• the oral care materials are not to be in any way limiting of the present invention and ma include fluids having active or inactive agents that deliver therapeutic, cosmetic, experiential and/or sensorial benefits to a consumer during a tooth, soft tissue, tongue or interdental cleaning regimen.
• the oral care material can.
• the oral care materials or at least one of the oral care materials is free of a dentifrice as the oral care fluid is intended to supplement traditional brushing of the teeth rather than supplant it
• the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 can include a first dispensing orifice and a second dispensing orifice.
• the first dispensing orifice is fluidly coupied to a first store of oral care material within the second portion 122 while the second dispensing orifice is fluidly coupied to a second store of oral care material within the second portion 122.
• the second portion 122 can be utilized to apply two different oral care materials, either concurrently or consecutively, in one such embodiment, the second portion 122 can include two separate hollow interior cavities 142 extending side-by-side, in which the first and second stores of oral care material are stored.
• these hollow interior cavities 142 would be fluidly coupled to the first and second dispensing orifices.
• a single dispensing orifice can be provided that is fluid coupled to both of the hollow interior cavities 142 so as to effectuate point- of-ttse mixing of the first and second oral care materials during dispensing through the dispensing orifice (or immediately prior thereto in a mixing chamber).
• an oral care system 100 A is illustrated according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• the oral care system 100 A is identical to the oral care system 100 discussed above with the exception that the elongated member comprises three portions instead of two.
• the elongated member comprises three portions instead of two.
• non-contradictor concepts described above for oral care system 1.00 are (or can be) incorporated into the oral care system 100 A.
• corresponding elements of oral cam system 100 and oral care system 1.00A will be given like reference numerals with the addition of the suffix "A.”
• the oral care system 1.00 A comprises a housing 1 1 OA and a member 120 A rotatably coupled to the housing 1 I OA.
• the housing 1 OA in the exemplified embodiment, is identical to the housing 100 discussed above. However, in other embodiments, the housing 1 1 OA can be widened to accommodate the two of the three portions 121 A, 1.22A, 223 of the member 120A mat are not being used .
• the member 120A is rotatably coupled to the housing I I A for rotation about a rotational axis X-X.
• the member 120 comprises a first portion 121 A located on a first side of the rotational axis X-X, a second portion 1.22A located on a second side of die rotational axis X ⁇ X, and a third portion 223A. located on a third side of the rotational axis X ⁇ X.
• the first, second and third portions 121 A, 1.22A, 223A are angu!ary equi-spaced from one another (i.e.. about 120*). In other embodiments, other angular spacing can be implemented.
• first portion 121 A is configured to be a toothbrush device in that a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 125A are mounted thereto.
• the second portion 122 A is configured to be a dispenser containing a store of an oral care material.
• the third portion 223A is also configured to be a dispenser containing a store of an oral care material.
• the oral care system 100 A comprises a toothbrush device and two different dispensers. If desired, different oral care materials can be included in each of the dispensers formed by the second and third portions 22 A, 223 A respectively.
• the structures and functioning of the dispenser of each the second and third portions 122A, 223A is otherwise identical to thai of the dispenser formed by the second portio 122 discussed above and, thus, requi es no further ex lanat n.

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• 2012
  • 2012-10-18 BR BR112015008787A patent/BR112015008787A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2012-10-18 CN CN201280076496.XA patent/CN104703510B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-10-18 US US14/434,320 patent/US20150265041A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-10-18 MX MX2015004880A patent/MX2015004880A/es unknown
  • 2012-10-18 EP EP12781233.7A patent/EP2900104A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2012-10-18 RU RU2015118181/12A patent/RU2597298C1/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2012-10-18 WO PCT/US2012/060768 patent/WO2014062182A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2012-10-18 AU AU2012392543A patent/AU2012392543B2/en not_active Ceased
• 2013
  • 2013-10-04 TW TW102135947A patent/TW201440687A/zh unknown

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