CA2779022A1 - Oral care system with detachable dispenser - Google Patents
Oral care system with detachable dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2779022A1 CA2779022A1 CA2779022A CA2779022A CA2779022A1 CA 2779022 A1 CA2779022 A1 CA 2779022A1 CA 2779022 A CA2779022 A CA 2779022A CA 2779022 A CA2779022 A CA 2779022A CA 2779022 A1 CA2779022 A1 CA 2779022A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elevator
- drive screw
- housing
- oral care
- care system
- 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
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
- A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
- A45D40/02—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement
- A45D40/04—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement effected by a screw
-
- 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
- A46B11/0024—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 with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
-
- 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
- A46B11/0024—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 with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
- A46B11/0027—Lead-screw mechanisms
-
- 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
- A46B11/0024—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 with a permanently displaceable pressurising member that remain in position unless actuated, e.g. lead-screw or ratchet mechanisms, toothpaste tube twisting or rolling devices
- A46B11/0034—Means comprising a rachet mechanism or equivalent for advancing the piston stepwise
-
- 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
- A46B11/0065—Brushes where the reservoir is specifically intended for being replaced when empty
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/0095—Removable or interchangeable brush heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
- A46B5/021—Grips or handles specially adapted to conform to the hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/225—Handles or details thereof
- A61C17/227—Handles or details thereof with reservoirs, e.g. for toothpaste
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/06—Implements for therapeutic treatment
- A61C19/063—Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
- A61C19/066—Bleaching devices; Whitening agent applicators for teeth, e.g. trays or strips
-
- 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
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Abstract
An oral care system, such as a toothbrush having a detachable dispenser containing an oral care material. In one embodiment, the dispenser may include a housing; an internal reservoir for containing a fluid and a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid; a first cam surface, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; an elevator forming a transverse end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance, and (2) axially reciprocate.
Description
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
ORAL CARE SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to International Application No.
PCT/US2009/069408 filed on December 23, 2009; International Application No.
PCT/US2009/069402 filed on December 23, 2009; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/410,514 filed on November 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/423,397 filed on December 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,414 filed on December 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,435 filed on December 15, 2010; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,449 filed on December 15, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
ORAL CARE SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to International Application No.
PCT/US2009/069408 filed on December 23, 2009; International Application No.
PCT/US2009/069402 filed on December 23, 2009; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/410,514 filed on November 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/423,397 filed on December 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,414 filed on December 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,435 filed on December 15, 2010; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,449 filed on December 15, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002) The present invention relates generally to oral care systems, kits and methods, and specifically to a system, kit and method including a toothbrush having an open cavity that retains a removable dispenser containing a fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Oral care products or agents are applied in different ways. For example, without limitation, a common technique used for tooth whitening products is to cast an impression of a person's teeth and provide a tray of the shape of this impression. A
person then only needs to add a whitening composition to the tray and to apply the tray to his/her teeth. This is left in place for a period of time and then removed.
After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten. Another technique is to use a strip that has a whitening composition on one surface. This strip is applied to a person's teeth and left in place for about 30 minutes. After several applications the teeth are gradually whitened.
Yet another technique is to apply a whitening composition to teeth using a small brush.
This brush is repeatedly dipped back into the container during the application of the tooth whitening composition to one's teeth. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten.
person then only needs to add a whitening composition to the tray and to apply the tray to his/her teeth. This is left in place for a period of time and then removed.
After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten. Another technique is to use a strip that has a whitening composition on one surface. This strip is applied to a person's teeth and left in place for about 30 minutes. After several applications the teeth are gradually whitened.
Yet another technique is to apply a whitening composition to teeth using a small brush.
This brush is repeatedly dipped back into the container during the application of the tooth whitening composition to one's teeth. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten.
[0004] A problem with existing brushing techniques is that saliva in the mouth contains the enzyme catalase. This enzyme will catalize the decomposition of peroxides.
The Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
brush can pick up some catalase during the application of some of the whitening product to teeth and transport that catalase back to the bottle. This catalase now in the bottle can degrade the peroxide in the bottle. Another problem with this latter technique is that it does not adapt for use with anhydrous whitening compositions. Here the brush may transport moisture from saliva from the mouth back into the bottle. This will have a negative effect on the whitening composition by potentially decomposing the peroxide active ingredient. In addition, if a person washes the brush each time after use, moisture from the wet bristles can enter the bottle.
The Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
brush can pick up some catalase during the application of some of the whitening product to teeth and transport that catalase back to the bottle. This catalase now in the bottle can degrade the peroxide in the bottle. Another problem with this latter technique is that it does not adapt for use with anhydrous whitening compositions. Here the brush may transport moisture from saliva from the mouth back into the bottle. This will have a negative effect on the whitening composition by potentially decomposing the peroxide active ingredient. In addition, if a person washes the brush each time after use, moisture from the wet bristles can enter the bottle.
[0005] While tray-based systems are suitable, many people do not use them due to the fact that they tend to be uncomfortable and/or awkward. Moreover, in order to use a whitening tray, a user must keep the tray and the required components at hand.
This not only requires extra storage space in already cramped bathroom cabinets but also requires that the user remember to use the whitening system. Furthermore, these tray-based systems are not conveniently portable for transport and/or travel.
This not only requires extra storage space in already cramped bathroom cabinets but also requires that the user remember to use the whitening system. Furthermore, these tray-based systems are not conveniently portable for transport and/or travel.
[0006] In addition to difficulties in applying some oral care products, storage is sometimes cumbersome and inconvenient for the user. The oral care product must typically be stored separately from oral care tooth cleaning implements such as a toothbrush since the oral care product package and toothbrush heretofore are generally treated as separate and distinct parts of an oral care regimen.
[0007] Further difficulties arise in that dispensers used for dispensing fluid materials have a tendency to weep after use due to pressure exerted on the fluid in the reservoir from the elevator.
[0008] A more portable, compact and convenient way to store oral care products, and to dispense and apply those oral care products to oral surfaces is desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient, compact, and portable oral care system that combines an oral care implement such as a toothbrush with a fluid dispenser in a highly portable and convenient housing. Advantageously, such embodiments are especially suited for easy transport and/or travel.
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a toothbrush that detachably retains a removable dispenser containing a fluid reservoir. In some exemplary Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
embodiments, the oral care system includes fluid such as fluidic oral care materials, either active or non-active agents, that may include without limitation, whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection, or other oral care materials. The dispenser can be detachably docked and stored at least partially within the handle of the toothbrush so that a portion of the dispenser protrudes from the toothbrush, or forms a proximal end of the toothbrush handle, to permit access to a user for easy removal and use of the dispenser. The dispenser can be completely removable from the toothbrush in certain embodiments so that the user can apply the fluid to his/her teeth with ease, and then reinsert the dispenser in the toothbrush for convenient storage. In certain embodiments, the dispenser may be a pen-like component. The toothbrush can removably and non-fixedly secure the dispenser within the handle so that the dispenser can be repetitively removed and reinserted therein. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be adapted to be user-refillable for repeated use.
embodiments, the oral care system includes fluid such as fluidic oral care materials, either active or non-active agents, that may include without limitation, whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection, or other oral care materials. The dispenser can be detachably docked and stored at least partially within the handle of the toothbrush so that a portion of the dispenser protrudes from the toothbrush, or forms a proximal end of the toothbrush handle, to permit access to a user for easy removal and use of the dispenser. The dispenser can be completely removable from the toothbrush in certain embodiments so that the user can apply the fluid to his/her teeth with ease, and then reinsert the dispenser in the toothbrush for convenient storage. In certain embodiments, the dispenser may be a pen-like component. The toothbrush can removably and non-fixedly secure the dispenser within the handle so that the dispenser can be repetitively removed and reinserted therein. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be adapted to be user-refillable for repeated use.
[0011] In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and a cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw extending through the axial passageway of the collar, and a cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the reciprocator and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact; an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the reciprocator.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and a cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw extending through the axial passageway of the collar, and a cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the reciprocator and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact; an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the reciprocator.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care system comprising: a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis; an Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; an actuator; a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir; and an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; an actuator; a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir; and an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; a first cam surface within the housing, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; a resilient member that axially biases the second cam surface and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact, wherein the mating contact between the first cam surface and the second cam surface prevents the reciprocator from being uncoupled from the housing;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; a first cam surface within the housing, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; a resilient member that axially biases the second cam surface and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact, wherein the mating contact between the first cam surface and the second cam surface prevents the reciprocator from being uncoupled from the housing;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface.
[0014] In still another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
comprising: a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis; an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; an actuator; a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir when the elevator is in a fully retracted position; and the elevator operbaly coupled to the drive screw so that rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
comprising: a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis; an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; an actuator; a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir when the elevator is in a fully retracted position; and the elevator operbaly coupled to the drive screw so that rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator.
[0015] In certain exemplary embodiments, any suitable fluid may be used with embodiments and methods described herein according to the present invention.
Accordingly, the oral care treatment system may be any type of system including without limitation tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others. The invention is expressly not limited to any particular type of oral care system or oral care material, unless specifically claimed.
Accordingly, the oral care treatment system may be any type of system including without limitation tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others. The invention is expressly not limited to any particular type of oral care system or oral care material, unless specifically claimed.
[0016] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The features of the exemplified embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings in which like elements are labeled similarly.
[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care system including a toothbrush and a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dispenser is coupled to the toothbrush.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 1 wherein the fluid dispenser is removed from the toothbrush.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fluid dispenser of the oral care system of FIG.
1.
1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG.
3.
3.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the extension member of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the elevator of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the housing of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the collar of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the reciprocator of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reciprocator of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cap of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 16A is a close-up schematic of the cam surfaces of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 3 that cause reciprocation of the elevator, immediately following retraction.
[0035] FIG. 16B is a close-up schematic of the cam surfaces of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 16A, immediately prior to retraction.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention that can incorporated into the oral care system of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the reciprocator of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 17.
[0038] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the collar of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 17.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[0039] FIG. 19B is a side view of the collar of the fluid dispenser of FIG.
17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
[0041] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper,"
"horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom"
as well as derivative thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected,"
"coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
"horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom"
as well as derivative thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected,"
"coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0042] In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to exemplified embodiments.
Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplified embodiments illustrating some possible but non-limiting combination of features that Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
may be provided alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplified embodiments illustrating some possible but non-limiting combination of features that Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
may be provided alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with respect to one possible oral care or treatment system. Embodiments of the oral care system may include without limitation the following fluids such as fluidic oral care materials including: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-attachment, fluoride, tartar control/protection, flavorant, sensate, colorant and others. However, other embodiments of the present invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid and the invention is expressly not limited to any particular oral care system or fluidic oral care material alone.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an oral care system 100 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The oral care system 100 is a compact readily portable self-contained user-friendly system that comprises all of the necessary components and chemistries necessary for a user to perform a desired oral care treatment routine. As will be described in greater detail below, the oral care system 100 in one exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a modified toothbrush having a removable dispenser 300 disposed at least partially within its handle. Because the dispenser 300 is located within the handle of the toothbrush itself, the oral care system 100 is portable for travel, easy to use, and reduces the amount of required storage space.
Furthermore, since the toothbrush 200 and dispenser 300 are housed together, the user is less likely to misplace the dispenser 300 and be more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser 300 since brushing will remind the user to simply detach and apply the contents of the dispenser 300.
Furthermore, since the toothbrush 200 and dispenser 300 are housed together, the user is less likely to misplace the dispenser 300 and be more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser 300 since brushing will remind the user to simply detach and apply the contents of the dispenser 300.
[0045] The oral care system 100 generally comprises a toothbrush body 200 (hereinafter referred to simply as a toothbrush) and a dispenser 300. While the invention is described herein with respect to the use of a toothbrush as one of the two primary components of the oral care system 100, it is to be understood that other alternate oral care implements can be used within the scope of the invention, including tongue cleaners, tooth polishers and specially designed ansate implements having tooth engaging elements. In certain instances, the toothbrush 200 may include tooth engaging elements that are specifically designed to increase the effect of the active agent in the dispenser on the teeth. For Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
example, the tooth engaging elements may include elastomeric wiping elements that assist in removing stains from teeth and/or assist with forcing the oral care agent into the tubules of the teeth. Moreover, while the toothbrush 200 is exemplified as a manual toothbrush, the toothbrush may be a powered toothbrush in other embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the inventive system can be utilized for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the dispenser 300 with any fluid, such as a fluidic oral care material including an oral care agent that achieves a desired oral effect. In one embodiment, the fluid, is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste as the dispenser 300 is intended to augment not supplant the brushing regimen. The fluid can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients.
example, the tooth engaging elements may include elastomeric wiping elements that assist in removing stains from teeth and/or assist with forcing the oral care agent into the tubules of the teeth. Moreover, while the toothbrush 200 is exemplified as a manual toothbrush, the toothbrush may be a powered toothbrush in other embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the inventive system can be utilized for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the dispenser 300 with any fluid, such as a fluidic oral care material including an oral care agent that achieves a desired oral effect. In one embodiment, the fluid, is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste as the dispenser 300 is intended to augment not supplant the brushing regimen. The fluid can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients.
[0046] The toothbrush 200 generally comprises a handle portion 210, a neck portion 220 and a head portion 230. The handle 210 provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 200. The handle 210 may be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and a variety of manufacturing methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art, so long as it can house the dispenser 300 therein as described in detail below. If desired, the handle 210 may include a suitable textured grip 211 made of soft elastomeric material. The handle 210 can be a single or multi-part construction. The handle 210 extends from a proximal end 212 to a distal end 213 along a longitudinal axis A-A. A cavity (not visible) is formed within the handle 210. An opening 215 is provided at the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 that provides a passageway into the cavity through which the dispenser 300 can be inserted and retracted. While the opening 215 is located at the proximal end 212 of the handle in the exemplified embodiment, the opening 215 may be located at other positions on the handle 210 in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the opening 215 may be located on a longitudinal surface of the handle 210 (e.g., the front surface, the rear surface and/or the side surfaces) and be elongated to provide sufficient access to the cavity.
[0047] The handle 210 transitions into the neck 220 at the distal end 213.
While the neck 220 generally has a smaller transverse cross-sectional area than the handle 220, the invention is not so limited. Broadly speaking, the neck 220 is merely the transition Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
region between the handle 210 and the head 230 and can conceptually be considered as a portion of the handle 210. In this manner, the head 230 is connected to the distal end 213 of the handle 210 (via the neck 220).
While the neck 220 generally has a smaller transverse cross-sectional area than the handle 220, the invention is not so limited. Broadly speaking, the neck 220 is merely the transition Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
region between the handle 210 and the head 230 and can conceptually be considered as a portion of the handle 210. In this manner, the head 230 is connected to the distal end 213 of the handle 210 (via the neck 220).
[0048] The head 230 and the handle 210 of the toothbrush 200 are formed as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process.
However, in other embodiments, the handle 210 and head 230 may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head 230 and handle 210 are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention, unless specifically stated. In some embodiment of the invention, the head 230 may be detachable (and replaceable) from the handle 210 using techniques known in the art.
However, in other embodiments, the handle 210 and head 230 may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head 230 and handle 210 are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention, unless specifically stated. In some embodiment of the invention, the head 230 may be detachable (and replaceable) from the handle 210 using techniques known in the art.
[0049] The head 230 generally comprises a front surface 231, a rear surface 232 and a peripheral side surface 233 that extends between the front and rear surfaces 231, 232.
The front surface 231 and the rear surface 232 of the head 230 can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention.
For example, the front and rear surfaces 231, 232 can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof.
Moreover, if desired, the rear surface 232 may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth polishing structure.
An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad comprising a plurality of nubs and or ridges. An example of a tooth polishing structure can be an elastomeric element, such as a prophy cup(s) or elastomeric wipers. Furthermore, while the head 230 is normally widened relative to the neck 220 of the handle 210, it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle 210.
The front surface 231 and the rear surface 232 of the head 230 can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention.
For example, the front and rear surfaces 231, 232 can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof.
Moreover, if desired, the rear surface 232 may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth polishing structure.
An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad comprising a plurality of nubs and or ridges. An example of a tooth polishing structure can be an elastomeric element, such as a prophy cup(s) or elastomeric wipers. Furthermore, while the head 230 is normally widened relative to the neck 220 of the handle 210, it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle 210.
[0050] The front surface 231 of the head 230 comprises a collection of oral cleaning elements such as tooth engaging elements 235 extending therefrom for cleaning and/or polishing contact with an oral surface and/or interdental spaces. While the collection of tooth engaging elements 235 is suited for brushing teeth, the collection of cleaning elements 235 can also be used to polish teeth instead of or in addition to cleaning teeth.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
As used herein, the term "tooth engaging elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of "tooth engaging elements" include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
As used herein, the term "tooth engaging elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of "tooth engaging elements" include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.
[0051] The tooth engaging elements 235 of the present invention can be connected to the head 230 in any manner known in the art. For example, staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engaging elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
[0052] The toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are non-unitary separate structures that are specially designed to be non-fixedly secured together when in an assembled state (referred to herein as a storage state) and completely isolated and separated from one another when in a disassembled state (referred to herein as an application state). The toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are illustrated in the storage state in FIG. 1 and in the application state in FIG. 2. The dispenser 300 can be slidably manipulated and Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
moved between the storage state (FIG. 1) in which the dispenser 300 is docked in the toothbrush handle portion 210 and the application state (FIG. 2) in which the dispenser 300 is removed from the handle portion 210 by the user as desired. The dispenser 300 will now be described in greater detail.
moved between the storage state (FIG. 1) in which the dispenser 300 is docked in the toothbrush handle portion 210 and the application state (FIG. 2) in which the dispenser 300 is removed from the handle portion 210 by the user as desired. The dispenser 300 will now be described in greater detail.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, the dispenser 300 is schematically illustrated. The dispenser 300 is an elongated tubular pen-like structure that extends along longitudinal axis B-B. The dispenser 300 generally comprises a housing 301, a removable cap 302 coupled to one end of the housing 301, and an actuator 303 extending from an opposite end of the housing 301. The dispenser 300 is designed so as to be capable of being operated to dispense the fluid stored therein using a single hand.
Specifically, the dispenser is positioned in a user's hand so that the actuator 303 is lodged in the palm of the user's hand. The user then uses the fingers of that same hand to rotate the housing 301 (while keeping the actuator 303 stationary relative to the housing 301).
As a result, the fluid container therein is dispensed from the dispenser 300.
The dispensing mechanism will be described in greater detail below.
Specifically, the dispenser is positioned in a user's hand so that the actuator 303 is lodged in the palm of the user's hand. The user then uses the fingers of that same hand to rotate the housing 301 (while keeping the actuator 303 stationary relative to the housing 301).
As a result, the fluid container therein is dispensed from the dispenser 300.
The dispensing mechanism will be described in greater detail below.
[0054] The housing 301 has a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile (shown in FIGS. 4-5). In the exemplified embodiment, the housing 301 has a generally triangular transverse cross-sectional profile having rounded corners. Of course, in other embodiments, the housing 301 can take on other non-circular shapes, or can be circular in certain alternative embodiments. For example, in the embodiment exemplified in FIGS.
17-19B, the housing 301C of the dispenser 300C has a generally circular transverse cross-sectional profile. However, by forming the housing 301 to have a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile, rotation of the dispenser 300 when it is in the storage state within the handle portion 210 of the toothbrush 200 is prevented.
17-19B, the housing 301C of the dispenser 300C has a generally circular transverse cross-sectional profile. However, by forming the housing 301 to have a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile, rotation of the dispenser 300 when it is in the storage state within the handle portion 210 of the toothbrush 200 is prevented.
[0055] The actuator 303 protrudes axially from the housing 301 so that a user can easily grip and rotate the actuator 303. A plurality of protuberances 305, in the form of axial aligned and space-apart ridges, are formed on the outer surface 304 of the actuator 303 to further facilitate gripping and rotation. As discussed in greater detail below, the actuator 303 is part of a larger reciprocator component that is coupled to the housing 301.
However, in other embodiments, such as the one exemplified in FIGS. 17-19, the actuator 303C may be formed as a separate component that is non-rotatably coupled to the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
reciprocator 306C. As is also discussed in greater detail below, the actuator 303 is rotatable with respect to the housing 301 and axially reciprocates along axis B-B during rotation. In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator 303 has a wheel having a substantially circular transverse cross-sectional profile. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the actuator 303 is sized and shaped so that its transverse cross-sectional profile fits within the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing 301.
However, in other embodiments, such as the one exemplified in FIGS. 17-19, the actuator 303C may be formed as a separate component that is non-rotatably coupled to the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
reciprocator 306C. As is also discussed in greater detail below, the actuator 303 is rotatable with respect to the housing 301 and axially reciprocates along axis B-B during rotation. In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator 303 has a wheel having a substantially circular transverse cross-sectional profile. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the actuator 303 is sized and shaped so that its transverse cross-sectional profile fits within the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing 301.
[0056] The cap 302 has a transverse cross-sectional profile that corresponds in shape to the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing 301, and is also non-circular to facilitate gripping and/or twisting to remove the cap from the housing so that the fluidcan be dispensed from the internal reservoir of the dispenser 300.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, the components of the dispenser 300 will be described in greater detail. The dispenser 300 generally comprises a housing 301, a cap 302, a reciprocator 306, an extension member 307, an elevator 308, a collar 332 and an applicator 309. The reciprocator 306 comprises the actuator 303, a resilient member 310 and a drive screw 311. In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator 303, the resilient member 310 and the drive screw 311 are integrally formed to form the reciprocator 306 as a unitary structure. However, in certain embodiments, the actuator 303, the resilient member 310 and the drive screw 311 may be formed as separate components that are subsequently coupled together and/or properly positioned within the dispenser 300 in a cooperative manner as described below. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the resilient member 310 can conceptually and/or physically be a separate component from the reciprocator 306.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 9-10 concurrently, the housing 301 will be described in greater detail. The housing 301 is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity for the dispenser 300. For example, the housing 301 can be formed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. The chosen plastic(s), however, should be compatible with the oral care material that is to be stored within the dispenser 300 and should not be corroded or degraded by the oral care fluid.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[0059] While the housing 301 is exemplified as a single layer construction, in certain embodiments, the housing may be a multilayer construction. In certain multi-layer embodiments, an inner layer can be formed from the hard plastic materials described immediately above while an outer layer can be formed of a soft resilient material, such as an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A
suitable range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness. While an over-molding construction is one suitable method of forming the outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to inner layer with an appropriate adhesive, sonic welding, or by other means.
suitable range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness. While an over-molding construction is one suitable method of forming the outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to inner layer with an appropriate adhesive, sonic welding, or by other means.
[0060] The housing 301 is an elongated hollow tubular structure extending along the longitudinal axis B-B from a proximal end 315 to a distal end 316. As discussed above, the housing 301 has a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile. In the exemplified embodiment, the housing 301 is formed by three longitudinal side walls 321-323, thereby giving the housing a tri-lobe transverse cross-sectional profile. Of course, the invention is not so limited and the housing 301 can take on a wide variety of transverse cross-sectional profiles, whether circular or non-circular as desired.
[0061] The housing 301 comprises an outer surface 312 and an inner surface 313 that forms an elongated internal cavity 314. As discussed in greater detail below, when the dispenser 300 is fully assembled, the internal cavity 314 of the housing 301 is divided into a reservoir 317 and a chamber 318 by the elevator 308. A dispensing orifice 319 is provided in the distal end 316 of the housing 301 through which fluid stored in the reservoir 317 is dispensed from the dispenser 300. In the exemplified embodiment, the dispensing orifice 319 is located in a transverse end wall 320 as the distal end 316 of the housing 301. The dispensing orifice 319 is positioned in the transverse end wall 320 so that a center-point of the dispensing orifice 319 is coincident with the longitudinal axis B-B. Moreover, in certain other embodiment, the dispensing orifice 319 can be located in other areas of the housing 301, such as on one of the longitudinal side walls 321-323.
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[0062] The housing 301 comprises a first longitudinal section 325 and a second longitudinal section 326. The second longitudinal section 326 has a reduced transverse cross-section in comparison to the first longitudinal section 325. The second longitudinal section 326 extends axially from an annular transverse shoulder 327 of the housing 301.
The reservoir 317 occupies both a distal section of the first longitudinal section 325 and the second longitudinal section 326. The chamber 318, on the other hand, occupies only a proximal section of the first longitudinal section 325. As a result of the reservoir 317 occupying both a distal section of the first longitudinal section 325 and the second longitudinal section 326, the reservoir 317 comprises a section 317A located within the second longitudinal section 326 that has a reduced transverse cross-section in comparison to the section 317B of the reservoir 317 located within the distal section of the first longitudinal section 325.
The reservoir 317 occupies both a distal section of the first longitudinal section 325 and the second longitudinal section 326. The chamber 318, on the other hand, occupies only a proximal section of the first longitudinal section 325. As a result of the reservoir 317 occupying both a distal section of the first longitudinal section 325 and the second longitudinal section 326, the reservoir 317 comprises a section 317A located within the second longitudinal section 326 that has a reduced transverse cross-section in comparison to the section 317B of the reservoir 317 located within the distal section of the first longitudinal section 325.
[0063] The second longitudinal section 326 of the housing 301 comprises a depression 328 near the distal end 316 for facilitating coupling of the applicator 309 to the housing 301. In the exemplified embodiment, the depression 328 is in the form of annular groove. Of course, the depression 328 can take on wide variety of embodiments, including dimples, notches, etc. A protuberance 329 is also provided on the second longitudinal section 326 of the housing 301 for facilitating coupling of the removable cap 302 to the housing 301. In the exemplified embodiment, the protuberance 329 is in the form of an annular ridge. Of course, the protuberance 329 can take on wide variety of embodiments, including tangs, prongs, bumps, ridges, etc. The protuberance 329 is located on the second longitudinal section 326 at a location closer to the shoulder 327 than the annular groove 328.
[0064] A plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart grooves 330 are formed in the inner surface 313 of the housing 301. The grooves 330 are located within the chamber 318 of the internal cavity 314 and extend axially from the proximal end 315. The grooves 330 are provided to receive corresponding ridges and/or protuberances provided on the outer surface of the collar 332 to prevent relative rotation between the collar 332 and the housing 301 when the collar 332 is assembled to the housing 301. The mating between the ridges/protuberances of the collar 332 and the grooves 330 of the housing 301 can be important in embodiments of the dispenser 300 in which the internal cavity 314 has a Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
circular transverse cross-sectional shape. However, in embodiments where the internal cavity 314 has a non-circular shape, relative rotation between the housing 301 and the collar 332 is prevented due simply to the nin-circular transverse cross-sectional geometry.
circular transverse cross-sectional shape. However, in embodiments where the internal cavity 314 has a non-circular shape, relative rotation between the housing 301 and the collar 332 is prevented due simply to the nin-circular transverse cross-sectional geometry.
[0065] A plurality of flanges 331 are provided on the inner surface 313 of the housing 301 that extend radially inward toward the longitudinal axis B-B. The flanges 331 are located at the proximal end 315 of the housing 301 and are arranged in a circumferentially spaced-apart manner. In certain embodiments, a single continuous annular flange, or other protuberant structures, can be provided instead of the plurality of flanges 331. The flanges 331 help retain the collar 332 in coupling with the housing 301 after the dispenser 300 is assembled, thereby assisting in preventing the collar 332 from being separated from the housing 301 due to an axially applied force and/or movement.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 14-15, the details of the applicator 309 and the removable cap 302 will be described, along with their structural cooperation with the housing 301. The applicator 309, in the exemplified embodiment, is formed of a soft resilient material, such as an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A suitbale range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness.
[0067] In alternative embodiments, the applicator 309 may be constructed of bristles, a porous or sponge material, or a fibrillated material. Suitable bristles include any common bristle material such as nylon or PBT. The sponge-like materials can be of any common foam material such as urethane foams. The fibrillated surfaces can be comprised of various thermoplastics. The invention, however, is not so limited and the applicator 309 can be any type of surface and/or configuration that can apply a viscous substance onto the hard surface of teeth, including merely an uncovered opening/orifice.
[0068] The exemplary applicator 309 comprises a tubular sidewall 359 and a transverse end wall 360. An aperture 361 is provided in the end wall 360 through which fluid from the reservoir 317 can be dispensed. A protuberance 362, in the form of an annular ridge, Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
is formed on an inner surface of the sidewall 359. A plurality of protuberances 363, in the form of nubs, extend from the outer surface of the end wall 360.
is formed on an inner surface of the sidewall 359. A plurality of protuberances 363, in the form of nubs, extend from the outer surface of the end wall 360.
[0069] When the applicator 309 is coupled to the second longitudinal section 326 of the housing 301, the protuberance 362 of the applicator 309 nests within the depression 328 of the housing 301. Furthermore, the aperture 361 of the applicator 309 is aligned with the dispensing orifice 319 of the housing 301.
[0070] Similar to the housing, the applicator 309 has a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile in the exemplary embodiment. More specifically, the applicator 309 has a tri-lobe transverse cross-sectional profile. Of course, the invention is not so limited and the housing can take on a wide variety of transverse cross-sectional profiles, whether circular or non-circular as desired.
[0071] The removable cap 302 comprises a tubular sidewall 364 and a transverse end wall 365. The removable cap 302 has a closed top end 366 and open bottom end 367.
An axial plug 368 extends axially from a bottom surface of the end wall 365. A
protuberance 394, in the form of an annular ridge, protrudes from an inner surface of the sidewall 364. The removable cap 302 couples to the housing 301 by being slid over the second longitudinal section 326 of the housing 301. Mating between the protuberance 394 of the removable cap 302 and the protuberance 329 of the housing 301 secures the removable cap 302 to the housing 301. The axial plug 368 extends into through and seals the aperture 361 of the applicator 309 and the dispensing orifice 319 of the housing 301, thereby preventing leaking and/or drying out of the fluid in the reservoir 317.
An axial plug 368 extends axially from a bottom surface of the end wall 365. A
protuberance 394, in the form of an annular ridge, protrudes from an inner surface of the sidewall 364. The removable cap 302 couples to the housing 301 by being slid over the second longitudinal section 326 of the housing 301. Mating between the protuberance 394 of the removable cap 302 and the protuberance 329 of the housing 301 secures the removable cap 302 to the housing 301. The axial plug 368 extends into through and seals the aperture 361 of the applicator 309 and the dispensing orifice 319 of the housing 301, thereby preventing leaking and/or drying out of the fluid in the reservoir 317.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 11 concurrently, the collar 332 will be described in greater detail. The collar 332 is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity to perform the functions discussed below. In one embodiment, the collar 332 can be formed of a moldable hard plastic.
Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
[0073] In the exemplified embodiment, the collar 332 is an annular ring-like structure comprising an outer surface 333 and an inner surface 334. The inner surface 334 forms an axial passageway 335 that extends through the entirety of the collar 332.
The axial passageway 335 extends along the longitudinal axis B-B so that the drive screw 311 of Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
the reciprocator 306 can be extended therethrough. The collar 332 comprises a flange portion 336, a plug portion 337 and a neck portion 338. The neck portion 338 extends from a shoulder 341 of the collar 332 disposed between the neck portion 338 and the plug portion 337. A depression 342, in the form of an annular groove, is provided in the outer surface 333 of the plug portion 337 of the collar 332.
The axial passageway 335 extends along the longitudinal axis B-B so that the drive screw 311 of Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
the reciprocator 306 can be extended therethrough. The collar 332 comprises a flange portion 336, a plug portion 337 and a neck portion 338. The neck portion 338 extends from a shoulder 341 of the collar 332 disposed between the neck portion 338 and the plug portion 337. A depression 342, in the form of an annular groove, is provided in the outer surface 333 of the plug portion 337 of the collar 332.
[0074] When the dispenser 300 is assembled, the collar 332 is coupled to the housing 301 as illustrated in FIG. 6. When the dispenser 300 is assembled, the plug portion 337 and the neck portion 338 of the collar 332 are disposed within the internal cavity (specifically chamber 318) of the housing 301. The flange portion 336 abuts the proximal end 315 of the housing 301, thereby preventing over-insertion of the collar 332 into the internal cavity 314. The flanges 331 of the housing 301 project into the depression 342 of the plug portion 337, thereby mating together to prevent the collar 332 from being withdrawn axially from the housing 301. The coupling of the collar 332 to the housing 301 is further effectuated by assuring that the tolerances are selected so that an additional interference fit is effectuated between the outer surface 333 of the collar 332 and the inner surface 313 of the housing. When coupled to the housing 301, the collar 332 is non-rotatable with respect to the housing 301. Of course, other cooperative structures and connection techniques can be used to couple the collar 332 to the housing 301 so that relative rotation between the two is prohibited.
[0075] In the exemplified embodiment, the neck portion 338 is formed by a plurality of arcuate segments 239 that protrude axially from the plug portion 337 and circumferentially surround the axial passageway 335 (and the drive screw 311 when the dispenser 300 is assembled). Adjacent arcuate segments 239 are separated by a gap 440.
The neck portion 338 is formed by segments 239 to provide radial flexibility to the neck portion 338 so that a base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 can pass through the neck portion 338 during assembly. During assembly, as the base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 passes through the neck portion 338, the segments 239 flex radially outward, thereby allowing the base portion 340 to pass therethrough. However, once the base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 has fully passed through the neck portion 338, the segments 239 snap radially inward, returning to their initial position and preventing the reciprocator 306 from being separated from the collar 332. In other embodiments, the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
neck portion 338 can be constructed as a continuous structure rather than a plurality of segments 239 if desired.
The neck portion 338 is formed by segments 239 to provide radial flexibility to the neck portion 338 so that a base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 can pass through the neck portion 338 during assembly. During assembly, as the base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 passes through the neck portion 338, the segments 239 flex radially outward, thereby allowing the base portion 340 to pass therethrough. However, once the base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 has fully passed through the neck portion 338, the segments 239 snap radially inward, returning to their initial position and preventing the reciprocator 306 from being separated from the collar 332. In other embodiments, the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
neck portion 338 can be constructed as a continuous structure rather than a plurality of segments 239 if desired.
[0076] The neck portion 338 of the collar 332 further comprises an upper cam surface 339 comprising a plurality of axially extending cams 343. In the exemplified embodiment, the cams 343 are saw-toothed protuberances having inclined surfaces 344 that terminate at an apex 345 (FIG. 16B). Of course, the cams 343 can take on a variety different shapes, such as contoured, etc. The upper cam surface 339 is an undulating transverse surface in the exemplified embodiment. A depression/notch 346 is located between adjacent cams 343. As discussed in greater detail below, the upper cam surface 339, in conjunction with the lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306, causes the elevator 308 to axially reciprocate when relative rotational motion is created between the cam surfaces 339, 347.
[0077] While the collar 332 is a separate component than the housing 301 in the exemplified embodiment of the dispenser 300, in other embodiment the collar 332 can be integrally formed as a part of the housing 301. In such an embodiment, the housing 301 itself would comprise the upper cam surface 339.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 12-13 concurrently, the reciprocator 306 will be explained in greater detail. As mentioned above, the reciprocator 306 generally comprises the actuator 303, the resilient member 310 and the drive screw 311 and, in certain embodiments, is a unitary integrally formed structure. The reciprocator 306 is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity to perform the functions discussed below. In one embodiment, the reciprocator 306 can be formed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
[0079] The reciprocator 306 extends from a proximal end 348 to a distal end 349 along the longitudinal axis B-B. As mentioned above, the reciprocator 306 comprises the actuator 303 which is located at the proximal end 349 of the reciprocator 306.
The actuator 303 comprises a dial portion 350 and a plug portion 351. The dial portion 350 comprises the ridges/ribs 305 and provides the gripping section of the actuator 303 by which the user can rotate the reciprocator 306 with respect to the housing 301. When the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
dispenser 300 is assembled the dial portion 350 of the actuator 303 protrudes axially beyond the proximal end 315 of the housing 301 while the plug portion 351 of the actuator 303 nests within the collar 332.
The actuator 303 comprises a dial portion 350 and a plug portion 351. The dial portion 350 comprises the ridges/ribs 305 and provides the gripping section of the actuator 303 by which the user can rotate the reciprocator 306 with respect to the housing 301. When the Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
dispenser 300 is assembled the dial portion 350 of the actuator 303 protrudes axially beyond the proximal end 315 of the housing 301 while the plug portion 351 of the actuator 303 nests within the collar 332.
[0080] The resilient member 310 is located axially between the actuator 303 and the drive screw 311. In the exemplified embodiment, the resilient member 310 is of the leaf-spring type. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, the resilient member 310 is formed by a plurality of curved prongs 352 extending axially from the plug portion 351 along a cylindrical portion 353 of the drive screw 311 and in a manner that diverges from the longitudinal axis B-B. In other embodiments, the resilient member may take on other forms and/or be may be a separable component from the reciprocator 306. For example, in certain embodiments, the reciprocator 306 could be, without limitation, a helical spring, a separable leaf spring, an elastomeric pad, and/or combinations thereof. The function of the resilient member 310 will be described in greater detail below.
[0081] The drive screw 311 extends axially from the plug portion 351 of the actuator 303 along the longitudinal axis B-B. The drive screw 311 comprises a cylindrical portion 353, a flanged base portion 340 and a threaded portion 354. The cylindrical portion 353 extends axially from the plug portion 351 of the actuator 303 to the flanged base portion 340 and has a smooth outer surface. The threaded portion 354 extends axially from the flanged base portion 340 to the distal end 349 of the reciprocator 306 and comprises a helical ridge 355 extending from the outer surface. The pitch of the helical ridge 355 is selected so that the elevator 308 axially advances toward the dispensing orifice 319 a desired distance upon the drive screw 311 being rotated a predetermined rotational angle, thereby dispensing a pre-selected volume of the fluid from the reservoir 317.
[0082] The flanged base portion 340 of the drive screw 311 flares radially outward from the longitudinal axis B-B terminating in lower cam surface 347. In certain other embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 17-19B, the flanged base portion 340C of the drive screw 311C does not flare radially outward from the longitudinal axis B-B, but rather extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis B-B in a more stepped manner.
Furthermore, as exemplified in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-19B, the drive screw may further comprises a stopper plate 390C located on the opposite of the flanged base portion 340C than the threaded portion 354C. The stopper plate 390C extends radially Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
outward from the longitudinal axis B-B and will abut the shoulder portion 341C
of the collar 332C to prevent over-insertion of the reciprocator 306C into the collar 332C.
Such over-insertion of the reciprocator 306C into the collar 332C could damage the resilient member 310C due to over-flexion.
Furthermore, as exemplified in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-19B, the drive screw may further comprises a stopper plate 390C located on the opposite of the flanged base portion 340C than the threaded portion 354C. The stopper plate 390C extends radially Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
outward from the longitudinal axis B-B and will abut the shoulder portion 341C
of the collar 332C to prevent over-insertion of the reciprocator 306C into the collar 332C.
Such over-insertion of the reciprocator 306C into the collar 332C could damage the resilient member 310C due to over-flexion.
[0083] The lower cam surface 347 comprises a plurality of cams 356 extending axially from the lower cam surface 347. In the exemplified embodiment, the cams 356 are saw-toothed protuberances having inclined surfaces 357 that terminate at an apex 358 (FIG.
16B). Of course, the cams 356 can take on a variety different shapes, such as contoured, etc. The lower cam surface 347 is an undulating transverse surface in the exemplified embodiment. The lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306 mates with the upper cam surface 339 when the dispenser 300 is assembled.
16B). Of course, the cams 356 can take on a variety different shapes, such as contoured, etc. The lower cam surface 347 is an undulating transverse surface in the exemplified embodiment. The lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306 mates with the upper cam surface 339 when the dispenser 300 is assembled.
[0084] When the dispenser 300 is assembled, the reciprocator 306 is rotatable with respect to the housing 301. The drive screw 311 of the reciprocator 306 extends through the axial passageway 335 of the collar 332 and into the chamber 318 of the internal cavity 314. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 353 of the drive screw 311 extends through the neck portion 338 of the collar 332. The flanged base portion 340 is located beyond the neck portion 338 of the collar 332 so that the upper cam surface 339 of the collar 332 is aligned and in contact with the lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306. The resilient member 310, in the form of the prongs 352, is compressed against the inner surface 334 of the shoulder portion 341 of the collar 332, thereby biasing the lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306 downward and into mating surface contact with the upper cam surface 339 of the collar 332. However, the mating surface contact between the upper and lower cam surfaces 339, 347 prevents the reciprocator 306 from being uncoupled from the housing 301. In the exemplified embodiment, the resilient member 310 (in the form of the prongs 352) exerts an axial force on the reciprocator 306 in a second axial direction along the longitudinal axis B-B (i.e., in a direction moving from the distal end 316 to the proximal end 315 of the housing 301).
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7-8 concurrently, the elevator 308 and extension member 307 will be described in greater detail. The elevator 308 is disposed within the internal cavity 314 of the housing 301, thereby dividing the internal cavity 314 into a reservoir 317 and a chamber 318. The reservoir 317 contains the desired fluid or product, Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
which can be any active or inactive oral care agent. The oral care agent and/or its carrier may be in any form such as a solid or a flowable material including without limitation viscous pastes/gels or less viscous liquid compositions. The fluid is a flowable material having a low viscosity in certain embodiments. Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention. For example, the fluid may include oral care agent such as whitening agents, including without limitation, peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions.
Suitable peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Serial No. 11/403,372, filed April 13, 2006, to the present assignee, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. While a tooth whitening agent and a sensitivity agent are the exemplified active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral care agents can be used with embodiments of the present invention and, thus, stored within the reservoir 317. Contemplated fluids include oral care agents that can be an active or non-active ingredient, including without limitation, antibacterial agents;
oxidative or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents; anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum health actives;
nutritional ingredients;
tartar control or anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients;
flavors or flavor ingredients; breath freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents; anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding agents; anti-inflammatory agents; dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activity of any of these agents;
colorants or aesthetic ingredients; and combinations thereof. The fluid in one embodiment is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the fluid is intended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition to merely brushing one's teeth.
Other suitable oral care fluids could include lip balm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solid state.
which can be any active or inactive oral care agent. The oral care agent and/or its carrier may be in any form such as a solid or a flowable material including without limitation viscous pastes/gels or less viscous liquid compositions. The fluid is a flowable material having a low viscosity in certain embodiments. Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention. For example, the fluid may include oral care agent such as whitening agents, including without limitation, peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions.
Suitable peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Serial No. 11/403,372, filed April 13, 2006, to the present assignee, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. While a tooth whitening agent and a sensitivity agent are the exemplified active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral care agents can be used with embodiments of the present invention and, thus, stored within the reservoir 317. Contemplated fluids include oral care agents that can be an active or non-active ingredient, including without limitation, antibacterial agents;
oxidative or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents; anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum health actives;
nutritional ingredients;
tartar control or anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients;
flavors or flavor ingredients; breath freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents; anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding agents; anti-inflammatory agents; dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activity of any of these agents;
colorants or aesthetic ingredients; and combinations thereof. The fluid in one embodiment is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the fluid is intended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition to merely brushing one's teeth.
Other suitable oral care fluids could include lip balm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solid state.
[0086] In some embodiments, the materials useful in the oral care fluid contained in the reservoir may include oral care compositions comprising a basic amino acid in free or salt form. In one embodiment, the basic amino acid may be arginine. Various formulations would be useful to supply the arginine to the user. One such oral care composition, e.g., a dentifrice, may be used 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 Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
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; and iii. an abrasive, e.g., silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.
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 Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
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; and iii. an abrasive, e.g., silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.
[0087] The dental treatment materials of the present invention may 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 1000-N Rheometer from TA
Instruments, New Castle, Delaware.
Instruments, New Castle, Delaware.
[0088] When measured at a shear rate of 1 seconds -1, the viscosity may have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, about 0.1 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 10,000 poise, specifically about 5,000 poise, and more specifically 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.
[0089] 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, specifically about 0.05 poise, and more specifically 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, specifically about 100 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds31 1 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.
[0090] When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds -1, the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, specifically about Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
0.05 poise, and more specifically 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, specifically about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds -1 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.
0.05 poise, and more specifically 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, specifically about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds -1 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.
[0091] 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 317, through the dispensing orifice 319, and out of the aperture 361 of the applicator 309.
This agent may be water, thickeners or thinners. The viscosity should be adjusted in relationship to the dimensions of the dispensing orifice 319 (including length, internal transverse cross-sectional area, shape, etc.), the composition of the applicator or other delivery channel used (i.e., hollow channel, porous channel, etc.), and the amount of force available to pressurize the reservoir 317.
This agent may be water, thickeners or thinners. The viscosity should be adjusted in relationship to the dimensions of the dispensing orifice 319 (including length, internal transverse cross-sectional area, shape, etc.), the composition of the applicator or other delivery channel used (i.e., hollow channel, porous channel, etc.), and the amount of force available to pressurize the reservoir 317.
[0092] The elevator 308 forms a hermetic seal between the reservoir 317 and the chamber 318. An outer surface 370 of the elevator 308 forms a lower end wall of the reservoir 317 while an inner surface 371 of the elevator 308 forms the upper end wall of the chamber 318. The outer surface 370 of the elevator forms a continuous and uninterrupted fluid boundary that bounds a lower end of the reservoir 317. The drive screw 311 does not protrude through the elevator 308, nor through the outer surface 370, and extend into the reservoir 317. Thought of another way, the drive screw 311 is completely isolated from the reservoir 317 and never comes into contact with the fluid within the reservoir 317, even when the elevator 308 is in a fully retracted state (as shown in FIG, 6).
[0093] The elevator 308 comprises a base portion 372 and a plug portion 373 extending axially from the base portion 372 along the longitudinal axis B-B toward the dispensing orifice 319. The plug portion 373 comprises an internal cavity 374 having a closed top end 375 and an open bottom end 376. When the dispenser 300 is assembled, and the elevator 308 is in a fully retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), a distal portion of the drive screw 311 nests within the internal cavity 374 of the plug portion 373 of the elevator 308. However, as can be seen, the drive screw 311 still does not penetrate Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
through the elevator 308 or its outer surface 370. Furthermore, the outer surface 370 of the elevator 308 can comprise more than one surface (as shown in FIG. 8). When the elevator is axially advanced through the reservoir 317 and reaches a fully extended position (not illustrated) in which the reservoir 317 has been substantially emptied of the fluid, the plug portion 373 of the elevator 308 nests within the section 317A
of the reservoir 317 having the reduced transverse cross-section.
through the elevator 308 or its outer surface 370. Furthermore, the outer surface 370 of the elevator 308 can comprise more than one surface (as shown in FIG. 8). When the elevator is axially advanced through the reservoir 317 and reaches a fully extended position (not illustrated) in which the reservoir 317 has been substantially emptied of the fluid, the plug portion 373 of the elevator 308 nests within the section 317A
of the reservoir 317 having the reduced transverse cross-section.
[0094] The elevator 308 is non-rotatable with respect to the housing 301 but can be axially translated relative thereto. Relative rotation between the elevator 308 and the housing 301 can be prevented by designing the elevator 308 and the cavity 317 to have corresponding non-circular transverse cross-sectional shapes. Alternatively, in embodiments where circular transverse cross-sections are desired, the elevator 308 and the inner surface of the housing 301 could be provides with an interlocking groove/ridge cooperation that prevents relative rotation while allowing axial translation.
In still another embodiment, such as the one exemplified in FIGS. 17-19B, relative rotation between the elevator 308C and the housing 301C can be prevented by connecting an anti-rotation sleeve 395C to the elevator 308C. The anti-rotation sleeve 395C is non-rotatable with respect to the housing 301C as a result of an interlocking groove/ridge cooperation that is achieved between the inner surface of the housing 301C and the anti-rotation sleeve 395C.
In still another embodiment, such as the one exemplified in FIGS. 17-19B, relative rotation between the elevator 308C and the housing 301C can be prevented by connecting an anti-rotation sleeve 395C to the elevator 308C. The anti-rotation sleeve 395C is non-rotatable with respect to the housing 301C as a result of an interlocking groove/ridge cooperation that is achieved between the inner surface of the housing 301C and the anti-rotation sleeve 395C.
[0095] The elevator is threadily coupled to the drive screw 311 so that relative rotation between the drive screw 311 and the elevator 308 axially advances the elevator toward the dispensing orifice 319, thereby expelling a volume of the fluid from the reservoir 317. In the exemplified embodiment, the elevator 308 is threadily coupled to the threaded portion 354 of the drive screw 311 via the extension member 307, which will be described in greater detail below. The elevator 308 further comprises an annular groove 377 formed into its inner surface 371 of the base portion 372 for coupling to the extension member 307.
[0096] In alternative embodiments, the elevator 308 may be threadily coupled directly to the threaded portion 354 of the drive screw 311, thereby eliminating the extension member 307. However, the extension member 307 may be preferred in some Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
embodiments so that the elevator 308 does not have to be penetrated by the drive screw 311 while still affording an adequate distance of axial displacement of the elevator 308.
embodiments so that the elevator 308 does not have to be penetrated by the drive screw 311 while still affording an adequate distance of axial displacement of the elevator 308.
[0097] In the exemplified embodiment, the extension member 307 is a tubular sleeve structure that extends from a proximal end 378 to a distal end 379. However, in certain other embodiments, the extension member may be in the form of a frame, struts, or one or more elongate rods extending from a threaded collar to the elevator 308.
The extension member 307 has an inner surface 380 that forms an axial passageway 381 that extends through the entirety of the extension member 307. The inner surface comprises a threaded portion 380A and a non-threaded portion 380B. The threaded portion 380A is located at the proximal end 378 of the extension member 307 and comprises a threaded surface that operably mates with the threaded surface of the drive screw 311 when the dispenser 300 is assembled. Further, when the dispenser is assembled, and the elevator 308 is in the full retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), the drive screw 311 extends through the entirety of the axial passageway 380 of the extension member 380.
The extension member 307 has an inner surface 380 that forms an axial passageway 381 that extends through the entirety of the extension member 307. The inner surface comprises a threaded portion 380A and a non-threaded portion 380B. The threaded portion 380A is located at the proximal end 378 of the extension member 307 and comprises a threaded surface that operably mates with the threaded surface of the drive screw 311 when the dispenser 300 is assembled. Further, when the dispenser is assembled, and the elevator 308 is in the full retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), the drive screw 311 extends through the entirety of the axial passageway 380 of the extension member 380.
[0098] The distal end 379 of the extension member 307 comprises a flange 388.
The elevator 308 is coupled to the extension member 307 through insertion of the distal end 379 and flange 388 of the extension member 307 into the annular groove 377 of the elevator 308. Of course, the coupling between the elevator 308 and the extension member 307 can be effectuated in a variety of different ways, none of which are limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the elevator 308 and the extension member 307 may be integrally formed as a unitary structure, rather than as separate components.
The elevator 308 is coupled to the extension member 307 through insertion of the distal end 379 and flange 388 of the extension member 307 into the annular groove 377 of the elevator 308. Of course, the coupling between the elevator 308 and the extension member 307 can be effectuated in a variety of different ways, none of which are limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the elevator 308 and the extension member 307 may be integrally formed as a unitary structure, rather than as separate components.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 16A-16B concurrently, the mechanism of action that the dispenser 300 uses to dispense the fluid from the reservoir 317 while eliminating weeping will be described. As known to those skilled in the art, axially advancing the elevator 308, which extends throughout the entire transverse cross section of the reservoir 317, while only relieving the fluid through the orifice 319, will result in residual pressure in the reservoir, thereby causing the fluid to weep. To prevent this weeping effect, the dispenser 300 axially retracts the elevator 308, in a reciprocating cycle after each predetermined increment of forward axial advancement of the elevator 308. This is Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[00100] Specifically, when the actuator 303 is rotated, the drive screw 311 is also rotated. Rotation of the drive screw 311 causes the elevator 308 to axially advance a distance in a first axial direction along the longitudinal axis B-B (i.e., in a direction moving from the proximal end 315 to the distal end 316 of the housing 301) due to the relative rotation between the extension member 307 and the drive screw 311, which are threadily coupled together as described above. Of course, in embodiments where the extension member 307 is omitted, said axial advancement will be caused by relative rotation between the elevator 308 and the drive screw 311, which would be threadily coupled directly together or through the use of an intermediary structure.
However, in addition to the axial advancement of the elevator 308 imparted by the aforementioned threaded coupling and relative rotation, the elevator is also subjected to an axial translational reciprocation due to relative rotation between the upper and lower cam surfaces 339, 347 of the collar 332 and the reciprocator 306.
However, in addition to the axial advancement of the elevator 308 imparted by the aforementioned threaded coupling and relative rotation, the elevator is also subjected to an axial translational reciprocation due to relative rotation between the upper and lower cam surfaces 339, 347 of the collar 332 and the reciprocator 306.
[00101] As mentioned above, the upper cam surface 339 is non-rotatable with respect to the housing 301. However, when the actuator 303 is rotated, the lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306 also rotates. The relative rotation between the cam surfaces 339, 347 results in the cams 356 of the lower cam surface 347 of the reciprocator 306 to ride up the cams 343 of the upper cam surface 339 of the collar 332 until the apexes 358, 345 of the cams 343, 356 are aligned (as shown in FIG. 16B). This riding of the cams 343, 356 imparts a component of translational axial advancement/displacement to the reciprocator 306, which is in turn is transferred to the elevator 308 via its coupling to the drive screw 311. More specifically, as the actuator 303 is rotated in the direction which causes forward axial advancement of the elevator 308 on the feed screw 311, based on the hand of the thread, the ramped surfaces 357 of the cams 356 will ride up the stationary ramped surfaces 344 of the cams 343. The elevator 308 in turn, will receive the forward axial movement of two separate components, the axial advance due to relative rotation between the elevator 308 and the drive screw 311 and the axial advance due to the component of the ramped surfaces 344, 357 oriented in the axial direction. As Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
the apexes 358 of the cams 356 are rotated past the apexes 345 of the cams 343, as shown in FIG. 16A, the reciprocator 306 will retract in an axial direction opposite to the direction of forward advance as the cams 356 are urged back into the depressions 346 by the bias imparted by the resilient member 310. By moving the reciprocator 306 in a direction which is opposite to the forward travel, the elevator 308 retracts from the fluid in the reservoir, and thereby relieves the residual pressure caused by the forward stroke.
the apexes 358 of the cams 356 are rotated past the apexes 345 of the cams 343, as shown in FIG. 16A, the reciprocator 306 will retract in an axial direction opposite to the direction of forward advance as the cams 356 are urged back into the depressions 346 by the bias imparted by the resilient member 310. By moving the reciprocator 306 in a direction which is opposite to the forward travel, the elevator 308 retracts from the fluid in the reservoir, and thereby relieves the residual pressure caused by the forward stroke.
[00102] It should be apparent that the component of axial displacement, the reciprocator 306, moves in both the forward and rear stroke of the axial reciprocation is equal. It should be noted however, that the net forward advance of the elevator 308 is greater than the retraction, due to the undirectional forward displacement caused by relative rotation of the feed screw 311 and the elevator 308. This net advance provides for dispensation of a predetermined quantity of the fluid.
[00103] The magnitude of the retraction necessary to reduce the residual pressure such that weeping of the fluid, or its components, does not take place varies with the thickness and yield pressure of the fluid and area of the orifices 319 relative to the elevator 308 and the reservoir 317.
[00104] Furthermore, when the resilient member 310 urges the cam surfaces 339, 347 back into intimate mating contact after the apexes 345, 358 have passed one another (i.e., from the position shown in FIG. 16B to the position shown in FIG. 16A), an audible click is made. This "click" informs the user that the oral care product has been dispensed and allows the user to dispense a precise and reproducible amount of the fluid.
[00105] Referring now to FIGS. 17-19B, an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser 300C according to a second embodiment of the present invention is exemplified. The fluid dispenser 300C is substantially identical to the fluid dispenser 300 of FIGS. 3-16B in most structural and functional aspects. Thus, in order to avoid redundancy, only those aspects of the fluid dispenser 300C that are different from the fluid dispenser 300 will be described below, with the understanding that the discussion above regarding the fluid dispenser 300 is applicable. Like structural elements of the fluid dispenser 300C and the fluid dispenser 300 will be identified with like reference numerals, with the addition of the alphabetic suffix "C."
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
[00106] In addition to the components discussed above for the fluid dispenser 300, the fluid dispenser 300C further comprises an anti-rotation sleeve 395C to prevent relative rotation between the elevator 308C and the housing 301C during rotation of the actuator 303C. The anti-rotation sleeve 395C is a hollow tubular structure having a first end that is connected to the elevator 308C. While not visible, a plurality of axially extending ridges are provided on the outer surface of the anti-rotation sleeve 390C that mate with axially extending grooves formed in the inner surface 313C of the housing 301C. Thus, when the actuator 303C is rotated, thereby rotating the reciprocator 306C
(and its drive screw 311C), the elevator 308C translates axially due to the threaded coupling via the extension sleeve 307C and the elevator 308C being prohibited from rotating relative to the housing 301C by the anti-rotation sleeve 395C. In this manner, the housing 301C and the internal cavity 317C can have a circular transverse cross-sectional shape. While in the exemplified embodiment the anti-rotation sleeve 390C is described as comprising ridges and the inner surface 313C of the housing 301C
comprises grooves, it is to be understood that the anti-rotation sleeve 390C
could be designed to include the grooves while the inner surface 313C of the housing 301C would comprise the ridges in certain other embodiments. Moreover, in even further embodiments, the ridges could be in the form of simple tangs or protuberances that mate with the axially extending grooves.
(and its drive screw 311C), the elevator 308C translates axially due to the threaded coupling via the extension sleeve 307C and the elevator 308C being prohibited from rotating relative to the housing 301C by the anti-rotation sleeve 395C. In this manner, the housing 301C and the internal cavity 317C can have a circular transverse cross-sectional shape. While in the exemplified embodiment the anti-rotation sleeve 390C is described as comprising ridges and the inner surface 313C of the housing 301C
comprises grooves, it is to be understood that the anti-rotation sleeve 390C
could be designed to include the grooves while the inner surface 313C of the housing 301C would comprise the ridges in certain other embodiments. Moreover, in even further embodiments, the ridges could be in the form of simple tangs or protuberances that mate with the axially extending grooves.
[00107] A further difference between the fluid dispenser 300 and the fluid dispenser 300C is the structure of the reciprocator 306C. As mentioned above, the actuator 303C of the fluid dispenser 300C is not integrally formed with the reciprocator 306C but is rather a separate component non-rotatably connected to an end of the reciprocator 306C. In this embodiment, the actuator 303C can be formed of a hard plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. Of course, other materials could be used if desired.
[00108] The reciprocator 306C further comprises a stopper plate 390C that extends radially from a post portion 353C of the reciprocator 306C. During assembly, the stopper plate 390C prevents over-insertion of the reciprocator 306C into the collar 332C
that may damage the resilient elements 352C by abutting the shoulder 341C of the collar 332C. Moreover, rather than contacting and interacting with the shoulder 341C
of the collar 332 to create the bias, the resilient elements 352C of the reciprocator 306C contact Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
and interact with a distal edge 396C of an extending portion 397C of the collar 332C.
When assembled, the extending portion 397C of the collar 332C protrudes from the distal end of the housing 301C.
that may damage the resilient elements 352C by abutting the shoulder 341C of the collar 332C. Moreover, rather than contacting and interacting with the shoulder 341C
of the collar 332 to create the bias, the resilient elements 352C of the reciprocator 306C contact Attorney Docket No. 9175-00-WO-TB
and interact with a distal edge 396C of an extending portion 397C of the collar 332C.
When assembled, the extending portion 397C of the collar 332C protrudes from the distal end of the housing 301C.
[00109] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
[00110] While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.
Claims (34)
1. An oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and a cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw extending through the axial passageway of the collar, and a cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing;
a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the reciprocator and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the reciprocator.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and a cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw extending through the axial passageway of the collar, and a cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing;
a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the reciprocator and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the reciprocator.
2. The oral care system according to claim 1 wherein the dispenser further comprises an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupling the elevator to the drive screw, and wherein the axial advancement of the elevator along the drive screw is due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
3. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the elevator to extend into the reservoir when the elevator is in a fully retracted position.
4. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the cam surface of the reciprocator is located on a flanged base portion of the drive screw.
5. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the mating contact between the cam surface of the reciprocator and the cam surface of the collar prevents the reciprocator from being uncoupled from the housing.
6. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the dispenser further comprises an applicator coupled to a distal end of the housing, the applicator comprising an aperture in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice.
7. The oral care system according to claim 6 wherein the applicator is formed of an elastomeric material.
8. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the resilient member is positioned between the actuator of the reciprocator and the collar, the resilient member exerting an axial force on the reciprocator in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.
9. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the resilient member comprises at least one prong extending from the actuator, the prong integrally formed as part of the reciprocator.
10. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the actuator, the drive screw, and the resilient member are integrally formed to form the reciprocator.
11. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the elevator comprises a base portion and a plug portion protruding from the base portion, a portion of the drive screw nesting within the plug portion of the elevator when the elevator is in a fully retracted position.
12. The oral care system according to claim 11 wherein the plug portion of the elevator extends into a section of the reservoir having a reduced transverse cross-sectional area when the elevator is axially advanced into a fully extended position.
13. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the actuator comprises a dial portion protruding axially from a proximal end of the housing.
14. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the dispenser further comprises a removable cap coupled to the housing, the removable cap comprising an axial plug that inserts into and seals the dispensing orifice.
15. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the dispenser further comprises an anti-rotation sleeve connected to the elevator that prevents the elevator from rotating relative to the housing.
16. The oral care system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the reciprocator further comprises a stopper plate that prevents over-insertion of the reciprocator through the axial passageway of the collar.
17. An oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis;
an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
an actuator;
a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir; and an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis;
an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
an actuator;
a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir; and an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; and wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
18. The oral care system according to claim 17 wherein the elevator comprises a base portion and a plug portion protruding from the base portion, a portion of the drive screw nesting within the plug portion of the elevator when the elevator is in a fully retracted position.
19. The oral care system according to claim 18 wherein the plug portion of the elevator extends into a section of the reservoir having a reduced transverse cross-section when the elevator is axially advanced into a fully extended position.
20. The oral care system according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the elevator comprises an annular groove formed in the inner surface, the first end of the extension member disposed within the annular groove.
21. The oral care system according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein when the elevator is in a fully retracted position, the second end of the extension member is threadily coupled to a base portion of the drive screw and the elevator covers a distal end of the drive screw.
22. The oral care system according to any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the extension member is a sleeve forming an axial passageway, the drive screw extending through the axial passageway of the extension sleeve.
23. The oral care system according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the dispenser further comprises:
a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and an upper cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
the drive screw comprising a lower cam surface;
a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the drive screw and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact;
wherein rotation of the actuator further causes the elevator to axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the drive screw.
a collar within the housing, the collar comprising an axial passageway and an upper cam surface, the collar being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
the drive screw comprising a lower cam surface;
a resilient member that axially biases the cam surface of the drive screw and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact;
wherein rotation of the actuator further causes the elevator to axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the cam surface of the collar and the cam surface of the drive screw.
24. The oral care system according to claim 23 wherein the resilient member is positioned between the actuator of the reciprocator and the collar, the resilient member exerting an axial force on the reciprocator in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.
25. The oral care system according to any one of claims 23 to 24 wherein the resilient member comprises at least one prong extending from the actuator.
26. The oral care system according to any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the actuator, the drive screw, and the prong are an integrally formed structure.
27. An oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
a first cam surface within the housing, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing;
a resilient member that axially biases the second cam surface and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact, wherein the mating contact between the first cam surface and the second cam surface prevents the reciprocator from being uncoupled from the housing;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw;
wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir for containing a fluid;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
a first cam surface within the housing, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing;
a resilient member that axially biases the second cam surface and the cam surface of the collar into mating contact, wherein the mating contact between the first cam surface and the second cam surface prevents the reciprocator from being uncoupled from the housing;
an elevator forming an end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw;
wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator, and (2) axially reciprocate due to relative rotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface.
28. The oral care system according to claim 27 wherein the dispenser further comprises an extension member having a first end coupled to the elevator and a second end threadily coupled to the drive screw, the extension member being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupling the elevator to the drive screw, and wherein the axial advancement of the elevator along the drive screw is due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the extension member.
29. The oral care system according to any one of claims 27 to 28 wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the elevator to extend into the reservoir.
30. The oral care system according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the drive screw extends through an axial passageway circumferentially surrounded by the first cam surface, the second cam surface of the reciprocator located on a flanged base portion of the drive screw.
31. The oral care system according to any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the resilient member exerts an axial force on the reciprocator in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.
32. The oral care system according to any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein the resilient member comprises at least one prong extending from the actuator, the prong integrally formed with the reciprocator.
33. The oral care system according to any one of claims 27 to 32 wherein the actuator, the drive screw, and the resilient member are integrally formed to form the reciprocator.
34. An oral care system comprising:
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis;
an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
an actuator;
a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir when the elevator is in a fully retracted position; and the elevator operbaly coupled to the drive screw so that rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator.
a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising:
a housing forming an internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis;
an elevator disposed within the internal cavity that hermetically separates the internal cavity into a reservoir for containing a fluid and a chamber, the elevator comprising an outer surface forming an end wall of the reservoir and an inner surface forming an end wall of the chamber, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing;
a dispensing orifice in the housing for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir;
an actuator;
a drive screw in the chamber and operably coupled to the actuator, the drive screw and the actuator being rotatable with respect to the housing, wherein the drive screw does not penetrate through the outer surface of the elevator into the reservoir when the elevator is in a fully retracted position; and the elevator operbaly coupled to the drive screw so that rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction due to relative rotation between the drive screw and the elevator.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2868769A CA2868769C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2009/069408 WO2011078864A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2009-12-23 | Oral care system |
PCT/US2009/069402 WO2011078863A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2009-12-23 | Oral care system |
USPCT/US2009/069408 | 2009-12-23 | ||
USPCT/US2009/069402 | 2009-12-23 | ||
US41051410P | 2010-11-05 | 2010-11-05 | |
US61/410,514 | 2010-11-05 | ||
US42341410P | 2010-12-15 | 2010-12-15 | |
US42339710P | 2010-12-15 | 2010-12-15 | |
US42344910P | 2010-12-15 | 2010-12-15 | |
US42343510P | 2010-12-15 | 2010-12-15 | |
US61/423,449 | 2010-12-15 | ||
US61/423,435 | 2010-12-15 | ||
US61/423,397 | 2010-12-15 | ||
US61/423,414 | 2010-12-15 | ||
PCT/US2010/060874 WO2011079028A2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system, kit and method |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2868769A Division CA2868769C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2779022A1 true CA2779022A1 (en) | 2011-06-30 |
CA2779022C CA2779022C (en) | 2015-02-03 |
Family
ID=43513866
Family Applications (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2780356A Expired - Fee Related CA2780356C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2779827A Expired - Fee Related CA2779827C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser with cap |
CA2779523A Abandoned CA2779523A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2778834A Expired - Fee Related CA2778834C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2779022A Expired - Fee Related CA2779022C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2868769A Expired - Fee Related CA2868769C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
Family Applications Before (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2780356A Expired - Fee Related CA2780356C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2779827A Expired - Fee Related CA2779827C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser with cap |
CA2779523A Abandoned CA2779523A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
CA2778834A Expired - Fee Related CA2778834C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-16 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2868769A Expired - Fee Related CA2868769C (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-22 | Oral care system with detachable dispenser |
Country Status (15)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (10) | US9072371B2 (en) |
EP (9) | EP2515704B1 (en) |
CN (7) | CN102655784B (en) |
AU (5) | AU2010333847B2 (en) |
BR (5) | BR112012015413B1 (en) |
CA (6) | CA2780356C (en) |
CO (5) | CO6460717A2 (en) |
ES (3) | ES2511565T3 (en) |
HK (3) | HK1176834A1 (en) |
MX (6) | MX2012005364A (en) |
MY (3) | MY157771A (en) |
PH (1) | PH12014501779A1 (en) |
RU (8) | RU2555674C2 (en) |
TW (6) | TWI461160B (en) |
WO (5) | WO2011079027A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (67)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
TWI430762B (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2014-03-21 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system, kit and method |
WO2011078864A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2011-06-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
KR101473539B1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2014-12-16 | 콜게이트-파아므올리브캄파니 | Oral care system |
MX2012006290A (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2012-07-03 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system. |
MX2012005364A (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-05-29 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system. |
AU2011341697B2 (en) | 2010-12-15 | 2015-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care dispenser |
AU2011357730B2 (en) * | 2011-02-01 | 2014-12-11 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with fluid applicator and method of assembling the same |
CA2824475A1 (en) * | 2011-02-01 | 2012-08-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement having a decorative member and a method of forming the same |
WO2013040122A2 (en) | 2011-09-15 | 2013-03-21 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement and refill head therefor |
IN2014DN03045A (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2015-05-08 | Colgate Palmolive Co | |
EP2780084B1 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2016-07-27 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care gel dispenser systems |
US20150074926A1 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2015-03-19 | Whimi Co., Ltd. | Portable toothbrush |
KR200472528Y1 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2014-05-07 | (주) 화이미 | portable toothbrush |
KR200472529Y1 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2014-05-07 | (주) 화이미 | portable toothbrush |
RU2597543C1 (en) * | 2012-10-18 | 2016-09-10 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | Oral care system |
WO2014062186A1 (en) * | 2012-10-18 | 2014-04-24 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
CN104797166B (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2017-12-15 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care kits and the packaging for it |
IN2015DN03318A (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2015-10-09 | Colgate Palmolive Co | |
AU2012396269B2 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2015-10-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
CN104106906B (en) * | 2013-04-18 | 2016-12-28 | 喻德人 | A kind of screw rod pushing toothpaste formula toothbrush |
US9743748B2 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2017-08-29 | Anthony Perera | Toothbrush having integral replaceable toothpaste cartridge |
AU2013405919B2 (en) | 2013-11-20 | 2016-11-17 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD764805S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-08-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD753922S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-04-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD765983S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-09-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD760499S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-07-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD764175S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-08-23 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD765984S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-09-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD765985S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-09-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
USD765986S1 (en) | 2013-12-16 | 2016-09-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
EP3073861B1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2019-05-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
WO2015094229A1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2015-06-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush |
EP3073860B1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2018-11-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care dispenser and oral care system |
US9642438B2 (en) * | 2014-05-23 | 2017-05-09 | Man Su Choi | Cosmetic container |
US9925026B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2018-03-27 | Kerr Corporation | Adapters, tips, and dental assemblies |
US10426252B2 (en) | 2014-08-14 | 2019-10-01 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system and method |
CN106572743B (en) | 2014-08-14 | 2019-03-01 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care systems and method |
CN106572742A (en) * | 2014-08-14 | 2017-04-19 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care system and method |
US10869541B2 (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2020-12-22 | ZeroBrush, Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for customized dental care |
US10888201B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2021-01-12 | ZeroBrush, Inc. | Systems, devices, and methods for providing customized oral care agents |
CN109379886B (en) * | 2015-02-02 | 2021-03-05 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care system and oral care material dispenser |
JP2017042550A (en) * | 2015-08-28 | 2017-03-02 | ライオン株式会社 | Oral cavity cleaning tool |
EP3355743B1 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2023-06-21 | Unilever IP Holdings B.V. | Oral care implement |
CN105411713B (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2017-04-12 | 上海携福电器有限公司 | Reciprocating rotation head assembly used for electric cleaning tool |
EP3381403B1 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2020-04-22 | Shanghai Shift Electrics Co. Ltd | Head module capable of reciprocal rotation for electric cleaning apparatus |
EP3377025A1 (en) | 2015-12-02 | 2018-09-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care gel |
CN108113187B (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2020-08-21 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Personal care appliance with replacement head |
CN108113189B (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2020-11-03 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Personal care appliance with replacement head |
US10435226B2 (en) | 2016-12-27 | 2019-10-08 | Doselogix, Llc | Dosing dispenser system |
EP3565627A4 (en) | 2017-01-04 | 2021-01-13 | Reflex Medical Corporation | Metered dose topical applicator |
JP6775199B2 (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2020-10-28 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | electric toothbrush |
USD845637S1 (en) * | 2017-11-16 | 2019-04-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US11033096B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2021-06-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care refill head and oral care kit including the same |
US10709533B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2020-07-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement and handle and refill head thereof |
USD849408S1 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2019-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Replacement head for an oral care implement |
USD846883S1 (en) * | 2017-12-12 | 2019-04-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Handle of an oral care implement |
US10631964B2 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2020-04-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
USD892505S1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2020-08-11 | Salvatore P. DeRicco | Toothbrush head |
USD891784S1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2020-08-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Electric toothbrush handle |
US10682673B1 (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2020-06-16 | Willo 32 Sas | Cartridge, an oral care appliance and methods to operate the oral care appliance |
US10952518B1 (en) | 2019-10-29 | 2021-03-23 | Ici Enterprises, Llc | Substance dispensing handle and container assemblies, substance dispensing handles, and personal care devices |
US10813442B1 (en) * | 2020-01-31 | 2020-10-27 | Lance W. Schneier | Portable, self-contained, toothbrush with internal water, waste reservoir and toothpaste supply |
USD960582S1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2022-08-16 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care refill head |
US20220226088A1 (en) * | 2021-01-20 | 2022-07-21 | OralKleen, LLC | Portable tooth cleaning system |
USD978537S1 (en) * | 2021-04-11 | 2023-02-21 | Nanchang Dentalbright Technology Co., Ltd | Electric toothbrush |
CN117615734A (en) | 2021-07-07 | 2024-02-27 | 奥若克伦有限公司 | Toothbrush with disposable flusher |
USD972305S1 (en) * | 2021-11-05 | 2022-12-13 | Wenhua Liang | Electric toothbrush |
Family Cites Families (332)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US64732A (en) | 1867-05-14 | wylie | ||
US64832A (en) | 1867-05-21 | Alfred bridges | ||
US261456A (en) | 1882-07-18 | Dorfer | ||
US766566A (en) | 1903-10-20 | 1904-08-02 | George C Witt | Can. |
US766556A (en) | 1904-03-28 | 1904-08-02 | Joseph A Symonds | Collapsible tube. |
US1062480A (en) | 1912-09-17 | 1913-05-20 | Nazaire E Larocque | Tooth-brush attachment. |
US1244324A (en) | 1914-11-30 | 1917-10-23 | Marcus E Covington | Container. |
US1292416A (en) | 1918-05-17 | 1919-01-28 | John Auld | Eraser-holder. |
US1374330A (en) * | 1919-05-12 | 1921-04-12 | Arthur G Stevenson | Brush |
US1432715A (en) | 1920-11-26 | 1922-10-17 | Mendoza Arnulfo | Toothbrush |
GB203401A (en) | 1922-06-08 | 1923-09-10 | Robert Brownlow | A new or improved pencil |
US1555064A (en) | 1924-03-21 | 1925-09-29 | Mothe George A La | Fountain toothbrush |
US1701030A (en) | 1927-08-10 | 1929-02-05 | Claude R Collins | Fountain toothbrush |
US1668511A (en) | 1927-11-11 | 1928-05-01 | Mclaughlin Michael | Container |
US1716617A (en) * | 1928-07-21 | 1929-06-11 | Ralph A Brockelsby | Toothbrush and dentifrice holder |
US1746474A (en) | 1929-01-15 | 1930-02-11 | Hogner Einar Gustaf Evald | Mechanical pencil |
US1913528A (en) | 1929-11-07 | 1933-06-13 | White Harold Albert | Pencil |
DE598358C (en) | 1932-09-14 | 1934-06-09 | Heinrich Joehnssen | Filler pencil with a toothed rack on both sides that pushes the lead under the action of a spring |
GB444546A (en) | 1935-10-03 | 1936-03-23 | John Marshall Wilson | Improvements in and relating to devices for applying thin layers of liquids |
US2078149A (en) * | 1936-12-11 | 1937-04-20 | Clay B Lutz | Cap for toothpaste tubes |
FR850458A (en) | 1939-02-17 | 1939-12-18 | Piston container for pasty materials | |
US2247003A (en) | 1940-09-09 | 1941-06-24 | Will O Smith | Dental cleaning compact |
US2356874A (en) | 1942-06-03 | 1944-08-29 | Rene F Nageotte | Dispensing container |
US2399660A (en) | 1944-10-12 | 1946-05-07 | Boulicault Marcel | Teeth cleaning unit |
FR907669A (en) | 1944-11-06 | 1946-03-19 | Brush such as toothbrush or other | |
US2437769A (en) | 1945-04-24 | 1948-03-16 | John B Traylor | Mechanical pencil with step-by-step feed |
US2637060A (en) | 1946-03-27 | 1953-05-05 | Victor Silson | Cosmetic brush |
US2450002A (en) * | 1946-08-12 | 1948-09-28 | Walter B Keres | Pocket toothbrush |
US2445571A (en) | 1946-08-21 | 1948-07-20 | Leon L Fuston | Toothbrush |
US2438641A (en) | 1946-10-24 | 1948-03-30 | Loehr Aloysius | Toothbrush having paste tube on handle |
US2521882A (en) | 1947-01-22 | 1950-09-12 | Franklin H Swift | Automatic dispensing means for shaving brushes |
US2448033A (en) | 1947-03-12 | 1948-08-31 | Ralph E Kruck | Lip rouge dispenser applicator |
US2541949A (en) | 1947-05-01 | 1951-02-13 | Warren E Thacker | Rouge dispenser and applicator with ratchet operated force feed mechanism |
US2579899A (en) | 1948-05-21 | 1951-12-25 | Dale L Burrows | Removable cap with depending chamber which encloses a reciprocating valve element |
US2656843A (en) * | 1949-02-09 | 1953-10-27 | Boulicault Marcel | Teeth cleaning unit |
GB666082A (en) | 1949-04-27 | 1952-02-06 | Robert Brighten Salisbury | Improvements in or relating to toothbrushes |
US2718299A (en) | 1950-06-01 | 1955-09-20 | Verne L Atwater | Medicinal dispenser |
US2670881A (en) | 1951-07-10 | 1954-03-02 | Sawa Fabriks Aktiebolag | Dispensing device for dispensing batter and the like |
US2676568A (en) | 1953-03-04 | 1954-04-27 | Northern Ind Products | Mechanical pencil |
US2800899A (en) | 1953-05-11 | 1957-07-30 | Joseph B Barron | Gum massage devices |
US2845645A (en) | 1953-12-15 | 1958-08-05 | Pharmaceutical Res & Dev Compa | Refillable-tube pocket toothbrush |
US2885116A (en) | 1953-12-17 | 1959-05-05 | Harold R Tregilgas | Pocket tablet dispenser and unit tablet container therefor |
GB792448A (en) | 1954-07-15 | 1958-03-26 | George Stephen Edwards | Improvements in or relating to a combined tooth brush and dentifrice dispenser |
US2885110A (en) | 1955-06-06 | 1959-05-05 | Harold R Tregilgas | Pocket type automatic tablet dispenser |
US2771858A (en) | 1955-09-09 | 1956-11-27 | Francis J Cribbs | Mechanical pencil having a push button, step by step feed |
US2968827A (en) | 1958-01-23 | 1961-01-24 | Lawsine Leo | Tooth cleaning and gum massaging device |
US2962032A (en) * | 1958-06-17 | 1960-11-29 | Reuter Paul | Tooth brush |
US3181539A (en) | 1961-06-12 | 1965-05-04 | Bruno D Aston | Fluent cosmetic applicator with replaceable cartridge |
US3187758A (en) | 1962-01-02 | 1965-06-08 | Raul J Eklund | Toothbrush with refillable dentifrice dispenser |
US3148684A (en) | 1962-01-04 | 1964-09-15 | Harry A Keeler | Toothbrush assembly with a removable and rechargeable dentifrice container |
US3108687A (en) | 1962-02-07 | 1963-10-29 | Risdon Mfg Co | Cosmetic container |
US3358699A (en) | 1962-10-03 | 1967-12-19 | Bau Robert Gordon | Cosmetic storing and dispensing device |
US3215320A (en) | 1963-11-18 | 1965-11-02 | Heisler Harold | Container and dispenser for dispensing predetermined, set, measured amounts of material |
US3293749A (en) | 1964-02-03 | 1966-12-27 | Connecticut Scient Ct Inc | Amalgam gun |
US3359991A (en) | 1964-09-28 | 1967-12-26 | Spatz Corp | Cosmetic applicators |
US3359992A (en) | 1964-11-06 | 1967-12-26 | Avon Prod Inc | Cosmetic applicator |
US3296642A (en) | 1965-04-01 | 1967-01-10 | Eylure Ltd | Cosmetic brushes |
US3406694A (en) | 1965-06-23 | 1968-10-22 | Leon A. Odence | Combination hairbrush-applicator |
US3468612A (en) | 1965-10-23 | 1969-09-23 | Bruno D Aston | Cosmetic applicator case and replaceable cartridge therefor |
US3378176A (en) | 1966-09-12 | 1968-04-16 | Brockway Glass Co Inc | Container dispenser |
GB1190280A (en) | 1967-11-02 | 1970-04-29 | Francis Glover | Combined Toothbrush Container and Dentifrice Dispenser |
FR1596074A (en) | 1968-12-13 | 1970-06-15 | ||
US3683924A (en) | 1970-07-14 | 1972-08-15 | Lawrence D Louie | Tongue scraper |
JPS4893167U (en) | 1972-02-12 | 1973-11-08 | ||
JPS4893167A (en) * | 1972-03-10 | 1973-12-03 | ||
US3842850A (en) * | 1972-10-12 | 1974-10-22 | W Sanders | Brush assembly |
US3986645A (en) | 1972-12-01 | 1976-10-19 | Mpl, Inc. | Liquid dispenser |
US3910706A (en) * | 1974-01-07 | 1975-10-07 | Trisa Buerstenfabrik Ag | Cartridge for liquid or pasty dentifrice |
US4384645A (en) | 1976-04-02 | 1983-05-24 | Manfredi John A | Dental hygiene kit |
US4023580A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1977-05-17 | Lawrence Peska Associates, Inc. | Plaque marker toothbrush kit |
NO146799L (en) * | 1976-06-08 | 1900-01-01 | ||
US4201491A (en) | 1978-06-19 | 1980-05-06 | Truly Magic Products, Inc. | Liquid applicator |
US4277194A (en) | 1979-09-20 | 1981-07-07 | Smith Donald R | Paste dispensing toothbrush |
US4275750A (en) | 1979-09-24 | 1981-06-30 | Clark Ben L | Self-contained toothbrush |
US4296518A (en) | 1979-11-30 | 1981-10-27 | Lever Brothers Company | Toothbrush and gum massaging accessory |
US4662385A (en) | 1980-03-21 | 1987-05-05 | Revlon, Inc. | Cosmetic applicator |
DE3163728D1 (en) | 1980-04-08 | 1984-06-28 | Greater Glasgow Health Board | Dispensing device |
US4331267A (en) | 1980-08-15 | 1982-05-25 | Tri-Made Products, Inc. | Caulking tube plunger and enclosure assembly |
GB2085717B (en) * | 1980-09-25 | 1985-08-07 | Blackwell Victor Campbell | Reservoir toothbrush |
US4323157A (en) | 1980-10-17 | 1982-04-06 | Eyelet Specialty Co., Inc. | Bottom-fillable lipstick or the like container |
US4340367A (en) | 1980-12-15 | 1982-07-20 | Leslie Vadas | Loader and dispenser for dental amalgam |
US4350712A (en) | 1981-02-10 | 1982-09-21 | Alfred Kocharian | Frozen beverage stick including retractable cup |
GB2103293B (en) * | 1981-07-21 | 1985-03-06 | Oreal | Dosage dispenser device |
US4543679A (en) | 1982-10-08 | 1985-10-01 | Oral Ease Inc. | Toothbrush assembly combining a handle with a replaceable brush assembly and a replaceable oral hygiene device |
US4527574A (en) | 1983-03-25 | 1985-07-09 | Manfredi John A | Portable dental kit |
US4582059A (en) | 1984-05-14 | 1986-04-15 | Tiwari Sandra J | Tongue cleaning instrument |
US4594015A (en) | 1984-06-08 | 1986-06-10 | Pomares Francis J | Paint applicator |
US4573820A (en) | 1984-07-02 | 1986-03-04 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Applicator tip assembly for a pen-like instrument |
US4655372A (en) | 1984-09-21 | 1987-04-07 | The Joy Of Painting | Paint dispenser |
US4641766A (en) | 1984-11-02 | 1987-02-10 | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | Metering dispenser for high viscosity compositions |
DE3688628T2 (en) | 1985-04-26 | 1993-10-07 | Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd | Container-like toilet material. |
EP0208394B1 (en) | 1985-07-11 | 1993-07-21 | Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd. | Container type toilet implement |
US4659327A (en) | 1985-11-26 | 1987-04-21 | Dentsply Research & Development Corp. | Multiple dosage syringe |
EP0308549A1 (en) | 1987-09-21 | 1989-03-29 | Youti Kuo | Dentifrice dispensing toothbrush |
DE3606711A1 (en) | 1986-03-01 | 1987-09-03 | Bramlage Gmbh | DONOR |
FR2597734B1 (en) | 1986-04-24 | 1991-03-22 | Lelievre Thierry | METERING DISPENSER FOR PASTY PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR TOOTHPASTE, AS WELL AS TOOTHBRUSHES PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DISPENSER |
US4767032A (en) | 1986-09-02 | 1988-08-30 | L. Perrigo Company | Paste dispenser |
DE3710496A1 (en) | 1987-03-30 | 1988-10-13 | Raimund Andris | PASTE DISPENSER |
US4892427A (en) | 1987-07-20 | 1990-01-09 | Plough, Inc. | Seal for a dosage dispenser tube |
DE3728427C1 (en) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-12-01 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Application device with a mine from a spreadable mass |
US4826341A (en) * | 1987-09-28 | 1989-05-02 | Kyu Ho Kwak | Valve means for toothbrush containing toothpaste dispenser therein |
US5000356A (en) | 1987-10-15 | 1991-03-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Swivel-up type dispensing package |
DE3832224A1 (en) * | 1988-01-15 | 1989-08-17 | Hans Gert Chmielewski | Tooth brush |
US4811445A (en) * | 1988-01-25 | 1989-03-14 | Lagieski Daniel P | Oral hygiene system |
US4887924A (en) | 1988-02-19 | 1989-12-19 | 501 Blistex Inc. | Angled tip applicator |
USD310308S (en) | 1988-03-07 | 1990-09-04 | Paul Wolsey | Combined toothbrush and pen |
FR2629988B1 (en) | 1988-04-15 | 1990-08-10 | Oreal | RECHARGEABLE DISPENSER HAVING A TRANSLATABLE PISTON |
US4865481A (en) | 1988-05-04 | 1989-09-12 | Scales Joseph K | Disposable toothbrush with toothpaste, mouthwash and floss |
US4874117A (en) | 1988-05-17 | 1989-10-17 | Photofinish Cosmetics Inc. | Manually-operated fluid dispenser and associated closure cap |
DE58905510D1 (en) | 1988-06-16 | 1993-10-14 | Erich Pfanstiel | Dispenser for pastes or the like media. |
US4866809A (en) | 1988-07-15 | 1989-09-19 | Randy Pelletier | Collapsible toothbrush construction |
US4879781A (en) | 1988-08-19 | 1989-11-14 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc. | Toothbrush with positionable stimulator tip |
US5066155A (en) | 1988-08-29 | 1991-11-19 | English Philip H | Toothbrush and paste dispenser |
AU5066790A (en) | 1988-12-10 | 1990-09-06 | Hunters Bay Limited | A paste dispenser |
CA2005616C (en) | 1988-12-16 | 2000-05-09 | Shigeo Iizuka | Liquid dispenser |
FR2642623B1 (en) | 1989-02-08 | 1991-05-03 | Oreal | DISPENSER COMPRISING A TRANSLATABLE PISTON |
GB2234164A (en) * | 1989-07-21 | 1991-01-30 | Lim Seng Hock | Toothbrush with toothpaste dispenser |
US4957125A (en) * | 1989-07-26 | 1990-09-18 | Yaneza Merle L | Toothbrushing assembly |
US4997299A (en) | 1989-11-21 | 1991-03-05 | Suzuno Kasei Co., Ltd. | Cosmetic container |
US5028158A (en) | 1990-04-19 | 1991-07-02 | Theodore Fey | Toothbrush with means for attaching a toothpaste tube |
US5100252A (en) * | 1990-07-02 | 1992-03-31 | Grigory Podolsky | Toothbrush |
FR2664479A1 (en) | 1990-07-13 | 1992-01-17 | Mitsubishi Pencil Co | Container for a solid cosmetic product, of the type with percussion |
GB9024890D0 (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1991-01-02 | Stewart Timothy N | Toothbrushes |
US5249876A (en) | 1990-12-03 | 1993-10-05 | Hattman Harold M | Caulking nozzle |
US5217475A (en) | 1991-10-31 | 1993-06-08 | Kuber Deepty U | Tongue scrapers |
US5234136A (en) | 1992-01-31 | 1993-08-10 | Kopis Machine Co., Inc. | Propel-repel package tubes with push action |
DE9390031U1 (en) | 1992-02-25 | 1994-10-27 | Cambridge Consultants | Fluid dispenser |
WO1993017936A1 (en) * | 1992-03-04 | 1993-09-16 | Renata Luigia Galletti | Container, especially toothbrush-container, with metered piston discharge |
DE4222759C2 (en) | 1992-07-10 | 1995-04-27 | Dieter Bakic Design S R I | Cosmetic pencil with exchange part |
DE4227560C1 (en) | 1992-08-20 | 1993-11-25 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Applicator with a refillable paste |
US5244298A (en) | 1992-10-21 | 1993-09-14 | Greenhouse Albert M | Toothbrush |
DE9217774U1 (en) | 1992-12-29 | 1993-02-25 | Schwan-Stabilo Schwanhaeusser Gmbh & Co, 8500 Nuernberg, De | |
JP2603088Y2 (en) | 1993-04-23 | 2000-02-14 | 三菱鉛筆株式会社 | Fluid application member |
US5860572A (en) | 1993-05-05 | 1999-01-19 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Side action vertical ratchet dispenser with reversible trigger |
US5403105A (en) | 1993-08-19 | 1995-04-04 | Jameson; King D. | Toothbrush with plural supply |
GB9317697D0 (en) | 1993-08-25 | 1993-10-13 | Fortune Dragon Pte Ltd | Toothbrush |
US5980145A (en) | 1993-10-27 | 1999-11-09 | Griffith; Patrick | Disposable toothbrush |
US5425591A (en) | 1994-05-17 | 1995-06-20 | Contreras; Thomas J. | Disposable toothbrush |
US5476334A (en) | 1994-07-11 | 1995-12-19 | Tello-Vallarino; Patricia | Foldable toothbrush with toothpaste |
US5547302A (en) | 1994-07-29 | 1996-08-20 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Twist-up product dispenser having conformable apertured applicator surface |
US5573341A (en) | 1994-10-26 | 1996-11-12 | Chesebrough-Pond's Usa Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Cosmetic composition dispenser |
US5540361A (en) | 1994-10-27 | 1996-07-30 | The Mennen Company | Cream dedorant dispenser |
US6056469A (en) | 1994-11-15 | 2000-05-02 | Algorri; Mark S. | Toothbrush with toothpaste dispensing casing |
ES2220921T3 (en) | 1994-12-06 | 2004-12-16 | L'oreal | DISTRIBUTOR FOR A LIQUID TO PASTOSE CONSISTENCY PRODUCT EQUIPPED WITH AN APPLICATION TUBULAR ELEMENT. |
FR2727608B1 (en) | 1994-12-06 | 1997-01-10 | Oreal | DISPENSER FOR A LIQUID CONSISTENCY PRODUCT WITH PASTE |
US5569278A (en) | 1995-04-03 | 1996-10-29 | Persad; Diane C. | Arcuate tongue scraper |
IT1278733B1 (en) | 1995-07-20 | 1997-11-27 | Guido Paduano | TOOTHBRUSH WITH HANDLE FORMING TOOL FOR CLEANING THE TONGUE |
US5608940A (en) | 1995-08-07 | 1997-03-11 | L.A.P. Innovations, Inc. | Combination toothbrush and storage/dispenser apparatus and method of making the same thereof |
GB2304033A (en) * | 1995-08-12 | 1997-03-12 | Dean Russell Lees | Toothbrush |
FR2738127B1 (en) | 1995-08-30 | 1998-03-27 | Oreal | MASCARA APPLICATOR |
GB9521992D0 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-01-03 | Unilever Plc | Dispensing package |
US5611687A (en) | 1995-11-06 | 1997-03-18 | Dental Concepts Inc. | Oral hygiene delivery system |
GB2307674B (en) | 1995-11-30 | 1999-06-02 | Emil Shehadeh | Multi component dispensers |
US5725133A (en) | 1996-01-31 | 1998-03-10 | Chesebrough-Pond's Usa Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Dose control dispenser |
US5695788A (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1997-12-09 | Spraytex, Inc. | Wall texture tool |
US5701675A (en) * | 1996-05-10 | 1997-12-30 | United Cutlery Corporation | Axe combination tool |
JPH09322819A (en) | 1996-06-04 | 1997-12-16 | Mitsubishi Pencil Co Ltd | Applying means |
DE29613012U1 (en) | 1996-07-26 | 1996-10-31 | Lind Hubertine | toothbrush |
US5791801A (en) | 1996-08-30 | 1998-08-11 | Siebe North, Inc. | Liquid applicator |
NO963699A (en) | 1996-09-05 | 1997-11-17 | One Drop Only Chemish Pharmazeutische Vertriebs Gmbh | Device for instrument for cleaning the oral cavity and its use |
JP3922744B2 (en) | 1996-09-09 | 2007-05-30 | 三菱鉛筆株式会社 | Liquid applicator |
US5733058A (en) | 1996-09-16 | 1998-03-31 | Blistex Inc. | Dispensing container for a compact product |
US6099315A (en) | 1996-09-20 | 2000-08-08 | Block Drug Company, Inc. | Applicator tip for desensitizing agents and method |
US5851079A (en) | 1996-10-25 | 1998-12-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Simplified undirectional twist-up dispensing device with incremental dosing |
US5827308A (en) | 1997-02-28 | 1998-10-27 | Beyond 21St Century, Inc. | Tongue scraping apparatus |
FR2760607B1 (en) | 1997-03-11 | 1999-04-23 | Oreal | DISTRIBUTOR FOR A DELITABLE PRODUCT |
US5893860A (en) | 1997-03-17 | 1999-04-13 | Ripich; Robert J. | Tongue scraper |
US5955114A (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1999-09-21 | Llanos; Jesus M | Stick applicator |
FR2761959B1 (en) | 1997-04-15 | 1999-05-21 | Oreal | PACKAGING AND APPLICATION ASSEMBLY OF A FLUID PRODUCT |
US5916228A (en) | 1997-09-29 | 1999-06-29 | Ripich; Robert J. | Tongue scraper |
FR2769810B1 (en) | 1997-10-16 | 1999-12-31 | Joseph Antoine Vives | POCKET TOOTHBRUSH |
US5996850A (en) | 1997-12-04 | 1999-12-07 | Chesebrough-Pond's Usa Co | Package for dispensing flowable cosmetics |
US5862817A (en) | 1997-12-11 | 1999-01-26 | Lee; Kenten | Two-in-one tooth brush unit |
US6015293A (en) | 1997-12-31 | 2000-01-18 | Amtec Products, Inc. | Oral cleaning apparatus |
FR2773959B1 (en) | 1998-01-26 | 2000-04-07 | Oreal | PACKAGING AND APPLICATION ASSEMBLY OF A POWDERY, LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT COMPRISING A PISTON |
US5911532A (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1999-06-15 | Evancic; Dorlyn Robert | Toothbrush |
FR2779924B1 (en) | 1998-06-17 | 2000-08-18 | Oreal | LIP OR EYELID MAKE-UP DEVICE AND APPLICATOR |
GB2339384A (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2000-01-26 | Philip Potter | Reservoir toothbrush |
US6312689B1 (en) | 1998-07-23 | 2001-11-06 | Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Anti-CCR2 antibodies and methods of use therefor |
US6071026A (en) | 1998-08-07 | 2000-06-06 | Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc. | Ribbon cassette with coaxial spools on common shaft with partitioning plate for preventing contamination |
US6325076B1 (en) * | 1998-08-25 | 2001-12-04 | Jorge Ramirez | Compact dental hygiene kit |
US5941254A (en) | 1998-10-06 | 1999-08-24 | Heler; Fabian Gustavo | Cosmetics applying device |
US5970990A (en) | 1998-11-10 | 1999-10-26 | The Brideport Metal Goods Mfg. Co. | Cosmetics container cap with applicator and comb |
US6056763A (en) | 1998-11-18 | 2000-05-02 | Parsons; Lorna | Tongue scraper |
JP3693522B2 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-09-07 | シュヴァン−スタビロ コスメティクス ゲーエムベーハー ウント コンパニー カーゲー | Coating device |
US6224573B1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2001-05-01 | Nexmed Holdings, Inc. | Medicament dispenser |
DE19903504C2 (en) | 1999-01-29 | 2001-03-08 | Georg Wiegner | toothbrush |
DE19905723C2 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2003-09-25 | Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh | pen |
US6039053A (en) | 1999-03-10 | 2000-03-21 | Turrentine; Mary Faye | Cosmetic applicator |
US6213662B1 (en) | 1999-05-13 | 2001-04-10 | Mohdsameer Y Aljanedi | Toothbrush with paste dispenser |
US6153261A (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2000-11-28 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Dielectric film deposition employing a bistertiarybutylaminesilane precursor |
US6210061B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-04-03 | Robbin Lee Johnson | Dispensing apparatus |
US6200055B1 (en) | 1999-06-18 | 2001-03-13 | Stephen Gould Corporation | Dispenser device for dispensing metered doses of viscous material |
JP2001008734A (en) | 1999-06-30 | 2001-01-16 | Takanori Tsuji | Tongue surface cleaner |
US6202247B1 (en) | 1999-07-22 | 2001-03-20 | The First Years Inc. | Bottle and nipple brush |
DE60005449T2 (en) | 1999-08-30 | 2004-07-08 | Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Container and application element for products for the skin |
US7347360B2 (en) | 2003-12-10 | 2008-03-25 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Foldable transaction card systems for non-traditionally-sized transaction cards |
US6227209B1 (en) | 1999-11-29 | 2001-05-08 | Dae S. Kim | Article for oral care |
US6428233B1 (en) | 2000-01-07 | 2002-08-06 | Closure Medical Corporation | Adhesive applicator tips with improved flow properties |
US6290417B1 (en) | 2000-01-18 | 2001-09-18 | Basia Kaminski | Oral hygiene device |
US7163016B2 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2007-01-16 | Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Material dispenser with applicator |
US6488427B1 (en) | 2000-02-29 | 2002-12-03 | Diane C. Breidenbach | Cosmetic applicator |
US6607323B2 (en) | 2000-02-29 | 2003-08-19 | Diane C. Breidenbach | Lip product applicator |
BR0109400B1 (en) | 2000-03-20 | 2010-06-15 | device to remove tooth stain. | |
JP3519668B2 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2004-04-19 | 株式会社壽 | Liquid container |
RU2263053C2 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2005-10-27 | Локтайт (Р Энд Д) Лимитед | Outlet assembly with reusable detachable cap, container with discharge unit and container package |
FR2810859B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2002-09-06 | Oreal | PACKAGING AND APPLICATION DEVICE HAVING A PREFERRED SUPPLYED APPLICATION SURFACE IN PRODUCT |
FR2810858B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2003-01-10 | Oreal | DISTRIBUTION TIP COMPRISING TWO ASSEMBLED PARTS AND A FLOCKING COATING |
US6238118B1 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-05-29 | Traci L. Tryon | Toothbrush with toothpaste feed system |
BR0113649A (en) | 2000-08-30 | 2004-07-20 | Unimed Pharmaceuticals Inc | Process for Increasing Testosterone and Related Steroid Concentrations in Women |
US6475172B1 (en) | 2000-08-31 | 2002-11-05 | Barbara J. Hall | Instrument for cleaning tonsils |
DE20017141U1 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2000-12-21 | Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh | pen |
US6363949B1 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2002-04-02 | Thomas W. Brown | Dental care device |
US6648641B1 (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2003-11-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Apparatus, method and product for treating teeth |
FR2816813B1 (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2003-08-15 | Oreal | STICK, ESPECIALLY FOR A PRODUCT IN THE FORM OF A CREAM, GEL OR PASTE |
US20020073496A1 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2002-06-20 | Kim Soo An | Toothbrush with bristle pick |
KR200230179Y1 (en) | 2000-12-30 | 2001-07-03 | 이종철 | Gel-Form Lipstick Dispenser |
US7029484B2 (en) | 2001-01-04 | 2006-04-18 | Biocurv Medical Instruments, Inc. | Tongue cleaning device |
US20020090250A1 (en) * | 2001-01-10 | 2002-07-11 | Max Blecher | Device for tooth brushing |
US7089564B2 (en) | 2001-02-22 | 2006-08-08 | International Business Machines Corporation | High-performance memory queue |
US6440149B1 (en) | 2001-04-23 | 2002-08-27 | Dasan Potti | Tongue and tooth cleaning device |
JP2003009952A (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2003-01-14 | Takeshi Hayakawa | Implement for brushing tooth |
US6524023B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-02-25 | Joseph J. Andersen | Single use toothpaste dispensing devices and disposible toothbrush kit utilizing the same |
US7143462B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2006-12-05 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
FR2826841B1 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2003-09-26 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR A LIQUID LIPSTICK |
CN2486018Y (en) * | 2001-08-02 | 2002-04-17 | 王海军 | Tooth-brush with paste |
US6398439B1 (en) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-06-04 | The Plastek Group | Oval rotary dispenser with pressure relief |
US6450716B1 (en) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-09-17 | The Plastek Group | Round rotary dispenser with pressure relief |
US7401373B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2008-07-22 | Tybinkowski Andrew P | Powered toothbrush with associated oral solution dispenser mechanism |
NL1020641C2 (en) | 2001-11-12 | 2003-05-15 | Bentfield Europ Bv | Dispenser for dispensing a liquid and housing for such a dispenser. |
US6793433B2 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2004-09-21 | Juan David Giraldo | Travel toothbrush with dental cream included |
GB2386557A (en) | 2002-03-19 | 2003-09-24 | Peri Dent Ltd | Tongue Scraper |
US6647581B1 (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2003-11-18 | Vaughn Persad | Tongue cleaner inside toothbrush handle |
US6672783B1 (en) | 2002-08-30 | 2004-01-06 | Kenneth Rocco Licata | Fill, refill disposable toothbrush package |
US7478959B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2009-01-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
US7331731B2 (en) | 2002-09-05 | 2008-02-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
GB0222777D0 (en) | 2002-10-02 | 2002-11-06 | Spalding Anthony | Adjustable length duel functional toothbrush-applicator |
DE20217821U1 (en) | 2002-11-18 | 2003-03-20 | Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh | make-up device |
US7086564B1 (en) | 2002-12-03 | 2006-08-08 | Coty Inc. | Dispenser with audible dose signal |
US8602774B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2013-12-10 | Bryan Wasylucha | Process of tooth whitening and apparatus therefor |
EP1445121B1 (en) | 2003-02-04 | 2005-12-21 | Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH & Co. KG | Applicator |
DE20302008U1 (en) | 2003-02-08 | 2003-04-10 | H & M Gutberlet Gmbh | Application device for applying a liquid, gel-like or pasty cosmetic medium to the skin |
US7934284B2 (en) * | 2003-02-11 | 2011-05-03 | Braun Gmbh | Toothbrushes |
CA2516950C (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2012-09-25 | Rhodia Inc. | Anti-sensitivity, anti-caries, anti-staining, anti-plaque, ultra-mild oral hygiene agent |
US20040234323A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-11-25 | Nicolas Albisetti | Device for applying a product |
FR2851435B1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2006-07-14 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT. |
US6752558B1 (en) | 2003-03-26 | 2004-06-22 | Kuo Sung Hsu | Liquid lipstick dispensing device |
US6688796B1 (en) | 2003-04-11 | 2004-02-10 | Ming Hsiung Liu | Brush for make-up |
US7244073B2 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2007-07-17 | Trocino Richard B | Travel toothbrush assembly |
DE10323968A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-12-16 | Geka Brush Gmbh | Applicator for a lip cream |
US6918511B1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2005-07-19 | Spatz Laboratories | Flow control product dispenser |
EP1654060A4 (en) | 2003-06-19 | 2007-08-08 | Univ New Orleans Res & Technol | Preparation of ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts |
US7273327B2 (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2007-09-25 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US7055527B2 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2006-06-06 | Tien-Jen Tien | Cuticle removing device |
US7226231B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2007-06-05 | Medical Instill Technologies, Inc. | Piston-type dispenser with one-way valve for storing and dispensing metered amounts of substances |
JP2007515385A (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2007-06-14 | ブライトスマイル ディベロップメント インコーポレイティッド | Compositions, methods, devices and kits for maintaining or improving whitening of teeth |
US7086796B2 (en) | 2003-08-01 | 2006-08-08 | Bonne Bell, Inc. | Dispensing device |
DE10337062A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-03-03 | Trisa Holding Ag | Toothbrush with toothbrush body and toothpaste container |
US7309184B2 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2007-12-18 | Revlon Consumer Products Corporation | Dispenser for fluid materials |
JP4177738B2 (en) * | 2003-09-18 | 2008-11-05 | 株式会社トキワ | Applicator |
US7044671B2 (en) | 2003-09-26 | 2006-05-16 | Warner-Lambert Company Llc | Applicator for cleaning teeth |
CN1893891B (en) | 2003-10-14 | 2011-06-15 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Applicator and method for applying a tooth whitening composition |
US7112003B2 (en) * | 2003-12-23 | 2006-09-26 | Edwin Frison | Combined toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash device |
US20050148998A1 (en) | 2003-12-31 | 2005-07-07 | Haley Jeffrey T. | Tactile applicator of liquids in packets |
JP4509577B2 (en) | 2004-01-07 | 2010-07-21 | 壽印刷紙工株式会社 | Liquid container |
JP4335701B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2009-09-30 | 壽印刷紙工株式会社 | Cartridge type liquid feeding container |
JP4468002B2 (en) | 2004-02-02 | 2010-05-26 | 壽印刷紙工株式会社 | Side knock type feeding mechanism |
US7465113B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2008-12-16 | L'ORéAL S.A. | Applicator including a sheath |
JP3960979B2 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2007-08-15 | 株式会社トキワ | Mobile body feeding device |
FR2866819B1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2006-03-31 | Techpack Int | TYPICALLY HEADABLE DISPENSER-APPLICATOR |
US6824018B1 (en) | 2004-04-05 | 2004-11-30 | Christopher Eaddy | Child safe cream dispenser |
US6918513B1 (en) | 2004-04-05 | 2005-07-19 | Kevin Downey | Toilet tissue dispenser with liquid spray |
US7264471B2 (en) | 2004-05-05 | 2007-09-04 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Methods and kits for bleaching teeth while protecting adjacent gingival tissue |
FR2870696B1 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2006-09-01 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT |
EP1602298B1 (en) | 2004-06-04 | 2012-10-03 | Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH & Co. KG | Dispenser |
US7201527B2 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2007-04-10 | Hct Limited | Twist up pen type dispenser with brush applicator |
US20060058821A1 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2006-03-16 | Jansheski John M | Tongue scraper |
JP2008514310A (en) | 2004-09-27 | 2008-05-08 | メディカル・インスティル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Laterally actuated dispenser with one-way valve for material storage and quantitative dispensing |
RU44471U1 (en) | 2004-11-16 | 2005-03-27 | Поташников Дмитрий Львович | TOOTHBRUSH |
DE102005014409B4 (en) | 2005-03-30 | 2007-06-06 | Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg | applicator |
DE102005014468A1 (en) | 2005-03-30 | 2006-10-05 | Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg | Coating device, has storage for coating product, and excess pressure production device that produces excess pressure in storage, where sealing device is coupled with excess pressure production device |
US7374360B1 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2008-05-20 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Applicator for personal care compositions |
FR2884501B1 (en) | 2005-04-19 | 2007-06-08 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT, FOR EXAMPLE COSMETIC |
US20060260635A1 (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2006-11-23 | Darlene Dabney | Disposable toothbrush with internal toothpaste gel with mini breath freshener crystals, sponge tongue pad and dental floss dispenser assembly |
US7614811B2 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2009-11-10 | Biomed Packaging Systems Inc. | Dispensing applicator for fluids |
US20060269351A1 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Mcafee Greg K | Toothbrush having bristle portion and dentifrice container portion |
US7293928B2 (en) | 2005-05-31 | 2007-11-13 | Lane Gary S | Toothpaste dispensing toothbrush |
US7474048B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-01-06 | The Trustees Of Princeton University | Fluorescent filtered electrophosphorescence |
US7762269B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-07-27 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Cosmetic applicator |
WO2007005883A2 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-11 | Custom Rx Tda, Llc | Dosing dispenser for cream-based medicines |
US7520406B2 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2009-04-21 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Device for dispensing a controlled dose of a flowable material |
ATE392161T1 (en) | 2005-08-11 | 2008-05-15 | Geka Brush Gmbh | APPLICATOR FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT |
FR2891708B1 (en) | 2005-10-10 | 2010-12-17 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT. |
DE102005063196A1 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2007-07-05 | Braun Gmbh | Application material container for electrical tooth brush, has data carrier readable by tooth brush, and comprising data memory writeable by tooth brush, where container can be filled with tooth paste or other application material |
US7399133B1 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2008-07-15 | Eversole Robert K | Self contained disposable toothbrush |
US7950865B2 (en) | 2006-03-21 | 2011-05-31 | L'oreal | Packaging and applicator device |
US8297869B2 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2012-10-30 | L'oreal | Packaging and applicator device |
US7557936B2 (en) | 2006-04-12 | 2009-07-07 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Digitizer adapter |
US20070267436A1 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2007-11-22 | Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. | Container and a cap having simultaneous sealing of two orifices |
US20080101850A1 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2008-05-01 | Michael Wojcik | Applicator |
US8425138B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 | 2013-04-23 | Innovation Consumer Solutions, LLC | Spreadable food dispenser system |
US8662779B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 | 2014-03-04 | Innovation Consumer Solutions, LLC | Spreadable fluid material dispenser apparatus |
CN101616746A (en) * | 2006-08-29 | 2009-12-30 | 创新消费解决方案有限公司 | Spreadable fluid material dispenser apparatus |
US7476048B2 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2009-01-13 | L'oreal | Cap seal for a product dispensing applicator |
US7815383B2 (en) | 2006-09-14 | 2010-10-19 | William Thomas Hall | Compact portable toothbrush |
US20080089733A1 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-17 | Lochak Aaron J | Combination Toothbrush and Toothpaste Apparatus with Dosed Dispensing |
US20100067969A1 (en) * | 2006-11-22 | 2010-03-18 | Koreaener Co., Ltd. | Portable Toothbrush |
FR2909844B1 (en) | 2006-12-14 | 2009-09-11 | Oreal | POINTE FELT PEN FOR NAIL MAKE-UP |
US7540054B2 (en) | 2007-02-08 | 2009-06-02 | Goldstein Glen M | Combination toothbrush and pivotable tongue scraper |
US8201298B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2012-06-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Toothbrush with low profile head |
CN201025977Y (en) * | 2007-04-02 | 2008-02-27 | 李兴华 | Portable convenient brush integrated with toothpaste and toothbrush |
CN201025877Y (en) * | 2007-04-24 | 2008-02-27 | 翁荣弟 | Athletic socks |
US20090074679A1 (en) | 2007-09-13 | 2009-03-19 | Silverman Harvey N | Tooth whitening methods and apparatuses |
US7975341B2 (en) * | 2007-10-02 | 2011-07-12 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Bio-activated oral care instrument |
BRPI0906975A2 (en) * | 2008-01-08 | 2015-07-14 | Sharon Lerner | Toothbrush for the treatment and / or detection of microbes. |
US8016507B2 (en) | 2008-02-06 | 2011-09-13 | Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. | Directional dispensing valve |
FR2928629B1 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2016-07-29 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A PRODUCT CONTAINER, IN PARTICULAR A COSMETIC PRODUCT. |
US8016801B2 (en) | 2008-04-07 | 2011-09-13 | Jennifer Clarke | Exfoliating device |
WO2009151455A1 (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-17 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Active delivery oral care implement |
US7677827B1 (en) | 2008-09-29 | 2010-03-16 | Oleg Manukian | Toothbrush with toothpaste dispenser |
NL2002311C2 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2010-06-14 | Smooles B V | DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE TONGUE, TABLET FOR SUCH DEVICE, AND COMPOSITION OF A DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE TONGUE AND A TABLET LINKED TO THE DEVICE. |
TWI524875B (en) | 2008-12-30 | 2016-03-11 | 大塚製藥工場股份有限公司 | Applicator device and system for applying a fluid, and fluid containing container disposed in the applicatior device |
US8262306B2 (en) | 2009-03-19 | 2012-09-11 | Jbl Radical Innovations, Llc | Dispenser and applicator that bring reactive substances into contact with each other at time of use |
US8087843B2 (en) | 2009-05-05 | 2012-01-03 | Frank Ottaviani | Liquid dentifrice dispensing toothbrush |
US9198504B2 (en) | 2009-05-12 | 2015-12-01 | William McCoy | Integrated toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser and holder with refresh cup cover |
TWI430762B (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2014-03-21 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system, kit and method |
MX2012005364A (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2012-05-29 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system. |
MX2012006290A (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-07-03 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care system. |
WO2011078864A1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2011-06-30 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care system |
KR101473539B1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2014-12-16 | 콜게이트-파아므올리브캄파니 | Oral care system |
MX357658B (en) | 2010-12-13 | 2018-07-18 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Oral care implement. |
AU2011341697B2 (en) | 2010-12-15 | 2015-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care dispenser |
-
2010
- 2010-12-16 MX MX2012005364A patent/MX2012005364A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-12-16 CA CA2780356A patent/CA2780356C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 MX MX2015002047A patent/MX345849B/en unknown
- 2010-12-16 CA CA2779827A patent/CA2779827C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 CN CN201080059231.XA patent/CN102655784B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 BR BR112012015413-3A patent/BR112012015413B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 AU AU2010333847A patent/AU2010333847B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-12-16 BR BR112012015734A patent/BR112012015734A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 ES ES10803181.6T patent/ES2511565T3/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 WO PCT/US2010/060867 patent/WO2011079027A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-16 EP EP10801316.0A patent/EP2515704B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 WO PCT/US2010/060861 patent/WO2011079025A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-16 AU AU2010333849A patent/AU2010333849B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-12-16 MX MX2012005198A patent/MX2012005198A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-12-16 MX MX2012005415A patent/MX2012005415A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-12-16 ES ES10801316.0T patent/ES2522116T3/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 CA CA2779523A patent/CA2779523A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2013142969/12A patent/RU2555674C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2012131185/12A patent/RU2520062C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 EP EP13153378.8A patent/EP2589314B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2012131401/12A patent/RU2520052C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 MX MX2012005251A patent/MX2012005251A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-12-16 MY MYPI2012002283A patent/MY157771A/en unknown
- 2010-12-16 BR BR112012015729-9A patent/BR112012015729A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-12-16 AU AU2010333783A patent/AU2010333783B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-12-16 EP EP10801318.6A patent/EP2515705B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 BR BR112012015411A patent/BR112012015411A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 EP EP10803181.6A patent/EP2515701B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 CA CA2778834A patent/CA2778834C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 CN CN201080059265.9A patent/CN102655785B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 EP EP20130184059 patent/EP2674062A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-12-16 US US13/254,447 patent/US9072371B2/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 WO PCT/US2010/060881 patent/WO2011079030A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2014101971/12A patent/RU2560058C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-16 CN CN201080059028.2A patent/CN102655786B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 EP EP10805553.4A patent/EP2515702B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2012131252/12A patent/RU2526291C2/en active
- 2010-12-16 US US13/254,449 patent/US9173477B2/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 CN CN201080059266.3A patent/CN102655787B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 AU AU2010333851A patent/AU2010333851C1/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-12-16 WO PCT/US2010/060877 patent/WO2011079029A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-16 RU RU2012131347/12A patent/RU2496398C1/en active
- 2010-12-16 CN CN201410539353.9A patent/CN104287434B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-16 US US13/254,441 patent/US8882380B2/en active Active
- 2010-12-16 MY MYPI2012002223A patent/MY155940A/en unknown
- 2010-12-22 CA CA2779022A patent/CA2779022C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-22 MX MX2012005253A patent/MX2012005253A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-12-22 TW TW099145108A patent/TWI461160B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 TW TW099145157A patent/TWI458448B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 RU RU2014105811/12A patent/RU2560060C2/en active
- 2010-12-22 TW TW099145106A patent/TWI454227B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 AU AU2010333850A patent/AU2010333850B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-12-22 ES ES10807507.8T patent/ES2461175T3/en active Active
- 2010-12-22 EP EP10807507.8A patent/EP2515703B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-22 EP EP13184142.1A patent/EP2674065B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-22 CA CA2868769A patent/CA2868769C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-22 WO PCT/US2010/060874 patent/WO2011079028A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-22 RU RU2012131398/12A patent/RU2517811C2/en active
- 2010-12-22 US US13/254,440 patent/US8727652B2/en active Active
- 2010-12-22 EP EP13184130.6A patent/EP2674064B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-12-22 MY MYPI2012002146A patent/MY181650A/en unknown
- 2010-12-22 TW TW099145105A patent/TW201134432A/en unknown
- 2010-12-22 CN CN201080059027.8A patent/CN102695438B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-22 BR BR112012015430-3A patent/BR112012015430B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 TW TW099145107A patent/TWI458449B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 CN CN201410687656.5A patent/CN104352057B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-12-22 TW TW103116466A patent/TW201433280A/en unknown
-
2012
- 2012-05-14 CO CO12079005A patent/CO6460717A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-05-14 CO CO12079002A patent/CO6460713A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-05-14 CO CO12079060A patent/CO6460715A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-05-14 CO CO12079010A patent/CO6460716A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-05-15 CO CO12079998A patent/CO6460724A2/en active IP Right Grant
-
2013
- 2013-03-25 HK HK13103706.4A patent/HK1176834A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-03-26 HK HK13103806.3A patent/HK1176836A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-03-28 HK HK13103942.8A patent/HK1176251A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-07-31 US US13/955,717 patent/US9398803B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-08-07 PH PH12014501779A patent/PH12014501779A1/en unknown
- 2014-10-08 US US14/509,942 patent/US9427076B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-06-24 US US15/192,553 patent/US10085548B2/en active Active
- 2016-07-28 US US15/221,745 patent/US9986818B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-05-11 US US15/977,010 patent/US10617199B2/en active Active
- 2018-08-31 US US16/118,497 patent/US10702052B2/en active Active
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2779022C (en) | Oral care system with detachable dispenser | |
US10213012B2 (en) | Oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same | |
CA2821381C (en) | Oral care dispenser | |
EP3244772B1 (en) | Oral care material dispenser | |
AU2014203743B2 (en) | Oral care system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20211222 |