U.S. patent application number 15/434258 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for dispenser and method for applying a tooth whitening composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is Colgate-Palmolive Company. Invention is credited to Suman Chopra, Joseph Thomas Norris, Michael Prencipe, Adolfo Serrano.
Application Number | 20170156837 15/434258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34465177 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170156837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prencipe; Michael ; et
al. |
June 8, 2017 |
DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A TOOTH WHITENING COMPOSITION
Abstract
A method for applying a composition to teeth and a dispenser for
dispensing a composition. The method of the present invention is
directed to the storage and dispensing of a composition. During
storage and subsequent use the composition in the storage chamber
must be maintained segregated from the applicator surface. This is
accomplished by delivering the composition from the storage chamber
through a delivery channel having a length and a cross-sectional
diameter sufficient to preclude the migration of moisture and the
enzyme catalase from the application surface to the storage
chamber. The composition is applied to teeth by means of bristles,
a sponge surface or fibrillated surface. This applicator can be
used with both aqueous and non-aqueous compositions.
Inventors: |
Prencipe; Michael;
(Princeton Junction, NJ) ; Chopra; Suman; (Monroe,
NJ) ; Norris; Joseph Thomas; (Cumming, GA) ;
Serrano; Adolfo; (San Jose, CR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Colgate-Palmolive Company |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
34465177 |
Appl. No.: |
15/434258 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14460113 |
Aug 14, 2014 |
9610148 |
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15434258 |
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11403732 |
Apr 13, 2006 |
8815216 |
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14460113 |
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PCT/US04/33502 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
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11403732 |
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60511020 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1046 20130101;
A46B 11/0024 20130101; A61C 19/066 20130101; A61K 8/22 20130101;
A61C 1/0092 20130101; A46B 9/005 20130101; A46B 2200/20 20130101;
A61C 3/005 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A61C 17/0202 20130101;
A46B 9/025 20130101; A61Q 11/00 20130101; A46B 2200/10 20130101;
A61C 19/063 20130101; A46B 17/04 20130101; A61K 2800/87 20130101;
A61K 8/8147 20130101; A61K 2800/92 20130101; A46B 11/0027
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 19/06 20060101
A61C019/06; A61C 17/02 20060101 A61C017/02; A61C 1/00 20060101
A61C001/00; A61Q 11/00 20060101 A61Q011/00; A46B 9/00 20060101
A46B009/00; A46B 11/00 20060101 A46B011/00; A61K 8/22 20060101
A61K008/22; A61C 3/00 20060101 A61C003/00; A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02 |
Claims
1. A method of applying a peroxide containing tooth whitening
composition comprising: a. providing said tooth whitening
composition in a housing sealed at one end and having an
application means at another end, the application means comprising
an applicator surface having an aperture therein at an end of a
channel, said aperture having a cross-sectional area and said
channel a length in combination sufficient to prevent the migration
of substances from the application means into the housing between
applications; b. dispensing the tooth whitening composition through
said channel and said aperture and to the applicator surface; and
c. applying the tooth whitening composition from the applicator
surface directly onto at least one tooth.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the channel has a
cross-sectional area of less than about 5 mm.sup.2.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said tooth whitening
composition has a moisture content of less than about 1 percent by
weight.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the tooth whitening
composition has a peroxide content of about 1% to about 35% by
weight.
5. The method according to claim 1 wherein said application means
further comprises a plurality of bristles surrounding said
aperture.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said channel has a
diameter of less than about 4 mm.
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the application means
comprises a fibrillated surface.
8. A dispenser for a composition comprising: a housing comprising a
reservoir having a channel, a composition stored in the reservoir;
an applicator comprising an applicator surface having an aperture
therein provided at an end of the channel; and a drive mechanism
disposed within the housing, the drive mechanism comprising: a
moveable piston attached to a threaded piston rod; a stationary
unit; and a rotary unit comprising rotation limiting cams that
directly engage and interact with a cooperating cam surface on said
stationary unit; and wherein interaction between the rotation
limiting cams of the rotary unit and the cooperating cam surface of
the stationary unit limits rotation of the threaded piston rod to
only one direction that moves the movable piston towards the
applicator to dispense the composition through the channel and the
aperture to the applicator surface.
9. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the aperture has a
cross-sectional area of less than about 2 mm.sup.2.
10. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the channel has a
length of more than about 10 mm.
11. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the channel has a
diameter of less than about 4 mm.
12. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the applicator
comprises a plurality of bristles surrounding the aperture.
13. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the aperture
comprises a plurality of apertures having a combined surface area
of less than about 10 mm.sup.2.
14. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the composition is a
peroxide containing tooth whitening composition for application
onto at least one tooth.
15. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the housing is
elongated along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the applicator
surface of the applicator is a planar surface that is oriented
oblique to the longitudinal axis.
16. The dispenser according to claim 15 further comprising a
plurality of protrusions extending from the applicator surface.
17. The dispenser according to claim 16 wherein each of the
protrusions extends up to about 3 mm in length.
18. The dispenser according to claim 8 wherein the threaded piston
rod extends through the stationary unit and the rotary unit.
19. A dispenser for a composition comprising: a housing extending
along a longitudinal axis and comprising a reservoir that stores a
composition; an applicator provided at an end of the housing, the
applicator having a planar applicator surface having an aperture
therein, the planar applicator surface being oriented oblique to
the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a drive mechanism
disposed within the housing and comprising a piston that moves in
only one direction towards the applicator to dispense the
composition from the reservoir to the applicator surface.
20. The dispenser according to claim 19 further comprising a
plurality of protrusions extending from the applicator surface a
distance less than 3 mm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/460,113, filed Aug. 14, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/403,732, filed Apr. 13, 2006, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,815,216, which is a continuation of International Application
No. PCT/US04/33502, filed Oct. 12, 2004, which claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/511,020, filed Oct. 14, 2003,
each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tooth whitening products are applied in different ways. A
common technique 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 ones teeth. After a few treatments the teeth gradually
whiten.
[0003] A problem with the latter technique is that saliva in the
mouth contains the enzyme catalase. This enzyme will catalize the
decomposition of peroxides. The 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 affect 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.
[0004] These problems require a better way to deliver the whitening
composition to the teeth. The objective is to maintain the supply
of whitening composition segregated from the general environment
and from mouth saliva. This objective has to be fulfilled using a
dispenser that is easy to use by a person to apply the whitening
composition to his/her teeth and is gentle on the teeth and gums.
Additionally in a preferred embodiment the dispenser should be
readily portable.
[0005] The present invention addresses and solves these problems.
Preferred dispensers are elongated and pen-like in shape. They can
contain about 0.5 ml to 20 ml of a product in the body portion and
they have an applicator end for applying the contained tooth
whitening compositions to a person's teeth. The applicator end is
constructed such that moisture and saliva components will not
migrate from an applicator surface into the part of the dispenser
where the whitening composition is stored. In addition the
applicator components must be compatible with the whitening
compositions.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] This invention comprises a method for applying a tooth
whitening composition to a person's teeth and to a dispenser for
dispensing a composition.
[0007] In one embodiment the invention may be a method of applying
a peroxide containing tooth whitening composition comprising:
providing said tooth whitening composition in a housing sealed at
one end and having an application means at another end, the
application means comprising an aperture at an end of a channel,
said aperture having a cross-sectional area and said channel a
length in combination sufficient to prevent the migration of
substances from the application means into the housing between
applications; dispensing the tooth whitening composition through
said channel and said aperture and to an applicator surface; and
applying the tooth whitening composition onto at least one
tooth.
[0008] The method may be for dispensing an anhydrous tooth
whitening composition. This composition must be maintained
substantially anhydrous prior to an application to a person's
teeth. In addition all compositions must be maintained free from
catalase contamination during use. This requires a dispenser that
is to be used for multiple treatments to maintain the stored
whitening composition substantially segregated from the application
surface throughout the multiple treatments. The method may comprise
using a dispenser having a body portion and a dispensing portion.
The body portion has a cavity to contain about 0.5 ml to about 20
ml of a tooth whitening composition. At one end there is at least
one aperture for the dispensing of the tooth whitening composition
to an applicator. The aperture, (and collectively when there is a
plurality of apertures) has a cross-sectional of area less than
about 10 sq. mm, preferably less than about 5 sq. mm, and most
preferably less than about 2 sq. mm. Further a channel from the
body portion to the applicator surface has a length of more than
about 5 mm, preferably more than about 10 mm, and most preferably
more than about 15 mm. At the other end of the body portion of the
dispenser is a piston to dispense the tooth whitening composition
through the channel to the applicator surface. This is manually
operated by a twisting motion or by a push button.
[0009] In another embodiment, the invention may be a dispenser for
a composition comprising: a housing comprising a reservoir having a
channel, a composition stored in the reservoir; an applicator
comprising an aperture provided at an end of the channel and having
an applicator surface; and a drive mechanism disposed within the
housing, the drive mechanism comprising: a moveable piston attached
to a threaded piston rod; a stationary unit; and a rotary unit
comprising rotation limiting cams that directly engage and interact
with a cooperating cam surface on said stationary unit; wherein
interaction between the rotation limiting cams of the rotary unit
and the cooperating cam surface of the stationary unit limits
rotation of the threaded piston rod to only one direction that
moves the movable piston towards the applicator to dispense the
composition through the channel and the aperture to the applicator
surface
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the invention may be a dispenser
for a composition comprising: a housing extending along a
longitudinal axis and comprising a reservoir that stores a
composition; an applicator comprising an aperture provided at an
end of the housing, the applicator having a planar applicator
surface that is oriented oblique to the longitudinal axis of the
housing; and a drive mechanism disposed within the housing and
comprising a piston that moves in only one direction towards the
applicator to dispense the composition to the applicator
surface.
[0011] The apertures in a preferred embodiment have an associated
application surface to apply the anhydrous tooth whitening
composition to ones teeth. This can consist of bristles, a pad, a
sponge-like surface or fibrillated surface. The size of the
apertures and the length of the channel will preclude the migration
of catalase and moisture into the body of the dispenser during each
dispensing and subsequent to the dispensing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a dispenser for a tooth
whitening composition.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in
a vertical section.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the applicator tip of the
dispenser.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an elevational view in a vertical section of the
applicator tip assembled.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the drive mechanism of the
dispenser.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the dispenser casing.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an applicator tip with a
fibrillated surface in a casing in vertical section.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the applicator tip of FIG.
7
[0020] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of an applicator tip with a
sponge-like surface in a casing in a vertical section.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the applicator tip with a
sponge-like surface of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The invention will be disclosed with regard to the preferred
embodiments with reference to the drawings. This invention is
directed to a method of applying a tooth whitening composition to a
person's teeth from a dispenser.
[0023] It has been found that peroxide containing tooth whitening
compositions are very useful in tooth whitening. These usually are
applied in multiple applications. The composition in the dispenser
must be maintained substantially segregated from the applicator
surface from the first application through to the last application.
Consequently a technique for applying the composition is needed to
fulfill these requirements. There also is a further requirement
that it be easy for the individual to apply it themselves. This is
provided by the techniques and dispensers of this invention.
[0024] The following are useful non-aqueous whitening compositions
that can be used with the present dispenser.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component Content Non-Aqueous Hydrophilic
Polymer 5 to 85 wt % Adhesive Enhancing Agent Peroxide 0.1 to 25 wt
% Peroxide Whitening Agent 0.25 to 50 wt % Surfactant 0 to 50 wt %
Flavor 0.1 to 2 wt % Peroxide Activator 0 to 10 wt %
[0025] The nonaqueous hydrophilic polymers useful in the practice
of the present invention preferably provide a viscosity for the
composition in the range between about 1,000 cps to 900,000 cps.
This will have a moisture content of less than about 2% and
preferably less than about 1%.
[0026] A preferred nonaqueous liquid hydrophilic polymer vehicle
suitable for use in the practice of the present invention includes
polyethylene glycols, that is, nonionic polymers of ethylene oxide
having the general formula.
HOCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2).sub.nOH
wherein n represents the average number of oxyethylene groups.
Polyethylene glycols available from Dow Chemical are designated by
a number such as 200, 300, 400, 600, 2000 which represents the
approximate average molecular weight of the polymer. Polyethylene
glycols 200, 300, 400 and 600 are clear viscous liquids at room
temperature, and are preferred for use in the practice of the
present invention.
[0027] A second preferred nonaqueous liquid hydrophilic polymer
used to prepare the composition of the present invention is
comprised of a water soluble, nonionic block copolymer of ethylene
oxide and propylene oxide of the formula:
HO(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.a(C.sub.3H.sub.6O).sub.b(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.cH
[0028] The block copolymer is preferably chosen (with respect to a,
b and c) such that the ethylene oxide constituent comprises from
about 65 to about 75% by weight, of said copolymer molecule and the
copolymer has an average molecular weight of from about 2,000 to
about 15,000, with the copolymer being present in the liquid tooth
whitening composition in such concentration that the composition is
liquid at room temperatures (23.degree. C.).
[0029] A particularly desirable block copolymer for use in the
practice of the present invention is available commercially from
BASF and designated Pluraflo L1220 which has an average molecular
weight of about 9,800. The hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) block
averages about 65% by weight of the polymer.
[0030] Adhesion enhancing agents are used in the compositions of
the present invention to enhance the adhesive properties of the
anhydrous hydrophilic polymers and include inorganic materials as
well as organic natural and synthetic polymers. Inorganic materials
include amorphous silica compounds which function as thickening
agents include colloidal silica compounds available under
trademarks such as Cab-o-sil fumed silica manufactured by Cabot
Corporation and distributed by Lenape Chemical, Bound Brook, N.J.;
Zeodent 165 from J.M. Huber Chemicals Division, Havre de Grace, Md.
21078; and Sylox 15 also known as Sylodent 15, available from
Davison Chemical Division of W.R. Grace Corporation, Baltimore, Md.
21203.
[0031] Organic polymers useful as adhesion enhancing agents useful
in the practice of the present invention include hydrophilic
polymers such as carbomers such as carboxymethylene polymers such
as acrylic acid polymers, and acrylic acid copolymers.
Carboxypolymethylene is a slightly acidic vinyl polymer with active
carboxyl groups. A carboxypolymethylene preferred for use in the
practice of the present invention is a copolymer of acrylic acid
cross linked with approximately 0.75% to approximately 1.5%
polyallyl sucrose that is sold under the trade designation Carbopol
934, 974 by B.F. Goodrich.
[0032] Hydrophobic organic materials are also useful as adhesion
enhancing agents in the practice of the present invention include
hydrophobic materials such as waxes such as bees wax, mineral oil,
plastigel, (a blend of mineral oil and polyethylene), petrolatum,
white petrolatum, versagel (blend of liquid paraffin,
butene/ethylene/styrene hydrogenated copolymer) acrylate and vinyl
acetate polymers and copolymers, polyethylene waxes, silicone
polymers such as dimethicone, silicone elastomers, organosiloxane
resins, silicone gums and polyvinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate
copolymers.
[0033] Anhydrous whitening agents useful in the practice of the
present invention include anhydrous peroxide containing compounds
such as urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate and
PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2 complexes (hereinafter "PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2").
PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2 both linear and cross linked complexes are known
to the art and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,110 and U.S.
Pat. No. 3,480,557 and have been used in compositions for treating
acne vulgaris (U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,370). PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2
complexes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,370.
PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2 is stable in an anhydrous environment. By
exposure to aqueous environments, as in the oral cavity, the
whitening agent dissociates into individual species (PVP polymer
and H.sub.20.sub.2). The PVP-H.sub.20.sub.2 complex is generally
comprised of about 80% by weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone and 20% by
weight H.sub.20.sub.2.
[0034] Nonionic surfactants which are compatible with peroxide
compounds serve as a solubilizing, dispersing, emulsifing and
wetting agents and are especially effective to solubilize a flavor
if included in the liquid whitening composition. A particularly
useful nonionic surfactant is a water soluble polyoxyethylene
monoester of sorbitol with a C10 to C18 fatty acid, marketed
commercial under the Tween trademark. The Tween surfactants are
mixtures of C10 to C18 fatty acid esters of sorbitol (and sorbitol
anhydrides), consisting predominately of the monoester, condensed
with about 10-30, preferably about 20, moles of ethyleneoxide. The
fatty acid (aliphatic hydrocarbonyl monocarboxylic acid) may be
saturated or unsaturated, e.g., lauric, palmitic, stearic, oleic
acids. Polysorbate 20 (e.g., Tween 20) is especially preferred and
is commonly referred to as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan
monolaurate. The nonionic surfactant constitutes about 0 to 50% by
weight and preferably 0.5 to 40% by weight of the liquid
composition.
[0035] Flavoring agents that are useful include essential oils as
well as various flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and similar
materials. Examples of the essential oils include oils of
spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage,
eucalyptus, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and
orange. Also useful are such chemicals as menthol, carvone, and
anethole. Of these, the most commonly employed are the oils of
peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen. The flavoring agent is
incorporated in the whitening liquid composition of the present
invention at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 2% by weight and
preferably about 0.1 to about 0.5% by weight. A sweetening material
may also be employed as a complement to the flavoring material.
Suitable sweetening agents are water soluble and include sodium
saccharin, sodium cyclamate, xylitol, perillartien, D-tryptophan,
aspartame, dihydrochalcones and the like.
[0036] Peroxide decomposition activators such as sodium
bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, manganese gluconate may be
incorporated in the liquid whitening gel composition of the present
invention. The activator is relatively nonactive with the peroxide
whitening agent when present in the stored nonaqueous liquid
composition due to the anhydrous compositions. The activator
functions to react with the peroxide to release oxygen when the
liquid whitening composition applied to the teeth is contacted with
saliva in the oral cavity.
[0037] An enhancement of the above compositions is to add a
silicone adhesive agent. This will aid in holding the peroxide
whitening agent onto tooth surfaces. This is formed by condensing a
silicone resin and an organosiloxane such as polydiorgano siloxane.
Useful silicone adhesive agents are available from the Dow Corning
Company under the brand name BIO-SPA. These can be present in a
content of about 1 to 80 wt present.
[0038] Suitable aqueous whitening compositions are set out in Table
2. However other aqueous whitening compositions can be used.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Carbopol Polymer 0.1 to 4 wt % Polyethylene
glycol 2 to 30 wt % Antioxidant .01 to .1 wt % Humectant 0 to 50 wt
% Thickener 0 to 5 wt % Hydrogen peroxide 1 to 35 wt % Monobasic
sodium phosphate 0 to 5 wt % Phosphoric Acid 0 to 1 wt % Flavor .1
to 1 wt % Saccharin .01 to 1 wt % Purified water to 100 wt %
[0039] The Carbopol polymer, polyethylene glycol, flavors and
saccharin been described above with regard to the non-aqueous tooth
whitening compositions.
[0040] A preferred useful antioxidant is butylated hydroxyl
toluene. Other useful antioxidants include nordihydroguararetic
acid, propyl gallate and trihydroxy butrophenone.
[0041] A preferred humectant is glycerin. Other useful humectants
include sorbitol and polytheylene glycol in a molecular weight
range of 200 to 1000. Mixtures of humectants also can be used.
[0042] A preferred thickener is xanthan gum. However a range of
organic natural and synthetic thickness can be used. These include
carrageenan, starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and cellulose compounds
such as hydroxypropyl menthyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxyethylpropyl cellulose and hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose.
[0043] Hydrogen peroxide is a preferred whitening agent and
preferably is added as a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in the
peralkalai form. However it can be used at other concentrations and
can be used in a form where hydrogen peroxide is released during
use. Some such peroxides in another form are discussed above.
[0044] Phosphoric acid is the preferred acid added to adjust the pH
of the composition. However a range of equivalent organic and
inorganic acids can be used. These include sulfuric, hydrochloric,
alginic, citric, succinic, lactic and tartaric acids and their
salts. Included are salts of these acids with a preferred
phosphoric acid salt being monobasic sodium phosphate.
[0045] The compositions can be made by mixing the components
together in essentially any order. However one technique is for the
components other than the polymers and thickeners, and water for
the aqueous compositions, be admixed together and then the polymers
and thickeners added. Water would be added to the aqueous to
achieve the desired viscosity. An objective is for the production
of a uniform whitening composition.
[0046] The dispenser 10 is shown as a complete unit in FIGS. 1 and
2. The dispenser is comprised of three sections. These are an
applicator section 12, a whitening product storage section 14 and a
dispenser drive section 16. The applicator section is comprised of
an overcap 18, an applicator surface 30, an applicator surface
holder 32, an applicator mounting unit 36 and a delivery channel
34. The whitening product in product chamber 40 is delivered to the
applicator surface through delivery channel 34. A tubular wall 20
forms the product chamber 40. Piston 42 forms the upper wall of
product chamber 40.
[0047] The dispenser drive section 16 is comprised of the mechanism
to advance piston 42 downward in whitening product chamber 40. This
dispenser drive section is shown in more detail in FIG. 5. Rotating
unit 22 will rotate while tubular wall 20 of the whitening product
chamber is stationary.
[0048] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the applicator section 12 in more detail.
The applicator surface 30 is shown here as a bundle of bristles in
holder 32. The bristles are inserted into bristle holder 32 with
flange 31 of the bristles held in recess 33. The delivery channel
34 is held by friction in the center passage 35 of the applicator
mounting unit 36. Whitening product will flow through passage 37 of
the applicator mounting unit 36, into delivery channel 34 and then
onto the applicator surface 30. The applicator section 12 is shown
prior to assembly in FIG. 4.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows the mechanism of drive section 16. At a lower
end is piston 42 which is attached to piston rod 50. This piston
rod 50 has threads 52 over a substantial part of its length.
Stationary unit 58 is held in place in whitening product section 20
by an interlocking of ribs 56 and recesses 21 on product chamber
wall 20 in FIG. 2. Rotary unit 57 fits into stationary unit 58 and
has rotation limiting cams 55 and on a lower surface. These cams 55
interact with a cooperating cam surface in stationary unit 58 to
limit rotation of piston rod 50 to only one direction to only move
piston 42 downward. The piston cannot be retracted upward since
this would draw product in delivery channel 34 towards and/or into
the product chamber 40. This could cause contamination of product
in product chamber 40. The piston is held in recess 51 of the
piston rod 50. A spring 54 causes rotating unit 57 to stay mounted
within stationary unit 58.
[0050] FIG. 6 shows the exterior parts of the dispenser in an
exploded view. Shaft 23 of rotating unit 22 fits into and rotates
within whitening product section 14. It is held in place on the
lower end of the product section tubular wall 20 by projection 13
and recess 17. Overcap 18 fits onto end section 25 of the
composition containing unit 40.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows an applicator tip with a fibrillated surface.
The applicator tip is comprised of channel 60 having a
cross-section 65 which receives the peroxide containing tooth
whitening composition from storage chamber 40. Fibrillated surface
62 is the application surface to apply the composition to the
teeth. The peroxide tooth whitening composition flows through
opening 64 of the channel 60. Applicator surface holder 66 holds
channel 60 and is in turn held in place by applicator mounting unit
68. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the applicator tip of FIG. 7.
Additionally shown in this view is a chamber 70 on the applicator
surface holder channel 72 of the applicator mounting unit 68.
Flange 74 holds the applicator surface holder 66 in applicator
mounting unit 68.
[0052] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a sponge-like applicator surface.
Delivery channel 76 has a porous sponge-like surface 78 on the
applicator end. This applicator end has an aperture 80 for the
delivery of the peroxide containing tooth whitening composition. An
overcap 18 covers the applicator tip end. Shown are applicator tip
holder 84 and applicator mounting unit 88. The parts of this
applicator tip are shown in more detail in FIGS. 10 to 13.
[0053] The chamber 40 will contain about 0.5 ml to about 20 ml of
the tooth whitening composition. The delivery channels 34, 60, 76
will maintain the product in chamber 40 segregated from the
applicator surface 30, 64, 78. This segregation primarily is
affected by the length and internal diameter of delivery channel
34. This delivery channel should have a length of more than about 5
mm, and preferably more than about 10 mm, and most preferably more
than about 15 mm. The internal diameter should be less than of
about 4 mm and preferably less than about 2 mm. When there are a
plurality of channels the additive diameter of all channels should
be less than about 4 mm and preferably less than about 2 mm. The
cross-sectional area of the channel should be less than 15 sq. mm,
and preferably less than about 7 sq. mm. This is the
cross-sectional area of a single channel or if more than one
channel, cross-sectional diameter of the total number of
channels.
[0054] The dispenser can be made out of any moldable plastics.
Moldable thermoplastics are preferred. Suitable plastics include
polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl
compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.
However the chosen plastics must be compatible with peroxide
containing compositions and should not degrade such compositions.
The bristles can be of any common bristle material such as nylon.
The sponge-like materials can be of any common foam material such
as urethane foams. The fibrillated surfaces will be comprised
various thermoplastics. These are all known materials.
[0055] The applicator for the whitening composition can be any
surface that can apply a viscous substance onto the hard surface of
teeth. This can include a bristle surface, a sponge surface or a
fibrillated surface. In the use of a bristle surface the delivery
channel will deliver the composition to near the ends of the
bristles. Usually there will be a single delivery channel. For
sponge and fibrillated surfaces there usually will be plurality of
smaller diameter channels so as to more uniformly distribute the
composition onto a person's teeth. A fibrillated surface is an
essentially planar surface that has a plurality of protruding
fibrils up to about 3 millimeter in length. Such a fibrillated
surface provides a mini-brush surface.
[0056] The viscosity is measured using a Brookfield Model DV II
viscometer with spindle E. The sample is centered about 0.6 cm to
1.25 cm below the spindle tip. The viscometer motor is started
which starts spindle rotation. The helipath switch on lowers the
spindle. When the spindle penetrates the sample the pen on a
recorder senses the different force on the spindle. The spindle is
monitored for 1.5 minutes. The viscosity is calculated from a line
tangent to the Y-slope and another averaging the X-slope and the
intersection of these tangent lines.
* * * * *