WO2015025118A1

WO2015025118A1 - Toothbrush dispensing dentifrice

Info

Publication number: WO2015025118A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/000321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sian Elizabeth ELLINGWORTH
Original assignee: Ellingworth Sian Elizabeth
Priority date: 2013-08-17
Filing date: 2014-08-18
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: GB201314766D0; GB2532693A; GB2532693B; GB201604375D0; GB2517219A

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising an elongate body with a dentifrice chamber and a cleaning head. Ideally the toothbrush is electric. The neck is moveable axially. The axial movement of the neck causes dentifrice to exit the chamber to contact the bristles. Advantages of the toothbrush are that a precise amount of dentifrice to be dispensed onto the brushes and an optional nightlight is provided in a charging station or cradle.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH DISPENSING DENTIFRICE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toothbrush, more particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to an electric toothbrush for use by young children.

Background

Dental hygiene is essential to maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums. Most commonly a person uses a toothbrush and dentifrice, such as toothpaste, to clean their teeth on a regular basis: two or three times daily. A good dental routine is particularly essential for children to ensure healthy teeth and gums in later life. However, it can often be difficult to teach children how to brush correctly and to use the correct amount of toothpaste. Therefore, as with many things in life, young children sometimes need to be observed and guided when cleaning their teeth to ensure that this is done correctly.

Often younger children struggle to dispense toothpaste (dentifrice) from its container onto bristles of a toothbrush and may have difficulty controlling how much toothpaste is dispensed. Often a young child may be shown the desired amount of toothpaste to use but may subsequently struggle to dispense accurately that amount of toothpaste onto a brush or may wish to dispense more than required. Dispensing too much toothpaste may lead to waste and unnecessarily high amounts of toothpaste fluoride may be administered. Therefore it is advisable to limit intake and an important reason why toothpaste should not be swallowed. On the other hand dispensing too little toothpaste may mean that teeth are not properly cleaned. A parent or carer may be required to oversee this to ensure optimal dental care. Prior Art

A number of toothbrush devices and systems have been developed in an attempt to resolve the aforementioned problems. These include the following:

United States patent US 8 087 843 (Ottaviani et al) discloses a liquid dentifrice dispensing toothbrush comprising: a housing which has a pump in communication with a holding chamber. A valve is provided between the pump and the holding chamber. The pump has a pump nipple with a liquid dentifrice reservoir attached thereto. The liquid dentifrice reservoir is typically a collapsible bag. A second valve is positioned between the collapsible bag and the pump. The device ensures that a predetermined measured amount of liquid dentifrice is dispensed from a reservoir of liquid dentifrice into toothbrush bristles by means of the pump and is able to be refilled with liquid dentifrice using the handle portion of the toothbrush.

United Kingdom patent application GB-A-2 430 146 (Binns) discloses an electric toothbrush with a replaceable toothpaste cartridge in which toothpaste is conveyed from a reservoir through a capillary tube to the brush head. The cartridge has a protective seal which is punctured by the capillary tube as it is inserted into the toothbrush handle. The head of the toothbrush is also replaceable. United States patent US 5 062 728 (Kuo) discloses a manual toothbrush with a removable cartridge that contains toothpaste or gel.

European patent application EP-A-1 143 876 (Hall et al) discloses an electric powered toothbrush comprising a fluid delivery system. The toothbrush includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion has a brush head part and is removable from the handle portion. The fluid delivery system comprises: a fluid reservoir adapted to be located within the head portion of the powered toothbrush. In European patent application EP-A-1 143 876 (Hall et al) a pump and an associated fluid line moves fluid (toothpaste) from the reservoir to the brush head part and a dispensing member is adapted to be located in the brush head. This permits exit of toothpaste to the vicinity of bristles located on the brushhead, under pressure provided by the pump.

US Patent 6 406 207 (Wiegner et al) describes a pump for discharging gel or toothpaste comprising a flexible body which can be squeezed by a user so as to deliver the gel or toothpaste. There is however no limitation to the amount of material that can be pumped

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems associated with prior art devices and aims to provide an improved toothbrush and toothpaste dispensing system which is suited for use by children and provides a novelty aspect in order to amuse children whilst cleaning their teeth.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a toothbrush comprising: an elongate body that receives a replaceable dentifrice chamber and a cleaning head supported on a neck, the cleaning head has bristles mounted thereon, the body includes a dentifrice delivery means which when activated releases a predetermined amount of dentifrice that passes through a channel defined in the neck and exudes from an opening in the cleaning head thereby passing onto the bristles.

Ideally a drive system is provided which actuates the cleaning head and includes a battery for driving a rotating and/or vibrating means or similar drive mechanism thereby enabling the toothbrush to operate as an electric toothbrush. In another preferred embodiment the cleaning head may be moved axially towards the body in order to dispense a maximum amount of dentifrice onto the bristles. A lock means is optionally provided in order to prevent excess amounts of dentifrice to be dispensed.

Ideally a resiliently deformable member provides a resistive force against which a user presses in order to activate a dispensing mechanism. The resistive force is preferably a helical spring in combination with a resiliently deformable disc. The spring may have a slow recovery rate, typically two or more seconds in duration, so as to inhibit repeated usage and thereby prevent a child from over dispensation of dentifrice.

It is understood that the cleaning head is removable and replaceable as this component is prone to wearing out. Accordingly an appropriate cleaning head engagement mechanism is provided on the neck in order to facilitate removal and replacement of the cleaning head.

The dentifrice dispensing mechanism dispenses dentifrice from the chamber to the bristles. It is ideally activated when there is axial displacement of the neck or some other dispensing device towards the body in which the dentifrice chamber is housed. The dispensing device may be a trigger, lever, twist mechanism, squeezable pump or by depressing the cleaning head of the toothbrush. In one embodiment the body or chamber comprises a ratchet mechanism whereby displacement of the neck with respect to the body acts against a resilient means, such as a spring, so as to activate a dispensing mechanism to deliver predetermined volume of dentifrice. Ideally the mechanism includes at least one notch or tooth and a ratchet arrangement.

Typically the chamber receives a cartridge of dentifrice of a particular flavour or characteristic. The cartridge is inserted into the body prior to use. In an alternative arrangement a cartridge may be connected to or clipped onto the body, with a separate path or delivery channel leading to the head.

In another embodiment there is provided a toothbrush comprising: a displaceable head with a plurality of bristles and a means for delivering dentifrice or toothpaste, in which the head is connected by a neck to a body with an internal chamber arranged to receive a cartridge, and in which the cartridge is linked by a channel to the head to enable dispensation of dentifrice or toothpaste therethrough, the cartridge includes a ratchet mechanism to allow a predetermined amount of toothpaste to be dispensed.

Preferably the toothbrush is dimensioned, arranged and decorated so as to be appropriate for, and appeal to, children. For example the toothbrush may incorporate animals or fictional characters or cartoon characters.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush may include an electric drive means for actuating the bristles with a vibrating and/or rotating motion and/or an ultra sonic means to agitate the bristles in order to promote effective cleaning. Ideally the electric drive means is powered by at least one battery, which battery is preferably a rechargeable battery.

Advantageously the toothbrush is provided with a charging or docking base for the purposes of recharging the aforesaid battery. Preferably the toothbrush body is dimensioned to receive the cartridge internally for example with a displaceable flap covering an opening in the cartridge in order to prevent ingress of bacteria and foreign bodies. In this way the toothpaste is concealed within the toothbrush and ideally the cartridge is replaceable in a sterile manner. Such a feature also permits the toothbrush cartridge to be refilled when empty or the flavour of the dentifrice to be changed if required. In some other embodiments an outer face of the toothbrush body may be shaped or profiled in order to enhance a user to grip it. For example the body may be tapered to a narrower waist so as to provide a location for the user's hand or the body may include recessed portions for locating a user's fingers thereby assisting grip.

In some embodiments the channel or aperture includes a one-way valve to prevent backflow of water, saliva and dentifrice into the channel or cartridge, thereby improving hygiene.

In another embodiment the outer face of the body may be textured, for example with raised and lowered portions or ridges; or it may be dimpled or knurled. In other embodiments the outer face of the body may include portions of resiliency deformable material such as silicone so as to enhance grip.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush may be decorated to appeal to children, for example the toothbrush may be coloured and may include text or images. It may be envisaged that the toothbrush may be printed, painted, etched or embossed.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for use in a toothbrush including a ratchet mechanism which enables measured amounts of toothpaste to be dispensed, by way of a disc/plate located at the bottom of the cartridge which plate is displaced by a vacuum that is created as a result of a force applied to a spring, the plate (or disc) displaces so as to urge dentifrice from the cartridge via the nozzle. The cartridge typically has a circular cross sectional profile.

Preferably the top and bottom plates are joined by, or mounted on, an elongate member which when engaged moves the plates closer together, compressing the dentifrice and urging it through a delivery channel. Ideally the bottom plate is moved closer to the top plate along the elongate member thereby squeezing the dentifrice against the top plate, the top plate includes an aperture that connects to the channel so as to allow passage of the dentrifice from the chamber along the channel to the toothbrush head.

Ideally at least one of the plates is linked to an actuating component so that movement of an actuating component causes relative movement of the plates thereby squeezing dentifrice from the cartridge. Ideally in a preferred embodiment the top plate is secured to the actuating component so that movement of the top plate is driven by the actuating component and the bottom plate (or similar plug) is fixed in -elation thereto, for example the bottom plate is held static against a part of the body of the toothbrush. In other words the actuating component is fixed in position on the upper plate and moveable with respect to the bottom plate on application of force either directly or indirectly to the top plate. In an alternative embodiment the actuating component may be serrated or in the form of a rack-and-pinion device, so that the upper and bottom plates can be displaced incrementally with respect one to another, corresponding to the serrations. Alternatively the actuating component may be pushed downwards so as to move a member with respect to the bottom plate. This in turn means that the bottom plate is moved along the member to a higher position.

Preferably a means is provided within the body that acts to prevent downwards movement of the bottom plate under pressure with respect to the top plate and ideally said means is sprung or includes a resiliently deformable means.

In this way the dentifrice is squeezed between the plates thereby squeezing dentifrice from the cartridge, through an aperture along the channel to the head of the toothbrush and consequently onto the bristles.

Preferably the plate is moved incrementally one serration at a time. Advantageously the serration size corresponds to the amount of dentrifice that is dispensed with each incremental adjustment from one serration to the next. Therefore the amount of dentrifice dispensed can be controlled precisely by the serrations/rack-and-pinion device and furthermore may be set at a predetermined and optimal volumetric quantity for use for children by the number of serrations. Setting may be performed by an adult and once configured an anti-tamper means prevents a child from varying the amount that may be dispensed.

A ratchet mechanism may prevent movement of more than one serration at a time or under each actuation. In preferred embodiments the serrations are dimensioned so as to release the recommended amount of dentrifice for the user.

Preferably the head and neck are fixed together so as to be an integral item. The neck may be sprung mounted on the body by at least one spring so that the head and neck are moveable axially with respect to the body. In this way the head and neck can be displaced from a first position to a second position by an actuator imparting an urging force. The head and neck return to their original position after the force is removed.

The head and neck are ideally fixed to the body by a collar and the head and neck are displaceable through the collar by application of a force on the head or neck. It may be envisaged that in use, displacement of the head and neck applies pressure to the top plate, wherein for example by pressing down on the head a base section of the neck engages with the top plate causing the top plate to be depressed and therefore the member to be urged downwards. This action therefore causes the bottom plate to move at least one ridge up along the serrated member. In further embodiments in order to reduce manufacturing costs the elongate member may be formed with the body in order to drive a displaceable cartridge bottom plate, wherein for example the bottom extends through a wall of the cartridge, and the top plate is fixed, to include a displaceable seal. When the head and neck are relaxed the top plate reverts or is released which tends to pull the bottom plate upwards.

Advantageously the head and neck can be locked so as to prevent erroneous dispensing of dentrifice. In any event ideally in order to dispense a first quantity the head must be depressed once and to dispense a second the head must be depressed again. A lock mechanism advantageously acts to prevent secondary depressions after a first controlled depression. In this way the child can also be prevented from using excess dentrifice. Typically the head and neck may be locked by a twist mechanism wherefore twisting of the head and neck aligns part of the neck with stoppers so that it can no longer be depressed.

In other embodiments the toothbrush may include a pin and hole arrangement so that pushing of the pin into the hole locks the head and neck in place.

In preferred embodiments the head is removable to gain access into the body. The cartridge and/or the head may be replaced or exchanged in such manner in some embodiments.

Preferably a charging means is provided in a cradle which receives the toothbrush. Ideally the body includes a removable base that can be detached so as to access the charging means. Typically the charging means is activated by button or switch control, located on an outer face of the body of the cradle, optionally with a single touch on-off capability. In this way the charging means can be readily activated and deactivated. Ideally the base of the cradle acts as a charging station and is fixed to the body by a waterproof seal so as to prevent ingress of water that may interfere with or damage the charging means. Optionally the charging means includes an inductive coupler which is intrinsically safe for use in bathrooms and by children.

In preferred embodiments the toothbrush is adapted to be accepted on to the charging station so that the batteries can be recharged without requirement for removable of the base. Preferably the charger is mains powered.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the charger has a lamp which illuminates or optionally flashes, when the toothbrush is replaced or may be configured to illuminate when the toothbrush is removed. An optional loudspeaker may play a tune or a recorded voice with a set of instructions or other audible tones such as animal sounds, letters, numbers, songs or speech such as nursery rhymes. In another embodiment the charger has a timer which controls the lamp and either switches it off after a predetermined interval or dims it slowly as a child falls asleep. The toothbrush, charging cradle and lamp thereby also act as a bedside light and may include a switch or touch sensitive switch to enable a child to switch on the lamp during the night if requiring comfort.

Dentifrice may be provided in various flavours and in particular flavours that may appeal to children. For example there may be standard mint flavour but also fruit flavours. Additionally the cartridge may be advertised as a 'secret formula flavour' so as to be more appealing for children.

A Bluetooth (Trade Mark) or Zigbee (Trade Mark) transmitter may be included within the toothbrush and/or charging cradle and this operates in combination with a microprocessor so as to monitor and oversee the use of the toothbrush. For example a logging means may be connected to a timer so as to provide a record of how often teeth are cleaned and the duration of each cleaning activity. An alternative radio frequency (RF) transmitter may be used or an infra-red (IR) transmission device may be used. Data relating to an individual's cleaning regime is ideally stored in a dynamic memory, such as read only memory (RAM) or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) that is housed within the cradle or optionally the toothbrush.

Ideally a sensor is provided in the toothbrush for sensing an amount of dentifrice present in the cartridge and to transmit a signal indicative of this to a remote communication and data management system so as to enable automatic ordering of a replacement a new cartridge prior to depletion of the cartridge. Toothpaste contains typically 0.33% sodium fluoride (1450 ppm F) and children of 6 years and under are advised to use special child toothpaste.

The microprocessor may be configured to activate a sound recording, voice playback or another audible signal in or to stimulate, amuse or entertain the child during teeth cleaning. The transmitter may be configured to transmit a record, for example on a weekly or monthly basis, of data to a central data store or other data analysis system.

Ideally the data analysis system operates under control of software and is able to manipulate and store such data as: the name of the child, the date and time of each teeth cleaning event, number of portions dispensed (and therefore the approximate volume of each portion) and the duration of each teeth cleaning event and correlate this data with information provided by a dentist or oral hygienist as to the state of a child's dental health and teeth.

A warning means may be arranged to trigger an alert if/when a dosage or preferred volume is dispensed. This may be transmitted to a remote recipient who may receive an alert for example on the mobile telephone. It is understood that the data analysis system may be incorporated in a so- called ΆΡΡ' on a mobile communication device (tablet) or mobile telephone (smart phone) or a personal computer or laptop. It is envisaged that a suitable dental health care scheme may include this data analysis system together with a rewards scheme that awards points or other form of recognition for the positive cleaning activity, so encouraging a child to take care of their teeth.

An alarm may be provided in order to alert a user as to the end of a cleaning regime or in order to indicate a set amount of time, typically 2 minutes, has elapsed. Likewise an alert may be built into the system to alert a parent or carer as to over-use of a toothbrush, therefore enabling the parent or carer to monitor and guard against excessive use of the toothbrush. The toothbrush ideally vibrates for 2 minutes, then stops, to indicate suitable brushing time

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an electric toothbrush with a charging cradle or station;

Figures 2a and 2b show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 3a and 3b show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 4a and 4b show views from below and above of the charging station of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment (toothbrush and charging station) shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 6 shows an exploded side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is an exploded diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a toothbrush which is received in a stylised toothbrush holder; Figures 8a and 8b show first and second embodiments of the toothbrush inserted into the toothbrush holder which also acts as a lamp; Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show diagrammatically how a cartridge filled with dentifrice is inserted in to the toothbrush body

Figures 10a and 10b show diagrammatically how a toothbrush head is replaced by twisting and pulling the toothbrush head;

Figures a and 11b are overall diagrammatic views of a charging station connected to and charging one embodiment of the toothbrush and illustrates the charging phases; Figures 12a to 12c show diagrammatically the toothbrush head oscillating for the prescribed 2 minute brushing period when an actuator (drive motor) is in operation;

Figures 13a, 13b and 13c are sectional views of a toothbrush in combination with a toothpaste container and show key stages in dispensation of the toothpaste; and

Figure 14 is an overall diagrammatical view of an oral hygiene management system that includes one embodiment of the toothbrush.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to the Figures generally and in particular to Figure 1 , there is shown a toothbrush 10, the head 2 of which is supported on a neck 1. The head 2 has a plurality of bristles 3 surrounding an aperture through which dentifrice exits in use. The neck 1 is connected to a body 6 at a collar region 7. The body 6 is hollow and receives the neck 1 by way of a push fit or other connection such as screw 11. A channel 4 leads from a cartridge 5 of dentifrice, received in the body 6 to bristles 3 on the head 2. Alternatively the body 6 is provided in two screw threaded portions for disassembly. A battery 7 fits within the body 6 and is charged by a charger station or cradle 8 which is connected via wire 9 to an electrical supply.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 12, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals, there is shown another example of a toothbrush 10 with a brush head 2 having a neck 1 which is connected to a toothpaste release switch (not shown). Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show diagrammatically how a toothbrush body is received onto a toothbrush drive mechanism. Upper handle 26 supports the toothbrush head and is connected to a handle base 28. An on/off button 13 enables the user to switch on an electric actuator (not shown) so as to turn the toothbrush into an electric toothbrush. This ensures a desired vibration and/or optionally a rotary action of the toothbrush head 2. There is also shown a charging unit 8, in the form of a character with a smiling face, which includes a night light (not shown) but depicted diagrammatically in Figure 10b.

In Figure 7 is an exploded diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a toothbrush which is received in a stylised toothbrush holder;

The charging unit 8 and night light are supplied with electric power from a remote source, via a plug 11 and this may include an intermediate induction unit so that the overall system (toothbrush 10 and charging unit 8) is inherently child safe.

Referring briefly to Figures 9a to 9c there are shown separate images of how a toothpaste or dentifrice cartridge 5 is replaced. The upper 26 and lower 28 handle portions are screwed apart, in the direction of arrow A, the depleted cartridge is removed and a new cartridge is inserted. Figures 10a and 11b, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals, show diagrammatically how a toothbrush head 2 is replaced by twisting (in the direction of arrow B) and pulling (in the direction of arrow C) the toothbrush head 2 so as to remove a worn toothbrush head 2 from drive spindle 30 and motor housing 32. It is understood that the drive spindle 30 is hollow so as to permit the passage of dentifrice/toothpaste therethrough. Figure 13 is an overall diagrammatic view of a charging station connected to a power supply and illustrates stages of charging of one embodiment of the toothbrush 10. The product is not intended for use by very young children (typically under 3 years of age) and supervision is always advised by a parent or grown up. The toothbrush is not intended as a toy but instead as part of an oral hygiene programme. The charging cradle may be adapted for use as a bedside lamp and may also incorporate a means for playing a tune, such as a lullaby in order to sooth a child or reward or congratulate a child after a teeth cleaning event.

A low battery indicator (in the embodiment where a non rechargeable battery is used) may be provided. When a low battery indicator (not shown) illuminates the parts upper and lower body parts are required to be disassembled and the battery replaced. Typically the voltage specification is 5 volts DC.

Referring now to Figures 12a to 12c, there is shown diagrammatically the toothbrush head 2 oscillating when an actuator (drive motor) is in operation. The toothbrush 10 has a waterproof handle and is designed to be electrically safe for use in a bathroom. The charging station 8 is designed to be plugged in to a standard 240 volt power supply and this may or may not be located in a bathroom. Suitable residual current devices (RCD) and other standard safety equipment, such as fuses and/or inductive couplers, may be incorporated into the charging unit. Once charged the vibrating head operates and when depleted recharging is achieved by inserting the toothbrush into the charging station 8 or cradle. Optionally by urging the toothbrush into the base station or charging cradle a light or other tone is emitted so as to indicate charging is in progress. In addition a flasher unit may be configured to flash whilst the rechargeable battery is charging.

Referring now to figures 9a to 9c, which illustrate how the toothpaste cartridge is inserted into the toothbrush, the user holds lower body portion 28 and twists in anti-clockwise direction (in direction of arrow A) removes a spent or depleted toothpaste cartridge 5 and replaces this with a new toothpaste cartridge. The upper 26 and lower 28 body portions are then screwed back together. The toothpaste cartridge may have to be squeezed one or two times in order to drive fresh toothpaste into the toothbrush head. The action of squeezing the volume of toothpaste onto the bristles is automatic and upon pressing a switch when the cartridge is initially loaded. As mentioned above this action may need to be repeated several times until the toothpaste is seen to be dispensed. To avoid a child from multiple applications a toothpaste release switch (not shown) may be moved from an open to a lock state. Once toothpaste is dispensed onto the brush, a sensor senses this process and vibration of the brush commences. In this embodiment the on/off button at the front of the toothbrush is pressed to start vibration. The vibration rotation of the brush head is usually for a period of 2 minutes although this may be varied. Optionally a Bluetooth (Trade Mark) monitor alerts a remote man- agement system as to the brushing activity and a log of the event is stored.

Optionally a different colour bristle may be incorporated into the brush head 2 so as to indicate when a toothbrush head needs to be replaced. This may be achieved by a different colour bristle which after a particular number of uses starts to fade indicating that the toothbrush head is ready to be replaced.

Ideally once a brushing session has finished it is advisable to rinse the toothbrush head to remove any non used toothpaste. Figures 13a, 13b and 13c are sectional views of a toothbrush in combination with a toothpaste container and show key stages in dispensation of the toothpaste. The circularly symmetric diaphragm urges toothpaste from the cartridge when an axial force is applied so ensuring a consistent volume. The delivery means is from the group comprising: a trigger, a lever, a twist mechanism and a squeezable pump. Ideally the chamber includes a ratchet mechanism whereby displacement of the neck, with respect to the body, acts against a resilient means, such as a spring or the diaphragm, so as to activate the dispensing delivery means which may incorporate at least one notch or a rack-and-pinion arrangement.

Figure 14 is an overall diagrammatical view of an oral hygiene management system that includes one embodiment of the toothbrush. Toothbrush 200 is fitted with a transmitter and transmits data and monitors such factors as: the amount of dentifrice that is dispensed, the time and date of teeth cleaning and it duration. Other data, for example, relating to the amount of dentifrice used and/or a characteristic of the toothbrush and/or usage of the toothbrush can also be acquired, stored and transmitted to a receiver or other remote recipient which may be a mobile communication device such as a tablet or smartphone 300.

The receiver or other remote recipient 300 acts as a data management system for the purposes of recording dental health, storing data on a database 400, displaying data on a display 500 or printing reports on a printer 600. The data management system also enables on-line reordering of dentifrice and/or new c eaning heads.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. In preferred embodiments the cartridge is capable of holding 15ml of dentifrice, typically being enough for 30 uses. In other embodiments, such as an adult toothbrush, a larger - such as a 50ml or 100ml cartridge - may be provided. Ideally fruit flavoured or similar child-friendly flavoured toothpaste is supplied in the cartridge.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example a silicone plug may be included in the cartridge in order to improve sealing between the tube and nozzle thereby improving air suck-back characteristics from the nozzle, thus leading to a more reliable and predictable dispensation of toothpaste.

It is also understood that the invention may be suitably modified to accept a cartridge containing a cosmetic, such as a toner, facial scrub, 'rouge', foundation, moisturiser, exfoliant, gel, cream or other liquid/paste for use in cosmetics and/or as a beauty product.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A toothbrush comprises: an elongate body that receives a replaceable dentifrice chamber and a cleaning head supported on a neck, the cleaning head has bristles mounted thereon, the body includes a dentifrice delivery means which when activated releases a predetermined amount of dentifrice that passes through a channel defined in the neck and exudes from an opening in the cleaning head thereby passing onto the bristles.

2. A toothbrush according to claim 1 includes a drive system which actuates the cleaning head thereby enabling the toothbrush to operate as an electric toothbrush.

3. A toothbrush according to claim 2 includes a battery, which is preferably a rechargeable battery, for driving the drive system.

4. A toothbrush according to claim 3 wherein the drive system includes a rotating and/or vibrating means.

5. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the cleaning head is adapted to be moved axially towards the body in order to dispense a predetermined volume of dentifrice onto the bristles.

6. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein a limiting means is provided in order to prevent an excess volume of dentifrice from being dispensed.

7. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein a resiliently deformable member provides a resistive force against which a user presses in order to activate the dispensing mechanism.

8. A toothbrush according to claim 7 wherein the resistive force is provided by a helical spring in combination with one or more resiliently deformable discs.

9. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim is adapted to receive a removable and replaceable cleaning head.

10. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the dispensing delivery means is from the group comprising: a trigger, a lever, a twist mechanism and a squeezable pump.

11. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the body or chamber includes a ratchet mechanism whereby displacement of the neck, with respect to the body, acts against a resilient means, such as a spring, so as to activate the dispensing delivery means which includes at least one notch or a rack-and-pinion arrangement.

12. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim includes a sensor for monitoring the amount of dentifrice that is dispensed and a means for relaying data relating to the amount of dentifrice used and/or a characteristic of the toothbrush and/or usage of the toothbrush.

13. A toothbrush according to claim 12 wherein a transmitter transmits data relayed thereto from the toothbrush to a remote recipient.

14. A toothbrush according to claim 13 wherein the sensor is arranged to sense an amount of dentifrice present in the cartridge and a signal indicative of this is transmitted to a remote communication and data management system for the purposes of reordering dentifrice and/or new cleaning heads.

15. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the toothbrush is dimensioned, arranged and decorated so as to be appropriate for, and appeal to, children and incorporates animals and/or fictional characters and/or cartoon characters.

16. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the toothbrush includes an electric drive means for actuating the bristles with a vibrating and/or rotating motion and/or an ultra sonic means to agitate the bristles in order to promote effective cleaning.

17. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein the toothbrush body is shaped or profiled in order to enhance a user's grip.

18. A toothbrush according to any preceding claim wherein a top and a bottom plate is provided, the plates are joined by or mounted on an elongate member which when actuated is arranged to move the plates closer together so as to dispense dentifrice.

19. A toothbrush according to claim 18 wherein the replaceable chamber is supported in a cartridge which has a serrated portion enabling incremental displacement of the plates relative one to another.

20. A toothbrush according to any of claims 3 to 16 is adapted to be received by a charging or docking base for the purposes of recharging the battery.

21. A charging or docking base adapted to receive the toothbrush according to any of claims 1 to 20 has a lamp which illuminates or optionally flashes, when the toothbrush is replaced and/or is arranged to be configured to illuminate when the toothbrush is removed.

22. A charging or docking base according to claim 21 has a loudspeaker which is arranged to play a tune or a recorded voice or emit an audible tone.

23. A charging or clocking base according to claim 22 in which the loudspeaker is arranged to play a tune or a recorded voice or emit an audible tone when the toothbrush is replaced and/or is arranged to be configured to illuminate when the toothbrush is removed.

24. A charging or docking base according to any of claims 21 to 23, when dependent on any of claims 12 to 20 includes a receiver adapted to receive data from the sensor.

25. A cartridge adapted to be received by the toothbrush according to any of claims 1 to 20.

26. A cartridge according to claim 25 in which the dentifrice is designed to appeal to children and may be fruit flavoured or use a 'secret formula' flavour.

27. A toothbrush substantially as hereindescribed and with reference to the figures.

28. A cartridge substantially as hereindescribed and with reference to the figures.

29. A charging or docking base substantially as hereindescribed and with reference to the figures.