U.S. patent application number 15/503652 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for applicator for a fluid dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Robert MOSKOVICH.
Application Number | 20170238672 15/503652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51453865 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170238672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOSKOVICH; Robert |
August 24, 2017 |
Applicator for a Fluid Dispenser
Abstract
Disclosed is a fluid dispenser, comprising: a housing having an
internal reservoir for containing a fluid, such as an oral care
fluid, and an applicator connected to the housing. The applicator
comprises a base having an exterior surface, the base comprising a
valve having a movable portion defining an outlet of the valve and
forming part of the exterior surface, and one or more projections
extending from the exterior surface adjacent the valve outlet. The
valve is for selectively blocking a passageway that is in fluid
communication with the internal reservoir.
Inventors: |
MOSKOVICH; Robert; (East
Brunswick, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
51453865 |
Appl. No.: |
15/503652 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
August 14, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/051118 |
371 Date: |
February 13, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/02 20130101;
A45D 34/04 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101; A45D 34/00 20130101; A46B
2200/1066 20130101; A46B 11/0086 20130101; B65D 47/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A46B 11/00 20060101 A46B011/00; A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A45D 19/02 20060101 A45D019/02 |
Claims
1. An applicator for a fluid dispenser, the applicator comprising:
a base having an exterior surface, the base comprising a valve
having a movable portion defining an outlet of the valve and
forming part of the exterior surface; and one or more projections
extending from the exterior surface adjacent the valve outlet.
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the outlet is openable by
deforming the movable portion.
3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the movable portion is
resilient.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the outlet is a slit.
7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
projections is resilient.
8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the movable portion of the
valve defines a distal-most portion of the base, wherein the outlet
lies in a first plane that is parallel to a second plane that
passes through the base, and wherein a distal end of each of the
one or more projections is further than the outlet from the second
plane.
9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
projections has a proximal end connected to the exterior surface, a
distal end remote from the exterior surface, and tapers towards the
distal end.
10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the outlet lies in a first
plane, and wherein each of the one or more projections has an outer
surface that is oblique to the first plane.
11. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the outer surface is
planar.
12. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the base has a longitudinal
axis normal to the first plane.
13. (canceled)
14. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the one or more projections
is a plurality of projections and the outlet is located between two
of the projections.
15. (canceled)
16. The applicator of claim 14, wherein a first set of the
projections is located on a first side of the outlet and a second
set of the projections is located on a second side of the
outlet.
17. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the projections surround
the outlet.
18. (canceled)
19. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the one or more projections
comprises a projection in the form of a wiper that is elongate
along the exterior surface, wherein the wiper is one of linear,
non-linear, curved, angular, and wavy.
20. (canceled)
21. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a
unitary body comprising the base and the one or more projections,
wherein the unitary body is formed from a thermoplastic
elastomer.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. A fluid dispenser, comprising: a housing having an internal
reservoir for containing a fluid; and an applicator according to
claim 1 connected to the housing, wherein the valve is for
selectively blocking a passageway that is in fluid communication
with the internal reservoir.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. The fluid dispenser of claim 24, wherein the housing is
squeezable by a user to reduce a volume of the internal
reservoir.
29. (canceled)
30. The fluid dispenser of claim 24, wherein the fluid is contained
in the internal reservoir.
31. (canceled)
32. A system, comprising: a fluid dispenser according to claim 24;
and a personal care implement; wherein the fluid dispenser is
detachably connectable to the personal care implement.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the personal care implement has
a cavity therein, and wherein the fluid dispenser is sized and
shaped to be received in the cavity.
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing
a fluid, and particularly to an applicator for such a fluid
dispenser.
[0002] It is known to provide a dispenser that has an applicator
comprising an outlet through which a fluid is dispensable. The
applicator has an exterior surface within which the outlet is
formed and upon which a quantity of the fluid may rest after
dispensing but before applying to the destination surface, such as
a surface of a user's body. However, such a known applicator is not
ideally suited to spreading the dispensed fluid evenly on a surface
of a user's body.
[0003] There is a need for an improved applicator for a fluid
dispenser that is usable by a user to better spread dispensed
fluid, such as a personal care fluid. There also is a need for a
fluid dispenser comprising such an improved applicator.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A first embodiment of the present invention provides an
applicator for a fluid dispenser, the applicator comprising: a base
having an exterior surface, the base comprising a valve having a
movable portion defining an outlet of the valve and forming part of
the exterior surface; and one or more projections extending from
the exterior surface adjacent the valve outlet.
[0005] Optionally, the outlet is openable by deforming the movable
portion.
[0006] Optionally, the movable portion is resilient.
[0007] Optionally, the valve is a check valve.
[0008] Optionally, the valve is a duckbill valve.
[0009] Optionally, the outlet is a slit.
[0010] Optionally, each of the one or more projections is
resilient.
[0011] Optionally, the movable portion of the valve defines a
distal-most portion of the base, the outlet lies in a first plane
that is parallel to a second plane that passes through the base,
and a distal end of each of the one or more projections is further
than the outlet from the second plane.
[0012] Optionally, each of the one or more projections has a
proximal end connected to the exterior surface, a distal end remote
from the exterior surface, and tapers towards the distal end.
[0013] Optionally, the outlet lies in a first plane, and each of
the one or more projections has an outer surface that is oblique to
the first plane. Further optionally, the outer surface is
planar.
[0014] Optionally, the base has a longitudinal axis normal to the
first plane.
[0015] Each of the one or more projections may be porous or
non-porous.
[0016] Optionally, the one or more projections is a plurality of
projections.
[0017] Optionally, the outlet is located between two of the
projections.
[0018] Optionally, a first set of the projections is located on a
first side of the outlet and a second set of the projections is
located on a second side of the outlet.
[0019] Optionally, the projections surround the outlet.
[0020] Optionally, the one or more projections comprises a
projection that surrounds the outlet.
[0021] Optionally, the one or more projections comprises a
projection in the form of a wiper that is elongate along the
exterior surface. Further optionally, the wiper is one of linear,
non-linear, curved, angular, and wavy.
[0022] Optionally, the applicator comprises a unitary body
comprising the base and the one or more projections.
[0023] Optionally, the unitary body is resilient.
[0024] Optionally, the unitary body is formed from an elastomer,
such as a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0025] A second embodiment of the present invention provides a
fluid dispenser, comprising: a housing having an internal reservoir
for containing a fluid; and the applicator connected to the
housing, wherein the valve is for selectively blocking a passageway
that is in fluid communication with the internal reservoir. The
applicator may have any of the optional features discussed
above.
[0026] Optionally, the applicator is unitary with the housing.
[0027] Optionally, the applicator is affixed to the housing. The
applicator may be affixed to the housing by one of adhesion,
welding, and a mechanical connection.
[0028] Optionally, the mechanical connection is one of a friction
fit, a snap fit, a bayonet connection, a threaded connection, and
one or more clips.
[0029] Optionally, the housing is squeezable by a user to reduce a
volume of the internal reservoir.
[0030] Optionally, the fluid dispenser comprises a dispenser
mechanism for moving fluid within the internal reservoir towards
the valve.
[0031] Optionally, the fluid is contained in the internal
reservoir. The fluid may be an oral care fluid. Further optionally,
the oral care fluid comprises one or more oral care agents selected
from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents; oxidative or
whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth
erosion preventing agents; tooth anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum
health actives; nutritional ingredients; tartar control or
anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients; caries or
plaque disclosing agents; flavors or flavor ingredients; breath
freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents;
anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding
agents, dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the
activity of any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic
ingredients; and combinations thereof.
[0032] A third embodiment of the present invention provides a
system, comprising: the fluid dispenser; and a personal care
implement; wherein the fluid dispenser is detachably connectable to
the personal care implement. The fluid dispenser may have any of
the optional features discussed above.
[0033] Optionally, the personal care implement has a cavity
therein, and the fluid dispenser is sized and shaped to be received
in the cavity.
[0034] Optionally, the system comprises a retaining mechanism for
retaining the fluid dispenser in the cavity.
[0035] Optionally, the personal care implement is an oral care
implement, such as a toothbrush.
[0036] 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
[0037] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an applicator according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator of
FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a fluid dispenser
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and
comprising the applicator of FIG. 1; and
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention and comprising the
fluid dispenser of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows an applicator for a dispenser according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention and indicated
generally with the reference numeral 1. The applicator 1 comprises
a resilient unitary body, which comprises a base 10 and a plurality
of projections 20 extending from an exterior surface 12 of the base
10. Each of these elements will be described in turn. While in the
illustrated embodiment the unitary body is resilient and formed
from an elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), in
variations to the illustrated embodiment the unitary body may not
be resilient but may be substantially rigid or hard. In some
variations to the illustrated embodiment, the base 10 and the
projections 20 may not be comprised in a unitary body, and instead
the projections 20 may be affixed to the base 10.
[0045] The base 10 has a proximal portion 14 and a distal portion
16. The proximal portion 14 defines a proximal end 14a of the base
10, and the distal portion 16 defines a distal end (herein also
referred to as a distal-most portion) 16a of the base 10. The
proximal portion 14 of the base 10 has an external circular
cross-sectional shape of a larger width than an external
cross-sectional shape of the distal portion 16. As shown in FIG. 2,
the proximal end 14a of the base 10 defines an opening 14b into a
hollow interior 11 of the base 10 from an exterior of the base 10
for receiving part of a housing of a fluid dispenser. The hollow
interior 11 extends through the proximal portion 14 into the distal
portion 16 of the base 10. The proximal portion 14 of the base 10
comprises a female thread 15 for attaching the base 10 and the rest
of the unitary body to the housing of the fluid dispenser, as will
be described in more detail below. The base 10 defines a
longitudinal axis A-A that extends between the proximal and distal
ends 14a, 16a of the base 10.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 16 tapers
towards the distal end 16a, so that an external cross-sectional
area of the distal portion 16 reduces with distance from the
proximal portion 14. The external cross-sectional shape of the
distal portion 16 is circular at the point where the distal portion
16 meets the proximal portion 14, and is substantially rectangular
at the distal end 16a. In variations to the illustrated embodiment,
the distal portion 16 may have a constant cross-sectional shape at
all points between the point where the distal portion 16 meets the
proximal portion 14 and the distal end 16a. For example, the
constant cross-sectional shape may be circular or rectangular. Even
if the constant cross-sectional shape is constant over the length
of the distal portion 16, the exterior cross-sectional area of the
distal portion 16 may be constant over the length of the distal
portion 16, or may reduce over the length of the distal portion
16.
[0047] The base 10 comprises a valve 30, which is a check valve in
the form of a duckbill valve 30. In variations to the illustrated
embodiment, the valve 30 could be a different form of check valve
or a valve other than a check valve. However, it is preferred that
the valve 30 is a check valve to enable simple operation of the
applicator 1 by a user. The valve 30 has a movable portion 32 that
forms part of the exterior surface 12 of the base 10. More
particularly, the movable portion 32 of the valve 30 defines the
distal-most portion 16 of the base 10. The movable portion 32 of
the valve 30 defines an outlet 34 of the valve 30. The outlet 34 is
in the form of a slit 34 that extends through the movable portion
32 to fluidly connect the hollow interior 11 of the base 10 with
the exterior of the base 10 via the outlet 34 when the outlet 34 is
open. While in the illustrated embodiment the slit 34 is linear, in
variations to the illustrated embodiment the slit 34 may be
non-linear, curved, angular or wavy. The outlet 34 is formed into
the distal surface of the base 10.
[0048] In FIGS. 1 to 4, the outlet 34 is closed, so that fluid
communication between the interior 11 of the base 10 and the
exterior of the base 10 via the outlet 34 is not possible. However,
the movable portion 32 defining the outlet 34 is flexible, and the
outlet 34 is openable by deforming the moveable portion 32, such as
by increasing a pressure in the hollow interior 11 to above that at
the exterior of the base 10. The movable portion 32 also is
resilient so that, when the pressure within the hollow interior 11
is equalized with that at the exterior of the base 10, the moveable
portion 32 returns to its original state, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4,
thereby closing the outlet 34.
[0049] The outlet lies in a first plane P.sub.1 to which the
longitudinal axis A-A is normal. A second plane P.sub.2 parallel to
the first plane P.sub.1 passes through the base 10 and more
particularly through the second portion 16 of the base 10. Each of
the plurality of projections 20 has a proximal end 21 connected to
the exterior surface 12 of the base 10 and a distal end 22 remote
from the exterior surface 12 of the base 10. The distal end 22 of
each of the plurality of projections 20 is further than the outlet
34 from the second plane P.sub.2. In other words, a first distance
D.sub.1 between the second plane P.sub.2 and the first plane
P.sub.1 is less than a second distance D.sub.2 between the second
plane P.sub.2 and the distal end 22 of any one of the plurality of
projections 20. That is, the first plane P.sub.1 lies between the
distal end 22 of each of the plurality of projections 20 and the
second plane P.sub.2. Stated another way, the projections 20
protrude beyond the distal surface of the base 10 and beyond the
outlet 34. A difference between the first and second distances
D.sub.1, D.sub.2 preferably is between 0.1 and 20 millimeters. More
preferably, the difference is between 0.25 and 10 millimeters.
Still more preferably, the difference is between 0.5 and 5
millimeters.
[0050] A first set of the projections 20 is located on a first side
of the outlet 34 adjacent the outlet 34 and a second set of the
projections 20 is located on a second side of the outlet 34
adjacent the outlet 34. Accordingly, the outlet 34 is located
between respective pairs of the projections 20 so that the outlet
34 is located between two (and, indeed, between more than two) of
the projections 20. The first set of the projections 20 can be
considered to lie along a first imaginary linear path, the second
set of the projections 20 can be considered to lie along a second
imaginary linear path, and the outlet 34 is linear and can be
considered to lie along a third imaginary linear path that is
parallel to, and between, the first and second imaginary linear
paths. The projections 20 together define a discontinuous wall
around a retaining region R downstream of the outlet 34, i.e. on an
opposite side of the outlet 34 to the hollow interior 11 of the
base 10. When fluid is dispensed through the outlet 34 from the
hollow interior 11 into the retaining region R, the plurality of
projections 20 help retain a volume of the dispensed fluid within
the retaining region R and on the part of the exterior surface 12
of the base 10 formed by the moveable portion 32 for subsequent
application by a user to the intended destination surface. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the projections 20 surround
the outlet 34 so as to provide optimum such retention of a volume
of the dispensed fluid within the retaining region R. In the
illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 20 is substantially
non-porous, but in variations to the illustrated embodiment, some
or each of the projections 20 may be porous to further aid
retention of a volume of the dispensed fluid at the exterior of the
applicator 1 before application to the intended destination
surface. Each of the plurality of projections 20 is resilient.
Accordingly, when the applicator 1 is rubbed on the intended
destination surface, the projections 20 bend to comply with the
intended destination surface and apply a restoring force in the
direction of the intended destination surface thereby to press the
fluid onto the intended destination surface.
[0051] Each of the plurality of projections 20 tapers towards its
distal end 22. More specifically, each of the plurality of
projections 20 has an outer surface 23 that is oblique to the first
plane P.sub.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 23
is planar, but in variations to the illustrated embodiment the
outer surface 23 may be non-planar. For example, the outer surface
23 may be concave, convex, undulating, or provided with one or more
depressions therein or protrusions therefrom. In further variations
to the illustrated embodiment the distal ends 22 of the projections
20 may taper in a different manner to that illustrated. The distal
ends 22 of the projections 20 may taper to a point, be conical, be
frusto-conical, or be convexly-shaped. While not essential to the
invention, the tapered form of the projections 20 better allows the
projections 20 to comply with the intended destination surface and
makes application of the fluid onto an intended destination surface
of a body of a user a comfortable experience for the user.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises a
plurality of projections 20. The projections 20 are spaced apart,
so that gaps are provided between adjacent projections 20.
Accordingly, during use of the applicator 1 to apply a fluid to an
intended destination surface, some of the fluid passes from the
retaining region R to the intended destination surface via the
gaps, thereby improving spreading of the fluid on the intended
destination surface. In variations to the illustrated embodiment,
the applicator 1 may comprise a plurality of projections 20 with
adjacent projections 20 abutting each other so that the projections
20 are not spaced apart and no gaps are provided between adjacent
projections 20. Such an arrangement provides for better retention
of dispensed fluid in the retaining region R, yet still provides a
degree of spreading of fluid. In other variations to the
illustrated embodiment, the applicator 1 may comprise a projection
that surrounds the outlet 34. That is, only a single projection 20
may surround the outlet 34. Such an arrangement provides for still
better retention of dispensed fluid in the retaining region R.
[0053] In other variations to the illustrated embodiment, the
applicator 1 may comprise a projection 20 in the form of a wiper
that is elongate along the exterior surface 12. The wiper may be
any one of linear, non-linear, curved, angular and wavy. Preferably
the wiper is flexible and resilient. It is believed that such a
wiper results in improved spreading of a fluid held in the
retaining region R onto the intended destination surface.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises
ten projections 20. In other embodiments, the applicator 1 may
comprises more than ten projections 20 extending from the exterior
surface 12 of the base 10, or may comprise fewer than ten
projections 20 extending from the exterior surface 12 of the base
10, such as only eight, only six, only four, or only two
projections 20. In still further variations to the illustrated
embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises only one projection 20
extending from the exterior surface 12 of the base 10 adjacent the
outlet 34. That is, the number of projections 20 extending from the
exterior surface 12 of the base 10 may be only a single one. The
single projection 20 may take the form of any of the
above-described projections 20.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a fluid dispenser 100 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention and comprising the applicator 1
of FIGS. 1 and 2. The fluid dispenser 100 comprises a housing 2
having an internal reservoir (not shown) for containing a fluid for
dispensing by the fluid dispenser 100, and the applicator 1
connected to the housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the
applicator 1 and the housing 2 are separate components (i.e. are
non-unitary) that are connected together through mating of the
female thread 15 of the applicator 1 and a male thread (not shown)
of the housing 2. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the
applicator 1 and the housing 2 may be affixed together by one of
adhesion, welding and a mechanical connection, such as a friction
fit, a snap fit, a bayonet connection, or one or more clips. In
other variations to the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 1 is
unitary with the housing 2. That is, the applicator 1 and the
housing 2 are a single piece.
[0056] The valve 30 of the applicator 1 is for selectively blocking
a passageway (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the
internal reservoir of the housing 2. Thus, the internal reservoir
of the housing 2 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior
11 of the applicator 1, which in turn is in fluid communication
with the valve 30. When the outlet 34 of the valve 30 is opened,
the internal reservoir of the housing 2 is placed in fluid
communication with an exterior of the fluid dispenser 100 via the
passageway, the hollow interior 11 and the outlet 34, in that
order.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 is squeezable
by a user to reduce a volume of the internal reservoir of the
housing 2. Such a reduction in the volume of the internal reservoir
of the housing 2 increases the pressure in the internal reservoir
of the housing 2, and thus in the hollow interior 11 of the
applicator 1 with which the internal reservoir is in fluid
communication. When the pressure in the internal reservoir of the
housing 2, and thus in the hollow interior 11 of the applicator 1,
exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, fluid is forced from
the internal reservoir of the housing 2 through the hollow interior
11 of the applicator 1 and out through the outlet 34 to the
retaining region R.
[0058] In a variation to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid
dispenser 100 comprises a dispenser mechanism for moving fluid
present in the internal reservoir of the housing 2 towards the
outlet 34 via the hollow interior 11 of the applicator 1. In such a
variation, the housing 2 need not be squeezable by a user. Any
known suitable dispenser mechanism may be used, such as a mechanism
comprising a piston follower engaged with a screw, a mechanism
comprising a piston mounted on a ratchet, or a mechanism comprising
a pump for introducing fluid into the internal reservoir of the
housing 2 preferably via a check valve.
[0059] Although the fluid is contained in the internal reservoir in
the illustrated embodiment, in variations to the illustrated
embodiment the fluid dispenser 100 may be supplied with the
internal reservoir free of fluid and fillable with fluid after
purchase. The fluid preferably is a liquid.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid contained in the
internal reservoir is a personal care fluid, and more specifically
an oral care fluid. Preferably, the oral care fluid comprises one
or more oral care agents. Any suitable oral care agent(s) can be
used in the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
oral care fluid is a mouthwash comprising one or more antibacterial
agents, flavors or flavor ingredients, and breath freshening
ingredients. However, in variations to the illustrated embodiment,
the oral care fluid comprises one or more oral care agents selected
from the group consisting of: antibacterial agents; oxidative or
whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth
erosion preventing agents; tooth anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum
health actives; nutritional ingredients; tartar control or
anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients; caries or
plaque disclosing agents; flavors or flavor ingredients; breath
freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents;
anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding
agents, dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the
activity of any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic
ingredients; and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
oral care fluid comprises more than one of the oral care agents
listed in the preceding sentence. The oral care fluid preferably is
free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Preferably, the oral care fluid
is intended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition
to merely brushing one's teeth.
[0061] In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid may
be a personal care fluid other than an oral care fluid, such as a
skin care fluid, a hair care fluid, or a nail care fluid.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a system 1000 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention and comprising the fluid
dispenser 100 of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the system is an oral
care system 1000 comprising the fluid dispenser 100 and a personal
care implement, more specifically an oral care implement in the
form of a toothbrush 200.
[0063] A body 2000 of the toothbrush 200 has a proximal end 2001
and a distal end 2002 and is elongate between the proximal and
distal ends 2001, 2002. The body 2000 comprises a handle 2010 and
the head 2020 at a distal end of the handle 2010. The head 2020 is
a distal portion of the body 2000 and has a proximal end and a
distal end, which distal end forms the distal end 2002 of the body
2000. The head 2020 has extending therefrom the oral care elements
2030 for cleaning or polishing surfaces in a user's mouth, such as
surfaces of their teeth.
[0064] As used herein, the term "oral care element" is used in a
generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean,
massage or polish an oral surface, such as teeth or soft tissue,
through relative surface contact. In this embodiment, the oral care
elements comprise a plurality of tooth cleaning elements,
preferably a plurality of flexible bristles arranged in tufts.
However, in variations to this embodiment, the oral care elements
may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more tooth
polishing elements, preferably in the form of elastomeric tooth
polishing elements, such as elastomeric protrusions, elements,
fingers, or prophylactic (prophy) cups. In some embodiments, the
oral care elements 2030 may comprise at least one of any one or
more of the following, without limitation: bristles, rigid
bristles, flexible bristles, filament bristles, fibre bristles,
nylon bristles, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) bristles, tapered
bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric
protrusions, elastomeric elements, flexible polymer protrusions,
co-extruded filaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles,
anti-bacterial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures
containing such materials or combinations.
[0065] The handle 2010 is a proximal portion of the body 2000 and
has the distal end and a proximal end, which proximal end forms the
proximal end 2001 of the body 2000. The handle 2010 includes a neck
portion 2118 by which the handle 2010 is connected with the head
2020. The neck portion 2118 is generally of a smaller cross
sectional area than the rest of the handle 2010. The neck portion
2118 includes the distal end of the handle 2010, which is that
portion of the handle 2010 fixed to and closest to the proximal end
of the head 2020. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 2020 is
non-detachable from the handle 2010. However, in variations to the
illustrated embodiment, the head 2020 may be detachable from the
handle 2010, such as for replacement of the head 2010 when the oral
care elements 2030 become worn.
[0066] The handle 2010 provides a user with a mechanism by which
he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 200, includes
ergonomic features which provide a high degree of control for the
user while maintaining comfort, and may be formed of many different
shapes and with a variety of constructions.
[0067] The fluid dispenser 100 is detachably connectable to the
toothbrush 200. More specifically, the toothbrush 200 has a cavity
(not shown) therein, and the fluid dispenser 100 is sized and
shaped to be received in the cavity. In the illustrated embodiment,
the cavity is in the handle 2010 and the fluid dispenser 100 is
received in the cavity via an opening (not shown) in the proximal
end of the handle 2010. The system 1000 comprises a retaining
mechanism, of any known suitable form, for retaining the fluid
dispenser 100 in the cavity. In variations to the illustrated
embodiment, the cavity may be provided elsewhere in the body 2000
than in the handle 2010. In other embodiments, there may not be a
cavity in the toothbrush 200, and the fluid dispenser 100 may be
detachably connectable to an exterior of the toothbrush 200.
[0068] In further variations to the illustrated embodiment, the
oral care implement could instead comprise other forms of oral care
implement, such as a soft-tissue cleaner, a tooth polisher, an
interdental brush, a tongue scraper, or another implement designed
for oral care. In still further variations to the illustrated
embodiment, the personal care implement could instead comprise
other forms of personal care implement, such as a razor, a shaver,
or a brush, such as a hair brush.
* * * * *