WO2004092031A1

WO2004092031A1 - Toothpaste dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2004092031A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/001151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Basil Martin Green
Original assignee: Van Der Walt, Louis, Staphanus
Priority date: 2003-04-17
Filing date: 2004-04-16
Publication date: 2004-10-28
Also published as: WO2004092031B1; GB2418194A; GB0525615D0; ZA200402909B

Abstract

This invention relates to a toothpaste dispensing device (140) which includes an elongate container body (142) having at least two compartments (144, 146) containing dentifrice compositions and at least two discharge openings (148) defined in the body (142), a discharge opening (148) being provided in flow communication with each compartment (144, 146). The device (140) includes closure means (150, 152) for independently selectively opening or closing the at least two discharge openings (148) thereby to permit the dentifrice composition contents of the at least two compartments (144, 146) to be dispensed separately.

Description

TOOTHPASTE DISPEWSIiMG DEVICE

THIS INVENTION relates to a toothpaste dispensing device.

The , invention extends to a dentifrice kit, to a closure device for a toothpaste dispenser, to a method of preparing a toothpaste dispensing device, to packaging for a dentifrice kit and to a method of packaging toothpaste.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a toothpaste dispensing device which includes an elongate container body having at least two compartments, containing dentifrice compositions, and at least two discharge openings defined in the body, a discharge opening being provided in flow communication with each compartment; and closure means for independently selectively opening or closing the at least two discharge openings thereby to permit the dentifrice composition contents of the at least two compartments to be dispensed separately.

Each compartment may contain a different dentifrice composition.

The dentifrice compositions of the at least two compartments may have different modes of action and/or active ingredients. The dentifrice compositions may each have a specialised mode of action. Instead, at least one of the dentifrice compositions may be multi-functional in action. The dentifrice compositions may have, for example, one or more of the following modes of action: bactericidal, whitening, breath-freshening, plaque inhibiting, (gum) astringent.

The dentifrice compositions may have different pH's.

The dentifrice compositions may be in paste or gel form and/or may include micro-particles. The dentifrice compositions may include, for example, a bicarbonate salt or a herbal active ingredient.

The container body may be longitudinally partitioned by at least one internal dividing wall so as to define the at least two compartments.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container body defines two compartments. The internal dividing wall may then extend roughly diagonally across the container between ends of the container. A discharge opening may be defined at each end of the container body, i.e. the discharge openings may open out of opposed ends of the container body. The closure means may include a closure cap received or receivable over each discharge opening.

Instead, the discharge openings may be defined at a common end of the container body. In one embodiment, the closure means may include a closure device which is received or receivable over the discharge openings and which defines dispensing orifices, equal in number to the discharge openings and configured to be located in register with the discharge openings, and includes a plurality of closure caps, equal in number to the dispensing orifices and removably locatable over a dispensing orifice selectively to open or close the orifice and its associated discharge opening.

Indicia may be formed on an outer surface of the container body at spaced locations to be identifiable with each of the at least two compartments and by which the compartments, and hence their dentifrice composition contents, may be distinguished by a user. It will be appreciated that this will facilitate use of the different dentifrice compositions on a rotational basis, e.g. one dentifrice composition in the morning and a different dentifrice composition in the evening. Instead, or in addition, closure caps associated with each compartment may be of different colours so that the compartments and their contents are distinguishable. The dentifrice compositions of the compartments may be of different colours.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a dentifrice kit, which includes at least two containers, each containing a dentifrice composition and each having a discharge opening defined at one end thereof, the at least two containers being integrally packaged.

Each container may have a tubular body. The body may be flexible. Where the kit includes two containers, each container body may be semi-circular in cross-section such that flat surfaces of the containers are locatable flush against one another. Instead, each container may resemble a conventional toothpaste tube in form. The containers may be of about equal volume. Typically, each container body is of a synthetic plastics material.

The containers may be oriented head-to-tail adjacent one another.

The at least two containers may be interconnected at their ends spaced from their discharge openings. The ends of the containers spaced from the discharge openings may be welded together. The kit may include fastening means by which ends of the containers which are spaced from the discharge openings are fastened together thereby to interconnect the containers. The fastening means may be in the form of a clip which defines a finger grip by which the clip may be turned/wound by a user so as to provide extruding means for facilitating extrusion of the contents of each container. The clip may be of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

The kit may include retaining means for retaining the at least two containers in side-by-side relationship. The retaining means may be provided by a sleeve extending around adjacent containers for at least part of their lengths. The sleeve may be of an elastic material. Instead, the retaining means may be provided by a plurality of bands received or receivable around adjacent containers at spaced apart positions along their lengths. The bands may be of an elastic material. The bands may each be about 25 mm wide. In still another embodiment of the invention, the retaining means may include a helical element received around adjacent containers for at least part of their lengths. The retaining means may include an adhesive applied to neighbouring surfaces of adjacent containers.

The kit may include a closure device which is configured to be receivable over adjacent discharge openings of adjacent containers and which defines dispensing orifices, equal in number to the containers and configured to be located in register with the discharge openings of adjacent containers, the closure device including a plurality of closure caps, equal in number to the dispensing orifices and each removably locatable over a dispensing orifice for selectively opening or closing the orifice.

The at least two containers may be integrally packaged in an elongate box. The box may be longitudinally partitioned by an internal partitioning wall. The partitioning wall may extend diagonally across the box between ends of the box.

Each container may contain a different dentifrice composition.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a dentrifice kit, which includes at least two containers, each containing a different dentrifice composition and each having a discharge opening defined at one end thereof, the at least two containers being independently packaged in a packaging and said at least two packagings being interconnected.

Each container may be independently packaged in an elongate box, the at least two boxes being interconnected for at least part of their lengths.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dentrifice kit includes two containers each packaged in a box. Each box may taper towards one end thereof and the two boxes may be oriented such that tapered ends of the boxes are opposed and the adjacent interconnected boxes have a roughly rectangular box-shaped form.

The dentifrice compositions of the at least two containers may have different modes of action and/or active ingredients. The dentifrice compositions may each have a specialised mode of action. Instead, at least one of the dentifrice compositions may be multifunctional in action. The dentifrice compositions may have, for example, one or more of the following modes of action: bactericidal, whitening, breath-freshening, plaque inhibiting, (gum) astringent.

The dentifrice compositions may have different pH's.

Each container may include a closure cap removably received or receivable over its discharge opening, selectively to open or close the discharge opening.

Indicia may be formed on an outer surface of a body of each container, by which indicia the containers and their dentifrice composition contents may be distinguished by a user. Instead, or in addition, a closure cap of each container may be of a different colour so as to distinguish the containers and their contents. The dentifrice compositions of the containers may be of different colours.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a closure device for a toothpaste dispenser, the closure device including a body defining coupling means for coupling the body to at least one toothpaste dispenser and having a shoulder portion and spaced neck portions which extend outwardly from the shoulder portion, each neck portion defining a dispensing orifice; and a plurality of closure caps, corresponding in number to the neck portions and configured to be removably receivable on a neck portion selectively to open or close the dispensing orifice thereof.

Each neck portion may be circular cylindrical. Each neck portion may be externally threaded, each cap having a complementary internally threaded side wall such that the cap is screw-threadedly receivable on the neck portion. Instead, each cap may be press-fittingly receivable on the neck portion and may include a tab by which it is connected to the neck portion.

The coupling means may be provided by a screw-thread defined internally on a side wall of each neck portion, which screw-thread is configured to be engageable with a screw-thread defined on a neck of a conventional toothpaste tube. Instead, the coupling means may be provided by an internal annular groove defined in a side wall of each neck portion and which is configured to be clipped into engagement with a complementary annular rib defined on a neck of a toothpaste dispenser.

Typically, the closure device may define two spaced neck portions and hence be configured to be receivable on a single toothpaste dispenser defining two discharge openings or on two adjacent toothpaste dispensers each defining a discharge opening.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a connector for connecting together two toothpaste tubes, which connector includes a body defining at least two spaced apart toothpaste tube engaging formations for releasably engaging two toothpaste tubes and retaining them in a desired spacial relationship.

The toothpaste tube engaging formations may be in the form of sockets within which necks of the toothpaste tubes are receivable.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a toothpaste dispensing device which includes positioning at least two flexible^' tubular containers within an elastic sleeve; introducing a dentifrice composition into an end of each container; and sealing the end of each container. The method may include introducing a different dentifrice composition into each container.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of packaging toothpaste, which method includes applying indicia or symbols to at least one container containing a dentrifice composition thereby to associate the at least one container with a predetermined time of day/period within a day, eg. morning or night.

The method may include integrally packaging at least two containers, each having indicia applied thereto associating each container with a different predetermined time of day/period within a day.

Instead, the method may include independently packaging the at least two containers each in packaging, said at least two packagings being interconnected.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided packaging for a dentifrice kit as hereinbefore described, the packaging including a box-like container body and a longitudinally extending internal partioning wall which extends diagonally across the body between ends of the body.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings, Figure 1 shows a part cut-away perspective view of a dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of still another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of yet another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a further dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a still further dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 shows a sectional elevation of a closure device of the invention;

Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a toothpaste dispensing device in accordance with the invention; Figure 1 0 is a sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of

Figure 9 taken along the plane X-X;

Figure 1 1 is a sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 9 taken along the plane XI-XI;

Figure 1 2 is a sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 9 taken along the plane XII-XII;

Figure 1 3 is a sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 9 taken along the plane XIII-XIII;

Figure 1 4 is a sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 9 taken along the plane XIV-XIV;

Figure 1 5 shows a perspective view of another toothpaste dispensing device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 1 6 is a transverse sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 1 5 in a fully extended condition;

Figure 1 7 is a transverse sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 1 5 in a partially collapsed condition;

Figure 1 8 is a transverse sectional view of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 1 5 in a fully collapsed condition; Figure 1 9 is a transverse sectional view of still another toothpaste dispensing device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 20 shows a sectional elevation of part of the toothpaste dispensing devices of Figures 1 5 and 1 9;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of still another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention.

In Figure 1 of the drawings, reference numeral 1 0 refers generally to a dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention. The kit 1 0 includes two containers 1 2, 1 4, each of which contains a dentifrice composition. Each container 1 2, 1 4, resembles a conventional toothpaste tube in form, i.e. is of a flexible synthetic plastics or foil material and is tubular, tapering towards a sealed end 28, 30 thereof. The two containers 1 2, 1 4 are integrally packaged in an elongate box 1 6 having lid elements 1 8 defined at opposed ends thereof such that the box 1 6 is openable at either of its ends. The containers 1 2, 1 4 are arranged in head-to-tail fashion in the box 1 6. Each container 1 2, 1 4 contains a different dentifrice composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice compositions of the two containers 1 2, 1 4 have different modes of action. Each container 1 2, 1 4 may contain a dentifrice composition having a specialised mode of action, or instead the dentifrice composition of one or both of the containers 1 2, 1 4 may be multi-functional in action. The dentifrice compositions may have, for example, one or more of the following modes of action: bactericidal, whitening, breath-freshening, plaque inhibiting, (gum) astringent. The dentifrice compositions may have different pH's. It will be appreciated that the dentifrice compositions may be in paste or gel form and/or may include micro-particles. Typically, the dentifrice compositions have different active ingredients and may, for example, include a bicarbonate salt or a herbal active ingredient. It will be appreciated, however, that other active ingredients may be present.

The containers 1 2, 14 are typically of equal volume. A body, 20, 22 of each container 1 2, 14, respectively, defines a discharge opening (not shown) at an end 24, 26 spaced from a sealed end 28, 30 of the body 20, 22. Each container 1 2, 14 includes a closure cap 32 screw-threadedly removably received over its discharge opening, selectively to open or close the discharge opening of the relevant container 1 2, 1 4.

Indicia 34 are formed on each container body 20, 22 and provide a means by which the containers 1 2, 1 4 and their dentifrice composition contents may be distinguished by a user. Further, the closure caps 32 of the containers 1 2, 1 4 are of different colours to permit distinguishing of the containers 1 2, 14. In one embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice compositions of the two containers 1 2, 14 are of different colours. It will be appreciated that distinction of the containers 1 2, 1 4 will permit of rotational use of the different dentifrice compositions, for example, use of one dentifrice composition in the morning and of the other dentifrice composition at night.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 of the drawings, in which, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above designate similar parts. In Figure 2, reference numeral 40 refers generally to another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention. Containers 1 2, 14 are integrally packaged in elongate box 42 which is longitudinally partitioned by an internal partitioning wall 44 which extends diagonally across the box 42 between ends of the box 46, 48. It will be appreciated that the partitioning wall 44 divides the box 42 into two compartments 50, 52, in each of which one of the containers 1 2, 14 is receivable.

In Figure 21 of the drawings, reference numeral 230 refers generally to still another dentrifice kit in accordance with the invention, and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. The dentrifice kit 230 includes two containers 1 2, 1 4, each containing a different dentrifice composition, the two containers 1 2, 1 4 being independently packaged in elongate boxes 232, 234 and the two boxes 232, 234 being interconnected for the greater part of their lengths.

Each box 232, 234 tapers towards one end 236, 238 thereof and the two boxes 232, 234 are oriented such that their tapered ends 236, 238 are opposed and the adjacent interconnected boxes 232, 234 take on a roughly rectangular box-shaped form.

In Figure 3 of the drawings, reference numeral 60 refers generally to part of still another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention, and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the containers 1 2, 1 4 are interconnected at their sealed ends 28, 30 by fastening means in the form of a metal clip 62 which is received over the adjacent ends 28, 30. The clip 62 defines a ring-like grip 64 which may be grasped and turned by a user thereby to compress the containers 1 2, 14 by winding them onto the clip 62 and hence to facilitate extrusion of the contents of each container 1 2, 14. The containers 1 2, 14 are maintained in side-by-side relationship by retaining means which includes an adhesive applied to neighbouring surfaces of the adjacent containers 1 2, 14. The containers 1 2, 1 4 are further retained next to one another by means of a closure device 1 1 0, as described in more detail below, with reference to Figure 8 of the drawings.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 70 refers generally to part of a further dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention, and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above designate similar parts. In this embodiment of the invention, the containers 1 2, 14 are maintained in side-by-side relationship by retaining means provided by a plurality of bands 72 of elastic material and width about 25 mm which are received around the adjacent containers 1 2, 1 at spaced apart positions along their lengths.

In Figure 5 of the drawings, reference numeral 80 refers generally to part of another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention. In Figure 5, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. The containers 1 2, 1 4 are interconnected at their ends 28, 30 by a common plastic weld 82. Further, the containers 1 2, 1 4 are maintained in adjacent relationship by retaining means provided by an elastic sleeve 84 which extends around the adjacent containers 1 2, 1 4 for the greater part of their lengths. It will be appreciated that as the dentifrice composition contents of the tubes 1 2, 14 are extruded, the sleeve 84 will contract. In preparing the embodiment 80 of Figure 5, the two containers 1 2, 14 will typically be positioned within the elastic sleeve 84 prior to introduction of the respective dentifrice compositions into the containers 1 2, 14 and the sealing of the ends 28, 30 thereof.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 of the drawings in which, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above in relation to Figure 4 of the drawings indicate similar parts. Reference numeral 90 refers generally to part of still another dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention in which the containers 1 2, 1 4 are oriented head-to-tail, such that their discharge openings (or ends 24, 26) are opposed, prior to elastic retaining bands 72 being received around the adjacent containers, 1 2, 1 4.

In Figure 7, reference numeral 1 00 refers generally to part of a further dentifrice kit in accordance with the invention, and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above in relation to Figure 5 of the drawings indicate similar parts. In this embodiment, the containers 1 2, 1 4 are oriented in adjacent head-to-tail relationship prior to receiving the sleeve 84 around the adjacent containers 1 2, 1 4. In still another embodiment of the invention (Figure 22), the retaining means is provided by a helical strap 240 which extends around adjacent containers 1 2, 1 4 for the greater part of their lengths.

It will be appreciated that each container body 20, 22 may be semi-circular in cross section so that flat surfaces of adjacent containers 1 2, 14 may be located flush against one another and so that the adjacent containers yield a circular cylindrical form of roughly constant cross-sectional diameter.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 1 10 refers generally to a closure device for a toothpaste dispenser in accordance with the invention. The closure device 1 1 0 includes a body 1 1 2 of a synthetic plastics material, the body 1 1 2 having two spaced circular cylindrical neck portions 1 1 4 and a generally oval shoulder portion 1 1 6 from which the neck portions 1 1 4 extend outwardly. The body 1 1 2 defines coupling means, generally indicated by reference numeral 1 1 8, by which the body 1 1 2 can be coupled to at least one toothpaste dispenser, as described in more detail below.

Each neck portion 1 1 4 defines a dispensing orifice 1 22. The closure device 1 1 0 includes two closure caps 1 20 which are each removably screw-threadedly receivable on a neck portion 1 1 4 selectively to open or close the dispensing orifice 1 22 thereof.

The coupling means 1 1 8 is provided by an internal annular groove 1 24 defined in a circular cylindrical side wall 1 25 of each neck portion 1 1 4, which groove 1 24 is configured to be clipped into engagement with a complementary annular rib 1 26 defined on each of two necks 1 28 of two adjacent toothpaste containers 1 32, 1 34.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the coupling means is provided by an internal screw-thread defined on a side wall 1 26 of each neck portion 1 14, which screw-thread is configured to be engageable with a complementary screw-thread defined on a neck of a conventional toothpaste tube. The closure device 1 20, when coupled to two adjacent containers 1 32, 1 34 serves to retain the containers in side- by-side relationship.

In Figures 9 to 14 of the drawings, reference numeral 140 refers generally to a toothpaste dispensing device in accordance with the invention. As can best be seen from Figure 9 of the drawings, the toothpaste dispensing device 140 includes an elongate tubular container body 1 42 having two compartments 1 44, 146 for containing dentifrice compositions. Two discharge openings, one of which, 148, is shown, are defined in the body 1 42 at opposed ends thereof, each discharge opening 1 8 being in flow communication with one of the compartments 144, 1 46.

The toothpaste dispensing device 1 40 further includes closure means in the form of two closure caps 1 50, 1 52, each of which is removably screw-threadedly received on the body 142 over a discharge opening 148 so that the discharge openings 148 may be independently selectively opened or closed to permit the dentifrice compositions of the two compartments 144, 1 46 to be dispensed separately.

Each compartment 1 44, 1 46 contains a different dentifrice composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice compositions of the two compartments 144, 1 46 have different modes of action. Each compartment 144, 146 may contain a dentifrice composition having a specialised mode of action, or instead the dentifrice composition of one or both of the compartments 1 44, 146 may be multifunctional in action. The dentifrice compositions may have, for example, one or more of the following modes of action: bactericidal, whitening, breath-freshening, plaque inhibiting, (gum) astringent. The dentifrice compositions may have different pH's. It will be appreciated that the dentifrice compositions may be in paste or gel form and/or may include micro-particles. Typically the dentifrice compositions have different active ingredients and may, for example, include a bicarbonate salt or a herbal active ingredient. It will be appreciated, however, that other active ingredients may be present.

The compartments 1 44, 1 46 are typically of equal volume. In one embodiment of the invention indicia (not shown) are formed on an outer surface 1 54 of the container body 1 42 at spaced locations identifiable with each of the two compartments 144, 1 46. The indicia permit a user to distinguish the compartments 144, 146 and hence their dentifrice composition contents. This in turn permits of use of the different dentifrice compositions on a rotational basis. Further, the closure caps 1 50, 1 52 are of different colours so as to distinguish the different compartments 144, 146. In one embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice compositions of the compartments 1 44, 1 46 are also of different colours.

The container body 1 42 is longitudinally partitioned by an internal dividing wall 1 56 to define the compartments 144, 146. To this end, the body 1 42 is typically made from a single rectangular sheet of plastics material formed into a tube so that transversely spaced sides of the sheet overlap. The sides of the sheet are welded to the tube so- formed thereby to define two longitudinally extending seams 1 60 and to yield the internal wall 1 56. Typically the dividing wall 1 56 has a width W equal to half a circumference C of the tubular body 1 42 (see Figure 1 0) such that the dividing wall 1 56 takes on a sigmoidal or roughly S-shaped form for most of its length. A head fitment defining the orifice 148 is connected to each end of the tube formed from the sleeve to yield the body 142. Ends of the dividing wall 1 56 are sandwiched between a wall of the tube and the relevant head fitment at diametrically opposed positions such that the dividing wall extends roughly diagonally across the body 142 between its ends.

Reference is now made to Figures 1 5 to 1 8 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 1 70 refers generally to another toothpaste dispensing device in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to indicate similar parts. As can best be appreciated from Figure 1 5 of the drawings, the device 1 70 includes an elongate tubular container body 172 having an internal dividing wall 1 73 defining two compartments 1 74, 1 76 containing different dentifrice compositions. Two adjacent discharge openings 1 84, 1 86 (Figure 20) are defined at a common end 1 82 of the body 1 72. Each discharge opening 1 84, 1 86 is in flow communication with one of the compartments 1 74, 1 76, respectively.

The body 1 72 is typically produced from a single rectangular sheet of plastics material. In the embodiment of Figures 1 5 to 1 8, a rectangular sheet of plastics material is manipulated to take on roughly the form of a numeral six ('6') and transversely spaced sides of the sheet are welded to an adjacent portion of the sheet when in such form to yield a tube having an internal dividing wall 1 73 and an internal longitudinal seam 1 78 and external longitudinal seam 1 80. An end 1 85 of the tube is closed by a welding together of adjacent layers of the sheet.

In the embodiment 220 of the toothpaste dispensing device of Figure 1 9, similar to the embodiment 1 70 of Figures 1 5 to 1 8, a rectangular sheet of plastics material is manipulated into roughly s-shaped form and two external longitudinally extending external seams 1 79, 1 81 are defined by welding transversely spaced sides to adjacent portions of the sheet when in such form to similarly yield a tube having an internal dividing wall 1 73.

As can best be seen from Figure 20 of the drawings, the discharge openings 1 84, 1 86 are defined by a head fitment 1 90 which is attached to the body 1 72 at its end 1 82. The head fitment 1 90 is typically of a synthetic plastics material and includes a central elliptical portion 1 92 from which two spaced circular cylindrical threaded neck portions 1 94, 1 96 extend outwardly, the neck portions 1 94, 1 96 each having a central bore 1 98, 200 providing the discharge openings 1 84, 1 86, respectively. The head fitment 1 90 further includes a downwardly depending skirt portion 202 and a tapering shoulder portion 204 which extends between the skirt portion 202 and the central portion 1 92. An internal dividing wall portion 206 extends centrally between transversely spaced sides of the head fitment 1 90. The head fitment 1 90 is inserted into the end 1 82 of the container body 1 72 such that part of the body 1 72 extends over the skirt portion 202 of the head fitment 1 92 and the body 1 72 is welded peripherally to the skirt portion 202. Further, the internal dividing wall 1 73 is welded to the dividing wall portion 206 of the head fitment 1 92 in order to define two discrete compartments having independent discharge openings 1 84, 1 86.

The device 1 70 includes two closure caps 210 which are each removably screw-threadedly receivable on a neck portion 1 94, 1 96 selectively to open or close the discharge openings 1 84, 1 86 thereof.

The Applicant believes that the toothpaste dispensing device and dentifrice kit of the invention will permit of the use of two, or more, different toothpastes on a rotational basis, e.g. one in the morning and one in the evening. This in turn, it is believed, will result in more effective oral hygiene and an extended effective life for each toothpaste. It is believed that the devices/kits of the invention may cater for differing requirements/preferences of users by providing a variety of combinations of toothpaste compositions which may be selected by a user.

It will be appreciated that the device/kit of the invention may house three different dentifrice compositions to permit of brushing with different toothpastes at least three times a day.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A toothpaste dispensing device which includes an elongate container body having at least two compartments, containing dentifrice compositions, and at least two discharge openings defined in the body, a discharge opening being provided in flow communication with each compartment; and closure means for independently selectively opening or closing the at least two discharge openings thereby to permit the dentifrice composition contents of the at least two compartments to be dispensed separately.

2. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which each compartment contains a different dentifrice composition.

3. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 or

Claim 2, in which the container body is longitudinally partitioned by at least one internal dividing wall so as to define the at least two compartments.

4. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 3, in which the container body is partitioned by an internal dividing wall which extends generally diagonally across the container body between ends of the container body to define two compartments.

5. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 4, in which a discharge opening is defined at each end of the container body.

6. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 5, in which the closure means includes a closure cap received or receivable over each discharge opening.

7. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, inclusive, in which the discharge openings are defined at a common end of the container body.

8. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the closure means includes a closure device, which is received or receivable over the discharge openings and which defines dispensing orifices, equal in number to the discharge openings and configured to be located in register with the discharge openings, and includes a plurality of closure caps, equal in number to the dispensing orifices and removably locatable over a dispensing orifice selectively to open or close the orifice and its associated discharge opening.

9. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes indicia formed on an outer surface of the container body at spaced locations to be identifiable with each of the at least two compartments and by which the compartments, and their dentifrice composition contents, are distinguishable by a user.

1 0. A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 8, in which closure caps associated with each compartment are of different colours so that the compartments and their contents are distinguishable.

1 1 . A toothpaste dispensing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dentifrice compositions of the compartments are of different colours.

1 2. A dentifrice kit, which includes at least two containers, each containing a dentifrice composition and each having a discharge opening defined at one end thereof, the at least two containers being integrally packaged.

1 3. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 2, which includes two containers, each container body being generally semi-circular in cross- section such that flat surfaces of the container bodies are locatable flush against one another.

14. A dentrifice kit as claimed in Claim 1 2 or Claim 1 3, in which the containers are oriented head-to-tail adjacent one another.

1 5. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 2 or Claim 1 3, in which the at least two containers are interconnected at their ends spaced from their discharge openings.

1 6. A dentrifice kit as claimed in Claim 1 5, in which the at least two containers are arranged adjacent one another and which includes a closure device which is configured to be receivable over adjacent discharge openings of adjacent containers and which defines dispensing orifices, equal in number to the containers and configured to be located in register with the discharge openings of adjacent containers, the closure device including a plurality of closure caps, equal in number to the dispensing orifices and each removably locatable over a dispensing orifice for selectively opening or closing the orifice.

1 7. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 5 or Claim 1 6, in which the ends of the containers spaced from the discharge openings are welded together.

1 8. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 5 or Claim 1 6, which includes fastening means by which ends of the containers which are spaced from the discharge openings are fastened together thereby to interconnect the containers.

1 9. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 8, in which the fastening means is in the form of a clip which defines a grip by which the clip may be turned so as to provide extruding means for facilitating extrusion of the contents of each container.

20. A dentifrice kit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 2 to 1 9, inclusive, which includes retaining means for retaining the at least two containers in side-by-side relationship.

21 . A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 20, in which the retaining means is provided by a sleeve extending around adjacent containers for at least part of their lengths.

22. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 20, in which the retaining means is provided by a plurality of bands received or receivable around adjacent containers at spaced apart positions along their lengths.

23. A dentrifice kit as claimed in Claim 20, in which the retaining means includes a helical element received around adjacent containers for at least part of their lengths.

24. A dentrifice kit as claimed in any one of Claims 20 to 23, inclusive, in which the retaining means includes an adhesive applied to neighbouring surfaces of adjacent containers.

25. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 1 2, in which the at least two containers are integrally packaged in an elongate box which is longitudinally partitioned by at least one internal partioning wall.

26. A dentifrice kit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 2 to 25, inclusive, in which each container contains a different dentifrice composition.

27. A dentifrice kit, which includes at least two containers, each containing a different dentifrice composition and each having a discharge opening defined at one end thereof, the at least two containers being independently packaged in a packaging and said at least two packagings being interconnected.

28. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 27, in which each container is independently packaged in an elongate box, the at least two boxes being interconnected for at least part of their lengths.

29. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 28, which includes two containers, each packaged in a box, each box tapering towards one end thereof and the two boxes being oriented such that tapered ends of the boxes are opposed and the adjacent interconnected boxes have a roughly rectangular box-shaped form.

30. A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 29, in which each container includes a closure cap removably received or receivable over its discharge opening, selectively to open or close the discharge opening.

31 . A dentifrice kit as claimed in Claim 30, in which a closure cap of each container is be of a different colour so as to distinguish the containers and their contents.

32. A dentifrice kit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 2 to 31 , inclusive, which includes indicia formed on an outer surface of a body of each container, by which indicia the containers and their dentifrice composition contents may be distinguished by a user.

33. A dentifrice kit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 2 to 32, inclusive, in which the dentifrice compositions of the containers are of different colours.

34. A closure device for a toothpaste dispenser, the closure device including a body defining coupling means for coupling the body to at least one toothpaste dispenser and having a shoulder portion and a plurality of spaced neck portions which extend outwardly from the shoulder portion, each neck portion defining a dispensing orifice; and a plurality of closure caps, corresponding in number to the neck portions and configured to be removably receivable on a neck portion selectively to open or close the dispensing orifice thereof.

35. A closure device as claimed in Claim 34, in which each neck portion is circular cylindrical and externally threaded, each cap having a complementary internally threaded side wall such that the cap is screw- threadedly receivable on the neck portion.

36. A closure device as claimed in Claim 34, in which each cap is press-fittingly receivable on the neck portion and includes a tab by which it is connected to the neck portion.

37. A closure device as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 36, inclusive, in which the coupling means is provided by a screw-thread defined internally on a side wall of each neck portion, which screw-thread is configured to be engageable with a screw-thread defined on a neck of a conventional toothpaste tube.

38. A closure device as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 36, inclusive, in which the coupling means is provided by an internal annular groove defined in a side wall of each neck portion and configured to be clipped into engagement with a complementary annular rib defined on a neck of a toothpaste dispenser.

39. A connector for connecting together two toothpaste tubes, which connector includes a body defining at least two spaced apart toothpaste tube engaging formations for releasably engaging two toothpaste tubes and retaining them in a desired spacial relationship.

40. A connector as claimed in Claim 39, in which the toothpaste tube engaging formations are in the form of sockets within which necks of the toothpaste tubes are receivable.

41 . A method of preparing a toothpaste dispensing device which includes positioning at least two flexible tubular containers within an elastic sleeve; introducing a dentifrice composition into an end of each container; and sealing the end of each container.

42. A method as claimed in Claim 41 , which includes introducing a different dentifrice composition into each container.

43. A method of packaging toothpaste, which method includes applying indicia or symbols to at least one container containing a dentifrice composition thereby to associate the at least one container with a predetermined time of day.

44. A method as claimed in Claim 43, which includes integrally packaging at least two containers, each having indicia applied thereto associating each container with a different predetermined time of day.

45. A method as claimed in Claim 43, which includes independently packaging the at least two containers each in packaging, said at least two packagings being interconnected.