CA2707086A1 - Oral care toothbrush with reservoir to dispense oral care composition - Google Patents
Oral care toothbrush with reservoir to dispense oral care composition Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2707086A1 CA2707086A1 CA2707086A CA2707086A CA2707086A1 CA 2707086 A1 CA2707086 A1 CA 2707086A1 CA 2707086 A CA2707086 A CA 2707086A CA 2707086 A CA2707086 A CA 2707086A CA 2707086 A1 CA2707086 A1 CA 2707086A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- oral care
- head
- poise
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 239000004475 Arginine Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- ODKSFYDXXFIFQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N arginine Natural products OC(=O)C(N)CCCNC(N)=N ODKSFYDXXFIFQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 68
- 239000000606 toothpaste Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229940034610 toothpaste Drugs 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000551 dentifrice Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002324 mouth wash Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229940051866 mouthwash Drugs 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000001413 amino acids Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical group 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 30
- 244000153158 Ammi visnaga Species 0.000 description 14
- 235000010585 Ammi visnaga Nutrition 0.000 description 14
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 11
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 7
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 4
- DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N but-3-enoic acid;ethene Chemical compound C=C.OC(=O)CC=C DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 229920000092 linear low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004707 linear low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000628997 Flos Species 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229940091249 fluoride supplement Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003031 santoprene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium fluoride Chemical compound [F-].[Na+] PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229920006132 styrene block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009732 tufting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002087 whitening effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- XGRSAFKZAGGXJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-azaniumyl-3-cyclohexylpropanoate Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(N)C1CCCCC1 XGRSAFKZAGGXJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100125371 Caenorhabditis elegans cil-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019739 Dicalciumphosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Fluoride anion Chemical compound [F-] KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920002633 Kraton (polymer) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001506 calcium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- NEFBYIFKOOEVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-K dicalcium phosphate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NEFBYIFKOOEVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 229940038472 dicalcium phosphate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000390 dicalcium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000004673 fluoride salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012458 free base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000474 nursing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003296 saliva Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011775 sodium fluoride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013024 sodium fluoride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229960000414 sodium fluoride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229960004711 sodium monofluorophosphate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229960002799 stannous fluoride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- ANOBYBYXJXCGBS-UHFFFAOYSA-L stannous fluoride Chemical compound F[Sn]F ANOBYBYXJXCGBS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002562 thickening agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/0003—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water containing only one dose of substance, e.g. single-use toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
- A46B11/0041—Flexible or deformable reservoirs, e.g. resilient bulbs, compressible tubes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0091—Container, e.g. bag or box with a collection of various devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Abstract
An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements A dispenser for an oral care composition is mounted within the toothbrush. The oral care composition consists of arginine The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home
Description
ORAL CARE TOOTHBRUSH
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/027,421 filed February 8, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
100011 The present invention relates generally to toothbrushes, and, more particularly, to a toothbrush which may have an oral care dispenser for arginine.
190021 The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known. Often, however, toothbrushes are forgotten when one is traveling or away from home. Hotels, health care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare facilities, schools, airlines, etc. have a need for single use disposable or limited multiple use toothbrushes that may be economically supplied to and discarded by individuals without a toothbrush and/or a water supply.
Such toothbrushes could be used in vending machines, or distributed in large quantities for simple, portable use from anywhere.
100031 Various types of disposable, limited use, or portable toothbrushes are known in the art. For example, some toothbrush systems have attempted to meet some of these needs by providing toothpaste within the toothbrush itself, through an integrated channel, for distribution through the toothbrush and around the bristles. This approach can be less economical due to the added manufacturing costs of toothbrushes with integrated channels. In addition, the toothpaste in some of these integrated channel toothbrushes, not being properly sealed, has a tendency to become dry, hard and stale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00041 The present invention solves the problems of the related art by providing in one embodiment of a dispenser for an oral care composition containing arginine or . { ~n.r tively or in . . , -n n a ruptu - . d Spenser containing an oral care composition c .>ntaining arginine being corn(--L-=,d in the bristle portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening, all of which deliver a cleaning, polishing and whitening in addition to enhancing the cleaning efficiency of a typical disposable or limited use toothbrush. The toothbrush of the present invention in this embodiment combines two benefits into one toothbrush:
tooth surface cleaning provided by the toothbrush bristles or other cleaning elements with an oral care composition containing arginine 100051 As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention is broadly drawn to an oral care toothbrush, preferably comprising: a handle having an oral care head mounted to one end of the handle with an oral care accessory mounted to an opposite end of the handle. A plurality of oral care elements such as cleaning/ massage elements, which could be bristles, extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head.
The head also includes structure for dispensing oral care composition in the oral care field of the head.
100061 In a preferred practice of the invention the oral care toothbrush is characterized by its small size and light weight so that it is readily adaptable for travel use. The oral care toothbrush is preferably capable of having multiple functions by including an accessory as part of the toothbrush such as a toothpick, dental floss or tongue cleaner.
100071 In one practice of this invention the oral care toothbrush includes a handle and a head connected at the distal end of toothbrush from the handle, said head having a bristle block that includes a plurality of bristles and retains a gel capsule therein, the gel capsule containing an oral care composition containing arginine. In further embodiments, the gel capsule can be replaced by a quantity of an oral care composition containing arginine in the form of toothpowder, toothpaste or a tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, to provide the cleaning benefits of the dentifrice that is contained in a reservoir.
100081 Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the , c f:.fl e ,t cn given 1'ie ne-tLs';. it should be that the detail s t ,s l tip n end specific Ã;r,, eipTes, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only=, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
100091 Among the advantages of various practices of the invention are that the size and configuration of the toothbrush allows discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas. Such uses could be done without the need for a sink or fountain or other source of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100101 The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
100111 FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an oral care toothbrush and a teeth cleaning gel capsule connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
100121 FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1;
100131 FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1-2;
100141 FIG. 4 is a fragmental, cross-sectional view of the head of an oral care toothbrush shown in accordance with this invention;
100151 FIGS. 5-6 are side elevational views of other forms of heads for an oral care toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
100161 FIG. 7 is a fragmental side elevational view showing a head detachably mounted to the handle in accordance with a further practice of this invention;
100171 G. S is a fragmental cross-sectional elevational view showing a V: ~x r_i 1 toothbrush head in accordance with this invention;
1001.81 FIGS. 9-10 are fragmental front elevational views partly broken away of portions of a handle in accordance with yet another practice of this invention;
100191 FIG. 11 is a side elevational view partly in section of yet another toothbrush in accordance with this invention; and 100201 FIGS. 12-13 are front elevational views showing various forms of toothbrushes in accordance with this invention in the packaged or display condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
100211 The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different figures identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
100221 FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one practice of the present invention wherein an oral care toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and a handle 14. Head 12 may be a refill head and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or head 12 may be permanently connected to head 12 within the practice of the present invention.
100231 The majority of handle 14 and a portion of head 12 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including plastics, resins, etc., such as, for example, polypropylene. An end portion of handle 14, opposite the end head 12 is attached to an accessory, preferably a toothpick 16 formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastoner. Toothpick 16 may be a refill and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or toothpick 16 may be permanently connected to handle 14 within the practice of the present invention. Toothpick 16 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth.
Forming toothpick 16 of a soft elastomer provides more comfortable interproximal cleaning between teeth. Toothpick 16 could, however, be made of a stiff rigid material similar to the r xi in portion of handle ".14, or could simply, be a rubber ,-r E sfomeric pick adhered or otht-1 mounted to the end of handle 114.
100241 Portions 18 of handle 14 may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer which forms toothpick -16 and handle portions 18 may be a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as SANTOPRENE (brand), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,796, or VYRAM (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber. Both SANTOPRENE
and VYRAM (brands) are elastoners marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems.
Other suitable elastomers include KRATOi, a brand of styrene block copolymer (SBC) marketed by Shell, and DYNAFLEX G 2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation and which is made with KRATON (brand) polymer.
100251 Handle 14 may further include dimples, bumps, or ridges protruding from portions of its surface, and providing a decorative appearance to handle 14 and enhanced gripping of handle "14 during use of toothbrush 10. The dimples may be formed from the same material as soft elastomer portions "18 of handle 1.4 or from the same material as the majority of handle "14 (e.g., a rigid material such as polypropylene). All or part of handle 14 could be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, metal or various natural materials which are biodegradable.
[00261 Preferably handle 14 is made of a generally flat or oval shape rather than cylindrical in its gripping portion which would be between the spaced elastomer portions 18,18 to facilitate the gripping of the handle.
100271 As shown in FIG. 4 another portion of head 12, defining a bristle or cleaning element block 22 of head 12, may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer, such as the thermoplastic elastomer used to form handle portions 1.8. Cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 provided in a surface 30 thereof with an ~c7-ing 30 therein that provides a cushioning effect to a ruptu.rable dispenser, preferably a ;el capsule- 2, contained therein, as ire,! more fully below. Cleaning block further i.nc iud a multitude of cleaning elements which could be conventional fila.nment, preferably nylon, or elastomeric bristles or fingers 26 extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of head 12. In the illustrated embodiment as best shown in FIG. 4, all of the cleaning elements 26 extend outwardly from the outer surface of block 22 the same distance so as to create a generally flat surface. Alternatively, however, some elements 26 may be shorter or longer than other elements 26.
100281 The term "cleaning elements" as used herein is intended to be used in a generic sense as cleaning elements or massage elements arranged in a circular cross-section shape or any type of desired shape, including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can, however, be practiced with various combinations of the same or different configurations (such as stapled, in-mold tufting (IMT) bristle technology as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,890, 5,390,984, and 5,533,791, the disclosures of which being incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, etc.) And/or with the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the cleaning elements 26 to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12, some or all of the cleaning elements 26 may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 12.
It is thereby possible to select the combination of configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, breath freshening, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
100291 As stated above, the cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 which are designed to receive and retain an oral care dispenser, such as a rupturable gel capsule 32 therein. The one or more depressions 24 can be varied in size so as to accommodate not only varying size dispensers 32, but varying quantities of toothpowder, a toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice or other oral care mats r ial, for delivery to the dentiture as the e(e n, i,,tl: 26 extending from the block 22 are hereto, during use of the present invention such that the oral care composition enhrces the cleaning of the dentiture by the cleaning elements. In the present invention, the reservoir containing the formulation comprising arginine alone or mixed with a packed toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice supplies the formulation to the head 1.2. It may be used repeatedly by the user, by refilling the dispenser with the formulation alone or in combination with the toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice when needed. Most preferably the present invention is used with a gel capsule 32, supplied therewith, so as to be most easily transported, used, and subsequently disposed of;
however, it may also be used repeatedly with replaceable gel capsules 32, and then disposed of.
100301 Any suitable reservoir or cartridge may be utilized in the present invention.
It should be understood that the reservoir or cartridge utilized may be fully or partially internal to the dispensing system, or fully or partially external to the system, and may or may not be removable from the :system. Additionally, the reservoir or cartridge utilized may be permanent to the system, or may be disposable, including a single use disposable reservoir. Non-limiting examples of suitable reservoirs include positive displacement type reservoirs which are generally rigid-walled such as a cartridge, and also include pump-evacuated type reservoirs which are generally soft-walled such as sachets, bladders, and blisters.
100311 Alternatively or in addition, the depression is in the form of a cushioned socket 28 sized and shaped to receive and retain the gel capsule 32, without premature rupture of the gel capsule 32 prior to use thereof during application of the bristle block 22 to the dentiture and brushing thereof. Cushioning socket 28 opening 30, and the material making up bristle block 22 provide a cushioning effect for gel capsule 32 to prevent gel capsule 32 from rupturing prior to use.
100321 Gel capsule 32 holds and applies an oral care composition onto bristles 26 of toothbrush head ".12. The oral care composition contains arginine and may be a toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or similar dentifrice or oral hv;;<ene product, or a combination of the same contained in the rule . blr capsule 32..' Jt rably gel capsule 32 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having frangible, ti-in that = . ~i1: rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth, or dissolve when mixed with the saliva of a user. The materials making up get capsule 32 and the oral care composition contained therein preferably are consumable by the user of toothbrush 10, eliminating the need for water, a sink, or a waste receptacle to expectorate the gel capsule 32 or its contents. The oral care composition remains in gel capsule 32 until toothbrush 10 is ready for use. Preferably, gel capsule 32 is fully sealed, helping the oral care composition to remain fresh until use.
100331 The materials useful in the oral care composition include arginine.
Various formulations would be useful to supply the arginine to the user. One such oral care composition, e.g., a dentifrice, comprising i. an effective amount of a basic amino acid, in free or salt form, e.g., arginine, e.g., present in an amount of at least about 1%, for example about 1 to about 30%;, by weight of total formulation, weight calculated as free base ii. an effective amount of fluoride, e.g., a soluble fluoride salt, e.g., sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate, providing from about 250 to about 25,000 ppm fluoride ions, e.g., about 1,000 to about 1,500 ppm;
iii. an abrasive, e.g., silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.
100341 The dental treatment materials of the present invention will have a viscosity suitable for use in tooth treatment applications and methods. As used herein, the "viscosity" shall refer to "dynamic viscosity" and is defined as the ratio of the shearing stress to the rate of deformation as measured by AR 1.000-N Rheometer from TA
Instruments, New Castle, Delaware.
100351 When measured at a shear rate of 1. seconds-, the viscosi.l will have a range l i : k ` -ie lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, prett w :
aLout 0.1 poise, and more pr. 1 rably about 75 poise, with the upper end of the being selected independeril',,- _I tine lower end of the range and g jai .!h about .10,0100 poise, preferably 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. seconds-1 includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, about 0.1 poise to about 5,000 poise, about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, and about 0.1 poise to about 10,000 poise.
[0036] When measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds-1, the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 7.5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 1,000 poise, preferably about 100 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds31 I
includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise, about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 1,000 poise.
[0037] When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds-, the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 500 poise, preferably about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds-' includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, about 5 poise to about 50 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 500 poise.
[0038] Each of the formulations contains a viscosity agent that adjusts the viscosity of the formulation to a level which permits effective flow from the reservoir to the head 1.2 of the toothbrush 10. This agent may be water, thickeners or thinners. The viscosity should be adjusted in relationship to the location of the gel capsule, the length of travel from the gel capsule to the hci 1 12, the composition and the size of the p,;ssageway to the head 1.2, and the amount of force available to move the formulations through the passageway to the head 1.2.
[0039] In use, gel capsule 32 would be pressed against the teeth and burst or rupture or dissolve, applying the oral care composition over cleaning elements 26. The user then may brush their teeth with toothbrush 10. The user may also use toothpick 16 to clean between teeth, either before or after brushing. After the user has used toothbrush 10, one may, but not necessarily, then easily and economically dispose of toothbrush 10.
100401 In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the entire structure of toothbrush 10, including head 12 and handle 14, is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation t -pically used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. This enables toothbrush 10 to be economically and quickly manufactured. Although toothbrush 10 may have a variety of sizes and dimensions, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 have a small profile, with head 12 being small enough to cover one tooth at a time and handle being thinner than conventional, everyday toothbrush handles. Toothbrush 10 is thus readily portable or space saving.
[00411 The toothbrush 10 of the present invention provides many benefits, including the cosmetic benefits of brushing one's teeth in a form that can be used when one is away from home, and away from a water supply. The cosmetic benefits achieved by the toothbrush 10 of the present invention include the cleaning of debris between teeth with toothpick 1.6, broad tooth surface cleaning (particularly the front teeth) with cleaning elements 26 and the oral care composition of gel capsule 32, and breath freshening with the oral care composition of gel capsule 32.
[0042[ In addition to the cosmetic benefits, the toothbrush 10 of the present invention also provides economic benefits in the form of an inexpensive toothbrush that is both quickly and economically manufactured. Toothbrush 10 also provides a mechanism for maintaining oral health, without the need for toothpaste, water, mouth wash, and containers to hold the same. Thus, toothbrush 10 is also very convenient to use.
100431 Although FIGS. 1 ,~i :titrate a c ifc< , disposable rush, the present invention may also be practiced wh:_re Ow head includes one or morL.L power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head or may oscillate linearly in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a direction toward and away from the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rock back and forth with respect to the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillate. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used for imparting the desired motion to the movable section. Where plural movable sections are used, all of the movable sections may have the same type and direction of movement, or combinations of different movements may be used.
100441 In accordance with one aspect of this invention the cleaning elements may be in the .foam.. of bristles made from conventional materials, such as nylon, as well as from a combination of materials so as to provide the proper stiffness in an economical manner. For example, the cleaning elements could be made of a flexible resilient material, such as TPE and a lesser expensive material such as LLDPE (linear low density poly ethy lene) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or a TPE. The cleaning elements could be made of a blend of TPE and either LLDPE, EVA, or polypropylene. Preferably, the two materials are combined to provide a stiffness of less than 600 MPa. The blend of materials would give the properties of conventional nylon bristles, while offering reduced costs.
For example, there would be lower manufacturing costs by injection molding instead of conventional bristle tufting. Alternatively the resilient material could be a single material, such as hard TPE (i.e. Shore A 80 hardness), straight LLDPE or straight EVA.
100451 The cleaning elements may be of any desired shape. For example, the cleaning elements could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length. Alternatively, the cleaning elements could taper from the root of each cleaning element where it extends from head 2-7 to its outer . c I yid. Since a preferred of the invention is to provide a small lightwei.tht toothbrush the dimensions ef the various components of toothbrush "10 are preferably small.
Thus, for example, each clearing elements may extend outwardly from the outer surface of ii cleaning block 12 a distance no greater than about 10 nom and preferably no greater than about 8 mm and most preferably no greater than about 6 min. Where tapered cleaning elements are used the root diameter should be no greater than about 1.5 mm, preferably no greater than about 1 mm, most preferably no greater than about 0.7 mn-L or no greater than about 0.5 mm, or no greater than about 0.3 mm. The diameter could thert decrease in size to no greater than about 0.2 m at a distance of no greater than 6mn from the base of the cleaning element. The taper relationship of diameter at a distance location above the root diameter could be a range of no greater than about 1 mm at a distance of no greater than about 10 mm, preferably no greater than about 0.6 mm at a distance of no greater than about 8 mm, most preferably no greater than about 0.2 mn at a distance of no greater than about 6 mm. Preferably, the length of the entire toothbrush 10 is no greater than about 5 inches, preferably no greater than about 4 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 3.75 or about 3 or about 2.5 inches, and may be in the range of about 2 to about 4 inches.
100461 As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 the cleaning elements define a cleaning field in the head and the dispenser 32 is mounted within this cleaning field. The cleaning elements 26 preferably extend outwardly from the cleaning block 22 to be approximately flush with the outer surface of the gel bead or capsule 32, as shown in FIG.
4. The invention, however, can also be practiced where the cleaning elements extend either a greater distance or a lesser distance than the dispenser 32. Since toothbrush 10 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 weigh no more than about 3 grams. The small size is such that it can be held completely within the palm of an adult user. Head 12 is of a size that it would correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas. Head 12 could be made of any s-& i;, shape and is p ~refer.,F}ls~ of circular or oval slap a maximum lateral or diameter cif ;_ {- er than about 13 mm, -rc a t E hi ro greater than about 12 mm and most preferably no greater than about 11 mm. ,'J1efe head 12 is of non-circular shape its maximum lateral din-tension is about 14 mm.
[00471 As shown in FIG. 2 head 12 is preferably at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of handle 14. The preferred angle is from 20 degrees to 70 degrees and more preferably from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The cleaning elements could be perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12 or could also be at an angle to the outer surface such as in the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees or in the range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees.
]0048] In one practice of the invention the cleaning elements could be hollow, such as hollow bristles, which are capable of absorbing a medicament by capillary action. Such practice of the invention would be particularly useful for children where a medicament or some form of flavor could be dispensed from the hollow cleaning elements. It is also possible to leach antibacterial material from the cleaning elements. In one practice of the invention where the cleaning elements are used to dispense oral care materials the cleaning elements themselves may be considered as the oral care dispensers without requiring additional dispensers such as capsule 32.
[0049] Where specific parameters and characteristics have been given for cleaning elements, the invention could be practiced where other cleaning elements do not include those parameters and characteristics.
[0050] FIGS. 5-6 show other variations in the practice of this invention wherein the cleaning elements are in the form of a single mass having an irregular outer surface. As shown in FIG. 5 the mass 34 is similar to that of "steel wool" as used in household cleaning or could be part of VELCRO formations, such as hooks or loops.
[0051] FIG. 6 shows a variation where the cleaning element 36 is of a single mass of foam for cotton which could be used as a swab for oral care composition. The outer surface of the swab could be generally planar or could have surface irregularities. In such practice of the invention the cleaning element 3 ted with the oral care composition or could be dipped into the oral - re com,;sition so as to absorb the material and thereby the cleaning element 36 would also function as the oral care dispenser. Such swab type cleaning elements are gentle for children, particularly- infants.
t00521 The invention could be practiced where the various components of the toothbrush "10 are segmented for manufacturing and assembly purposes. Such segmented components could also be detachably connected together so as to permit the interchangeability of the components thereby providing the possibility for the substitution of different components in the combination. Thus, the head 12 could be detachably connected to the handle 14. FIG. 7, for example, illustrates head 12 to be detachably mounted to handle 14 by a snap fitting 38 which may be of any suitable construction as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[00531 The concept of a detachable interconnection may also be used wherein the dispenser 32 is detachably mounted in the head 12 or wherein the oral care accessory, such as toothpick 16, is detachably mounted to handle 14. Thus, as later described with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13 the toothbrush and its various components could be packaged wherein the same package includes a plurality of toothbrushes and/or a plurality of different components such as heads, dispensers or accessories.
100541 FIG. 8 shows a further practice of the invention wherein a piezoelectric crystal 40 is provided in the handle 14 at the junction with head 12 so as to cause the head 12 to vibrate during use. Alternatively the head 12 could be mounted to a rotatable shaft extending from the handle and having an eccentric weight on the shaft to cause the head to vibrate.
100551 Although FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an oral care accessory 16 in the form of a toothpick, other types of accessories 42 could be used as schematically shown in FIG. 9.
As illustrated therein such accessory 42 would be mounted to the end of handle similar to the mounting of toothpick 16. Such mounting could be detachable or of a permanent nature. Examples of such oral care acct -s-ories include ton.gu a ,'c< oers, floss holders or an interproximal brush. Similarly, the accessory could be of a sv, ab or foam similar to the c _.c "u t.ing element 3t-% of FIG. 6 or c i of the singft of .
r4-u1g hened material suet as the cleaning t m , tt 34 of FIG.
i4 100561 FIG. 10 shows another variation of the invention wherein the toothbrush is particularly adapted for use by children. Such use is enhanced by providing any suitable ornament or caricature 44 on the toothbrush, such as on the handle or on any other suitable location including the backside of the head. Such ornament 44 could be detachably mounted so that it could be kept by the child after the rest of the toothbrush is thrown away. Other aspects of the invention which make it desirable for use by children include the possibilities of dispensing various types of oral care compositions including materials having special flavors, tooth numbing materials, anti-sensitive materials or various medicaments.
100571 The toothbrush could also be made of various colors for different parts of the toothbrush. For example, soft elastomer 18 could be made of a different, such as a contrasting, color with respect to the remainder of handle 14 which would be made of a rigid material. Similarly, the head 12 could be made of a different color than the rigid portion of the handle and/or the soft elastomer portions 18. The cleaning elements 26 could be made of distinct colors and the dispenser 32 could also be made of a distinct color. Along the same lines the accessory such as toothpick 16 or other accessory 42 could be made of a distinct color. These various colors could be contrasting or complementary with each other. Thus, for example, the various colors could differ only slightly in color or shade.
100581 FIG. 11 illustrates another practice of the invention wherein the handle 14 has a hollow chamber 46 in which the oral care composition could be contained.
Chamber 46 leads to a passageway 48 which extends to the head 12 such as terminating in a plurality of branches 49 at the outer surface of head 12 within the cleaning field. In order to dispense the oral care composition located in the chamber or reservoir 46 handle 14 would have sufficient so that it can be s u k ~iaereby forcing the material from the handle to the head in',) a dispensing cavity or one =,:r more dispensing openings.
100591 Any suitabikk :. i -.nre products could be di-1-c-_nsed from the dispenser, Such products include, but are not limited to the gel capsule 32 as previously described 1 ) and could contain toothpaste, tooth powder or could be a small vial of mouthwash having a gel, a powder or a liquid. Such a vial could be separately included in a package containing the toothbrush. The materials could be flavored and could be provided in sets of different flavors and/or different characteristics such as medicaments, numbing materials, etc.
[00601 I 'here the dispensers 32 are in the form of beads, different beads or capsules could be used with different colors/flavors to enhance consumer appeal. As described the capsule 32 could be an impregnated bead that burst. Suitable beads include those supplied by Mane Inc.
100611 Any suitable methods may be used for forming toothbrush "10 and its various components. For example, multi-component injection molding could be used to integrally couple various components such as the cleaning elements and the head and/or the handle. This could be done in an automated or multiple step process. The handle could be rotocast blow molded to form a hollow squeeze handle that would be usable in the embodiment shown in FIG. ]"I.
100621 FIGS. 12-13 show different manners of packaging toothbrushes in accordance with this invention. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, a single package 50 could contain a plurality of toothbrushes 10 all of which could be the same or could differ from each other. The package 50 could be of any conventional construction, such as a blister pack, which might include a hole 52 to permit the package to be hung for display purposes.
[0063] FIG. 13 illustrates a variation wherein the package 54 includes one or more toothbrushes 10 and a plurality of other components 56 which could be accessories or dispensers or et _er components. The components could include a small vial of mouthwash. i -;_IL~rably, the package 50 cil -1 would be hermetically sealed to assure freshness. Such hermetic sealing is partii ii la-,-,' de ired to prevent moisture from reaching gel capsule 32 and. causing the capsule to burs:.
1.6 100641 As is apparent the present invention provides an oral care toothbrush which is preferably small in size and portable and can be conveniently used away from home under circumstances, such as travel, where water is not readily available.
[00651 The invention could be practiced with a combination of various components which do not involve "toothbrush" usage. In that sense the invention is an oral care device or the like, rather than strictly being a toothbrush. Where used as a toothbrush or the like, the invention may have the advantages, because of the size and configuration, to allow discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas.
[00661 Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
1.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/027,421 filed February 8, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
100011 The present invention relates generally to toothbrushes, and, more particularly, to a toothbrush which may have an oral care dispenser for arginine.
190021 The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known. Often, however, toothbrushes are forgotten when one is traveling or away from home. Hotels, health care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare facilities, schools, airlines, etc. have a need for single use disposable or limited multiple use toothbrushes that may be economically supplied to and discarded by individuals without a toothbrush and/or a water supply.
Such toothbrushes could be used in vending machines, or distributed in large quantities for simple, portable use from anywhere.
100031 Various types of disposable, limited use, or portable toothbrushes are known in the art. For example, some toothbrush systems have attempted to meet some of these needs by providing toothpaste within the toothbrush itself, through an integrated channel, for distribution through the toothbrush and around the bristles. This approach can be less economical due to the added manufacturing costs of toothbrushes with integrated channels. In addition, the toothpaste in some of these integrated channel toothbrushes, not being properly sealed, has a tendency to become dry, hard and stale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00041 The present invention solves the problems of the related art by providing in one embodiment of a dispenser for an oral care composition containing arginine or . { ~n.r tively or in . . , -n n a ruptu - . d Spenser containing an oral care composition c .>ntaining arginine being corn(--L-=,d in the bristle portion of the toothbrush for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening, all of which deliver a cleaning, polishing and whitening in addition to enhancing the cleaning efficiency of a typical disposable or limited use toothbrush. The toothbrush of the present invention in this embodiment combines two benefits into one toothbrush:
tooth surface cleaning provided by the toothbrush bristles or other cleaning elements with an oral care composition containing arginine 100051 As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention is broadly drawn to an oral care toothbrush, preferably comprising: a handle having an oral care head mounted to one end of the handle with an oral care accessory mounted to an opposite end of the handle. A plurality of oral care elements such as cleaning/ massage elements, which could be bristles, extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head.
The head also includes structure for dispensing oral care composition in the oral care field of the head.
100061 In a preferred practice of the invention the oral care toothbrush is characterized by its small size and light weight so that it is readily adaptable for travel use. The oral care toothbrush is preferably capable of having multiple functions by including an accessory as part of the toothbrush such as a toothpick, dental floss or tongue cleaner.
100071 In one practice of this invention the oral care toothbrush includes a handle and a head connected at the distal end of toothbrush from the handle, said head having a bristle block that includes a plurality of bristles and retains a gel capsule therein, the gel capsule containing an oral care composition containing arginine. In further embodiments, the gel capsule can be replaced by a quantity of an oral care composition containing arginine in the form of toothpowder, toothpaste or a tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, to provide the cleaning benefits of the dentifrice that is contained in a reservoir.
100081 Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the , c f:.fl e ,t cn given 1'ie ne-tLs';. it should be that the detail s t ,s l tip n end specific Ã;r,, eipTes, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only=, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
100091 Among the advantages of various practices of the invention are that the size and configuration of the toothbrush allows discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas. Such uses could be done without the need for a sink or fountain or other source of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100101 The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
100111 FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an oral care toothbrush and a teeth cleaning gel capsule connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
100121 FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 1;
100131 FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 1-2;
100141 FIG. 4 is a fragmental, cross-sectional view of the head of an oral care toothbrush shown in accordance with this invention;
100151 FIGS. 5-6 are side elevational views of other forms of heads for an oral care toothbrush in accordance with this invention;
100161 FIG. 7 is a fragmental side elevational view showing a head detachably mounted to the handle in accordance with a further practice of this invention;
100171 G. S is a fragmental cross-sectional elevational view showing a V: ~x r_i 1 toothbrush head in accordance with this invention;
1001.81 FIGS. 9-10 are fragmental front elevational views partly broken away of portions of a handle in accordance with yet another practice of this invention;
100191 FIG. 11 is a side elevational view partly in section of yet another toothbrush in accordance with this invention; and 100201 FIGS. 12-13 are front elevational views showing various forms of toothbrushes in accordance with this invention in the packaged or display condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
100211 The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different figures identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
100221 FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one practice of the present invention wherein an oral care toothbrush 10 includes a head 12 and a handle 14. Head 12 may be a refill head and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or head 12 may be permanently connected to head 12 within the practice of the present invention.
100231 The majority of handle 14 and a portion of head 12 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including plastics, resins, etc., such as, for example, polypropylene. An end portion of handle 14, opposite the end head 12 is attached to an accessory, preferably a toothpick 16 formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastoner. Toothpick 16 may be a refill and thus be removably connected to handle 14, or toothpick 16 may be permanently connected to handle 14 within the practice of the present invention. Toothpick 16 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth.
Forming toothpick 16 of a soft elastomer provides more comfortable interproximal cleaning between teeth. Toothpick 16 could, however, be made of a stiff rigid material similar to the r xi in portion of handle ".14, or could simply, be a rubber ,-r E sfomeric pick adhered or otht-1 mounted to the end of handle 114.
100241 Portions 18 of handle 14 may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer which forms toothpick -16 and handle portions 18 may be a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as SANTOPRENE (brand), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,796, or VYRAM (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber. Both SANTOPRENE
and VYRAM (brands) are elastoners marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems.
Other suitable elastomers include KRATOi, a brand of styrene block copolymer (SBC) marketed by Shell, and DYNAFLEX G 2706 (brand), a thermoplastic elastomer marketed by GLS Corporation and which is made with KRATON (brand) polymer.
100251 Handle 14 may further include dimples, bumps, or ridges protruding from portions of its surface, and providing a decorative appearance to handle 14 and enhanced gripping of handle "14 during use of toothbrush 10. The dimples may be formed from the same material as soft elastomer portions "18 of handle 1.4 or from the same material as the majority of handle "14 (e.g., a rigid material such as polypropylene). All or part of handle 14 could be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, metal or various natural materials which are biodegradable.
[00261 Preferably handle 14 is made of a generally flat or oval shape rather than cylindrical in its gripping portion which would be between the spaced elastomer portions 18,18 to facilitate the gripping of the handle.
100271 As shown in FIG. 4 another portion of head 12, defining a bristle or cleaning element block 22 of head 12, may also be formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer, such as the thermoplastic elastomer used to form handle portions 1.8. Cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 provided in a surface 30 thereof with an ~c7-ing 30 therein that provides a cushioning effect to a ruptu.rable dispenser, preferably a ;el capsule- 2, contained therein, as ire,! more fully below. Cleaning block further i.nc iud a multitude of cleaning elements which could be conventional fila.nment, preferably nylon, or elastomeric bristles or fingers 26 extending integrally outwardly from the outer surface of head 12. In the illustrated embodiment as best shown in FIG. 4, all of the cleaning elements 26 extend outwardly from the outer surface of block 22 the same distance so as to create a generally flat surface. Alternatively, however, some elements 26 may be shorter or longer than other elements 26.
100281 The term "cleaning elements" as used herein is intended to be used in a generic sense as cleaning elements or massage elements arranged in a circular cross-section shape or any type of desired shape, including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can, however, be practiced with various combinations of the same or different configurations (such as stapled, in-mold tufting (IMT) bristle technology as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,890, 5,390,984, and 5,533,791, the disclosures of which being incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, etc.) And/or with the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the cleaning elements 26 to be generally perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12, some or all of the cleaning elements 26 may be angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head 12.
It is thereby possible to select the combination of configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results, such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, breath freshening, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
100291 As stated above, the cleaning block 22 may include one or more depressions 24 which are designed to receive and retain an oral care dispenser, such as a rupturable gel capsule 32 therein. The one or more depressions 24 can be varied in size so as to accommodate not only varying size dispensers 32, but varying quantities of toothpowder, a toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice or other oral care mats r ial, for delivery to the dentiture as the e(e n, i,,tl: 26 extending from the block 22 are hereto, during use of the present invention such that the oral care composition enhrces the cleaning of the dentiture by the cleaning elements. In the present invention, the reservoir containing the formulation comprising arginine alone or mixed with a packed toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice supplies the formulation to the head 1.2. It may be used repeatedly by the user, by refilling the dispenser with the formulation alone or in combination with the toothpowder, toothpaste or tooth cleaning gel dentifrice when needed. Most preferably the present invention is used with a gel capsule 32, supplied therewith, so as to be most easily transported, used, and subsequently disposed of;
however, it may also be used repeatedly with replaceable gel capsules 32, and then disposed of.
100301 Any suitable reservoir or cartridge may be utilized in the present invention.
It should be understood that the reservoir or cartridge utilized may be fully or partially internal to the dispensing system, or fully or partially external to the system, and may or may not be removable from the :system. Additionally, the reservoir or cartridge utilized may be permanent to the system, or may be disposable, including a single use disposable reservoir. Non-limiting examples of suitable reservoirs include positive displacement type reservoirs which are generally rigid-walled such as a cartridge, and also include pump-evacuated type reservoirs which are generally soft-walled such as sachets, bladders, and blisters.
100311 Alternatively or in addition, the depression is in the form of a cushioned socket 28 sized and shaped to receive and retain the gel capsule 32, without premature rupture of the gel capsule 32 prior to use thereof during application of the bristle block 22 to the dentiture and brushing thereof. Cushioning socket 28 opening 30, and the material making up bristle block 22 provide a cushioning effect for gel capsule 32 to prevent gel capsule 32 from rupturing prior to use.
100321 Gel capsule 32 holds and applies an oral care composition onto bristles 26 of toothbrush head ".12. The oral care composition contains arginine and may be a toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or similar dentifrice or oral hv;;<ene product, or a combination of the same contained in the rule . blr capsule 32..' Jt rably gel capsule 32 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having frangible, ti-in that = . ~i1: rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth, or dissolve when mixed with the saliva of a user. The materials making up get capsule 32 and the oral care composition contained therein preferably are consumable by the user of toothbrush 10, eliminating the need for water, a sink, or a waste receptacle to expectorate the gel capsule 32 or its contents. The oral care composition remains in gel capsule 32 until toothbrush 10 is ready for use. Preferably, gel capsule 32 is fully sealed, helping the oral care composition to remain fresh until use.
100331 The materials useful in the oral care composition include arginine.
Various formulations would be useful to supply the arginine to the user. One such oral care composition, e.g., a dentifrice, comprising i. an effective amount of a basic amino acid, in free or salt form, e.g., arginine, e.g., present in an amount of at least about 1%, for example about 1 to about 30%;, by weight of total formulation, weight calculated as free base ii. an effective amount of fluoride, e.g., a soluble fluoride salt, e.g., sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate, providing from about 250 to about 25,000 ppm fluoride ions, e.g., about 1,000 to about 1,500 ppm;
iii. an abrasive, e.g., silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.
100341 The dental treatment materials of the present invention will have a viscosity suitable for use in tooth treatment applications and methods. As used herein, the "viscosity" shall refer to "dynamic viscosity" and is defined as the ratio of the shearing stress to the rate of deformation as measured by AR 1.000-N Rheometer from TA
Instruments, New Castle, Delaware.
100351 When measured at a shear rate of 1. seconds-, the viscosi.l will have a range l i : k ` -ie lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, prett w :
aLout 0.1 poise, and more pr. 1 rably about 75 poise, with the upper end of the being selected independeril',,- _I tine lower end of the range and g jai .!h about .10,0100 poise, preferably 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. seconds-1 includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, about 0.1 poise to about 5,000 poise, about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, and about 0.1 poise to about 10,000 poise.
[0036] When measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds-1, the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 7.5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 1,000 poise, preferably about 100 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds31 I
includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise, about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 1,000 poise.
[0037] When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds-, the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 500 poise, preferably about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds-' includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, about 5 poise to about 50 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 500 poise.
[0038] Each of the formulations contains a viscosity agent that adjusts the viscosity of the formulation to a level which permits effective flow from the reservoir to the head 1.2 of the toothbrush 10. This agent may be water, thickeners or thinners. The viscosity should be adjusted in relationship to the location of the gel capsule, the length of travel from the gel capsule to the hci 1 12, the composition and the size of the p,;ssageway to the head 1.2, and the amount of force available to move the formulations through the passageway to the head 1.2.
[0039] In use, gel capsule 32 would be pressed against the teeth and burst or rupture or dissolve, applying the oral care composition over cleaning elements 26. The user then may brush their teeth with toothbrush 10. The user may also use toothpick 16 to clean between teeth, either before or after brushing. After the user has used toothbrush 10, one may, but not necessarily, then easily and economically dispose of toothbrush 10.
100401 In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the entire structure of toothbrush 10, including head 12 and handle 14, is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation t -pically used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. This enables toothbrush 10 to be economically and quickly manufactured. Although toothbrush 10 may have a variety of sizes and dimensions, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 have a small profile, with head 12 being small enough to cover one tooth at a time and handle being thinner than conventional, everyday toothbrush handles. Toothbrush 10 is thus readily portable or space saving.
[00411 The toothbrush 10 of the present invention provides many benefits, including the cosmetic benefits of brushing one's teeth in a form that can be used when one is away from home, and away from a water supply. The cosmetic benefits achieved by the toothbrush 10 of the present invention include the cleaning of debris between teeth with toothpick 1.6, broad tooth surface cleaning (particularly the front teeth) with cleaning elements 26 and the oral care composition of gel capsule 32, and breath freshening with the oral care composition of gel capsule 32.
[0042[ In addition to the cosmetic benefits, the toothbrush 10 of the present invention also provides economic benefits in the form of an inexpensive toothbrush that is both quickly and economically manufactured. Toothbrush 10 also provides a mechanism for maintaining oral health, without the need for toothpaste, water, mouth wash, and containers to hold the same. Thus, toothbrush 10 is also very convenient to use.
100431 Although FIGS. 1 ,~i :titrate a c ifc< , disposable rush, the present invention may also be practiced wh:_re Ow head includes one or morL.L power or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaning elements. Such movable section may oscillate in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head or may oscillate linearly in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head. The movable section may oscillate in and out in a direction toward and away from the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rock back and forth with respect to the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, rather than oscillate. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used for imparting the desired motion to the movable section. Where plural movable sections are used, all of the movable sections may have the same type and direction of movement, or combinations of different movements may be used.
100441 In accordance with one aspect of this invention the cleaning elements may be in the .foam.. of bristles made from conventional materials, such as nylon, as well as from a combination of materials so as to provide the proper stiffness in an economical manner. For example, the cleaning elements could be made of a flexible resilient material, such as TPE and a lesser expensive material such as LLDPE (linear low density poly ethy lene) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or a TPE. The cleaning elements could be made of a blend of TPE and either LLDPE, EVA, or polypropylene. Preferably, the two materials are combined to provide a stiffness of less than 600 MPa. The blend of materials would give the properties of conventional nylon bristles, while offering reduced costs.
For example, there would be lower manufacturing costs by injection molding instead of conventional bristle tufting. Alternatively the resilient material could be a single material, such as hard TPE (i.e. Shore A 80 hardness), straight LLDPE or straight EVA.
100451 The cleaning elements may be of any desired shape. For example, the cleaning elements could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length. Alternatively, the cleaning elements could taper from the root of each cleaning element where it extends from head 2-7 to its outer . c I yid. Since a preferred of the invention is to provide a small lightwei.tht toothbrush the dimensions ef the various components of toothbrush "10 are preferably small.
Thus, for example, each clearing elements may extend outwardly from the outer surface of ii cleaning block 12 a distance no greater than about 10 nom and preferably no greater than about 8 mm and most preferably no greater than about 6 min. Where tapered cleaning elements are used the root diameter should be no greater than about 1.5 mm, preferably no greater than about 1 mm, most preferably no greater than about 0.7 mn-L or no greater than about 0.5 mm, or no greater than about 0.3 mm. The diameter could thert decrease in size to no greater than about 0.2 m at a distance of no greater than 6mn from the base of the cleaning element. The taper relationship of diameter at a distance location above the root diameter could be a range of no greater than about 1 mm at a distance of no greater than about 10 mm, preferably no greater than about 0.6 mm at a distance of no greater than about 8 mm, most preferably no greater than about 0.2 mn at a distance of no greater than about 6 mm. Preferably, the length of the entire toothbrush 10 is no greater than about 5 inches, preferably no greater than about 4 inches, and more preferably no greater than about 3.75 or about 3 or about 2.5 inches, and may be in the range of about 2 to about 4 inches.
100461 As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 the cleaning elements define a cleaning field in the head and the dispenser 32 is mounted within this cleaning field. The cleaning elements 26 preferably extend outwardly from the cleaning block 22 to be approximately flush with the outer surface of the gel bead or capsule 32, as shown in FIG.
4. The invention, however, can also be practiced where the cleaning elements extend either a greater distance or a lesser distance than the dispenser 32. Since toothbrush 10 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that toothbrush 10 weigh no more than about 3 grams. The small size is such that it can be held completely within the palm of an adult user. Head 12 is of a size that it would correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas. Head 12 could be made of any s-& i;, shape and is p ~refer.,F}ls~ of circular or oval slap a maximum lateral or diameter cif ;_ {- er than about 13 mm, -rc a t E hi ro greater than about 12 mm and most preferably no greater than about 11 mm. ,'J1efe head 12 is of non-circular shape its maximum lateral din-tension is about 14 mm.
[00471 As shown in FIG. 2 head 12 is preferably at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of handle 14. The preferred angle is from 20 degrees to 70 degrees and more preferably from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The cleaning elements could be perpendicular to the outer surface of head 12 or could also be at an angle to the outer surface such as in the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees or in the range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees.
]0048] In one practice of the invention the cleaning elements could be hollow, such as hollow bristles, which are capable of absorbing a medicament by capillary action. Such practice of the invention would be particularly useful for children where a medicament or some form of flavor could be dispensed from the hollow cleaning elements. It is also possible to leach antibacterial material from the cleaning elements. In one practice of the invention where the cleaning elements are used to dispense oral care materials the cleaning elements themselves may be considered as the oral care dispensers without requiring additional dispensers such as capsule 32.
[0049] Where specific parameters and characteristics have been given for cleaning elements, the invention could be practiced where other cleaning elements do not include those parameters and characteristics.
[0050] FIGS. 5-6 show other variations in the practice of this invention wherein the cleaning elements are in the form of a single mass having an irregular outer surface. As shown in FIG. 5 the mass 34 is similar to that of "steel wool" as used in household cleaning or could be part of VELCRO formations, such as hooks or loops.
[0051] FIG. 6 shows a variation where the cleaning element 36 is of a single mass of foam for cotton which could be used as a swab for oral care composition. The outer surface of the swab could be generally planar or could have surface irregularities. In such practice of the invention the cleaning element 3 ted with the oral care composition or could be dipped into the oral - re com,;sition so as to absorb the material and thereby the cleaning element 36 would also function as the oral care dispenser. Such swab type cleaning elements are gentle for children, particularly- infants.
t00521 The invention could be practiced where the various components of the toothbrush "10 are segmented for manufacturing and assembly purposes. Such segmented components could also be detachably connected together so as to permit the interchangeability of the components thereby providing the possibility for the substitution of different components in the combination. Thus, the head 12 could be detachably connected to the handle 14. FIG. 7, for example, illustrates head 12 to be detachably mounted to handle 14 by a snap fitting 38 which may be of any suitable construction as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[00531 The concept of a detachable interconnection may also be used wherein the dispenser 32 is detachably mounted in the head 12 or wherein the oral care accessory, such as toothpick 16, is detachably mounted to handle 14. Thus, as later described with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13 the toothbrush and its various components could be packaged wherein the same package includes a plurality of toothbrushes and/or a plurality of different components such as heads, dispensers or accessories.
100541 FIG. 8 shows a further practice of the invention wherein a piezoelectric crystal 40 is provided in the handle 14 at the junction with head 12 so as to cause the head 12 to vibrate during use. Alternatively the head 12 could be mounted to a rotatable shaft extending from the handle and having an eccentric weight on the shaft to cause the head to vibrate.
100551 Although FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an oral care accessory 16 in the form of a toothpick, other types of accessories 42 could be used as schematically shown in FIG. 9.
As illustrated therein such accessory 42 would be mounted to the end of handle similar to the mounting of toothpick 16. Such mounting could be detachable or of a permanent nature. Examples of such oral care acct -s-ories include ton.gu a ,'c< oers, floss holders or an interproximal brush. Similarly, the accessory could be of a sv, ab or foam similar to the c _.c "u t.ing element 3t-% of FIG. 6 or c i of the singft of .
r4-u1g hened material suet as the cleaning t m , tt 34 of FIG.
i4 100561 FIG. 10 shows another variation of the invention wherein the toothbrush is particularly adapted for use by children. Such use is enhanced by providing any suitable ornament or caricature 44 on the toothbrush, such as on the handle or on any other suitable location including the backside of the head. Such ornament 44 could be detachably mounted so that it could be kept by the child after the rest of the toothbrush is thrown away. Other aspects of the invention which make it desirable for use by children include the possibilities of dispensing various types of oral care compositions including materials having special flavors, tooth numbing materials, anti-sensitive materials or various medicaments.
100571 The toothbrush could also be made of various colors for different parts of the toothbrush. For example, soft elastomer 18 could be made of a different, such as a contrasting, color with respect to the remainder of handle 14 which would be made of a rigid material. Similarly, the head 12 could be made of a different color than the rigid portion of the handle and/or the soft elastomer portions 18. The cleaning elements 26 could be made of distinct colors and the dispenser 32 could also be made of a distinct color. Along the same lines the accessory such as toothpick 16 or other accessory 42 could be made of a distinct color. These various colors could be contrasting or complementary with each other. Thus, for example, the various colors could differ only slightly in color or shade.
100581 FIG. 11 illustrates another practice of the invention wherein the handle 14 has a hollow chamber 46 in which the oral care composition could be contained.
Chamber 46 leads to a passageway 48 which extends to the head 12 such as terminating in a plurality of branches 49 at the outer surface of head 12 within the cleaning field. In order to dispense the oral care composition located in the chamber or reservoir 46 handle 14 would have sufficient so that it can be s u k ~iaereby forcing the material from the handle to the head in',) a dispensing cavity or one =,:r more dispensing openings.
100591 Any suitabikk :. i -.nre products could be di-1-c-_nsed from the dispenser, Such products include, but are not limited to the gel capsule 32 as previously described 1 ) and could contain toothpaste, tooth powder or could be a small vial of mouthwash having a gel, a powder or a liquid. Such a vial could be separately included in a package containing the toothbrush. The materials could be flavored and could be provided in sets of different flavors and/or different characteristics such as medicaments, numbing materials, etc.
[00601 I 'here the dispensers 32 are in the form of beads, different beads or capsules could be used with different colors/flavors to enhance consumer appeal. As described the capsule 32 could be an impregnated bead that burst. Suitable beads include those supplied by Mane Inc.
100611 Any suitable methods may be used for forming toothbrush "10 and its various components. For example, multi-component injection molding could be used to integrally couple various components such as the cleaning elements and the head and/or the handle. This could be done in an automated or multiple step process. The handle could be rotocast blow molded to form a hollow squeeze handle that would be usable in the embodiment shown in FIG. ]"I.
100621 FIGS. 12-13 show different manners of packaging toothbrushes in accordance with this invention. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, a single package 50 could contain a plurality of toothbrushes 10 all of which could be the same or could differ from each other. The package 50 could be of any conventional construction, such as a blister pack, which might include a hole 52 to permit the package to be hung for display purposes.
[0063] FIG. 13 illustrates a variation wherein the package 54 includes one or more toothbrushes 10 and a plurality of other components 56 which could be accessories or dispensers or et _er components. The components could include a small vial of mouthwash. i -;_IL~rably, the package 50 cil -1 would be hermetically sealed to assure freshness. Such hermetic sealing is partii ii la-,-,' de ired to prevent moisture from reaching gel capsule 32 and. causing the capsule to burs:.
1.6 100641 As is apparent the present invention provides an oral care toothbrush which is preferably small in size and portable and can be conveniently used away from home under circumstances, such as travel, where water is not readily available.
[00651 The invention could be practiced with a combination of various components which do not involve "toothbrush" usage. In that sense the invention is an oral care device or the like, rather than strictly being a toothbrush. Where used as a toothbrush or the like, the invention may have the advantages, because of the size and configuration, to allow discreet hygienic use, such as no fingers in the mouth, adapting it to be readily used in public areas.
[00661 Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
1.
Claims (10)
- What is claimed is:
4. A toothbrush comprising:
a. handle having a reservoir disposed therein, a head disposed at an end of the handle; and an oral care element extending from the head and in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the handle being radially compressible for dispensing an oral care composition from the reservoir and wherein the reservoir contains an oral care composition comprissing a basic amino acid in free or salt form. - 2. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein said handle includes a passageway leading from the reservoir to the head, and the oral care composition being flowable from the reservoir to an outer surface of the head.
- 3. The toothbrush of claim 2 wherein the oral care composition is flowable within the passageway.
- 4. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein the oral care composition comprises a viscosity of about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise when measured at a sheer rate of 1 seconds-1.
- 5. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein the oral care composition comprises a viscosity of about 0.0025 poise to about 1000 poise when measured at a sheer rate of 100
- 6. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein the oral care compositions comprises a viscosity of about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise when measured at a sheer rate of 10,000 seconds-1.
- 7. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the oral care element includes a passageway for receiving an oral care composition from the reservoir.
- 8. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the head is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle.
- 9. The toothbrush of claim l wherein the oral care composition comprises one of a toothpaste, tooth cleaning gel dentifrice, a mouthwash and a favored liquid,
- 10. The toothbrush of any of the foregoing claims wherein the basic amino acid is arginine in free or salt form.
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US61/027,421 | 2008-02-08 | ||
PCT/US2009/033314 WO2009100285A1 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2009-02-06 | Oral care toothbrush |
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CA2707086C CA2707086C (en) | 2014-10-21 |
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US (1) | US20110041272A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2227112B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5606328B2 (en) |
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- 2009-02-06 CA CA2707086A patent/CA2707086C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-02-06 WO PCT/US2009/033314 patent/WO2009100285A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-02-06 TW TW098103781A patent/TWI386176B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-02-06 MX MX2010005002A patent/MX2010005002A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2009-02-06 CN CN200980104639.1A patent/CN101932266A/en active Pending
- 2009-02-06 EP EP09707318.3A patent/EP2227112B1/en active Active
- 2009-02-06 BR BRPI0907108A patent/BRPI0907108A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-02-06 AR ARP090100431A patent/AR070585A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2009-02-06 AU AU2009212341A patent/AU2009212341A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-02-06 JP JP2010546028A patent/JP5606328B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-02-06 US US12/866,757 patent/US20110041272A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-02-06 MY MYPI2010001961A patent/MY154357A/en unknown
- 2009-02-06 RU RU2010137328/12A patent/RU2455914C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2010
- 2010-09-03 CO CO10109363A patent/CO6241086A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2009100285A1 (en) | 2009-08-13 |
JP5606328B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 |
BRPI0907108A2 (en) | 2016-07-26 |
EP2227112B1 (en) | 2017-01-11 |
TWI386176B (en) | 2013-02-21 |
AR070585A1 (en) | 2010-04-21 |
EP2227112A4 (en) | 2014-04-16 |
CO6241086A2 (en) | 2011-01-20 |
RU2455914C2 (en) | 2012-07-20 |
JP2011511669A (en) | 2011-04-14 |
RU2010137328A (en) | 2012-03-20 |
CN101932266A (en) | 2010-12-29 |
CA2707086C (en) | 2014-10-21 |
MY154357A (en) | 2015-05-29 |
TW200946054A (en) | 2009-11-16 |
EP2227112A1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
US20110041272A1 (en) | 2011-02-24 |
AU2009212341A1 (en) | 2009-08-13 |
MX2010005002A (en) | 2010-05-24 |
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