KR101161925B1 - Oral care implement having fluid delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

The oral care implement includes a head having a tooth cleaning element on one surface and a reservoir holding at least one active agent. The capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to dispense the active agent (s) to one or more outlets. According to one feature, a vibration generating device is provided that vibrates at least a portion of the instrument to enhance the function of the tooth cleaning element and the distribution of the active agent through capillary action. Various active agents may be administered for treatment, hygiene, and / or other benefits such as fresh breath and teeth whitening or the creation of hot and cold and bitterness.

Cleaning elements, bad breath, head, reservoir, capillary channel, bad breath, handle

Description

ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT HAVING FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an oral care implement having a capillary dispensing system for a fluid.

Oral care devices, particularly toothbrushes, are typically used by applying toothpaste to the bristles that follow the brushing areas of the oral cavity, such as teeth and tongue and / or gums. Some toothbrushes are equipped with a fluid reservoir and a system for dispensing auxiliary active agents such as whitening agents and breath freshening agents. There is a continuing need for other oral care devices for dispensing auxiliary actives.

The present invention relates to an oral care implement having a capillary dispensing system. Optionally, the oral care implement may have a head that holds a tooth cleaning element on its first surface.

In one embodiment, the oral care implement includes a reservoir containing at least one active agent. Various active agents can be administered for treatment, hygiene, and / or other benefits such as fresh breath, whitening teeth, or creating hot and cold and bitterness.

In another embodiment, the oral care device includes a capillary channel extending through at least a portion of the device to dispense the active agent to one or more outlets. In one embodiment, the outlet is disposed on a second surface of the head opposite to the first surface containing the tooth cleaning element.

In yet another embodiment, the oral care implement includes a head having a tooth cleaning element, a reservoir for storing a fluid having at least one active agent, and an overflow chamber. The reservoir and overflow chamber are separated by a partition. Capillary channels composed of porous material, ceramics, porous plastics, or a combination thereof are stretched through at least a portion of the device to dispense the active agent to one or more outlets.

In another embodiment, the oral care device includes a head having a tooth cleaning element, a reservoir having at least one active agent, a capillary channel extending through at least a portion of the device for dispensing the active agent to one or more outlets; And an exercise generator. In operation, the exercise generating device vibrates a portion of the instrument, such as the instrument or the head portion. Vibration enhances the function of the tooth cleaning element and facilitates the distribution of the active agent through the capillary channel, providing an enhanced cleaning action.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic view of a toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the toothbrush head shown in Figure 1;

3 is a rear perspective view of the toothbrush head shown in FIG. 1;

4-7 illustrate an embodiment of a capillary form that can be used in an oral care implement.

8 is an exploded perspective view of an oral care implement in accordance with one or more features of an exemplary embodiment.

9 is an enlarged perspective view of the head of the oral care implement of FIG. 8;

10 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 8 showing the tongue wash feature.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head of the oral care implement of FIG. 8, taken along line 4-4 of FIG.

12 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 8, showing at least one tooth cleaning form.

13 is a perspective view of an oral care implement, showing an exemplary tooth cleaning element.

1 shows a toothbrush having a handle 1 and a head 2 with one or more tooth cleaning elements such as bristles 6 and / or elastomeric cleaning elements 7 and the like. The reservoir 11 is provided for storing a medium containing the active agent. The medium usually takes the form of a fluid, but may also take other forms such as, for example, semisolids, doughs, gels and the like. The reservoir 11 may include a liquid storage tank 11a in fluid communication with the dispensing portion 11b. The capillary channel 14 extends generally in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush for dispensing the active agent from the reservoir 11 to the at least one outlet 15.

In one feature, the outlet 15 can be arranged on the surface of the head 2, which is opposite to the surface on which the tooth cleaning elements 6, 7 are retained. In another feature, the outlet 15 may be arranged in the bristle 6 and / or the elastomeric cleaning element 7. Optionally, a plurality of outlets may be provided on the surface of the head with the tooth cleaning element as well as in the opposite direction of the head, for example for dispensing the same active agent from a common supply or from a separate supply. It may be.

Channel 14 uses a capillary phenomenon to draw liquid from reservoir 11 to outlet 15. The outlet 15 may be formed of a nonwoven pad, a thin film, or any other structure capable of passing a medium contained in an active agent. Examples of materials that can be used for the outlet include porous plastics and other porous materials as described below with reference to capillary channel 14.

Capillary channel 14 generally has a capillary structure and is typically a porous material. Examples of suitable materials include fibrous materials, ceramics, porous plastics commercialized by Forex Technologies, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. One example of the fibrous material includes an acrylic material identified by model number C10010, commercialized by Teibou Hanbai Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan. Mixtures of porous and / or fibrous materials are provided having distribution ratios of large and small capillaries. The channel may be formed of a plurality of small capillaries or a single large capillary tube connected to each other.

The reservoir 11 may be formed of any suitable material and comprises reticulated foams that fall in the hydrophilic to hydrophobic range. Hydrophobic foams are used for non-aqueous liquids. An example of a reticulated foam is Bulpren S90 manufactured by Reticel (Veteren, Belgium). Bulpren S90 is a polyester based open cell polyurethane with an average of 90 pores per inch. Other embodiments of materials that can be used for the reservoir 11 include ceramics and porous plastics.

Non-limiting examples of capillary shapes that can be used are shown in FIGS. 4-7. The capillary device 10 includes a housing 20 that includes a reservoir 11 and an overflow chamber 25 for storing fluid 13. The reservoir 11 and the overflow chamber 25 are separated by the partition wall 21 or as described below with reference to FIG. 7, for example. The reservoir 11 may be an integral part of the housing 20 or may be a separate element connected to the housing. The inlet 22 allows air to flow freely into and out of the overflow chamber 25.

The partition 21 includes an opening 12 that is closed by the capillary channel 14. The channel 14 extends from the opening 12 to the outlet 15 and is in direct contact with the capillary reservoir 16. The average capillary capacity of the capillary reservoir 16 is less than the average capillary capacity of the channel 14. The capillary reservoir is disposed on the outer periphery of the capillary channel 14 but need not extend in all directions around the channel. Strict separation of the capillary reservoir 16 and the channel 14 is not necessary.

The capillary channel 14 may be pressed into the opening of the handle 1, or alternatively the handle 1 may be overmolded around the capillary channel 14. The capillary channel 14 provides a passageway through which air can enter the reservoir 11 which is otherwise closed. The fine capillary of the channel 14 delivers the fluid to the outlet 15. The large capillary tube allows air to enter the reservoir 11. In general, air can enter through at least the largest capillary in the channel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, when air expansion occurs in the reservoir 11, a portion of the fluid 13 in the reservoir 11 is typically capillary storage through the opening 12 and the channel 14. It will be transported to the fluid free portion of section 16. In other words, the capillary reservoir 16 receives excess fluid to prevent uncontrolled fluid leakage from the outlet 15 or from other parts of the instrument. Excess fluid in the capillary reservoir 16 will return to the reservoir 11 through the channel 14 when the pressure in the reservoir 11 has subsided. This process is repeated every time the air volume fluctuates inside the reservoir 11 by, for example, temperature fluctuations. As the fluid stored in the capillary reservoir 16 is always returned to the reservoir 11, the capillary reservoir will not always be filled with the capacity when there is air expansion. Thus, even if channel 14 is still wetted with fluid, air is at least in the region of opening 12 as long as there is fluid in the capillary of reservoir 16 that is larger than the largest pores of channel 14. The return of the fluid 13 to (11) cannot be blocked.

The outlet 15 is shown as a separate element from the channel 14 in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, but optionally the outlet 15 is shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 7. It should be appreciated that it may be formed integrally with the channel 14. When the outlet 15 is formed of a porous material, the pores are generally smaller than the pores of the channel 14 to ensure that the fluid in the channel 14 flows toward the outlet 15 during distribution. 4 and 6, the channel 14 is formed to extend into the region 19 near the reservoir base 18. In this form, the capillary reservoir and capillary channel 14 are typically surrounded by a tube 24. The tube 24 provides secondary protection against unnecessary leakage.

In the form shown in FIG. 4, the capillary reservoir 16 and the capillary channel 14 are separate components, and the channel 14 extends into the base region 19. In the form shown in FIG. 6, the mixture of porous materials having an indispensable combination of capillary size forms an integral capillary reservoir 16 and channel 14.

In the form shown in FIG. 5, channel 14 and capillary reservoir 16 form an integral component similar to that shown in FIG. The capillary reservoir and the rear portion 140 of the unitary channel are inclined to be received in the opening 12. In order to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of fine fluid transfer capillary in the opening 12, the portions of the combined channel / storage are screwed together at the opening in a defined manner. The rear portion 140 is also provided as a separate element connected to the capillary reservoir.

As shown, for example in FIG. 7, the capillary channel 14 ′ is formed to include a radially extending portion separating the reservoir 11 and the overflow chamber 25. The channel 14 ′ and the radially extending portion fill the opening between the reservoir 11 and the overflow chamber 25. The pores in the radially extending portion are almost similar to the pores in channel 14 ', allowing air to pass but blocking fluid flow. As a result, the radially extending portion is used to control the air flow to the channel 14 '.

Embodiments of this general type of capillary fluid system are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 5.102.251, 5.352.052, 6.089.776, 6.095.707, 6.164.858, and 6.183.155. No. 6.322.268, 6.497.527; These patents are incorporated herein by reference.

According to another feature, a vibrating device may be provided for vibrating a toothbrush or part of a toothbrush, such as the head 2 or part of the head. The vibration generating device can be used to facilitate dispensing of the active agent (s) through the capillary channel 14 to provide an enhanced cleaning action while vibrating the tooth cleaning elements 6, 7 and / or soft tissue cleaning elements. have.

Various vibration devices can be used to generate vibrations over a wide range of frequencies to meet the requirements of a particular application. Various types of vibration devices, such as transducers, can be used commercially. One embodiment of the vibration device provides a frequency in the range of 100 to 350 KHz. The oscillation frequency may take different waveforms, including sinusoidal, square, saw, and the like. However, other values and waveforms are possible. The vibration device is arranged at the head of the toothbrush or its neck. In operation, the vibration device is driven by the battery (also controlled by the electronics or switching system of the circuit board) to induce vibration in the head of the toothbrush to enhance the tooth cleaning action imparted by the tooth cleaning element. In another embodiment, the vibration device includes a fine motor attached to the shaft, the shaft coupled to an eccentric that rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. In yet another embodiment, the vibration generating device includes an eccentric driven by a fine motor in a translational manner.

Switches such as buttons, toggle switches, rotary dials and the like may be provided to actuate the vibration device. The vibration device has a power source such as a battery. When the switch is activated, the vibration generator is activated at a user-defined interval (e.g. while the button is pressed, or while the switch is in the engaged position), or optionally during the set interval. Enable timing circuitry to be enabled. If a timing circuit is used, the relevant interval can be preset or adjusted by the user-operated rotary dial.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides vibration device (s), bristles (or other tooth cleaning elements), and US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 768,363, which is incorporated herein by reference. Toothbrush ", and other components disclosed in the application filed Jan. 30, 2004 (published as 20050091769A1). For example, the neck of the toothbrush may have a neck area made of an elastically highly compliant material to increase the elasticity of the neck. This causes the head to resiliently press back in the event of a force acting in the direction of the brushing surface during toothbrush use. Alternatively, the neck region may be designed with a notch that extends over a portion of the neck circumference and is filled with an elastically compliant material (eg, thermoplastic elastomer).

The outlet 15 can be associated with an elastomeric material to provide a tissue cleanser that can be used to, for example, clean the tongue, cheeks, lips, and / or gums and the like. Tissue cleanser uses a variety of suitable biocompatible elastic materials such as elastomeric materials and the like. In order to provide the best comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric materials are typically hardness ranging from A8 to A25 in Shore hardness, such as styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS) commercialized by GLS Corporation. Has characteristics.

The tissue cleanser is formed to have a variety of tissue binding elements that can be formed as nubs. As used herein, the term " knob " means to include columnar protrusions (without limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions) standing upright from the base surface. In general, the nubs may have a height greater than the width at the base of the nubs as measured in the longest direction. The nubs can also have protrusions that are approximately equal in width and height, the height being somewhat smaller than the base width.

Such tissue binding elements can help to reduce the main cause of bad breath and improve hygiene. The nubs allow removal of microbial populations and other debris from other soft tissue surfaces and tongues in the oral cavity. In particular, the tongue is known to develop bacterial coatings known as debris and evacuation organisms that can contribute to bad breath. Such microbial populations can be found in recesses between the papillary protrusions of most upper tongues as well as other soft tissue surfaces in the oral cavity. When coupled or pulled with the tongue surface, for example, the nub of the elastomeric tissue cleanser may provide a soft bond with the soft tissue while reaching downward into the recess of the adjacent papillary protrusion of the tongue. The elastomeric structure of the tissue cleanser allows the base surface to follow the natural shape of the oral tissue surface, such as the user's tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and the like. The soft nubs can be bent in the transverse direction as needed, and along the movement can clean the soft tissue surface of the oral cavity.

The nubs may have conical elements such as true cones, truncated cone elements, and other shapes similar to cones by inclining toward narrow ends, whether or not they are constant or have continuous or rounded cross sections at their slopes. . The small width or diameter of the tip portion in relation to the length of the conical nubs allows the nubs to be flushed into the recesses of the tongue and other surfaces to clean microbial population deposits and other debris from the soft tissue surface. The nubs can also be bent from their respective vertical axis when side pressure is applied in use. This flexing enhances comfort and cleaning of soft tissue surfaces. Optionally, the tissue wash element may take other forms. In one embodiment, the tissue cleanser may take other forms, including accepted forms as described in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 566.479, filed Dec. 4, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. have.

The medium containing the active agent may be integrated into the sealed reservoir 11 during toothbrush manufacture, in which case the toothbrush may be placed after the supply of the active agent is complete. Optionally, the reservoir 11 may be refilled through an inlet (not shown) and / or replaced by inserting a replaceable cartridge in the recess of the toothbrush, for example. The cartridge is elastically mounted to be seated in place after insertion, and may have a seal to prevent unnecessary activator leakage.

As shown in Fig. 1, the toothbrush may comprise a brush portion A and a reservoir portion B which are joined to each other, for example by helical engagement or snap insertion. The reservoir portion B can be removed, refilled, and / or exchanged with another reservoir portion B for example having a different active agent.

Optionally, a user actuated switch such as a dial (not shown) or the like may have multiple settings to select one or more multiple actives. For example, the dial may have a first setting for oxidant / whitening treatment, a second setting for respiratory freshener treatment, and a third setting for antimicrobial treatment. The toothbrush may be supplied in the form of a kit comprising a toothbrush or brush portion (A) and one or more cartridge or reservoir portions (B) containing the active agent (s). For example, multiple cartridges may be provided for supplying different active agents or for relocation supply of the same active agent.

1 schematically shows a toothbrush comprising a head 2 and bristle 6 and a handle 1. It should be appreciated that any bristle form and any handle form may be used and the invention is not limited to any particular form.

Toothbrushes can be used by brushing teeth or gums with bristles 6 and / or other tooth cleaning elements and / or by massaging the tongue and gums and other areas of the oral cavity with a tissue cleanser. The active agent is introduced via one or more outlets present near the tooth cleaning element and / or inside the tissue cleanser and / or in other locations of the toothbrush. Depending on the type of active agent used and the location of the outlet (s), the active agent may be introduced before brushing, after brushing, or during brushing.

Non-limiting examples of active agents that can be used include antimicrobial agents, whitening agents, anti-irritants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-sticking agents, plaque indicators, flavoring agents, sensory agents, coloring agents and the like. Examples of such agents include metal ionic agents (e.g., tin ions, copper ions, zinc ions, silver ions) triclosan, triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexadine, alexidine, hexetidine, supernatant Sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4ethylprididi Nium chloride (TDEPC), octenidine, delmopinol, octapinol, nisin, essential oils, furanone, bacteriocin, flavans, flavinoids ), Folic acid, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP-H ₂ O ₂ , polymer peroxide, potassium nitrate, occluding agent, bioactive glass, arginine salt salt), arginine bicarbonate, bacal (bacalin), polyphenols, ethyl pyruvate, guanidineethyl disulfide, tin control agents, antifouling ingredients, phosphates, polyvinylphosphonic acids, PVM / MA copolymers, glucose oxidase, papain, picin ), Ethyl lauroyl arginate, menthol, carbon, anetol, various flavor aldehydes, esters, alcohols, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, presser balm oil, sasapras oil, cloves oil, salvia Oils, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lime oil, cluster fruit oil, and / or orange oil.

The active agent and / or its medium may be selected by harmonizing flavor, color, aesthetics, and active ingredient to implement the toothbrush mode. Fragrances can be introduced to create a gradual odor change during brushing, which is never possible using only toothpaste.

The active agent is compatible with the toothpaste or is unstable and / or reacts with typical toothpaste components. In addition, the active agent is a tooth cleaning agent to increase the overall brushing efficacy.

The active agent may be provided in a suitable solution such as aqueous solution or in the form of a gel or a paste. Non-limiting examples of the solution include polyhydric oxides such as polyethylene glycol, such as PEG, 2M, 5M, 7M, 14M, 23M, 45M, 90M, etc. , B.F. Carboxoxymethylene polymers such as Carbopol® 934 and 974 commercialized by Goodrich, and combinations thereof, and the like. Those skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate solution depending on factors such as the desired media properties, such as the nature and viscosity of the active agent. Examples of whitening compositions are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,70.266 and 6.69.930, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The reservoir 11 may retain the amount of active medium for single use or small use, or promote repeated use over an extended time period, for example up to several months or years. The size of the reservoir 11 may be chosen to conform to the desired overall size of the toothbrush, as well as factors such as the stability of the active agent and the amount of medium introduced in each application.

The active agent supply to the reservoir 11 is free or substantially free from the medium containing the active agent and / or components which are generally not compliant with the active agent, such as non-compliant toothpaste components already demonstrated.

Optionally, the toothbrush may include partitions and / or access panels for access to various components, such as power supplies and reservoirs. The power source may be, for example, a replaceable or rechargeable battery as known.

8-13 show oral care devices such as a toothbrush 100 with a handle 105 and a head 105 and a handle 103 used to clean the medial side of the tongue cheeks and intraoral soft tissue such as lips or gums. Doing. The handle 103 is provided to allow a user to easily grip and manipulate the toothbrush, and is formed in various different shapes and structures. The head is wider relative to the neck of the handle, while in some configurations the handle may simply be extended or narrowed continuously. The head 105 may have a first surface that supports the tooth cleaning element 107 (FIGS. 12 and 13), and one or more outlets for dispensing the active agent (s) as described above and the tissue cleanser 300. It may have a second surface 108 that supports (Figs. 9 and 10). The first and second surfaces 106 and 108 may be disposed on opposite sides of the head 105. However, tissue cleanser 300 may also be disposed elsewhere, such as the proximal end 104 of handle 103. The tissue cleanser 300, or portion thereof, may be disposed on the outer circumferential sidewall surface 101 of the head 105, or may extend toward the proximal end 104 of the handle 103 farther than shown.

Tissue cleanser 300 may be formed to have a variety of tissue binding elements 303 (FIGS. 8-12) that may be formed as nubs.

As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the nubs 303 may be formed conical. In FIG. 11, the base portion 305 of each conical tissue engagement element 303 may be larger than the corresponding tip portion 307. In this conical form, the base portion 305 has a large cross-sectional area to provide effective shear strength that can withstand lateral movement of the tissue cleanser 300 along the tongue or other soft tissue surface.

As shown in Figure 10, the nubs 303 may be disposed in a longitudinal row in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis a-a. The nubs 303 are also arranged in transverse rows RI, R2 at an axis parallel to the base surface 301 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axes a-a. Adjacent nubs 303 may be provided in base surface 301 in staggered form. For example, the transverse rows R1 and R2 of the nubs may have nubs 303 that are not disposed immediately behind each other. When disposed within the lateral boundary of the second nub extending longitudinally, the first nub is said to be "just behind" the second nub. This form can improve cleaning of soft tissue surfaces, particularly by promoting removal of microbial populations and other debris from the recesses of adjacent papillary processes of the tongue. However, the nubs may be arranged randomly or in a number of different patterns.

Tongue cleanser 300 may be formed by being molded into head 105, although other manufacturing processes may be used. 8 and 11, tissue cleanser 300 may be molded into a basin or receiving cavity 111 at the surface 108 of the head 105. The receiving cavity 111 has a lower base surface 113 and an outer circumferential sidewall 115 extending from the lower base surface 113. In a mounting arrangement, the nubs 303 of the tissue cleanser 300 are exposed for use on the base surface of the tissue cleanser 300 that is coplanar or concave with the surface 114 of the head. However, other orientations are possible. In addition, the base surface 301 of the tissue cleanser may be embedded in the head 105 or covered with another layer having a nub 303 protruding through a suitable opening.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 11, the surface 108 may include one or more peg members 117a-117c disposed within the pond 111. The peg member 117 forms an anchor point with respect to the opposite mold to prevent the head from moving under the pressure of injection molding. As a result, tissue cleanser 300 may include one or more complementary holes 311a-311c exposing the top of the peg member. Although the pegs are shown aligned along the centerline of the head (eg, longitudinal axis a-a), the pegs can have many different positions. Pegs and puddles may also be included in head 105, but may be used alone.

Optionally, the sump 111 and the peg members 117a-117c may be provided for positioning and holding the already formed tissue cleanser, but such a configuration is not necessary for use with already formed tissue cleanser or the like.

Peg members 117-117c may take a variety of lengths and shapes. 8 and 11, the head 105 includes peg members 117a-117c extending from the lower base surface 113 of the pond 111 to the height of the outer circumferential sidewall 115. The peg members 117a-117c are formed in a cylindrical shape, but other peg members 117-117c having other shapes and lengths are possible. The molding process may be used to bond the tissue cleanser to the head, but the tissue cleanser may be preformed and attached by an adhesive or other known means.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the tissue cleanser 300 is composed of a soft and flexible material for effective removal and comfortable cleaning of bacteria and debris along the surface of the tongue and other soft tissues of the oral cavity and even along the lips. It can be formed as a pad. Tissue cleanser 300 includes an effective massage; Stimulation; Effective removal of bacteria and debris and epithelial cells from the surface of the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips can be provided.

In Figures 12 and 13, the tooth cleaning element 107 of the head 105 includes a massage of the user's teeth and gums, and various tooth cleaning elements that can be used for cleaning, and flushing. Appropriate forms of tooth cleaning elements can be used. The term "teeth cleaning element" is used in its general sense to refer to a filament bristle, an elastomer finger, or a wall with the desired shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the tooth cleaning elements 107 are distal tooth cleaning elements 203a-203b disposed at the distal tip 121 of the head 105, and peripheral tooth cleaning elements 205a-205l. And longitudinal tooth cleaning elements 207a-207c disposed along the longitudinal axis aa, arcuate tooth cleaning elements 209a-209d; 211a-211b, and central cleaning elements 213a, 213b. . The tooth cleaning elements 205, 207, 211, 213 can be provided with bristle tufts, while the tooth cleaning elements 209 can be formed as elastomeric walls. However, other types and shapes of tooth cleaning elements can also be used.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, and is not limited thereto, and one of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the appended claims.

Claims (33)

delete delete delete delete delete delete With the handle, A head having at least one tooth cleaning element, A reservoir for storing a fluid containing at least one active agent, An overflow chamber separate from the reservoir, A capillary channel composed of a porous material, a ceramic, a porous plastic, or a combination thereof, And the capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the device that dispenses the active agent from the reservoir to the at least one outlet. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein the outlet is disposed within or adjacent to the tooth cleaning element or element. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein the outlet is integral with the elastomeric tooth cleaning element. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the active agent is an antibacterial, oxidizing or whitening agent, a supercharged fluoride dispensing component, a dental sensory component, a gum care active agent, a nutritional component, a tin control or antistain component, a fragrance or fragrance component, an anti-corrosive or enamel repair agent, An oral care implement which can be selected from the group consisting of oral malodor reducing agents, anti-adhesion agents, occlusion agents, and combinations thereof. The antimicrobial agent according to claim 10, wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of (i) chlorohexadine, cetyl myridinum chloride, triclosan, zinc salt, (ii) hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP H ₂ O Oxidizing or whitening agents selected from the group consisting of ₂ ) (iv) univestin, bacal, polyphenols, triclosan, ethyl pyruvate, guanidinoethyl disulfide, gum care actives selected from the group consisting of (iv) vitamins, minerals, Nutrients selected from the group consisting of amino acids, vitamin E, folic acid, tin control agents or stain inhibitors selected from the group consisting of (phosphate), polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM / MA copolymer, (ment) menthol, carbon, ane Tall, aldehyde, ester, alcohol, or spearmint oil, peppermint oil, presser foot oil, sasafrase oil, cloves oil, sage A fragrance or flavor component selected from the group consisting of oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lime oil, matsutake oil, and / or orange oil, (i) bioactive glass, arginine salt An oral care implement selected from the group consisting of occlusive agents selected from the group, and (iv) and combinations thereof. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one outlet comprises a nonwoven pad or thin film through which the active agent can flow, wherein the nonwoven pad or thin film consists of a porous material having pores smaller than the pores of the porous material of the capillary channel. Oral Care Organization. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein the reservoir is a replaceable cartridge. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a first portion holding a handle, a head and a channel, and a second portion holding a reservoir; And the second portion is releasably attached to the first portion. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, further comprising an exercise generating device capable of vibrating at least a portion of the oral care implement. 25. The oral care implement of claim 24, wherein the exercise generating device comprises an eccentric member. 25. The oral care implement of claim 24, wherein the frequency of vibration for the exercise generating device is in a range between about 100 and 350 kHz. 25. The oral care implement of claim 24, wherein the reservoir is configured to replace the active agent. 8. The oral care device of claim 7, wherein the tooth cleaning element is disposed on a first surface of the head and the outlet is disposed on a second surface of the head opposite the first surface. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one outlet disposed on a first surface of the head and at least one outlet disposed on a second surface of the head; And the capillary channel distributes the active agent from the reservoir to at least one outlet on the first surface of the head and at least one outlet on the second surface of the head by capillary action. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein the capillary channel is a single tube of porous material. 8. The oral care implement of claim 7, wherein the reservoir comprises reticular foam. 32. The oral care implement of claim 31, wherein said reticulated foam is an open cell polyurethane foam based on polyester. 32. The oral care implement of claim 31, wherein said reticulated foam has an average of 90 pores per inch.

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