TWI478699B - Oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same - Google Patents

Description

Oral health care dispenser and oral health care system therefor [Reciprocal Reference Materials for Related Applications]

The present application claims priority to the Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US11/046132, filed on Aug. 1, 2011. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is generally directed to oral care dispensers and oral care systems.

Oral health products or oral care agents are applied in different ways. For example, without limitation, a common technique for tooth whitening products is to cast a stamp of a person's teeth and provide one of the shapes of such a stamp. Then, the person only needs to add a whitening ingredient to the tray and apply the tray to his/her teeth. The tray will stay in place for a while and then be removed. The teeth gradually turn white after some treatment. Another technique uses a strip that has a whitening component on one surface. This strip is applied to the person's teeth and stays in place for about 30 minutes. The teeth gradually turn white after several applications. Yet another technique is to apply a whitening ingredient to the teeth by using a small brush. Such a brush is repeatedly returned to the container during application of the tooth whitening component to the teeth of a person. The teeth gradually turn white after some treatment.

One problem with existing brushing techniques is the inclusion of catalase in the saliva in the mouth. This enzyme will make certain peroxides Solve the role of catalyst. The brush picks up some hydrogen peroxide during the application of some whitening products to the teeth and transports that hydrogen peroxide back to the bottle. This hydrogen peroxide in the bottle now degrades the peroxide in the bottle. Another problem with this latter technique is that it is not suitable for use with anhydrous whitening ingredients. In this case, the brush can transport the water from the saliva back from the mouth into the bottle. This will have a negative impact on the whitening component by potentially decomposing the peroxide active ingredient. In addition, if the person cleans the brush after each use, moisture from the wet bristles enters the bottle.

Although tray systems are appropriate, most people do not use them because of their discomfort and/or unsightly tendency. In addition, in order to use a whitening tray, a user must maintain the tray and the required components at hand. This not only requires additional storage space in the already narrow bathroom storage room, but also requires the user to remember to use the whitening system. Moreover, these tray-type systems are inconvenient to carry for transportation and/or travel.

In addition to difficulties in applying certain oral care products, storage is sometimes cumbersome and inconvenient for the user. Oral care products must generally be stored separately from oral care dental cleaning implements such as a toothbrush because oral care product packaging and toothbrushes have traditionally been viewed as separate and individual parts of an oral health condition.

What we desire is a more portable, small, and convenient way to store oral health products and to distribute and apply those oral care products to the oral surface.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient, small, and portable oral care system that incorporates an oral health appliance such as a toothbrush and a fluid dispenser in a highly portable and convenient housing. Preferably, certain embodiments are particularly suitable for easy shipping and/or travel.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a toothbrush that detachably holds a removable dispenser that houses a fluid storage slot. In certain exemplary embodiments, the oral care system comprises a fluid of a fluid oral health care material, such as an active or inactive agent, which may include, but is not limited to, whitening, enamel protection, anti-allergic, fluoride, tartar protection, or other oral health care materials. . The dispenser can be at least partially detachably docked and stored within the handle of the toothbrush, such that a portion of the dispenser can extend from the toothbrush or form a proximal end of a toothbrush grip for allowing a user to access For easy removal and use of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser can be completely removed from the toothbrush, which allows the user to easily apply fluid to his/her teeth and then reinsert the dispenser into the toothbrush for convenient storage. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be a pen-like component. The toothbrush can removably and non-fixably secure the dispenser within the grip, such that the dispenser can be removably removed and reinserted therein. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be adapted to allow the user to refill for reuse.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be an oral care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and a first-class housing The inner storage slot of the body; a collar that is non-rotatably coupled to the outer casing, the collar includes an axial passage, a neck having an inner surface of the first section forming an axial passage, and an axial direction a body portion of the second section of the channel, and a plurality of ridges extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the body portion, the neck being formed by a plurality of segments extending axially from the body portion, wherein the plurality The adjacent segments of the segments are separated by a gap; a drive member rotatably coupled to the collar, the drive member including a first annular flange adjacent the distal edge of the neck, a drive bolt extending from the first annular flange toward a first axial direction, a post extending from the first annular flange toward the second annular flange and passing through the axial passage, and at least one second from the axial passage a spring arm extending radially outwardly of the section; and wherein rotation of the actuator toward a first direction of rotation results in: (1) an elevator axially advancing along the drive bolt toward the first axis, To dispense fluid from a dispensing orifice; and (2) at least one elastic arm moves past the plural Raised portion, at least one elastic arm moves over the deformed portion of each ridge of the plurality of raised portions, and restoring the original state through a plurality of each of the raised portions of the ridges to produce an audible signal.

In another embodiment, the present invention may be an oral care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal storage slot containing a fluid; a collar non-rotatably coupled to the housing, the collar Including an inner surface forming an axial passage, the inner surface of the collar includes a plurality of features arranged circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis; a drive member rotatably coupled to the collar The driving component comprises a driving bolt, a pile and one or more elastic arms extending radially outward from the pile, the one or more elastic arms being bent about a longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction; wherein the actuator is oriented toward the first Rotation of a direction of rotation results in: (1) a lifter axially advancing along a drive bolt toward a first axial direction for dispensing fluid from a dispensing aperture; and (2) one or more spring arms moving past the plurality And wherein the interaction between the plurality of features and the one or more spring arms prevents the actuator from rotating in the second rotational direction.

In a still further embodiment, the present invention can be an oral care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal storage slot for receiving a fluid; a collar non-rotatably coupled to the housing, The collar includes an axial passage, an annular neck having a segment forming an inner surface of the first section of the axial passage, and an unsectioned loop forming a second section of the axial passage a body portion, and a plurality of ridges extending radially inward from an inner surface of the un-segmented annular body portion; a drive member rotatably coupled to the collar, the drive member including a first axis a drive bolt extending from the first annular flange, a post extending toward the second annular flange from the first annular flange and passing through the axial passage, and at least one from the second section of the axial passage a radially outwardly extending elastic arm; and wherein the rotation of the actuator toward a first rotational direction results in: (1) a lifter axially advancing along the drive bolt toward the first axial direction for dispensing from a Hole dispensing fluid; and (2) at least one arm is moved When a plurality of raised portions, at least one elastic arm moves over the raised portion of each of a plurality of raised portions becomes Shape and return to an original state as it passes through each of the plurality of ridges to produce an audible signal.

In certain exemplary embodiments, any suitable fluid may be used with the embodiments and methods described herein in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the oral health treatment system may be any type of system including, but not limited to, tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others. The present invention is expressly not limited by any particular type of oral care system or fluid, unless specifically required.

In still other embodiments, the present invention can be an oral health care system comprising: a toothbrush; and one of the foregoing oral health care dispensers, wherein the dispenser is designed to be detachably coupled to the toothbrush.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited

Features of the exemplified embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings in which the same elements are labeled. The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and drawings.

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention is intended to be The drawings are read in conjunction with the drawings, which are considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to the orientation or orientation is intended to be illustrative only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Relative terminology, such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "under", "up", "down", "up" and "down", and their derivatives (for example, "horizontal", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted to indicate as explained below or as discussed The orientation shown in the figures below. These relative language specific terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless the detailed description is in itself. Unless specifically stated otherwise, specific terms such as "adhesive", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and similar terms denote a relationship in which the structure is directly or indirectly The ground is fixed or adhered to each other via an intermediate structure, and is movable or rigidly connected or related. Further, the features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated by reference to the illustrated embodiments. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited by the description of the embodiments of the invention. Defined.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention relating to one possible oral health care or treatment system will now be described. Embodiments of the oral care system can include, but are not limited to, fluids (eg, fluid oral care materials) including: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitive, anti-hair Inflammation, anti-adhesion, fluoride, tartar control/protection, flavoring, perception, coloring and others. However, other embodiments of the invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid, and the invention is expressly unrestricted by any particular oral care system or separate fluid oral care material.

Referring also to Figures 1-3, an oral care system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The oral care system 100 is a small, easy-to-carry, stand-alone and easy-to-use system that contains all of the required components and chemicals required by a user to perform a desired oral care treatment routine. As will be explained in greater detail below, the oral care system 100 in an exemplary embodiment includes an improved toothbrush 200 having a removable oral care dispenser 300 that is at least partially disposed within its grip 210. Because the dispenser 300 is located within the grip 210 of the toothbrush 200, the oral care system 100 is travel-portable, easy to use, and reduces the amount of storage space required. Moreover, since the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are stored together, it is less likely that the user misplaces the dispenser 300, and it is easier to use the dispenser 300 to maintain the daily work of the oral treatment because the brushing will remind the user of the simplicity. The contents of the dispenser 300 are unwound and coated.

As noted above, the oral care system 100 generally includes a toothbrush 200 and a dispenser 300. Although the invention relating to the use of a toothbrush as one of the two main components of the oral care system 100 is described herein, it should be understood that other alternative oral health appliances may be used herein. It is used within the scope of the invention, including a tongue cleaner, a dental polisher, and a specially designed shank having a tooth engaging element. In still other embodiments, the invention may be the dispenser 300 in itself and does not include the toothbrush 200.

In some examples, the toothbrush 200 can include a tooth engaging element that is designed in detail to increase the effect of fluid in the dispenser on the teeth. For example, the dental engagement element can comprise a synthetic rubber wiping element that helps remove stains from the teeth and/or helps to plug fluid into the tubules of the teeth. Moreover, although the toothbrush 200 is illustrated as a manual toothbrush, in some embodiments of the invention, the toothbrush may be an electric toothbrush. It should 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. In one embodiment, the fluid has no (i.e., not) toothpaste because the dispenser 300 is intended to increase rather than replace the brushing regime. The fluid can be selected to complement a toothpaste formulation, for example, by coordinating odor, color, aesthetics or active ingredients.

The toothbrush 200 generally includes a grip 210, a neck 220 and a head 230. The grip 210 provides a mechanism for the user whereby he/she can easily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 200. The grip 210 may be composed of a plurality of different shapes, sizes, and materials, and may be formed by various manufacturing methods well known to those skilled in the art. Grip 210 is preferably a storable dispenser 300. If desired, the grip 210 can comprise a suitable engraved pattern of soft synthetic rubber material. Handle of reason. Grip 210 can be a single or multi-part construction. The grip 210 extends from a proximal end 212 to a distal end 213 along a longitudinal axis A-A. An axial cavity (not shown) is formed in the grip 210. An opening 215 is provided at the proximal end 212 of the grip 210 which provides a passage into the cavity through which the dispenser 300 can be inserted and retracted. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 215 is located at the proximal end 212 of the grip 210, in other embodiments of the invention, the opening 215 may be located at other locations on the grip 210. For example, the opening 215 may be located on one of the longitudinal surfaces of the grip 210 (eg, the front surface, the back surface, and/or the side surface) and is elongated to provide sufficient access of the voids 280.

The grip 210 is transferred to the neck 220 at the distal end 213. While the neck 220 typically has a smaller cross-sectional area than the grip 210, the invention is not so limited. Broadly speaking, the neck 220 is only a transfer area between the grip 210 and the head 230 and can be conceptually considered to be part of the grip 210. In this manner, the head 230 is coupled to the distal end 213 of the grip 210 (via the neck 220).

The head 230 and the grip 210 of the toothbrush 200 are formed into a single unitary construction by using a molding, milling, machining, or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the grip 210 and the head 230 may be formed as separate components that are attached to subsequent stages of the process by any suitable technique known in the art (including but not limited to thermal or ultrasonic welding). It is operatively connected by a close fitting assembly, a coupling sleeve, a threaded joint, an adhesive or a snap fastener. Unless specified in detail, whether the head 230 and the grip 210 belong to a unitary member or a multi-piece construction (including joining techniques) does not limit the invention. In certain embodiments of the invention, the head 230 may be separate (and replaceable) from the grip 210 by techniques known in the art.

The head 230 generally includes a front surface 231, a rear surface 232, and a peripheral side surface 233 extending between the front and rear surfaces 231, 232. The front surface 231 and the rear surface 232 of the head 230 may take on a variety of shapes and contours, which are not limiting of the present invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 231, 232 can be planar, contoured, or a combination thereof. In addition, the back surface 232 can also include additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth polishing structure, if desired. One example of a soft tissue cleaner is a synthetic rubber pad comprising a plurality of tumors and/or ridges. An example of the tooth polishing structure may be a synthetic rubber member such as a wiper cup or a synthetic rubber wiper. Moreover, although the head 230 generally widens relative to the neck 220 of the grip 210, in some configurations it may simply extend or taper the grip 210 continuously.

The front surface 231 of the head 230 includes a plurality of oral cleaning elements (e.g., tooth engaging elements 235) extending therefrom for use in cleaning and/or polishing contact with an oral surface and/or interdental space. While the batch of tooth engaging elements 235 is suitable for brushing teeth, the batch of tooth engaging elements 235 can also be used to polish teeth in place of or in addition to cleaning teeth. As used herein, the term "tooth engagement element" It is used generically to mean any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe teeth and/or soft oral tissues (eg, tongue, cheeks, gums, etc.) via associated surface contact. Common examples of "teeth engaging elements" include, but are not limited to, tufts of bristles, single-fiber bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, and flexible polymer protrusions (flexible polymer) Protrusions), combinations thereof and/or structures comprising such materials or combinations. Suitable synthetic rubber materials comprise any biocompatible elastomeric material suitable for use in oral hygiene equipment. In order to provide optimum comfort and cleaning benefits, the synthetic rubber material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging element has a hardness characteristic in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. A suitable synthetic rubber material is a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene agglomerate copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS materials from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the well-known hardness range may be used.

The dental engagement element 235 of the present invention can be coupled to the head 230 in any manner known in the art. For example, a snap/fasten, in-mold cluster (IMT) or anchorless cluster (AFT) can be used to mount the cleaning element/tooth engaging element. In the AFT, a plate or film is fixed to the brush head, for example, by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or film. The cleaning function is performed on the free end of the bristles on one side of the plate or film. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or film are melted together by heat to be held in place. Any suitable form of cleaning element may be used in the broad manner of the present invention. or The bristles can be mounted to the tuft block or section by extending through appropriate opening portions in the tuft block to enable the base of the bristles to be mounted within or below the tuft block.

The toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are in a separate configuration that is specifically designed to be detachably coupled together when in a combined state (referred to herein as a storage state) and when in a disassembled state (here) When referred to as a coated state, they are completely isolated and separated from each other. The toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are shown in the stored state in Figures 1-2 and in the coated state in Figure 3. The dispenser 300 can be slidably manipulated and changed between a stored state (Fig. 1-2) and a coated state (Fig. 3) in which the dispenser 300 is positioned (or docked) in the toothbrush grip 210. In the coated state, the dispenser 300 is removed from the grip 210 by the user as desired.

Referring now also to Figures 4-6, an overview of the dispenser 300 is shown. The dispenser 300 is an elongated tubular, pen-like configuration that extends along the longitudinal axis B-B. The dispenser 300 generally includes a housing 301, an applicator 302 coupled to one end of the housing 301, and an actuator 303 extending from an opposite side of the housing 301. The actuator 303 extends axially from the housing 301 so that a user can easily grip and rotate the actuator 303. The dispenser 300 is designed to be operable to dispense fluid stored therein by using a single hand. Specifically, the dispenser is placed on the hand of a user, and the actuator 303 can be registered in the palm of the user. Then, the user uses the finger of the same hand to rotate the outer casing 301 (while actuating The 303 remains stationary relative to the housing 301). Therefore, the flow system contained therein is delivered from the dispenser 300. The distribution subsystem will be described in more detail below.

The dispenser 300 generally includes a housing 301, an applicator 302, an actuator 303, an anti-rotation sleeve 304, a collar 305, a drive member 306, an extension member 307, and a lifter 308. First, the outer casing 301 will be described in more detail.

The outer casing 301 has a circular cross-sectional profile (shown in Figure 8). Of course, in other embodiments, the outer casing 301 can assume a non-circular cross-sectional shape as desired. The outer casing 301 is constructed of a sufficiently rigid material to provide the necessary structural integrity to the dispenser 300. For example, the outer casing 301 can be composed of a shapeable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate. However, the selected plastic should be compatible with the fluid to be stored within the dispenser 300 and should not be corroded or degraded by the oral care agent.

While the outer casing 301 is illustrated as a single layer configuration, in some embodiments, the outer casing 301 may be a multi-layer construction. In certain multi-layer embodiments, an inner layer may be formed from a hard plastic material as directly described above, and an outer layer may be formed from a soft elastic material (e.g., a synthetic rubber material). Suitable synthetic rubber materials include thermoplastic synthetic rubber (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The outer layer of synthetic rubber material can have a range from A13 to Hardness tester measurement between A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. The appropriate range for the hardness tester is between A25 and A40 Shore hardness. While an over rmolding configuration is a suitable method of forming an outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material (such as TPE) may be formed as a thin layer and soldered or borrowed with a suitable adhesive, sonic. Stick to the inner layer by other means.

The outer casing 301 is an elongated hollow tubular configuration that extends from a proximal end 309 to a distal end 310 along a longitudinal axis B-B. The outer casing 301 includes an outer surface 311 and an inner surface 312 that defines an elongated inner cavity 313. As discussed in more detail below, when the dispensers 300 are fully assembled, the internal cavities 313 of the outer casing 301 are separated into a storage tank 314 and a chamber 315 by the lifter 308. A dispensing aperture 316 is disposed in the distal end 310 of the housing 301, and fluid stored in the storage slot 314 can be dispensed from the dispenser 300 via the dispensing aperture 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing aperture 316 is located at one of the distal ends 310 of the outer casing 301 across the end wall surface 317. In certain other embodiments, the dispensing apertures 316 can be located in other areas of the housing 301, such as on one of the side walls.

The outer casing 301 includes a first longitudinal section 318 and a second longitudinal section 319. In contrast to the first longitudinal section 318, the second longitudinal section 319 has a reduced cross section. The second longitudinal section 319 extends axially from the annular shoulder 320 of a housing 301. The storage slot 314 occupies both the distal section of the first longitudinal section 318 and the second longitudinal section 319. The other side The chamber 315 occupies only the proximal section of a first longitudinal section 318. As a result of occupying the storage slot 314 of both the distal section of the first longitudinal section 318 and the second longitudinal section 319, the storage slot 314 includes a section 314A located within the second longitudinal section 319, with Section 314B of storage slot 314 located within the distal section of first longitudinal section 318 has a reduced cross-section as compared to section 314B.

The second longitudinal section 319 of the outer casing 301 includes a plug portion 322 for assisting the applicator 302 to be coupled to the outer casing 301. Of course, the applicator 302 can be coupled to the outer casing 301 in a variety of ways. A plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves 321 are formed in the inner surface 312 of the outer casing 301. The groove 321 is located within the cavity 315 of the inner cavity 313 and extends axially from the proximal end 309. The grooves 321 are configured to receive corresponding radial flanges 323 of the anti-rotation sleeve 304 when the dispensers 300 are combined to avoid relative rotation between the anti-rotation sleeve 304 and the outer casing 301 (which thus Relative rotation between the extension member 307 and the outer casing 301 and between the lifter 308 and the outer casing 301 is avoided. Moreover, when the dispenser 300 is assembled, one of the grooves 321 closest to the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301 partially receives the corresponding radial flange 324 of the collar 305 to avoid between the collar 305 and the outer casing 301. Relative rotation.

A plurality of circumferential grooves 325 are also disposed on the inner surface 312 of the outer casing 301. The circumferential groove 325 is located adjacent the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301 and receives the corresponding annular rib 326 of the collar 305 when the dispenser 300 is assembled, thereby applying an axial force and/or movement In time, the axial separation of the collar 305 from the outer casing 301 is avoided.

In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 302 is comprised of a soft elastomeric material, such as a synthetic rubber material. Suitable synthetic rubber materials include thermoplastic synthetic rubber (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The outer layer of synthetic rubber material may have a hardness tester measurement ranging from A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. The appropriate range for the hardness tester is between A25 and A40 Shore hardness.

In an alternate embodiment, applicator 302 may be constructed from bristles, a porous or sponge material, or a fibril material. Suitable bristles comprise any common bristle material such as nylon or PBT. The sponge-like material can be any common foam material, such as urethane foam. The fibril surface can contain various thermoplastics. However, the invention is not so limited, and the applicator 302 can be any type of surface and/or configuration that can apply a viscous material to the hard surface of the tooth, including only one uncovered. Opening/hole.

A dispensing aperture 326 is disposed in the applicator 302 and fluid from the storage slot 314 can be dispensed via the dispensing aperture 326. When the applicator 302 is coupled to the second longitudinal section 319 of the outer casing 301, the dispensing apertures 326 of the applicator 302 are aligned with the dispensing apertures 316 of the outer casing 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the working surface 327 of the applicator 302 has a trilobal shape, but other shapes may be desired as desired.

Referring now to Figures 7, 11A-B, 12A-B and 13, the collar 305 will be described in more detail. The collar 305 is made of a material that is sufficiently rigid The material is constructed to provide the necessary structural integrity to perform the functions discussed below. In one embodiment, the collar 305 can be comprised of a formable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 305 is a ring-like configuration that includes an outer surface 328 and an inner surface 329. Inner surface 329 defines an axial passageway 330 that extends through the entirety of collar 305. The axial passage 330 extends along the longitudinal axis B-B such that the drive member 306 can be extended therethrough as discussed in more detail below. The collar 305 extends from a proximal edge 331 to a distal edge 332 along the longitudinal axis B-B. The proximal edge 331 defines an opening 333 that enters the axial passage 330, while the distal edge 332 defines an opening 334 that enters the axial passage 330.

The collar 305 includes a neck 335, a body portion 336 and a flange portion 337. The neck 335 is a segmented annular configuration that projects axially from the body portion 336. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 335 is formed by a plurality of arcuate segments 338-340 that extend axially from the plug portion 332 and circumferentially surround the first of the axial passages 330. Section 330A (when dispensers 300 are combined, and surrounds a portion of drive element 306). Adjacent segments 338-340 are separated by a gap 341.

The neck 335 is formed by spaced apart segments 338-340 for providing radial flexibility to the neck 335 for enabling a drive member 306 The first annular flange 342 can pass through the neck 335 during assembly. During assembly, as the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 passes through the neck 335, the segments 338-340 flex radially outwardly, thereby allowing the first annular flange 342 to face a first axial direction (in The arrow AD1 in Fig. 7 indicates that it passes there when it is moved. However, once the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 has passed the neck 335, the segments 338-340 are radially slammed inwardly, thereby returning to their original position and avoiding the drive member 306 and The collar 305 is separated. More specifically, once the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 has passed the neck 335 and is adjacent the distal edge 332 of the collar 305 (shown in Figure 7), the distal edge 332 of the neck 335 is Contact between the annular flanges 342 prevents the first annular flange 342 from returning through the opening 334 defined by the distal edge 332 of the neck 335. Thus, the drive member 306 cannot translate a substantial distance relative to the collar 305 toward a second axial direction (indicated by arrow AD2 in FIG. 7). In other additional embodiments, the neck 335 may be constructed as an unsegmented annular configuration.

The neck 335 includes an inner surface 329A (which is conceptually an axial section of the integral inner surface 329 of the collar 305). The inner surface 329A of the neck 335 forms a first section 330A of the axial passage 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 329A of the neck 335 is obliquely aligned to the longitudinal axis B-B. Thus, the first section 330A of the axial passage 330 has a first cross-sectional area that is pushed toward the distal edge 332. The oblique direction of the inner surface 329A of the neck serves as a chamfered surface. It assists in guiding the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 during assembly of the dispenser 300, and also assists in achieving the aforementioned radial deflection of the segments 338-340.

The body portion 336 of the collar 305 is an un-segmented annular configuration having an inner surface 329B (which is conceptually an axial section of the integral inner surface 329 of the collar 305). The inner surface 329B of the body portion 336 forms a second section 330B of the axial passage 330. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface 329B of body portion 336 is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis B-B. The second section 330B of the axial passage 330 has a second cross-sectional area that is substantially greater than the first cross-sectional area of the first section 330A of the axial passage 330. Thus, the body portion 336 does not prevent or otherwise obstruct the insertion of the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 during assembly.

In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 305 further includes an annular shoulder 343 between the neck 335 and the body portion 336. The annular shoulder 343 defines an opening 344 that leads from the second section 330B of the axial passage 330 to the first section 330A of the axial passage 330. As explained in more detail below, the opening 344 defining the annular shoulder 343 of the collar 305 is sized such that one of the second annular flanges 345 of the drive member 306 cannot pass through the opening 344. This obstacle avoids excessive insertion of the drive element 306 into the through-shaft collar 305 during assembly.

The body portion 336 of the collar 305 further includes a plurality of ridges 346 that extend radially inward from the inner surface 329B of the body portion 336 to a second section 330B of the axial passage 330 (also shown in FIG. 8). Multiple The ridges 346 are arranged on the inner surface 329B of the body portion 336 in a circumferentially equally spaced manner about the longitudinal axis B-B. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of ridges 346 are present in a pattern of linearly extending ridges. However, in further embodiments of the invention, the plurality of ridges 346 can be, but are not limited to, a tumor, a lump, a cone, a curved ridge, or a combination thereof. As explained in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8, when the dispensers 300 are combined, a plurality of ridges 346 are configured to interact and cooperate with the arms 347 of the drive member 306 to provide an audible signal and/or Or the actuator 303 is prohibited from rotating in a second direction of rotation. However, in some other embodiments of the present invention, the desired audible signal generation and/or inhibition of the actuator 303 that is rotated in the second rotational direction may be by the body portion 336 of the collar 305. Other topographical features are achieved by replacing a plurality of ridges 346. For example, in one such embodiment, the topographical features may take the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses.

As noted above, the body portion 336 of the collar 305 is an un-segmented annular configuration. Such an unsegmented annular configuration may be advantageous over time for operation of the dispenser 300 because the body portion 336 has increased structural integrity during interaction with the plurality of ridges 346, The repeated axial forces imparted to the body portion 336 by the spring arms 347 of the drive member 306 are more tolerable. Moreover, by providing an ununscheduled ring structure during assembly that does not require bending to allow passage of the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 The plurality of ridges 346 are formed, and there is an opportunity for a plurality of ridges 346 to be damaged during assembly. Moreover, during assembly, during the passage of the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306, the configuration in which the plurality of ridges 346 are disposed (ie, the body portion 336) will become unintentionally weakened and/or Permanent deformation is not dangerous.

The collar 305 further includes a flange portion 337. The flange portion 337 includes a proximal edge 331 of the collar 305 and thus includes an opening 333 into the axial passage 330. The flange portion 337 also includes an inner surface 329C (which is conceptually an axial section of the integral inner surface 329 of a collar 305). The inner surface 329C of the flange portion 337 forms a third section 330C of an axial passage 330. In the illustrated embodiment, inner surface 329C of body portion 336 is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis B-B. The third section 330C of the axial passage 330 has a third cross-sectional area that is substantially greater than the second cross-sectional area of the second section 330B of the axial passage 330. Thus, during assembly, the flange portion 337 does not prevent or otherwise obstruct the insertion of the second annular flange 345 of the drive member 306 into the second section 330B of the axial passage 330.

The flange portion 337 also includes an annular ridge 348 extending from the outer surface 328 of the collar 305. The annular ridge 348 acts as a flange or obstruction that prevents excessive insertion of the collar 305 into the outer casing 301 during assembly of the dispenser 300. When the collar 305 is coupled to the outer casing 301, the annular ridge 348 is contiguous with the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301 such that the flange portion 337 can extend from the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301 while the neck and body portion 335 , 336 is located within housing 301.

As described above, the flange portion 337 includes a proximal edge 331 that defines a collar 305 of the opening 333. The opening portion 333 is sized to prevent the third annular flange 349 of the drive member 306 from passing through the opening portion 333 when the dispenser 300 is assembled. Thus, the third annular flange 349 is located adjacent the proximal edge 331 of the collar 305, but external to the axial passage 330.

When the dispensers 300 are assembled, the collar 305 is coupled to the outer casing 301, as best shown in Figures 5 and 6. When the dispensers 300 are assembled, the body portion 336 and the neck portion 335 of the collar 305 are disposed within the interior cavity 313 (particularly the chamber 315) of the outer casing 301. The flange portion 337 abuts the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301 to avoid excessive insertion of the collar 305 into the inner cavity 313. When coupled to the outer casing 301, the collar 305 is non-rotatable relative to the outer casing 301. Of course, in addition to those described herein, cooperative construction and joining techniques can be used to couple the collar 305 to the outer casing 301, which can inhibit relative rotation between the two.

Moreover, while in the illustrated embodiment of the dispenser 300, the collar 305 is a separate component from the outer casing 301, in other embodiments, the collar 305 (or portions thereof) may be integrally formed as the outer casing 301. Part of it. In such an embodiment, the outer casing 301 itself will comprise the configuration of the collar 305 described above.

Referring now to Figures 5-7 and 9-10, the drive element 306 will be described in greater detail. The driving component 306 generally includes a driving bolt 350, a The pile 351 has a spring arm 347 extending radially outward from the pile 351, a first annular flange 342, a second annular flange 345, and a third annular flange 349. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive elements 306 are integrally formed as a single unitary construction. However, in certain other embodiments, the drive bolt 350, the post 351, the spring arm 347, and the annular flanges 342, 345, 349 can be formed as separate elements that are then coupled together and/or in a The manner of cooperation is suitably placed within the dispenser 300.

Drive element 306 (and its constituent elements) is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity to perform the functions discussed below. In one embodiment, the drive element 306 can be comprised of a formable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Drive element 306 extends from a proximal end 352 to a distal end 353 along longitudinal axis B-B. The first, second and third annular flanges 342, 345, 349 are disposed in a spaced apart manner along the axial length of the drive member 306. The first annular flange 342 is located in a transition between the drive bolt 350 and the post 351 and extends radially outward therefrom to form a transversely extending configuration. The second and third annular flanges 345, 349 are located on the post 351 and extend radially outward therefrom to form a transversely extending configuration. Although in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third annular flanges 342, 345, 349 is an un-segmented annular plate, in other embodiments, the first and second And/or the third annular flanges 342, 345, 349 can assume other configurations. For example, The first, second and/or third annular flanges 342, 345, 349 may be formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges like fingers or may be a single finger-like flange.

The drive bolt portion 350 extends axially from the first annular flange 342 along the longitudinal axis BB toward the first axial direction AD1, and the post 351 is convex from the first annular shape along the longitudinal axis BB toward the second axial direction AD2. The rim 342 extends axially. The drive bolt 350 and the post 351 are axially aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis B-B. The drive bolt 350 is threaded as is known in the art and thus includes a segmented helical ridge 354 for assisting the lifter 308 to advance axially through the storage slot 314 to dispense fluid from the dispenser. The pitch of the segmented helical ridges 354 is selected such that the lifter 308 can axially advance a desired distance toward the dispensing aperture 316 as the drive member 306 is rotated a predetermined angle of rotation, thereby from the storage slot 314. A pre-selected volume of fluid is dispensed.

The elastic arm 347 is attached to the pile 351 at an axial position between the second and third annular flanges 345, 349. Although only a single elastic arm 347 is utilized in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elastic arms 347 can be disposed on the post 351 as desired. In such an embodiment, the spring arms 347 will be aligned about the pile 351 in a circumferentially spaced manner at the same axial position between the second and third annular flanges 345, 349. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm 347 is a straight/linear tip that extends radially outward from the post 351. However, in other embodiments, the spring arms 347 can assume other shapes, such as the curved tips shown in Figures 14-15. The function of the elastic arm 347 will be described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, while the dispenser 300 is assembled, the drive member 306 is rotatable relative to the housing 301. More specifically, the drive element 306 is rotatably coupled to the collar 305. Actuator 303 is thus non-rotatably coupled to proximal end 352 of drive element 306, which enables rotation of actuator 303 to correspondingly rotate the drive element.

Drive element 306 extends through axial passage 330 of collar 305 and into chamber 315 of internal cavity 313. More specifically, the post 351 is deployed within the axial passage 330 of the collar 305 and extends through the axial passage 330 of the collar 305, while the drive bolt 350 is located at the distal end of the collar 305. When so combined, the first annular flange 342 of the drive member 306 is located adjacent the distal edge 332 of the collar 305 but at the distal end of the collar 305 and outside of the collar 305. Due to the contact between the distal edge 332 of the neck 335 and the first annular flange 342, the first annular flange 342 cannot return through the opening 334 defined by the distal edge 332 of the neck 335.

The second annular flange 345 of the drive member 306 is located adjacent the annular shoulder 343 of the collar 305 in the second section 330B of the axial passage 330. Thus, the neck 335 of the collar 305 is located between the first annular flange 342 and the second annular flange 345. The third annular flange 349 of the drive member 306 is located adjacent the proximal edge 331 of the collar 305.

The second annular flange 345 is sized and/or shaped so that it cannot pass through the opening defined by the annular shoulder 343 344. Thus, contact between the annular shoulder 343 of the collar and the second annular flange 345 avoids excessive insertion of the drive element 306 into the collar 305 during assembly. In one embodiment, the opening 344 defined by the annular shoulder 343 has a first diameter, and the first annular flange 342 has a second diameter and the second annular flange 345 has a third diameter. . The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and less than the third diameter. Thus, the first annular flange 342 can pass through the opening 344 of the annular shoulder 343 while the second annular flange 345 is prohibited from doing so.

Likewise, the third annular flange 349 is sized and/or shaped so that it cannot pass through the opening 333 defined by the proximal edge 331 of the collar 305. In one such embodiment, the opening 333 defined by the proximal edge 331 of the collar 305 has a fourth diameter and the third annular flange 349 has a fifth diameter. The fifth diameter is greater than the fourth diameter. The fourth diameter of the opening 333 is greater than the third diameter of the second annular flange 345.

The spring arm 347 of the drive member 306 is located within the body portion 336 of the collar 305. More specifically, the spring arm 347 of the drive member 306 is located between the second and third annular flanges 345, 349 and within the second section 330B of the axial passage 330. As discussed below in relation to FIG. 8, the spring arms 347 of the drive member 306 are positioned to interact with the plurality of ridges 346 on the inner surface 329B of the body portion 336.

The post 351 of the drive member 306 projects from the flange portion 337 of the collar 305 toward the second axial direction AD2. Therefore, the extension of the pile 351 is raised For one configuration, by this configuration, the actuator 303 can be non-rotatably coupled to the drive element 306. The actuator 303 is also rotatably coupled to the flange portion 337 of the collar 305. Actuator 303 is located at a proximal end 352 of drive element 306. When the dispenser 300 is assembled, the actuator 303 extends axially beyond the proximal end 309 of the outer casing 301.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the lifter 308, extension member 307 and anti-rotation sleeve 304 will be described in greater detail. Each of the elevator 308, extension member 307 and anti-rotation sleeve 304 is constructed of a sufficiently rigid material to provide the necessary structural integrity to perform the functions discussed below. In one embodiment, each of the extension members 307 and the anti-rotation sleeve 304 may be composed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lifter 308 can be fabricated from a moldable relatively soft plastic material such as linear low density polyethylene.

The lifter 308 is disposed within the inner cavity 313 of the outer casing 301 to divide the inner cavity 313 into a storage tank 314 and a chamber 315. Storage tank 314 holds 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 present in any form, such as a solid or a flowable material, including but not limited to a viscous paste/colloid or a less viscous liquid component. In certain embodiments, the flow system is a flowable material having a low viscosity. Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention in. For example, the fluid can comprise an oral health care agent, such as a whitening agent, including, but not limited to, a peroxide comprising a tooth whitening ingredient. A suitable peroxide containing a whitening component of the teeth is disclosed in U.S. Patent Serial No. 11/403,372, filed on Apr. 13, 2006, assigned to the assignee, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. While a tooth whitening agent and a sensitizer are exemplary active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral health care agent can be used with the embodiments of the present invention as a fluid and thus stored within storage tank 314. The intended fluid comprises an oral health care agent which may be an active or inactive ingredient, including but not limited to an antibacterial agent; an oxidizing or whitening agent; a enamel enhancing or conditioning agent; an anti-corrosive agent; an anti-sensitive ingredient; a gingival health active agent; Tartar control or antifouling component; enzyme; sensory component; odor or odor component; breath freshening component; bad breath reducing agent; anti-adhesion agent or sealant; diagnostic solution; bite agent; anti-inflammatory agent; dry mouth release component; A catalyst that enhances the activity of any of these agents; a colorant or aesthetic component; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment the flow system has no (i.e., no) toothpaste. Instead, the flow system is intended to provide complementary oral health benefits in addition to brushing only. Other suitable fluids may include lipsticks or other materials that are generally available in semi-solid state.

In certain embodiments, the material useful in the fluid contained in the storage tank may comprise an oral health care composition comprising a basic amino acid present in a free form or a salt form. In one embodiment, the basic amino acid may be arginine. Various different types It will be useful to provide arginine to the user. It is possible to use one such oral care ingredient (eg, toothpaste) comprising: i. an effective amount of a basic amino acid (eg, arginine) present in a free or salt state, for example, exhibiting at least about 1% The amount, for example, from about 1 to about 30%; calculated as the weight of the free base based on the weight of the total formulation; ii. an effective amount of fluoride (eg, soluble fluoride salt, such as sodium fluoride, fluoride Tin or sodium monofluorophosphate) provides from about 250 to about 25,000 ppm of fluoride ion, for example, from about 1,000 to about 1,500 ppm; and iii. an abrasive such as alumina, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.

The dental treatment material of the present invention can have a viscosity suitable for use in dental treatment applications and methods. As used herein, "viscosity" shall mean "dynamic viscosity" and is defined as the ratio of the shear stress to the rate of deformation, such as the AR 1000-N rheology from TA Instruments from New Jersey, Delaware. Measured by the instrument.

When measured at a shear rate of 1 sec ^-1 , the viscosity may have a range, and the lower limit of the range is generally about 0.0025 poise, about 0.1 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise, and the upper limit of the range is independent. It is selected at the lower end of the range, and is generally about 10,000 poise, especially about 5,000 poise, and more preferably about 1,000 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 1 second ^-1 include from about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, from about 0.1 poise to about 5000 poise, from about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, and about 0.1 poise. Up to approximately 10,000 poise.

When measured at a shear rate of 100 sec ^-1 , the viscosity will have a range, the lower limit of which is generally about 0.0025 poise, especially about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 7.5 poise, the upper limit of which is independent of the range. The lower limit is selected, and is generally about 1,000 poise, especially about 100 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 sec.sup.31 1 include from about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, from about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise, from about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and From about 0.05 poise to about 1,000 poise.

When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 sec ^-1 , the viscosity will have a range, the lower limit of which is generally about 0.0025 poise, especially about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 5 poise, the upper limit of which is independent of the range. The lower limit is selected, and is generally about 500 poise, especially about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 sec ^-1 include from about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise, from about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, from about 5 poise to about 50 poise, and about 0.05 poise. Up to about 500 poise.

Each formulation contains a viscosity that adjusts the viscosity of the formulation to a level that allows for efficient flow from the storage tank 314, through the dispensing aperture 316 of the outer casing 301, and out of the dispensing aperture 326 of the applicator 302. This agent may be water, a thickener or a diluent. The viscosity should be the size of the dispensing aperture 316 (including length, internal cross-sectional area, shape, etc.), the composition of the applicator 302 or other transport channels used (also That is, the hollow passage, the porous passage, and the like, and the amount of force that can be obtained to maintain the normal pressure of the storage tank 314 are adjusted.

The lifter 308 forms a seal between the storage tank 314 and the chamber 315. An upper surface 360 of the lifter 308 forms a lower end wall surface of the storage tank 314, and a lower surface 361 of the lifter 308 forms an upper end wall surface of the chamber 315. The upper surface 360 of the lifter forms a continuous and uninterrupted fluid boundary defining a boundary between the lower ends of the storage tank storage slots 314. The drive element 306, including the drive bolt 350, neither protrudes through the lifter 308 nor through the upper surface 360. Conceiving another method, the drive member 306 including the drive bolt 350 is completely isolated from the storage slot storage slot 314, and even when the lifter 308 is in a fully retracted state (as shown in Figure 6), it will not The fluid within the storage tank 314 is in contact.

The lifter 308 includes a base portion 362 and a plug portion 363 extending axially from the base portion 362 toward the dispensing aperture 316 along the longitudinal axis B-B. The plug portion 363 includes an inner cavity 374 having a closed upper end and an open lower end. When the dispenser 300 is assembled and the lifter 308 is in a fully retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), the distal end portion of a drive bolt 350 is nested within the internal cavity of the plug portion 363 of the lifter 308. . However, as can be seen, the drive bolt 350 still does not pass through the lifter 308 or its outer surface 360. Further, the outer surface 360 of the lifter 308 can include more than one surface. The storage trough 314 will substantially empty the fluid as it moves axially through the storage trough 314 and into a fully extended position (not shown).

The lifter 308 is non-rotatable relative to the outer casing 301 but is axially translatable relative thereto. By designing the lifter 308 and the cavity 313 to have a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional shape, relative rotation between the lifter 308 and the outer casing 301 can be avoided. However, in an exemplary embodiment utilizing a circular cross-section, the relative rotation between the lifter 308 and the outer casing 301 is avoided by non-rotatably coupling the anti-rotation sleeve 304 to the lifter 308. As described above, the anti-rotation sleeve 304 is non-rotatable relative to the outer casing 301 as a result of an interlocking groove/ridge cooperation between the inner surface of the outer casing 301 and the anti-rotation sleeve 304.

The lifter 308 is coupled to the drive bolt 350, such that relative rotation between the drive bolt 350 and the lifter 308 causes the lifter 308 to axially advance toward the dispensing aperture 316, thereby expelling a volume of fluid from the storage slot 314. . In the illustrated embodiment, the lifter 308 is coupled to the drive bolt 350 via the extension member 307 through the use of male and female threads, as will be described in greater detail below. The lifter 308 further includes an annular groove formed as a lower surface 361 of the base portion 362 for coupling to the extension member 307.

In an alternate embodiment, the lifter 308 may be directly coupled to the drive bolt 350 by the use of male and female threads to eliminate the extension member 307. However, in certain embodiments, extension member 307 may be preferred so that lifter 308 does not need to be driven through drive bolt 350 while still providing a sufficient distance for axial displacement of lifter 308.

In the illustrated embodiment, the extension member 307 is a tubular sleeve configuration that extends from a proximal end 368 to a distal end 369. However, in certain other embodiments, the extension members may be in the form of a frame, struts, or one or more extension rods extending from all of the threaded collars to the lifter 308. The extension member 307 has an inner surface that defines an integral axial passage extending through the extension member 307. The inner surface includes all threaded portions 370A and an uncut portion 370B. When the dispenser 300 is assembled, the threaded portion 370A is located at the proximal end 368 of the extension member 307 and includes a threaded surface that is operatively coordinated with the threaded surface of the drive bolt 350. Again, when the dispensers are combined and the lifter 308 is in the fully retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), the drive bolts 350 extend through the entirety of the axial passages of the extension members 307.

The lifter 308 is coupled to the extension member 307 via a distal end 369 of the extension member 307 that is inserted into the lifter 308. Of course, the coupling between the lifter 308 and the extension member 307 can be achieved in a variety of different ways, without limiting the invention at all. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lifter 308 and the extension member 307 may be integrally formed as a unitary construction rather than being a separate component.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 8, the interaction between the spring arms 347 and the plurality of ridges 346 during operation of the dispenser 300 will be described. Rotating the actuator 303 in a first rotational direction ω1 causes the drive element 306 to also rotate in the first rotational direction ω1, thereby causing: (1) the lifter 308 toward the first axial direction AD1 along the drive bolt 350 The shaft is advanced axially for dispensing fluid from the dispensing aperture 316; and (2) the spring arm 347 is moved past the plurality of ridges 346. When the elastic arm 347 is rotated within the second section 330B of the axial passage toward the first rotational direction ω1, the elastic arm 347 continuously contacts each of the plurality of ridges 346. When the spring arm 347 is forced to move past each of the plurality of ridges 346, the spring arm 347 is deformed (in the illustrated embodiment, it is a bend). When the rotation continues and the spring arm 347 passes over each of the plurality of ridges 346, the spring 347 returns to slam and closes its original state (shown in Figure 8), thereby producing a The audible signal, in some embodiments, is in the form of a "click". This "beep" informs the user that the fluid has been dispensed and allows the user to dispense a precise and reproducible amount of fluid based on the number of "squeaks".

Referring now to Figures 14, 15 and 15A, additional embodiments of drive element 306B and collar 305B that may be incorporated into dispenser 300 are illustrated. Drive element 306B and collar 305B are substantially identical to drive element 306 and collar 305 described above, except for spring arm 347B and a plurality of raised portions 346B. Accordingly, the following description is to be construed as limiting the use of the above description in relation to Figures 1-13 to be suitable for all other aspects.

The drive member 306B includes a pair of spring arms 347B that extend radially outward from the post 351B. Unlike the elastic arm 347 of the driving member 306, each of the elastic arms 347B of the elastic member 347B of the driving member 306B is bent toward a second rotational direction ω2 at their extended portions instead of It is straight/linear. As illustrated, the cross section of each of the spring arms 347B is substantially C-shaped (shown in Figure 15). Of course, in other embodiments, each of the spring arms 347B can assume other curved shapes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm 347B includes a first spring arm 347B and a second spring arm 347B that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by approximately 180° on the pile 351B. Of course, other circumferential spacings can be utilized as desired. Moreover, in other embodiments of the invention, more or less than two spring arms 347B may be used.

Similar to the spring arm 347 and the ridge 346, when the drive element 306B is operatively coupled to the collar 305 and the drive element 306B is rotated relative to the collar 305B in the first rotational direction ω1, the spring 347B slides past the plurality Each of the raised portions 346B has a raised portion 346B. When the elastic arm 347B slides over each of the plurality of ridges 346B, the elastic arm 347B is radially deformed internally to allow the elastic arm 347B to pass over the plurality of ridges 346B. When the contact end of the spring arm 347B passes through the plurality of ridges 346B, the spring arms 347B resume their original state, thereby producing an audible signal as described above.

However, unlike the interaction between the spring arms 347 and the ridges 346, the interaction between the plurality of ridges 346B and the spring arms 347B prevents the drive element 306B (and thus the actuator 303) from facing the second Rotation of the direction of rotation ω2. Thus, when the drive element 306B is used in association with the collar 305B in the dispenser 300, the lifter 308 can be axially advanced only toward the first axial direction AD1.

In order to achieve the aforementioned functionality, each of the plurality of ridges 346B includes a leading surface 380 and a trailing surface 381. The leading surface 380 is aligned so that the spring arm 247B can easily slide over the raised portion 346B during rotation in the first rotational direction ω1. Conversely, the trailing surface 381 is aligned such that the spring arm 247B cannot return to slip past the trailing surface 381 as the spring arm 347B has passed the trailing surface 381 and then is rotated in the second rotational direction ω2. In short, the trailing surface 381 serves as the contact end stop surface of the engaging elastic arm 347B.

In one embodiment, this is achieved by mating the leading surface 380 such that they extend from the inner surface 329 of the collar 305B at a first angle β that is sufficiently large, while the trailing surface 381 is aligned enough A small second angle Θ extends from the inner surface 329 of the collar 305B. The first angle β is greater than the second angle Θ. In one embodiment, the first angle β is in the range of 135° to 160°, and the second angle is in the range of 30° to 100°.

Ranges are used as abbreviated expressions to describe each and every value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the limit of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. If the definition in this disclosure is inconsistent with the definition of an enumerated reference, it is controlled by the disclosure.

While the above description and drawings are illustrative of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, Various additions, modifications, and substitutions are possible in the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, configurations, arrangements, ratios, dimensions, and other elements, materials and components without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with the constructions, arrangements, ratios, dimensions, materials, and components and other modifications that may be used in the practice of the invention without departing from the principles of the invention. Especially suitable for specific environments and effective needs. Therefore, the presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

A-A‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

AD1‧‧‧first axial direction

AD2‧‧‧second axial

B-B‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

IX-IX, VII-VII, VIII-VIII‧‧ ‧ hatching

VI‧‧‧Area

XV‧‧‧ area

Β‧‧‧ first angle

Θ‧‧‧second angle

Ω1‧‧‧first direction of rotation

Ω2‧‧‧second direction of rotation

100‧‧‧ oral health care system

200‧‧‧ toothbrush

210‧‧‧ grip

212‧‧‧ proximal end

213‧‧‧ distal

215‧‧‧ openings

220‧‧‧ neck

230‧‧‧ head

231‧‧‧ front surface

232‧‧‧Back surface

233‧‧‧ peripheral side surface

235‧‧‧Dental connection elements

247B‧‧‧Boom arm

280‧‧‧ hole

300‧‧‧ Oral Care Dispenser

301‧‧‧ Shell

302‧‧‧applicator

303‧‧‧Actuator

304‧‧‧Anti-rotation sleeve

305, 305B‧‧‧ collar

306, 306B‧‧‧ drive components

307‧‧‧Extension members

308‧‧‧ Lifter

309‧‧‧ proximal end

310‧‧‧ proximal end

311‧‧‧ outer surface

312‧‧‧ inner surface

313‧‧‧ hole

314‧‧‧ storage trough

Section 314A, 314B‧‧‧

315‧‧ ‧ room

316‧‧‧Distribution hole

317‧‧‧ transverse wall

318‧‧‧First vertical section

319‧‧‧second vertical section

320‧‧‧Ringed shoulder

321‧‧‧ Groove

322‧‧‧ Plugging Department

323‧‧‧radial flange

324‧‧‧radial flange

325‧‧‧ Groove

326‧‧‧Distribution hole/annular rib

327‧‧‧Working surface

328‧‧‧ outer surface

329, 329A, 329B, 329C‧‧‧ inner surface

330‧‧‧Axial channel

330A‧‧‧First Section

330B‧‧‧second section

330C‧‧‧ third section

331‧‧‧ proximal edge

332‧‧‧ distal edge

333, 334‧‧‧ openings

335‧‧‧ neck

336‧‧‧ Body Department

337‧‧‧Flange

338-340‧‧‧Bow segments

341‧‧‧ gap

342‧‧‧First annular flange

343‧‧‧Ringed shoulder

344‧‧‧ openings

345‧‧‧Second annular flange

346, 346B‧‧ ‧ Uplift

347,347B‧‧‧Boom arm

348‧‧‧Circular ridge

349‧‧‧ Third annular flange

350‧‧‧Drive bolt/drive bolt

351, 351B‧‧ ‧ pile

352‧‧‧ Near end

353‧‧‧ distal

354‧‧‧ Ridge

360‧‧‧Upper/Outer Surface

361‧‧‧ lower surface

362‧‧‧ base

363‧‧‧ Plugging Department

368‧‧‧ Near end

369‧‧‧Remote

370A‧‧‧Threaded parts

370B‧‧‧Uncut threaded parts

374‧‧‧ Internal cavities

380‧‧‧ leading surface

381‧‧‧ trailing surface

1 is a front perspective view of an oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral health care dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the oral care dispenser is detachably coupled to the toothbrush in a stored state; FIG. 3 is a left side view of the oral health care system of FIG. 1 , wherein the oral health care dispenser is completely separated from the toothbrush and in a coated state; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention. A side view of an oral care dispenser of one embodiment; FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the oral care dispenser of FIG. 4; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the oral care dispenser of Figure 4 along the longitudinal axis BB; Figure 7 is a close-up view of area VI of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a view along line VII-VII of Figure 5. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the oral care dispenser of FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a side view of the driving element of the oral health care dispenser of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the driving element of FIG. 9; 11A is a side view of the collar of the oral health care dispenser of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11B is a plan view of the collar of FIG. 11A; FIG. 12A is a bottom perspective view of the collar of FIG. 11A; Figure 12B is a top perspective view of the collar of Figure 11A; Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the collar of Figure 11A along the longitudinal axis BB; Figure 14 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention that can be used in accordance with Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the drive elements and a collar of the oral care dispenser; Figure 15 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the drive element of Figure 14 in operative coupling with the collar; and Figure 15A is the area XV of Figure 15. Close-up view.

A-A‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

B-B‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

IX-IX, VIII-VIII‧‧ ‧ hatching

100‧‧‧ oral health care system

200‧‧‧ toothbrush

210‧‧‧ grip

212‧‧‧ proximal end

213‧‧‧ distal

220‧‧‧ neck

230‧‧‧ head

231‧‧‧ front surface

232‧‧‧Back surface

233‧‧‧ peripheral side surface

235‧‧‧Dental connection elements

300‧‧‧ Oral Care Dispenser

302‧‧‧applicator

303‧‧‧Actuator

Claims (29)

An oral health care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal storage slot for receiving a fluid; a collar non-rotatably coupled to the housing, the collar comprising an axial passage and a formation a neck portion of an inner surface of the first section of the axial passage, a body portion forming a second section of the axial passage, and a plurality of radially inwardly extending from an inner surface of the body portion a ridge formed by a plurality of segments extending axially from the body portion, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are separated by a gap; a drive member rotatably coupled To the collar, the drive member includes a first annular flange adjacent a distal edge of the neck, a drive bolt extending from the first annular flange toward a first axial direction, and a first a post of two axially extending from the first annular flange and extending through the axial passage, and at least one resilient arm extending radially outward from the post in the second section of the axial passage; Wherein the rotation of the actuator toward a first direction of rotation results in: ( 1) an elevator axially advancing along the drive bolt toward the first axial direction for dispensing the fluid from a dispensing aperture; and (2) the at least one resilient arm moving past the plurality of ridges, At least one of the resilient arms deforms as it moves past each of the plurality of ridges and returns to an original state upon passage through each of the plurality of ridges to produce an audible signal. The oral health care dispenser of claim 1, wherein the collar comprises an annular shoulder between the neck and the body portion. The oral health care dispenser of claim 2, wherein the driving element comprises a second annular convex portion of the annular shoulder of the collar adjacent to the second section of the axial passageway a rim, wherein the second annular flange is unable to fit through an opening defined by the annular shoulder, the neck being located between the first and second annular flanges. The oral health care dispenser of claim 3, wherein the opening defined by the annular shoulder has a first diameter, the first annular flange has a second diameter, and the first The two annular flange has a third diameter, and wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and smaller than the third diameter. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the drive element comprises a third annular flange located adjacent a proximal edge of the collar, wherein the third The annular flange cannot pass through an opening defined by the proximal edge of the collar, the at least one resilient arm being located between the second and third annular flanges. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first section of the axial passage has a first cross-sectional area and the second of the axial passages The section has a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the neck is obliquely aligned to the longitudinal axis, and the first cross-sectional area is oriented toward the The distal edge is pushed out. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the body portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distal edge of the neck defines an opening, and wherein the one toward the first axis The first annular flange can pass through the opening defined by the distal edge of the neck when the position within the first section of the axial passage is translated, and wherein toward the second axis The contact between the distal edge of the neck and the first annular flange prevents the first annular flange from passing when being translated from a position beyond the distal edge of the neck The opening defined by the distal edge of the neck. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one elastic arm comprises a straight elastic arm. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of ridges are circumferentially spaced apart along a longitudinal axis by a circumferentially spaced apart manner Arranging, and wherein the plurality of ridges and the at least one elastic arm are designed such that contact between the at least one elastic arm and the plurality of ridges prevents the actuator from being opposite to the first rotational direction The second rotation direction is rotated. The oral health care dispenser of claim 11, wherein the at least one elastic arm includes a first elastic arm that is bent toward the second rotational direction, and a second curved one that is bent toward the second rotational direction. Bounce arm, the first The second elastic arm is circumferentially spaced from the first elastic arm by approximately 180°. The oral health care dispenser of claim 12, wherein the cross sections of the first and second elastic arms are substantially C-shaped. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive element is a single unitary component. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collar comprises a flange portion that abuts a proximal end of the outer casing and projects from the proximal end of the outer casing The body portion is located within the outer casing, and the pile projects from the flange portion of the collar toward the second axial direction. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body portion is an un-segmented annular configuration. An oral health care system comprising: a toothbrush; the oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the oral health care dispenser is designed to be detachably coupled to The toothbrush. An oral health care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal storage slot for receiving a fluid; a collar non-rotatably coupled to the housing, the collar including an inner surface defining an axial passage The inner surface of the collar includes a plurality of features arranged circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis; a drive member rotatably coupled to the collar, the drive member The utility model comprises a driving bolt, a pile and one or more elastic arms extending radially outward from the pile, the one or more elastic arms being bent around the longitudinal axis in a second rotation direction; wherein the actuator faces one The rotation of the first direction of rotation results in: (1) a lifter axially advancing along the drive bolt toward a first axial direction for dispensing the fluid from a dispensing aperture; and (2) the one or more bullets The arm moves past the plurality of features; and wherein interaction between the plurality of features and the one or more spring arms prevents the actuator from rotating in the second rotational direction. The oral health care dispenser of claim 18, wherein the plurality of features comprise a plurality of ridges extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the collar into the axial passage, and wherein Rotation of the actuator toward the first rotational direction causes the one or more resilient arms to deform as they move past each of the plurality of ridges and pass through each of the plurality of ridges The original state is restored to produce an audible signal. The oral health care dispenser of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of ridges comprises: (1) a leading surface through which the one or more elastic arms are The actuator slides during rotation in the first rotational direction; and (2) a trailing surface that engages the one or more resilient arms when the actuator is rotated in the second rotational direction One of the terminal edges is used to avoid further rotation of the actuator in the second direction of rotation. The oral health care dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the The leading surface extends from the inner surface of the collar at a first angle, and the trailing surface extends from the inner surface of the collar at a second angle, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the drive element is a single unitary component. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the one or more elastic arms have a substantially C-shaped cross section. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 21, comprising a pair of the elastic arms circumferentially spaced apart from each other by about 180°. The oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the collar comprises a neck forming a first section of the axial passage and a forming the axial passage a body portion of a second section formed by a plurality of segments extending axially from the body portion, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are separated by a gap, and wherein A plurality of features extend radially inward from the body portion. The oral health care dispenser of claim 25, wherein the drive element comprises a first annular flange located adjacent a distal edge of the neck, wherein the distal edge of the neck defines a An opening portion, and wherein the first annular flange is passable by the neck portion when translated toward the first axial direction from a position within the first portion of the axial passage The opening defined by the end edge, and wherein when the position is exceeded from a position beyond the distal edge of the neck toward the second axis, Contact between the distal edge of the neck and the first annular flange prevents the first annular flange from passing through the opening defined by the distal edge of the neck. The oral health care dispenser of claim 25, wherein the body portion is an unsegmented annular configuration. An oral health care system comprising: a toothbrush; the oral health care dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the oral health care dispenser is designed to be detachably coupled to The toothbrush. An oral health care dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal storage slot for receiving a fluid; a collar non-rotatably coupled to the housing, the collar comprising an axial passage and a formation a segmented annular neck portion of the inner surface of the first section of the axial passage, an un-segmented annular body portion forming a second section of the axial passage, and a plurality of a bulge extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the segmented annular body portion; a drive member rotatably coupled to the collar, the drive member including a first axial direction from a first annular shape a flange extending drive bolt, a post extending from the first annular flange and passing through the axial passage, and at least one of the second section from the axial passage a radially outwardly extending spring arm; and wherein rotation of the actuator toward a first direction of rotation results in: (1) one Lifting the shaft axially along the drive bolt toward the first axial direction for dispensing the fluid from a dispensing aperture; and (2) moving the at least one resilient arm over the plurality of raised portions, the at least one resilient The arm deforms as it moves past each of the plurality of ridges and returns to an original state as it passes through each of the plurality of ridges to produce an audible signal.