U.S. patent application number 12/596794 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for device and device kit with dual tank for oral use, cartridge, tank and related manufacture and assembling method.
Invention is credited to Thierry Payet.
Application Number | 20100175214 12/596794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38754696 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100175214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Payet; Thierry |
July 15, 2010 |
Device and Device Kit With Dual Tank For Oral Use, Cartridge, Tank
and Related Manufacture and Assembling Method
Abstract
A device for oral use includes at least two removable members,
namely: a cartridge for containing a first fluid component to be
dispensed; and a deformable tank for containing a second propulsion
fluid component. The device can be assembled into at least two
separate configurations: a first configuration forming a
self-contained toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge,
wherein the cartridge is provided between the deformable tank and a
toothbrush head end piece in order to permit the discharge of the
first and optionally the second fluid components entirely or
partially through a same continuous channel; and a second
configuration defining a dual-component food dispenser in which the
cartridge is connected to the deformable tank so as to permit the
discharge of the first and optionally the second fluid components
towards an oral dispensing end piece integrated or added on the
device, entirely or partially through a same continuous
channel.
Inventors: |
Payet; Thierry; (Saint-Leu,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400, 900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
38754696 |
Appl. No.: |
12/596794 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
April 9, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP08/54290 |
371 Date: |
March 4, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A61J 7/0053 20130101; A46B 11/0065 20130101; A61J 9/005 20130101;
A46B 11/0041 20130101; A46B 5/0095 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2007 |
FR |
07/02906 |
Aug 1, 2007 |
FR |
07/56876 |
Claims
1. A device for oral use, comprising at least two removable
elements, namely: a cartridge configured to contain a first
supplying fluid; a deformable tank configured to contain a second
propulsion fluid; and wherein, after assembling said cartridge and
said deformable tank, the first supplying fluid and second
propulsion fluid are in direct contact with one another, so as to
enable the first fluid, and, where appropriate, the second fluid to
be discharged through all or a portion of a single continuous
channel.
2. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein said
cartridge contains said second propulsion fluid and said second
propulsion fluid is chosen so as to be capable of likewise acting
as a supplying fluid.
3. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein the device
further includes a removable toothbrush end piece, at least said
first supplying fluid being a dental hygiene fluid, and wherein,
after assembly, said cartridge is interposed between said
deformable tank and said toothbrush end piece, so as to form a
self-contained toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge.
4. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein the device
further includes a removable supplying mouthpiece, which is built
into or added on to said device, at least said first supplying
fluid being a fluid food, and wherein, after assembly, said
cartridge is interposed between said deformable tank and said
supplying mouthpiece, so as to form a two-constituent food
dispenser.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge contains
the first supplying fluid.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge includes
an internal cavity having an opening which terminates at both ends
of said cartridge, and which forms a channel for storing and
conveying the first supplying fluid, at least one of said openings
cooperating with a removable protective tab.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the cartridge includes
a movable ball housed inside said internal cavity, said movable
ball moving along said storage and conveying channel of said
internal cavity.
8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the cartridge includes
a body surrounding said cavity, said body being provided at each of
the ends thereof with reversible connecting means for connecting to
a tank and/or an end piece, respectively.
9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said cavity extends
into the body of the cartridge in a principle direction of
extension thereof, from a first substantially off-centre opening
configured to cooperate with said tank towards a second
substantially off-centre opening configured to cooperate with a
toothbrush end piece.
10. The device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge is of a
consumable, single-use or refillable type.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the deformable tank
contains a second propulsion fluid, and includes a deformable
compartment of a calibrated capacity; wherein calibration of said
compartment is carried out in proportion with the volume capacity
of the supplying fluid cartridge.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further
comprises a self-perforating end piece, which includes a tube
defining a channel for conveying the first supplying fluid
contained in the cartridge, and, where appropriate, the second
propulsion fluid contained in the deformable tank and having a
bevelled surface at each of the ends thereof, which acts as a
perforating appendage.
13. A method of manufacturing and assembling a device, wherein the
method includes the following steps: a step of separately
manufacturing a plurality of elements, comprising: a cartridge
containing a first supplying fluid; a deformable tank containing a
second propulsion fluid; and a toothbrush head end piece or
supplying mouthpiece; a step of storing and placing at the disposal
of users said plurality of manufactured elements; a step of
assembling the manufactured elements for use, as desired by the
user.
14. A method of reusing a device for oral use, wherein the device
comprises at least two removable elements, namely: a cartridge
configured to contain a first supplying fluid; a deformable tank
configured to contain a second propulsion fluid; an end piece
configured for conveying at least the first supplying fluid; and
wherein, after assembling said cartridge and said deformable tank,
the first supplying fluid and second propulsion fluid are in direct
contact with one another, so as to enable the first fluid, and,
where appropriate, the second fluid to be discharged through all or
a portion of a single continuous channel; wherein the method
includes a step of replacing at least one already consumed or used
element included in said device with a new element, said already
consumed or used element belonging to the group including said
cartridge, said deformable tank and said end piece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is a Section 371 National Stage Application
of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/054290, filed Apr. 9,
2008 and published as WO 2008/135336 on Nov. 13, 2008, not in
English.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] None.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The field of the disclosure is that of single-use and/or
refillable, portable or disposable fluid dispensers for oral
hygiene applications, or for orally dispensing food and/or
parapharmaceutical products.
[0005] More precisely, the disclosure applies primarily, but not
exclusively, to dental hygiene devices, however it likewise finds
application in connection with liquid food and/or
parapharmaceutical product dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] All dentists are in agreement in saying that it is
recommended to brush one's teeth several times a day. However, it
is often difficult, or even impossible, for people to perform such
brushing, in particular because of the constraints of modern life.
As a matter of fact, people are often away from their residence
(distant office, travel, business trips, . . . ), and have
difficulty accessing their personal effects during the course of
the day.
[0007] Thus, in order to attempt to remedy this problem, travel
toothbrushes have been developed. In particular, they may be in the
form of a case consisting of a toothbrush in two parts to be
assembled together and a small tube of toothpaste.
[0008] However, one disadvantage of these travel toothbrushes lies
in the necessity for the user to access a water supply point,
preferably equipped with a nearby wash basin, in order for the
person to be capable of rinsing their mouth after brushing, and to
dispose of the toothpaste.
SUMMARY
[0009] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for oral
use. According to an embodiment of the invention, such a device
includes at least two removable elements, namely: [0010] a
cartridge capable of containing a first supplying fluid; [0011] a
deformable tank capable of containing a second fluid
propellant;
[0012] said device being capable of being easily assembled
according to at least two separate configurations of use: [0013] a
first configuration enabling a self-contained toothbrush with an
interchangeable cartridge to be formed, in which said cartridge is
interposed between said deformable tank and a toothbrush head end
piece, so as to allow the discharge of the first, and, where
appropriate, the second fluid constituent, through all or a portion
of a single continuous channel; and [0014] a second configuration
enabling a two-constituent food dispenser to be formed, in which
said cartridge is connected to the deformable tank so as to enable
the discharge of the first, and, where appropriate, the second
fluid constituent towards a supplying mouthpiece built into or
added on to said device, through all or a portion of a single
continuous channel.
[0015] Thus, the general principle of an embodiment of the
invention is based on the modularity of the oral device, which can
assume two separate configurations each having a particular
function, one configuration being capable of promoting the use of
the other, and vice versa. The device further enables the selective
dispensing of either a first, or successively two constituents,
when mechanical pressure is exerted on the deformable tank by a
user of the device.
[0016] In addition, the toothbrush configuration enables a user to
brush their teeth without having to be in proximity to a water
supply point or even having a rinsing liquid available (the latter
being contained inside the deformable tank, for example).
[0017] On the other hand, the food dispenser configuration, for
example, enables a user of the device to successively ingest two
types of fluid food, e.g., confectionery products (which, for
example, can have different tastes and textures).
[0018] The second propulsion fluid is advantageously chosen so as
to likewise be capable of acting as a supplying fluid.
[0019] An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a device
for oral use which includes at least three removable elements,
namely: [0020] a toothbrush head end piece; [0021] a cartridge
capable of containing a first supplying fluid; [0022] a deformable
tank capable of containing a second fluid propellant constituent,
at least said first supplying fluid being a dental hygiene fluid;
and in that said removable elements can be assembled so as to
interpose said cartridge between the deformable tank and said
toothbrush head end piece, so as to allow the discharge of the
first, and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent towards
a supplying mouthpiece built into or added on to said device,
through all or a portion of a single continuous channel.
[0023] An embodiment of the invention also relates to a device for
oral use which includes at least two removable elements, namely:
[0024] a cartridge capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
[0025] a deformable tank capable of containing a second fluid
propellant constituent,
[0026] at least said first supplying fluid being a food fluid;
[0027] and in that said removable elements can be assembled
together so as to so as to allow the discharge of the first, and,
where appropriate, the second fluid constituent towards a supplying
mouthpiece built into or added on to said device, through all or a
portion of a single continuous channel.
[0028] An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a device
kit for oral use, characterised in that it includes a plurality of
elements comprising a variety of end pieces and/or cartridges
and/or tanks,
[0029] and in that said elements of the kit are selectively
assemblable in order to form the device as described above.
[0030] In this way, when in possession of a kit, the user can use
the device according to the two aforesaid configurations, without
need of any other additional element.
[0031] An embodiment of the invention also relates to a cartridge
intended for a device and device kit as described above.
[0032] The cartridge advantageously includes an internal cavity
having an opening terminating at both ends of said cartridge and
forming a channel for storing and conveying the fluid constituents,
at least one of said openings cooperating with a removable
protective tab.
[0033] The protective tab thus enables the constituent of the
cartridge from being degraded upon contact with the ambient
air.
[0034] In addition, the protective tab likewise enables any loss of
the constituent to be prevented.
[0035] According to one advantageous characteristic, the cartridge
includes a movable ball housed within said internal cavity, said
movable ball moving along said storage and conveying channel of
said internal cavity.
[0036] In this way, inserting a ball into the storage and conveying
channel of the internal cavity, between the supplying fluid and the
propulsion fluid, makes it possible, in particular, to regulate and
limit the flow rate of the fluid propellant.
[0037] The cartridge advantageously includes a perforated stopper
arranged at one end of the cartridge, said stopper being designed
to be perforated at the level of said internal cavity.
[0038] The cartridge advantageously includes a body surrounding
said cavity, said body being provided at each of the ends thereof
with reversible means of positively connecting to a tank and/or an
end piece, respectively.
[0039] Thus, on the one hand, the positive connection means ensure
a perfect seal at the junction of the cartridge and the deformable
tank, and, one the other hand, at the junction of the cartridge and
the end piece.
[0040] Said cavity advantageously extends into the body of the
cartridge in the principle direction of extension thereof, from a
first substantially off-centre opening intended to cooperate with
said tank towards a second substantially off-centre opening
intended to cooperate with a toothbrush end piece.
[0041] Thus, the second opening is off-centre, for example, so as
to enable the first supplying fluid to be dispensed to the brushes
of a toothbrush end piece. According to one advantageous
characteristic of an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is
of the consumable, single-use or refillable type.
[0042] An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a
deformable tank intended for use with a device and/or a device kit
as described above and which includes a deformable compartment of
calibrated capacity; the calibration of said compartment is carried
out in proportion with the volume capacity of the supplying fluid
cartridge.
[0043] An embodiment of the invention further relates to a
self-perforating end piece intended for use with a device and/or a
device kit as described above and which includes a tube defining a
channel for conveying at least one fluid constituent, and having a
bevelled surface at each of the ends thereof, which acts as a
perforating appendage.
[0044] An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
manufacturing and assembling a device and device kit including a
cartridge as described above, which includes the following steps:
[0045] a first step of separately manufacturing each element;
[0046] a step of storing and of placing a variety of elements,
devices and device kits at the disposal of users; [0047] a step of
assembling the device and device kit elements for use, as desired
by the user; [0048] a step for the reuse of said elements by the
user, with successive consumable cartridges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] Other characteristics and advantages will become more
apparent upon reading the following description of several
embodiments, given for merely illustrative and non-limiting
purposes, and from the appended drawings, in which:
[0050] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary, principal embodiment of the
invention, in the form of a dual-tank toothbrush;
[0051] FIG. 2A is a detail sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of a fluid cartridge capable of being used for a dual-tank
toothbrush;
[0052] FIG. 2B shows the sectional view of an alternative of the
preferred embodiment of a fluid cartridge capable of being used for
a dual-tank toothbrush;
[0053] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment for the
deformable tank of the dual-tank toothbrush;
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a toothbrush end piece according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a perforating end piece according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the device for oral use according to a second
embodiment, in the form of a dual-tank fluid food (or
parapharmaceutical product) dispenser;
[0057] FIG. 7 shows an oral dispenser end piece in accordance with
the second embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0058] FIG. 8 shows the device for oral use according to a third
embodiment, in the form of a feeding bottle;
[0059] FIG. 9 shows a nipple end piece in accordance with the third
embodiment of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0060] An embodiment of the invention is primarily designed to
provide a dual-tank, self-contained toothbrush device, which is
available in the form of a kit with interchangeable or replaceable
accessories.
[0061] However, in one advantageous configuration of an embodiment
of the invention, as will be seen hereinbelow, the kit is
convertible into the form of a dispenser with two fluid food or
parapharmaceutical constituents, or even into the form of a feeding
bottle or any other device in which a dual-tank system with a
propulsion fluid or fluids and/or supplying fluid or fluids finds
application.
[0062] The device of an embodiment of the invention can likewise be
used separately for each of the applications thereof.
[0063] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the device for oral
use of the invention is a self-contained dual-tank toothbrush with
an interchangeable cartridge.
[0064] According principal embodiment of the invention, the
self-contained dual-tank toothbrush 100 includes the following
three removable elements: [0065] a cartridge 200 capable of
containing a first supplying fluid; [0066] a deformable tank 300
capable of containing a second propulsion fluid; [0067] a
toothbrush end piece 400.
[0068] In relation to FIG. 2A, a detail sectional view is presented
for a preferred embodiment of the single-use or refillable
cartridge 200 of the dual-tank toothbrush.
[0069] Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 200 includes: [0070]
a cylindrically-shaped body 123, which is made, for example, of a
rigid resin. Of course, according to an alternative of the
invention, the body 123 can have a non-cylindrical shape (e.g.,
have a square cross-section); [0071] an internal cavity 124, e.g.,
substantially cylindrical, which extends inside the body 123 of the
cartridge 200 in the principal direction of extension thereof and
having an opening terminating at both ends of the cartridge 200. Of
course, according to an alternative, the internal cavity 124 can
form a tube of oval section. A portion of the internal cavity 124
thus forms a channel for storing and conveying the fluid
constituents from a first opening 127 (substantially off-centre in
relation to the centre of the upper end of the cartridge 200),
intended to cooperate with the deformable tank 300, towards a
second opening 122, intended to cooperate with the toothbrush end
piece 400; [0072] reversible positive connection means 128 situated
at the end of the body 123 of the cartridge 200. The positive
connection means 128 can correspond to the male portion of a
quarter-turn fastening system, e.g., in the form of wings at the
lower end of the body 123 of the cartridge 200. It is likewise
optionally possible to anticipate producing positive connection
means at both ends (upper and lower) of the cartridge 200; [0073] a
housing 125 inside the body 123 of the cartridge 200, e.g., of a
substantially semi-cylindrical shape, enabling the reception of an
attachment lug of the toothbrush end piece 400. According to an
alternative of the invention, the cartridge does not have any
housing; [0074] a housing 129 for receiving a locking gadroon of
the toothbrush end piece; [0075] a heat-sealed protective tab 121
serving to close the second opening 122 situated at the upper end
of the cartridge 200. The protective tab thus makes it possible to
prevent the constituent of the cartridge from being degraded upon
contact with the ambient air. Furthermore, the protective tab
likewise enables any loss of constituent to be prevented; [0076]
optionally, a membrane seal 126 (made of aluminium, for example)
serving to close the first opening 127 situated at the lower end of
the cartridge 200. The user can manually remove this membrane seal
126 in order to use the cartridge 200.
[0077] According to an alternative of the invention, the cartridge
can be refillable by the user, and no longer for single use. The
user can thus reuse a single cartridge several times by refilling
it, e.g., by means of a syringe.
[0078] In relation to FIG. 2B, a sectional view is now presented
for an alternative of the preferred embodiment of a fluid cartridge
capable of being used for a dual-tank toothbrush.
[0079] Thus, according to this alternative, the portion of the
cavity 124 which forms a channel for storing and conveying the
fluid constituents, which is preferably of oval section, can
include a ball 130 having a diameter slightly smaller than the
smallest diameter of the oval section of the cavity 124 (e.g., a
few tenths of a millimetre). The ball 130 can then move along the
storage and conveying channel under the pressure of the propulsion
fluid, the ball 130 being arranged between the supplying fluid and
the propulsion fluid.
[0080] The ball 130 can be made, for example, of a rigid resin or
any other rigid material (e.g., steel).
[0081] According to the alternative of the preferred embodiment of
the cartridge, the membrane seal 126 serving to close the first
opening 127 is replaced by a perforated stopper 131 which obstructs
the first opening 127.
[0082] The perforated stopper 131 has an off-centre perforation 132
(e.g., of circular section) at the lower end thereof, which is
slightly smaller (a few tenths of a millimetre) than the diameter
of the ball 130, which makes it possible to prevent the ball 130
from escaping from the storage and conveying channel 124 via the
perforation 132. Furthermore, when the ball 130 is compressed
against the perforation 132, the propulsion fluid cannot escape
from the internal cavity 124 (a seal thereby being ensured at the
level of the perforation 132).
[0083] Optionally, a membrane seal (e.g., made of aluminium) can
cover the perforation 132, this membrane seal being capable of
being removed by the user.
[0084] According to the alternative of the preferred embodiment of
the cartridge, when the protective tab 121 is broken by a user, an
opening of oval section appears, the smallest diameter of which is
smaller than the diameter of the ball 130, thereby once again
enabling the ball 130 to be retained inside the internal cavity
124.
[0085] Furthermore, the propulsion fluid is free to flow out via
the opening created by the breaking of the tab, at a flow rate
regulated by the size of the openings resulting from the difference
in diameter between the ball and the oval section of the opening
created.
[0086] In relation to FIG. 3, a sectional view is presented of a
preferred embodiment for the deformable tank of the self-contained
dual-tank toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge of the
principal embodiment of the invention.
[0087] Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the deformable tank 300 includes:
[0088] a deformable compartment 135 having a calibrated capacity
strictly greater than the capacity of the cavity 124 of the
cartridge 200; [0089] reversible positive connection means which
can correspond to the female portion of a quarter-turn fastening
system, e.g., in the form of a screw thread provided with teeth
133, which enable the wings 128 of the cartridge 200 to be screwed
down, and which are situated at the neck 134 of the deformable tank
300; [0090] optionally, a removable stopper can close the opening
of the compartment 135, and bears the appendage 22 at the surface
thereof. The stopper can be pulled out by the user, for example, in
order to fill the deformable tank.
[0091] A waterproof joint can be optionally added on to the upper
end of the deformable tank 300 in order to improve the seal of the
joint between the cartridge 200 and the deformable tank 300.
[0092] According to an alternative, the deformable tank 300 can
include two interconnected compartments.
[0093] A toothbrush end piece 400 in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention is presented in relation to FIG. 4.
[0094] Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the toothbrush end piece 400
includes: [0095] an attachment lug 111 (also called an anchoring
lug), e.g., having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, which is
intended to be housed inside the housing 125 of the cartridge 200.
The lug 111 can advantageously include a locking gadroon 402 in
order to enable the toothbrush end piece 400 to be locked inside
the housing 125 of the cartridge 200; [0096] a conventional
toothbrush head 112 including bristles, the head 112 being integral
with the attachment lug 111.
[0097] According to an alternative of the invention, the toothbrush
end piece 400 can include a channel for conveying and dispensing a
fluid, including a first opening at the lower end of the attachment
lug and a second opening substantially in the middle of the base in
which the bristles of the toothbrush head are implanted.
[0098] The supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid can
advantageously be dental hygiene fluids (e.g., edible toothpaste
for the supplying fluid, and a drinkable rinsing solution
containing fluorinated carbonated water for the propulsion fluid),
the supplying fluid advantageously having a higher viscosity than
that of the propulsion fluid.
[0099] According to the principal embodiment of the invention, the
three removable elements 200, 300, 400 are assembled so as to
interpose the cartridge 200 between the deformable tank 300 and the
toothbrush end piece 400, in order to enable the first and, where
appropriate, the second fluid constituent to be discharged through
all or a portion of the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200.
[0100] In order to keep the cartridge 200 and the deformable tank
300 fastened to one another, the male portion of the quarter-turn
fastening system of the cartridge 200 is inserted by a user into
the female portion of the quarter-turn fastening system of the
deformable tank 300.
[0101] It is optionally possible to anticipate inserting a
perforating end piece 900, as shown in FIG. 5. The self-perforating
end piece 900 can include: [0102] a body 901, of cylindrical shape,
for example; [0103] a tube 902 defining a channel 903 for conveying
a fluid constituent, and having a bevelled surface 904, 906 at each
the ends thereof, which serves as a perforating appendage; [0104]
positive connection means 905 on each of the two ends of the
perforating end piece 900, which can correspond to the female
portion of a quarter-turn system (e.g., in form of a screw thread
provided with teeth).
[0105] Thus, during assembly of the perforating end piece 900 with
the cartridge 200 (the reservoir 300, respectively), the bevelled
portion 904 (906, respectively) perforates the membrane seal 126 of
the cartridge 200.
[0106] The use of such a self-perforating end piece 900 requires
slight adaptations of the positive connection means present on the
tank 300, which, however, will appear obvious to a person skilled
in the art.
[0107] When manual mechanical pressure is exerted by a user on the
deformable tank 300 (which likewise serves as a toothbrush handle),
the supplying fluid (present in the cavity 124 of the cartridge
200) is driven towards the bristles of the toothbrush head 112 by
the propulsion fluid contained inside the compartment 135 of the
deformable tank 300. As a matter of fact, the mechanical pressure
exerted by the user is converted, by the compartment 135, into
hydraulic pressure exerted on the propulsion fluid, thereby causing
the supplying fluid to be discharged, the supplying fluid and the
propulsion fluid being in direct contact with one another.
[0108] According to an alternative of the preferred embodiment of
the cartridge 200 as shown in FIG. 2B, the mechanical pressure is
converted by the compartment 135 into hydraulic pressure on the
propulsion fluid, which then transmits the hydraulic pressure
generated to the ball 130, the propulsion fluid and the ball 130
being in direct contact with one another. The ball 130 next
transmits the hydraulic pressure coming from propulsion fluid to
the supplying fluid, thereby causing the discharge of same from the
internal cavity 124, the ball 130 and the supplying fluid being in
direct contact with one another.
[0109] Inserting a ball 130 into the storage and conveying channel
of the internal cavity 124, between the supplying fluid and the
propulsion fluid, makes it possible, in particular, to regulate the
flow rate of the fluid propellant at the opening of the oval
section created by breaking the tab 121, when the supplying fluid
has been entirely discharged from the internal cavity 124.
[0110] As a matter of fact, unlike the supplying fluid, the flow
rate of which is regulated by the intrinsic nature of the supplying
fluid (advantageously more viscous than the propulsion fluid), the
flow rate of the propulsion fluid is regulated by the ball 130, at
the opening of the oval section, which was created following the
breaking of the tab 121, the regulation of the flow of the
propulsion fluid resulting from the obstruction of a portion of
this opening by the ball 130.
[0111] When the supplying fluid, which is contained inside the
cavity 124, is emptied out onto the bristles of the toothbrush head
135, the user is in a position to perform dental brushing.
[0112] It is to be noted that the protective tab 121 of the
cartridge 200 is broken by the user prior to using the
self-contained dual-tank toothbrush in accordance with the
principal embodiment of the invention.
[0113] When the user has finished brushing, they can, by pressing
once again on the deformable tank 300, empty out the propulsion
fluid into their mouth (the propulsion fluid is then considered to
be a supplying fluid), thereby enabling them to rinse their
mouth.
[0114] The propellant and supplying fluids are advantageously
edible and/or ingestible constituents. The user can thus absorb
them. Consequently, there is no need for any container for
disposing of the propellant and supplying fluids, nor even any
water supply point for rinsing one's mouth.
[0115] When they have finished both brushing and rinsing, the user
can disassemble the various elements 200 (cartridge), 300
(deformable tank) and 400 (toothbrush head end piece). If desired,
they can dispose of the cartridge 200, which is for single use, and
store the deformable tank 300 and toothbrush head end piece 400 in
a suitable case.
[0116] In this way, the user can brush their teeth, freshen up and
rinse their mouth without needing to dispose of the fluids used,
thereby rendering the act of brushing one's teeth easier during
travel away from home (to school, at one's workplace, in one's car,
in an airplane, . . . ).
[0117] In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6,
the device for oral use, in the form of a self-contained dual-tank
toothbrush, can be converted into a dual-tank fluid food (or
parapharmaceutical product) dispenser.
[0118] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the
dual-tank fluid food dispenser 500 includes the following three
removable elements: [0119] a cartridge 200 capable of containing a
first supplying fluid; [0120] a deformable tank 300 capable of
containing a second propulsion fluid; [0121] optionally, a
dispensing mouth 600.
[0122] The cartridge and the deformable tank of the dual-tank fluid
food dispenser 500 (second embodiment) are advantageously similar
to the cartridge and deformable tank of the self-contained
dual-tank toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge of the
principal embodiment.
[0123] A dispensing mouth 600 in accordance with the second
embodiment of the invention is presented in relation to FIG. 7.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 7, the dispensing mouth 600 includes:
[0125] a body 512 of cylindrical shape, the upper end of which can
have a reduced-size neck. Of course, according to an alternative of
the invention, the body 512 of the mouthpiece can be of a
non-cylindrical shape, e.g., having a square cross-section, and can
have an upper end with a different cross-section (e.g., plane,
triangular, . . . ); [0126] an internal cavity 511, e.g.,
substantially cylindrical, which extends into the body 512 of the
end piece 600 in the principle direction of extension thereof, and
which has a opening terminating at both ends of the mouthpiece 600.
Of course, according to an alternative, the internal cavity 511 can
form a tube of oval section. The internal cavity 511 thus forms a
channel for conveying the fluid constituents from a first opening
516 (substantially off-centre in relation to the centre of the body
512 of the mouthpiece 600), which is intended to cooperate with the
internal cavity 124 of the cartridge 200, towards a second opening
510 opposite the first opening 516 (substantially off-centre in
relation to the centre of the body 512 of the mouthpiece 600);
[0127] an appendage 515 forming a channel for conveying a fluid
constituent and having opening 516 at the lower end thereof; [0128]
an attachment lug 517, e.g., having a substantially
semi-cylindrical shape, which is intended to be housed inside the
housing 125 of the cartridge 200.
[0129] The supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid can
advantageously be food and/or parapharmaceutical fluids. Thus, for
example, the supplying fluid can be a sweetened jelly (or paste)
which can be consumed as a dessert (such as a mint candy), and the
propulsion fluid can be a medicated solution, for example, for
facilitating the taking of medication by young children. Of course,
according to alternatives of the second embodiment, other types of
fluid can like be anticipated (e.g., cough syrup, food supplements
in the form of an aqueous solution . . . ).
[0130] The assembly of the cartridge 200 onto the deformable tank
300 according to the second embodiment of the invention is
identical to that implemented by the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0131] Thus, according to the second embodiment of the invention,
the three removable elements 200, 300 and 600 are assembled so as
to interpose the cartridge 200 between the deformable tank 300 and
the supplying mouthpiece 600, in order to enable the first and,
where appropriate, the second fluid constituent to be discharged
towards the supplying mouthpiece 600 attached to the cartridge 200
of the device 70, via all or a portion of the internal cavity 511
of this mouthpiece 600.
[0132] During assembly of the cartridge 200 and the mouthpiece 600,
the lug 517 of the end piece 600 is inserted into the housing 125
of the cartridge 200, and then the appendage 515 is inserted into
the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200.
[0133] In a manner similar to the first embodiment, it is
optionally possible to anticipate inserting the self-perforating
end piece 900 between the cartridge 200 and the tank 300.
[0134] According to an alternative of the second embodiment, the
supplying mouthpiece can be built directly into the cartridge
200.
[0135] In this way, when manual mechanical pressure is exerted by a
user on the deformable tank 20, the supplying fluid (present in the
cavity 124 of the cartridge 200) is first propelled into the
internal cavity 511 of the mouthpiece 600, and then emptied out
into the user's mouth via opening 515, the operating principle of
the deformable tank 300 being identical to that of the first
embodiment of the invention.
[0136] When the supplying fluid contained inside the cavity 124 is
emptied out into the user's mouth, the latter need do nothing more
than swallow it.
[0137] In the same way as for the first embodiment of the
invention, the protective tab 121 of the cartridge 200 is broken by
the user prior to using the dual-tank fluid food dispenser 500.
[0138] Once the user has swallowed the supplying fluid entirely,
they can, by pressing once again on the deformable tank 300, empty
out the propulsion fluid into their mouth (the propulsion fluid is
then considered to be a supplying fluid).
[0139] In this way, the user can have access to two different
constituents successively.
[0140] In a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8,
the device for oral use, in the form of a self-contained dual tank
toothbrush, can be converted into a feeding bottle 700.
[0141] According to the third embodiment of the invention, the
feeding bottle 700 includes the two following removable elements:
[0142] a deformable tank 300 capable of containing a supplying
fluid; [0143] a nipple end piece 800.
[0144] The deformable tank 300 of the feeding bottle 700 (third
embodiment) is advantageously similar to the deformable tank of the
self-contained dual-tank toothbrush 100 with an interchangeable
cartridge of the principal embodiment.
[0145] The nipple end piece 800 in accordance with the third
embodiment is described in relation to FIG. 9.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 9, the nipple end piece 800 includes:
[0147] a nipple 701; [0148] a body 706 of cylindrical shape bearing
the nipple 701 at the surface thereof; [0149] a substantially
cylindrical internal cavity 703, which extends into the body 706 of
the nipple end piece 800 in the principal direction of extension
thereof, and which has an opening terminating at both ends of the
body 706. The internal cavity 703 thus forms a channel for
conveying the fluid constituents from a first opening 704 towards a
second opening 702, opposite the first opening 704; [0150]
reversible positive connection means 705 situated at the lower end
of the body 706 of the nipple end piece 800. The positive
connection means 705, for example, are the male portion of a
quarter-turn system, e.g., in the form of wings at the lower end of
the body 706 of the nipple end piece 800.
[0151] The supplying fluid can advantageously be a fluid food
and/or parapharmaceutical product.
[0152] According to the third embodiment of the invention, the two
removable elements 300 and 800 are assembled so as to enable the
supplying fluid to be discharged towards the nipple end piece 800
attached to the deformable tank 300, through all or a portion of
the internal cavity 703 of this nipple end piece 800.
[0153] In order to keep the nipple end piece 800 and the deformable
tank 300 fastened to one another, the male portion of the
quarter-turn fastening system of the nipple end piece 800 is
inserted, by the parent of a young child, into the female portion
of the quarter-turn fastening system of the deformable tank
300.
[0154] In this way, when manual mechanical pressure is exerted on
the deformable tank 20, by the parent (or the child
himself/herself), the supplying fluid (present in the compartment
135 of the deformable tank 20) is propelled into the internal
cavity 703 of the nipple end piece 800, and then emptied out into
the nipple 701 via opening 702.
[0155] In this way, the young child will have access to the
supplying fluid when they suck on the nipple.
[0156] Furthermore, the method of manufacturing and assembling the
device for oral use in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention, and the associated device kit, include the following
steps: [0157] a first step of separately manufacturing each element
(cartridge 200, deformable tank 300, toothbrush head end piece 400,
supplying mouthpiece 600, nipple end piece 800); [0158] a step of
storing and placing a variety of elements, devices and device kits
at the disposal of the users; [0159] a step of assembling the
device elements and device kits for use, as desired by the user;
[0160] a step for the reuse of said elements by the user, with
successive consumable cartridges.
[0161] The device kit with interchangeable or replaceable
accessories can, for example, advantageously include one or more
toothbrush end pieces (e.g., of different bristle size and
rigidity), one or more deformable tanks (e.g., of different storage
capacity), one or more replacement cartridges (e.g., of different
flavour, different size, . . . ), one or more mouthpieces (e.g., of
different size, different shape, . . . ), one or more nipple end
pieces (e.g., of different size and shape), and any other accessory
in which a dual-tank propellant and/or supplying fluid system finds
application.
[0162] The various possible configurations assumed by the device
for oral use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention thus
give the device a high degree of modularity.
[0163] Furthermore, the high degree of modularity of the device for
oral use of an embodiment of the invention in particular enables a
link to be established between dental brushing and food. A child
will be more inclined to brush his/her teeth if he/she has
previously used the device for oral use as a food dispenser (e.g.,
for sweets). The modularity of the device for oral use thus
likewise enables him/her to be a pedagogical subject.
[0164] Furthermore, the device for oral use of an embodiment of the
invention will be perceived by children (or even adults) as a ludic
(play) object. They will indeed have the possibility of assembling
and/or transforming a toothbrush into a fluid food and/or
parapharmaceutical product dispenser or into a deformable-tank
feeding bottle, and vice versa.
[0165] An embodiment of the invention provides a self-contained
portable device successively enabling both efficient brushing and
rinsing, without having to access a water supply and discharge
point.
[0166] An embodiment of the invention provides such a device which
offers a large spectrum of modularity, as concerns both the
brushing and rinsing elements as well as the replacement or
replenishment of these elements after use, or even the reversible
conversion thereof for other uses, such as food or
parapharmaceutical uses.
[0167] An embodiment of the invention provides a ludic and teaching
device, particularly in the eyes of children, who are often
hesitant at the idea of brushing their teeth.
[0168] An embodiment also implements such a technique, which is
simple and inexpensive.
[0169] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to one or more examples, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the scope of the disclosure and/or the appended
claims. Also while certain embodiments and/or examples have been
discussed herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to such
embodiments and/or examples. One skilled in the art may implement
variations of these embodiments and/or examples that will be
covered by one or more issued claims appended hereto.
* * * * *