Oral care implement with fluid dispensing system

Abstract

An oral care implement having a fluid dispensing system includes a head, a handle, and an intermediate neck. The head includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements. A reservoir containing an oral care fluid is fluidly coupled to an elastomeric valve nested between a pair of longitudinally spaced apart protective flaps on the head. A depressible actuator button operates to dispense oral care fluid from the reservoir through the valve to the tooth cleaning elements. The protective flaps, formed of an elastomeric material, are foldable to alternately cover the valve to prevent external fluids in the user's mouth from entering the valve to minimize contamination of the fluid dispensing system. Lateral opening areas between the flaps allow the oral care fluid to migrate outward to the tooth cleaning elements. To control the dosage of oral care fluid dispensed, a modular system including interchangeable spacer inserts can be used to vary and customize the dosage.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 114,908, filed November 17, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Oral care appliances (such as a toothbrush as an example) are typically used by applying a dental cleaning agent (toothpaste) to a tooth-cleaning element on the brush head, followed by brushing oral areas such as teeth, tongue, and / or gums. Some toothbrushes are equipped with a fluid reservoir and a subsystem for dispensing auxiliary oral care fluids, such as liquids containing surfactants. Examples include whitening agents, breath fresheners, and antibacterial agents applied during a brushing routine.

[0004] Many liquid dispensing oral care appliances on the market, such as toothbrushes, have unreliable dispensing mechanisms that typically cease to function with repeated use due to the internal dispensing components drying out, becoming clogged, and / or blocked after exposure to external fluids (water, toothpaste paste, saliva, etc.). After only a few uses in the mouth, the external fluid eventually seeps into the device's internal dispensing subsystem. Therefore, there is a need for improved oral care appliances designed to prevent external fluids from entering through the toothbrush head and dispensing liquid outlet during the intended use of the liquid-dispensing toothbrush. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To meet the above needs, an oral care appliance with a fluid dispensing system is disclosed, comprising an elastomeric valve with elastic memory that elastically biases the valve toward a closed position. In a non-limiting embodiment, the valve may be a duckbill valve that can be changed between a biased normally closed position and an open position for dispensing oral care fluid. In one embodiment, the oral care appliance may be a toothbrush with a head fitted with a dental cleaning element comprising an array of bristles and an elastomeric sheet. A valve nestled within the dental cleaning element is fluidly coupled to an onboard reservoir containing oral care fluid. The reservoir may be defined by a user-replaceable cartridge detachably coupled to the handle of the toothbrush. The oral care fluid may be any flowable oral care substance, including but not limited to liquids or flowable semi-solid materials (e.g., pastes), which in some embodiments have a viscosity that allows the substance to flow at room temperature under applied positive or negative pressure.

[0006] In one embodiment, the duckbill valve associated with the fluid dispensing system can be positioned between a pair of protective, elastically deformable elastomeric sheets. The protective sheets can be longitudinally spaced and can be alternately folded during brushing motion to at least partially cover and close the duckbill valve. This advantageously minimizes or prevents external fluids (e.g., toothpaste paste, saliva, water, etc.) from entering the valve within the area of ​​the tooth cleaning elements on the toothbrush head, which could over time cause blockage or contamination of the fluid dispensing system, leading to the aforementioned fluid dispensing failure. Lateral openings between the protective sheets on the sides of the duckbill valve allow oral care fluid to easily enter the lateral bristle tufts on the toothbrush head and be more evenly distributed for rapid fluid dispensing to the array of tooth cleaning elements.

[0007] Fluid dispensing is initiated via an actuator on the toothbrush handle, operatively coupled to the fluid dispensing system. The actuator may be an elastomeric diaphragm button that can be manually pressed down to produce a pumping action to dispense oral care fluid from the fluid reservoir. A modular pumping mechanism, including interchangeable spacer inserts located below the button, allows for variation in the volume (i.e., dosage) of oral care fluid dispensed per pump stroke to accommodate various types of oral care agents that may be used.

[0008] In one aspect, a toothbrush having an oral care fluid dispenser includes: an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, a head defining a distal end, a handle defining a proximal end, and a neck extending between the head and the handle, the head including an array of dental cleaning elements; a reservoir configured to store oral care fluid; an actuator operable to dispense oral care fluid from the reservoir; an elastomeric valve nested between a spaced-apart pair of first and second protective sheets, the valve being fluidly coupled to the reservoir; and wherein, when the actuator is actuated, the valve is resiliently changeable between a normally closed position and an open position for dispensing oral care fluid from the reservoir.

[0009] In another aspect, a method of brushing teeth using a toothbrush including an oral care fluid dispensing system comprises: providing a toothbrush defining a longitudinal axis, a handle including a reservoir containing oral care fluid, and a head including an array of tooth cleaning elements and an elastomeric valve nested between an elastomeric first protective sheet and an elastomeric second protective sheet, the valve being fluidly coupled to the reservoir; pressing an actuator operably coupled to the reservoir and the valve; dispensing a quantity of oral care fluid from the valve; moving the toothbrush in a brushing stroke in a first longitudinal direction while engaging the teeth; and the teeth causing the first protective sheet to elastically bend to engage the second protective sheet, which at least partially covers the valve to prevent external fluid from entering the valve.

[0010] In another aspect, an oral care appliance with a modular fluid dispensing mechanism includes: an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a reservoir disposed in the handle and containing oral care fluid; a valve fluidly connected to the reservoir via a flow conduit; a movable actuator button operable to dispense oral care fluid from the reservoir via the valve through a manual pump stroke; the actuator button closing an outwardly opening pump chamber fluidly connected to the flow conduit; and a plurality of interchangeable spacer inserts, each having a common mounting interface, the spacer inserts being... Configured for insertion into a pump chamber on a handle, a choke volume is formed between the actuator button and a spacer insert inserted into the spacer insert, the choke volume corresponding to the dose of oral care fluid dispensed per pump stroke of the actuator button; the spacer insert includes a first spacer insert having a first configuration; the spacer insert also includes a second spacer insert having a second configuration different from the first configuration; wherein the dose of oral care fluid dispensed per pump stroke is variable by installing the first spacer insert or the second spacer insert in the pump chamber.

[0011] In another aspect, a method for forming a fluid dispensing oral care appliance having a pre-selected oral care fluid dosage includes: selecting a spacer insert from a plurality of pre-manufactured spacer inserts, each having a different configuration; inserting the selected spacer insert into an injection mold in an actuator button seat area of ​​an oral care appliance portion of an injection mold; and molding an oral care appliance body onto the selected spacer insert.

[0012] In another aspect, a method for forming an oral care appliance with a modular fluid dispensing mechanism includes: providing an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and a handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a reservoir disposed in the handle and containing oral care fluid; a valve fluidly connected to the reservoir via a flow conduit; and a movable actuator button operable to dispense oral care fluid from the reservoir via the valve through a manual pump stroke, wherein the actuator button closes an outwardly opening pump chamber fluidly connected to the flow conduit; and providing a plurality of interchangeable spacer inserts, each having a common mounting interface, the spacer inserts being configured for insertion. In the pump chamber of the handle, the spacer insert includes a first spacer insert having a first configuration and a second spacer insert having a second configuration different from the first configuration; one of the first spacer insert or the second spacer insert is inserted into the pump chamber; a cutoff volume is formed between the actuator button and the inserted first spacer insert or the second spacer insert, the cutoff volume corresponding to the dose of oral care fluid dispensed for each pump stroke of the actuator button; wherein the dose of oral care fluid dispensed for each pump stroke is variable by installing the first spacer insert or the second spacer insert in the pump chamber.

[0013] Other applications of the invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments provided below. It should be understood that while the specific embodiments and examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an oral care appliance in the form of a toothbrush having a fluid dispensing system according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is its front view;

[0017] Figure 3 From Figure 2 A magnified front view of the cut-out toothbrush head;

[0018] Figure 4 From Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cut head;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of an exploded toothbrush;

[0020] Figure 6This is a rear perspective view of an exploded toothbrush;

[0021] Figure 7 From Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toothbrush;

[0022] Figure 8 From Figure 7 Enlarged screenshot;

[0023] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the front of the toothbrush head;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the fluid distribution valve and related protective sheet of a toothbrush;

[0026] Figure 12 From Figure 11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of its side section;

[0027] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an alternative construction of the fluid distribution valve and protective diaphragm;

[0028] Figure 14A This is a first side view showing the fluid distribution valve and protective sheet in their undeformed state before brushing;

[0029] Figure 14B This is a second view showing the deformation of the protective sheet during the brushing stroke in the first longitudinal direction;

[0030] Figure 14C This is a third view showing the deformation of the protective sheet during the brushing stroke in the second longitudinal direction;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a front perspective view of a toothbrush with its pumping mechanism disassembled.

[0032] Figure 16 This is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pumping mechanism of a toothbrush without any additional spacer inserts.

[0033] Figure 17A This is a first longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the pumping mechanism in the first actuation operation position;

[0034] Figure 17B This is a second longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the pumping mechanism in the second actuation operation position;

[0035] Figure 17C This is a third longitudinal section view showing the pumping mechanism in the pumping or dispensing operation position;

[0036] Figure 18A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush showing the first spacer insert installed in the pumping mechanism of the toothbrush;

[0037] Figure 18B From Figure 18A Enlarged screenshot;

[0038] Figure 19A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush showing the second spacer insert installed in the pumping mechanism of the toothbrush;

[0039] Figure 19B From Figure 19A Enlarged screenshot;

[0040] Figure 20A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush showing the third spacer insert installed in the pumping mechanism of the toothbrush;

[0041] Figure 20B From Figure 20A Enlarged screenshot;

[0042] Figure 21A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush showing the fourth spacer insert installed in the pumping mechanism of the toothbrush;

[0043] Figure 21B From Figure 21A Enlarged screenshot;

[0044] Figure 22A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush showing the fifth spacer insert installed in the pumping mechanism of the toothbrush;

[0045] Figure 22B From Figure 22A Enlarged screenshot;

[0046] Figure 23A yes Figure 21B A diagram of the actuator button and spacer insert;

[0047] Figure 23B yes Figure 18B A diagram of the actuator button and spacer insert;

[0048] Figure 23C yes Figure 19B A diagram of the actuator button and spacer insert; and

[0049] Figure 23D yes Figure 20B A diagram of the actuator button and spacer insert.

[0050] All figures are to be considered schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale; unless otherwise expressly stated herein, features that are numbered in some figures and unnumbered in others are the same features. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is by no means intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses.

[0052] The description of illustrative embodiments of the invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered an integral part of the entire written description. Any references to direction or orientation in the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are intended only for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be understood to refer to orientations as described later or as shown in the accompanying drawings discussed. These relative terms are for ease of description only and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise. Unless explicitly described otherwise, terms such as “attach,” “connect,” “join,” “interconnect,” etc., refer to a relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through intermediate structures, and where the attachment or relationship is movable or rigid. Furthermore, features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments that illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0053] As used throughout, a range is used as a concise expression to describe the individual values ​​within that range and each value. Any value within a range may be chosen as an endpoint of the range. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and those in the cited references, the definitions in this disclosure shall prevail.

[0054] Figures 1 to 10 A non-limiting embodiment of an oral care appliance is shown, which may include an oral care fluid 32 (shown in...). Figures 21A to 2A fluid-dispensing toothbrush 20 (1C). The toothbrush 20 has an axially elongated body 20a defining a longitudinal axis LA. The toothbrush includes a handle 21 defining a proximal end 26 of the toothbrush and a head 22 defining a relatively distal end 27 of the toothbrush. In one configuration, the head 22 is supported by the handle via an intermediate neck 23 extending between the head and the handle. In a non-limiting embodiment, the head, handle, and neck may be different integral parts of a single, integral body, or in other possible configurations they may be separate parts joined together. The body of the toothbrush 20 may have any suitable configuration including straight sections and / or curved sections with varying diameters or widths, and is expressly not limited to any configuration for convenience. Figure 1 The simple example shown is shown below.

[0055] The longitudinal axis LA extends from the proximal end 26 to the distal end 27, following the contour and shape of the toothbrush body 101, and remains at the center line of each cross-section of the body through which the longitudinal axis extends. Therefore, the longitudinal axis LA is not necessarily a straight reference line in all cases, depending on the shape and curvature of the toothbrush body, as well as the user's field of vision when viewing the toothbrush from different angles and orientations.

[0056] In some embodiments, the neck 23 may be a structure that is narrower in width and / or height than the head 22 and / or the handle 21 (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis LA). The construction of the neck does not limit the invention and can have any suitable construction.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the elongated body of toothbrush 20 can be made of any suitable oral hygiene material, such as, but not limited to, rigid plastic materials. Some non-limiting examples of materials include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters, such as polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments, and the body or certain portions thereof (handle, neck, and / or head) can be formed of semi-rigid materials. The handle 21 may also include a surface portion formed of a non-slip, resilient material for greater comfort and operability, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) fixed to selected portions or the entire handle via overmolding to enhance grip during use. For example, portions of the handle 21 that are typically gripped by the user's palm, fingers, and / or thumb during use may be partially or completely overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further enhance user comfort and grip, as well as improve aesthetics. The body of the toothbrush 20 can be formed by injection molding, extrusion, and / or other processes and combinations thereof. The materials used in the construction of the toothbrush and the manufacturing methods employed are not limiting of the invention.

[0058] The head 22 includes a front side 24, an opposing rear side 25, and a pair of longitudinally extending opposing sides 64. In one embodiment, the front side 24 of the head 22 may be substantially planar. The head 22 includes a plurality of dental cleaning elements 28 extending laterally (e.g., perpendicularly and / or obliquely therefrom) from the front side. Unless so specified in the claims, the precise type, structure, pattern, orientation, and material of the array of dental cleaning elements on the head 22 do not limit the invention.

[0059] As used herein, the term "dental cleaning element" is generally used to refer to any structure or combination of structures that can be used to clean, polish, or wipe teeth and / or soft oral tissues (e.g., tongue, cheeks, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of "dental cleaning elements" include, but are not limited to, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions such as sheets, combinations thereof, and / or other structures formed from such materials. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible elastomeric material suitable for oral hygiene devices. To provide optimal comfort and cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of a dental cleaning sheet may have hardness characteristics in the Shore hardness range of A8 to A25. A suitable elastomeric material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as, but not limited to, styrene-ethylene / butene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS. However, SEBS materials from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the said hardness range may be used.

[0060] The dental cleaning element 28 of the present invention can be permanently attached to the head 22 in any suitable manner, and this does not limit the invention to the scope described in the claims. For example, the cleaning element / dental engagement element can be mounted using pins / anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT), or anchor-free tufting (AFT). In AFT, the membrane or "top plate" 30 is fixed to the brush head, for example, by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate. The free ends of the bristles on the outward-facing, exposed side of the plate perform the dental cleaning function. The ends of the bristles, received in a groove 31 in the head on the other concealed side of the plate, are thermally fused together and anchored in place. In the extensive practice of the invention, any suitable form of cleaning element can be used.

[0061] In a non-limiting embodiment, the dental cleaning element 28 includes a bristle array 28a and an elastomeric sheet 28b. In one embodiment, a distal sheet cluster and a proximal sheet cluster 128b may be provided, each comprising three sheets 28b arranged circumferentially spaced apart, as shown in... Figure 3The best illustration is shown in the figure. Other elastomeric sheets and / or bristles can be arranged in clusters or tufts of various other configurations; some of which are further described herein.

[0062] The fluid dispensing system according to this disclosure typically includes a fluid dispensing valve (e.g., an elastomeric duckbill valve 40 in one embodiment), an internal oral care fluid reservoir 41, and an internal flow conduit 42 extending longitudinally through the toothbrush body 20a and fluidly connecting the reservoir to the valve. In some embodiments, the flow conduit 42 may have a circular cross-sectional shape; however, other suitable polygonal and non-polygonal cross-sectional shapes may be used. The flow conduit may be integrally formed as an opening molded through the body of the toothbrush (i.e., the head, neck, and handle) during forming, or it may be a separate tubular member inserted through the body. Either configuration may be used.

[0063] In one embodiment, the oral care fluid reservoir 41 may be defined by a fluid cylinder 46, which is removably disposed and inserted into the internal longitudinal cavity 21a of the handle 21. Figure 5 and 6 In one configuration shown, the handle 21 may have a fixed front portion 47 integrally formed with the toothbrush body as a single structural component; and a removable rear portion 48 defining a longitudinal cavity 21a. The rear portion 48 houses a cartridge 46 within the cavity. In some embodiments, the cartridge 26 may be integrally formed as a single structural component of the rear portion 48. The cartridge 46 has a hollow cylindrical tubular body for storing oral care fluid 32 therein (see, for example...). Figures 21A to 2 1C). Also refer to Figure 16 A and 16B, the tube 46 also includes a proximal end 55 and a distal end 56, the distal end 56 terminating at an outwardly flared opening 51 in a truncated conical shape. The opening 51 accommodates an inwardly tapering inlet nozzle 52, integrally formed with the distal portion of the handle 21, the neck 23 of the toothbrush body, and the head 22. The nozzle 52 is an integral component of the proximal end of a flow conduit 42 extending through the nozzle. A fluid seal is formed between the nozzle 52 and the distal end 56 of the tube 46 via a frictional fit between the tapering nozzle and the opening 51. The outwardly flared opening 51 facilitates the guidance of the narrowed nozzle 52 into the tube, enhancing the frictional fit therebetween for fluid connection. The tube 46 may be equipped with a fragile seal 57 that maintains the integrity of the tube's contents (i.e., oral care agent) until attached to the toothbrush 20. The seal 57 covers the tube opening and is punctured by inserting the flow conduit inlet nozzle 52 into the tube opening. Figure 16 The image shows a fragile seal that has been punctured and torn after installation.

[0064] To facilitate proper positioning and attachment of the rear portion 48 of the handle 21 to the front portion 47, some embodiments of the rear portion may include a longitudinally extending positioning pin 49, which is received in the rear pocket 50 of the proximal handle portion (see reference). Figures 5 to 6 and Figure 16 (A to 16B). A positioning pin projects distally and longitudinally from the rear portion 48 of the detachable handle, and when the detachable rear portion is assembled to the front portion 47 of the handle 21, the pouch 50 opens proximally to accommodate the pin insertably. The rear portion 48 can be locked to the front portion 47 via a locking pin 58, which is received by an opening locking groove 59 formed in the front portion of the handle 21. The locking groove 59 may be located proximally to the front portion of the handle, and the locking pin 58 may be spaced inwardly from the proximally end of the rear portion 48. In some embodiments, as shown, the rear portion 48 may include and define the proximally end 26 of the toothbrush body.

[0065] The oral care fluid cartridge 46 may include a longitudinally movable piston follower 54 that closes and seals the proximal end of the cartridge. Since the oral care fluid is depleted with each dispensing, the piston follower 54 advances distally toward the head to prevent a vacuum from forming within the reservoir 41 of the cartridge by balancing the pressure in the fluid dispensing system. In some embodiments, as non-limiting examples of creating a movable fluid seal at the distal end of the cartridge 46, the follower 54 may be made of rubber or an elastomeric polymer.

[0066] Reference Figure 8 and 13 The distal end of the flow conduit 42 terminates in an open outlet port or interface 43. The inlet plug 44 of the duckbill valve 40 is insertably received in and fluidly connected to the outlet interface 43. A frictional engagement between the flexible elastomer plug 44 (integrated with the valve body) and the mounting through-hole 60 in the top plate 30 holds the valve to the plate and outlet portion 43 of the fluid distribution system. An internal flow passage 61 extends through the plug 44 to an outlet slit 45, which is elastically biased to normally close by the valve's elastic memory and can open under pressurized flow when fluid is pressurized by the brake 100 to distribute oral care fluid 32 to the area of ​​the dental cleaning element, as further described herein. Removing the pressure causes the valve to reclose and stops the flow of oral care fluid to the dental cleaning element 28. In some embodiments, the body of the duckbill valve 40 may be considered generally cylindrical, except for the chisel-shaped flaps 62 that converge to form the linear outlet slit 45.

[0067] The duckbill valve 40 on the head 22 and the operably mating dental cleaning element 28 will now be described, which functionally interact in the distribution of oral care fluid to minimize or prevent external fluid in the oral cavity (i.e., mouth) from entering the valve and contaminating the fluid distribution system during brushing.

[0068] First refer to Figure 3 , 8 In configurations 10 to 13, the duckbill valve 40 may be centrally located on the toothbrush head 22 within the array of tooth cleaning elements 28, and in some non-limiting cases as shown, approximately at the geometric center of the head. An openable / closeable flap 62 of the valve, defining a linear outlet slit 45, protrudes from the top plate 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the toothbrush 20.

[0069] Although duckbill valves are shown and described herein, other types of elastically biased elastomeric valves and different constructions can be used. Other types of outlet slits can be used, including but not limited to cross-shaped slits. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the use of duckbill valves alone in fluid distribution systems.

[0070] In one embodiment, a pair of elastomeric protective sheets 63 may be disposed immediately adjacent to the duckbill valve 40. In some embodiments, the bristle tuft 28a or other dental cleaning element may not be disposed between the valve 40 and the protective sheets 63, which may interfere with the proper bending / folding of the sheets above the duckbill valve, as further described herein. In one embodiment, the protective sheets may have an arcuate cross-sectional shape; however, in other possible embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the protective sheets may be linear and straight. Each arcuate protective sheet defines a concave recess that can face the duckbill valve. Due to the structure of the arcuate walls of the sheets, the sheets will experience less resistance there when bending toward the duckbill valve in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] Each of the protective sheets 63 has a lateral width extending between the sides 64 of the toothbrush head 22 that is greater than its longitudinal thickness, such that the protective sheets are oriented in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. This orientation allows the protective sheets 63 to be more easily deformed and bent in the longitudinal direction to at least partially cover or obscure the duckbill valve 40 to minimize and prevent external fluid from the oral cavity from entering the valve. In some embodiments, the outlet slit 45 of the duckbill valve 40 may also be oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis LA from one side to the other (e.g., perpendicular to it in the non-limiting embodiment shown). A pair of protective sheets 63 may include a distal protective sheet 63a disposed on the distal side of the duckbill valve 40 and a proximal protective sheet 63b disposed on the proximal side of the valve.

[0072] Because the protective sheet 63, directly associated with the duckbill valve 40, is a solid elastomeric structure (e.g., TPE), a lateral opening flow area 65 is provided on each side of the duckbill valve between the protective sheets. This allows oral care fluid to migrate more easily from the pouch formed by the protective sheets to the tooth-cleaning element on the side of the valve, thereby promoting a more even and rapid distribution of fluid on the head 22 during the initial brushing cycle. It also prevents the trapping of oral care fluid near the valve 40 on the brush head, which could lead to the accumulation of residue on the brush head over time, potentially containing bacteria harmful to oral health.

[0073] Each of the protective sheets 63 can be supported by reinforcing ribs 70. In one embodiment, an integrally molded, angled reinforcing rib is formed on the side of the protective sheet opposite to the side facing the duckbill valve 40, which is an integral structural component of the sheet. Therefore, the ribs 70 can be formed of the same elastomeric material as the sheets 63. As shown, the ribs 70 can have a height that is substantially co-linear with (or slightly higher than) the height H1 of the duckbill valve. The outermost ends of the ribs 70 (i.e., furthest from the front surface 24 of the head 22) define a bend line BL around which the protective sheets 63 will bend and fold during deformation by a brushing action. The portions of the sheet below the bend line BL are more resistant to bending because they are supported by the reinforcing ribs. In one embodiment, the ribs 70 can have a triangular configuration; however, other shapes can be used. Reinforcing ribs on the distal protective sheet 63a are arranged on their distal sides to resist bending toward the distal end of the head, and reinforcing ribs on the proximal protective sheet 63b are arranged on their proximal sides to resist bending toward the proximal end of the head. The protective sheet has no reinforcing ribs 70 on the side facing the duckbill valve 40 to allow the sheet to easily deform and fold on the top of the valve to at least partially close the valve's outlet slit 45.

[0074] The height H2 of the distal protective sheet 63a and the proximal protective sheet 63b can be significantly greater than the height H1 of the duckbill valve 40 measured outward from the front or anterior side 24 of the head 22 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA (see reference). Figure 8 , 10 (and 12). In one embodiment, the height H2 of the protective sheets 63a, 63b is at least twice the height H1. This height difference and the proximity of the protective sheets to the duckbill valve 40 advantageously allow the sheets to bend and fold to at least partially close the valve's outlet slit 40 to minimize the ingress of external fluid during scrubbing. This is shown in Figures 14A to 14C middle.

[0075] Figure 14A The protective sheet 63 is shown in its upright, undeformed state / position, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and the front surface 24 of the head 22. Figure 14BThe brushing motion or stroke is shown in the first longitudinal direction DR1 across the teeth. The engagement of the teeth causes the distal protective sheet 63a to bend and fold over the top of the duckbill valve 40 to engage the proximal protective sheet 63b, thereby at least partially closing and covering the duckbill valve to prevent external fluid from entering the duckbill valve. Figure 14C During the brushing stroke in the opposite second longitudinal direction DR2 shown, the proximal protective sheet 63b folds to engage the distal protective sheet 63a and closes / covers the duckbill valve to prevent external fluid from entering the duckbill valve. During brushing, the protective sheet... Figure 14B and 14C It oscillates back and forth between these two brushing positions. As shown in some embodiments, the protective sheet 63 can also... Figure 14B and 14C During the movement, the distal and proximal fin clusters 128b on the toothbrush head 22 are alternately engaged. In one embodiment, in an arrangement as shown, the duckbill valve 40, the protective fin 63, and the fin cluster 128b are all aligned on the longitudinal axis LA of the toothbrush head.

[0076] It is worth noting that the protective sheet 63 is designed to prevent large amounts of external fluids (such as dental floss, saliva, etc.) from entering the duckbill valve 40, but may not necessarily prevent all external fluids from entering the valve. A very small amount of external oral fluid may leak into the valve through the side of the duckbill valve or through the protective sheet, which may be unavoidable in some cases. Such a small amount of leakage will be flushed out during the next fluid dispensing cycle.

[0077] However, in order to minimize the amount of external fluid in the area of ​​the tooth cleaning element 28 that reaches laterally from the side of the tooth cleaning element of the head 22 and may enter the slit 45 of the duckbill valve 40, a pair of laterally opposed protective bristle tuft walls 66 can be arranged adjacent to the valve, as in Figure 3 As best shown in the diagram. The bristle tuft walls 66 are located on either side of the opposite sides of the duckbill valve and face the lateral opening regions 65 within the array of tooth-cleaning elements surrounding the valve. In one embodiment, the tuft walls 66 may have a linear configuration and, as shown, be located between the side 64 of the toothbrush head 22 and the duckbill valve 40. The bristle tuft walls 66 may extend a longitudinal length greater than the diameter or longitudinal length of the duckbill valve. Measured vertically outward from the planar front surface of the head, the height H3 of the tuft walls may be at least equal to a pair of protective sheets 63 (see, for example...). Figure 4 and 14ABecause oral care fluid can penetrate the bristle tuft wall during the brushing motion, which tends to separate individual bristles when pressed against the teeth, the fluid can be evenly distributed and distributed laterally and then longitudinally within the tooth cleaning element 28 during the brushing stroke. Simultaneously, the tuft wall 66 advantageously prevents external fluid from flowing into the mouth towards the duckbill valve. In some embodiments, an additional lateral tooth cleaning element, such as bristle tufts 67 of various configurations (e.g., circular, oval, etc.), can be provided between the side 64 of the toothbrush head 22 and the linear bristle tuft wall 66 (see example...). Figure 3 ).

[0078] Several construction options can be used to form the duckbill valve 40 and the associated protective sheet 63. Figure 11 and 12 In one configuration shown, since the valve and sheet can be formed from the same elastomeric material (e.g., TPE), the valve 40 and sheet 63 can be formed as a single, integral, one-piece structure injection molded during the same process. The elastomeric reinforcing rib 70 can also be integrally formed as part of this single molded component. As shown, the proximal sheet cluster 28b and distal sheet cluster 28b can also optionally be formed as integral parts of the same single structure. All these features can be structurally connected by a common longitudinally extending ridge 71, which is integrally formed as part of an assembly of integrally molded components. The molded assembly can then be attached to the AFT top plate 30. In other possible configurations, the reinforcing rib 70 and the duckbill valve 40 can be molded as integral parts independently attached to the ridge 71 and the integral body of the protective sheet 63.

[0079] exist Figure 13 In another construction option shown, the duckbill valve 40 can be a separate, discrete component attached to the top plate 30, distinct from the protective sheet 63, which can be molded as a single, integral structure. In this embodiment, the valve's inlet plug 44 can be larger than the mounting through-hole 60 in the top plate 30. When the cylindrical, outwardly exposed portion of the valve is inserted into the through plate, the plug 44 is positioned below the top plate in the front recess 31 of the toothbrush head 22. The plug 44 of the valve 40 can also be inserted into the outlet portion 43 of the fluid distribution system in the head 22.

[0080] Modular fluid distribution mechanism

[0081] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a modular fluid dispensing mechanism for changing the amount or dose of oral care fluid dispensed by the fluid dispensing actuator 100 with each press will now be described.

[0082] Oral care appliances with a fluid dispensing system according to this disclosure include a manually operated fluid pump device or mechanism that powers an oral care fluid delivery function. In one embodiment, the oral care appliance may be a toothbrush 20. The fluid pump mechanism allows a user to press a pressable actuator 100, which includes an elastically deformable elastomeric actuator button 101 having elastic memory that returns the button to its initial and normal undeformed state upon release. Pressing the button 101 forces oral care fluid contained in a reservoir 41 of a user-replaceable cartridge 46, as previously described herein, through the length of the toothbrush interior in a flow conduit 42, dispensing a volume or dose of fluid to the toothbrush head's dental cleaning element.

[0083] Reference Figures 17A to 17C The fluid pump mechanism typically functions as follows to distribute oral care fluid to the array of dental cleaning elements on the toothbrush head 22 via the duckbill valve 40. Initially, when using the toothbrush for the first time, the user presses / depresses button 101 and releases button 101. Figure 17A -See directional arrow). Upon release of the button, a vacuum is created as the button elastically returns to its original undeformed shape, drawing oral care fluid from the reservoir 41 into the internal flow conduit 42 extending from the reservoir through the handle 21, neck 23, and head 22. Figure 17B ). On the next press of button 101 ( Figure 17C During this period, the compression of the air trapped below button 101 forces the oral care fluid through the length of the toothbrush and out through the discharge slit 45 of the duckbill valve 40 on the toothbrush head. The vacuum force generated during the second return stroke of the button (not shown, but similar) Figure 17B The fluid in the flow cannula 42, which was just dispensed, is refilled. The refilled flow cannula is now ready to dispense oral care fluid again when the actuator button 101 is pressed the next time, and so on.

[0084] The amount or volume of liquid dispensed after the actuator button is pressed (also known as the dose) is proportional to the volume of air trapped beneath the pressable elastomeric button 101, which is pressed down and displaced by the force applied by the user when the button is pressed or struck. Sometimes it may be necessary to modify the desired fluid output volume, possibly due to factors such as regulatory restrictions on active ingredients, the desired dose of different active ingredients delivered with each stroke of button 101, variations in the viscosity of the dispensed fluid, cost savings, and / or other reasons. However, for a given toothbrush, the integral body of the toothbrush with the actuator button 101 mounted is dimensionally fixed by a metal mold used for injection molding the integral polymer toothbrush body. This, in turn, dimensionally fixes the amount or dose of oral care fluid that can be delivered with each press of the actuator button. To change the dose via reconfiguration (i.e., shape and / or size) of the button seat area below the button on the toothbrush handle, a completely new set of injection molds must be designed and obtained, which is an expensive undertaking.

[0085] This disclosure provides a modular fluid dispensing mechanism that eliminates the need for new injection molds each time the dosage delivery of the fluid dispensing system needs adjustment. The same base toothbrush body substrate can be reused. Therefore, the modular fluid dispensing mechanism includes the same base toothbrush body and a plurality of selectable spacer inserts 102 in different configurations (i.e., shape and / or height) implemented below the button. The different spacer inserts modify and change the volume of air trapped below the button, and thus modify and change the volume of oral care fluid delivered with each press or stroke of the pressable actuator button 101. Thus, the spacer inserts can limit button travel and therefore limit the output volume of the dispensing system according to the height and shape of the selected spacer. This means that only a small dimensional change in the handle body via the spacer inserts 102 may be needed to advantageously deliver the complete product platform with reduced manufacturing complexity.

[0086] Figure 15 This is an exploded view showing an improved button assembly including one of an elastomeric actuator button 101, a button retaining ring 106, and a plurality of spacer inserts 102. The button seat region 108 of the toothbrush handle 21 defines a forward-facing, outwardly opening pump recess or cavity 103, which is completely closed by the button to form an air trapping volume. The pump cavity 103 defines a fixed spacer insert mounting interface (i.e., shape and size) configured to accept a plurality of different, interchangeable spacer inserts 102, each having a mounting interface (i.e., a common mounting interface) suitable for fitting into the cavity, as further described herein. The pump cavity 103 is constructed complementaryly to the button 101, as in... Figure 15As best illustrated in the diagram. In one embodiment, both the pump chamber 103 and the button 101 can have any elliptical shape; however, other non-polygonal shapes (e.g., circles) and polygonal shapes can be widely used.

[0087] Figure 16 A fluid dispensing mechanism for a toothbrush 20, currently not using the spacer insert 102, is shown, which forms a baseline oral care fluid delivery volume or dose. (See reference...) Figure 15 and 16 The actuator button 101 is connected to the toothbrush handle 21 via a retaining ring 106. The retaining ring 106 is received in a circumferentially extending retaining groove 109 that extends continuously around the periphery of the pump chamber 103 of the handle. The button 101 includes an annular retaining flange 110 projecting outward from the bottom of the button. The flange is secured in the groove 109 by a press-fit engagement of an annular stepped portion 111 of the retaining ring 106 to secure the button to the toothbrush.

[0088] In one embodiment, the actuator button 101 may have an outwardly projecting spherical or dome-shaped shape forming an elastomeric diaphragm structure that can be manually pressed down and displaced with each fluid pumping stroke by the user. The button is supported only along its periphery in the button seat region 108 and attached to the toothbrush handle 21. In other embodiments, other button shapes may be used.

[0089] The depth of the pump chamber 103, which has a front opening in the handle 21, extends partially through the handle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the toothbrush 20 and does not intersect with the fluid transfer flow conduit 42. The pump chamber 103 terminates at the bottom of the handle 21 by a partition bottom wall 107 that extends outward from the flow conduit 42 into the chamber 103. The bottom wall 107 is formed as a single, integral structural component of the molded, monolithic toothbrush body and is inseparable from it. The thickness T1 of the bottom wall 107 creates a corresponding fixed depth D1, which is measured between the underside of the button 101 and the outward-facing surface of the bottom wall in the pump chamber 103. When the actuator button 101 is mounted to the toothbrush handle 21, a cut-off baseline or fixed volume V1 associated with the depth D1 is defined between the button and the outward-facing front surface of the bottom wall 107. In one embodiment shown, the outward-facing front surface of the bottom wall 107 may be planar. Consider another approach, where the volume created by the lower recess 135 of the actuator button 101 and the volume of the pump chamber 103 together define the retaining fixed volume V1. A flow passage 104a, which may be a through-hole, extends completely through the bottom wall 107 and intersects with the fluid transfer flow conduit 42 in the handle 21 of the toothbrush. The flow passage 104a may intersect the flow conduit 42 downstream of a check valve 53 disposed within the flow conduit. The check valve 53 prevents backflow from the flow conduit 42 into the fluid reservoir 41 by allowing only unidirectional flow outward from it. Suitable commercially available wafer-type spring-loaded check valves for this application are available from Tecofi France and other suppliers. Other suitable types of unidirectional flow check valves may also be used.

[0090] A flow channel 104a in the bottom wall 107 of the toothbrush handle 21 fluidly communicates the retaining volume V1 below the button 101 with the flow conduit 42. This, in turn, operatively connects the actuator button 101 to the fluid reservoir 41 in the cartridge 46 for extracting oral care fluid, and to the duckbill valve 40 on the toothbrush head 22 for dispensing oral care fluid via a pumping action or stroke of the button by the user. The volume V1 represents and directly corresponds to the actual volume or dose of oral care fluid dispensed from the reservoir 41 each time the actuator button 101 is pressed (moved) during a pumping stroke, without the modifications made using the spacer insert 102 disclosed herein. This can be the appropriate and desired volume to be dispensed by the fluid pumping mechanism for some dosage application and type / formulation of the oral care agent contained in the oral care fluid.

[0091] However, for other oral care fluids and oral care agents, the fixed volume V1 may not represent the desired and / or appropriate dose. In such cases, however, the air trapping volume between the actuator button 101 and the bottom wall 107 can be modified and customized via interchangeably mounted spacer inserts 102. The spacer insert 102 reduces the volume and consequently reduces the dose of oral care agent delivered or dispensed per pump stroke without altering the base toothbrush body or injection mold. The thickness of the bottom wall 107 and the corresponding depth of the pump chamber 103 should therefore be initially preferably selected to provide the maximum desired and / or expected dose of oral care fluid that various oral care agents will require, since the volume / dose cannot be increased beyond the fixed volume V1 but can only be reduced via the spacer insert 102.

[0092] Figures 23A to 23D Several different interchangeable spacer inserts 102 are shown, which can be selected and inserted into the pump chamber 103 of the handle 21 to reduce and alter the volume or dose of oral care fluid dispensed per user-initiated fluid pump stroke from a baseline fixed volume V1. The inserts have different constructions and dimensions that effectively change the volume of the pump chamber 103 by modifying the original construction and thickness of the integral bottom wall 107 of the integral toothbrush body. Alternatively, the spacer insert 102 may alter the depth of the pump chamber 103, which forms an air trapping volume below the button 101, shifting the button 101 with each press of the actuator button to deliver the corresponding dose of oral care fluid.

[0093] Figure 23A A concave spacer insert 102A with an outwardly facing recess is shown, forming a retaining volume V2 below the actuator button 101. As shown, the insert 102A has a variable thickness T2, which is maximum at the outer periphery of the insert and minimum in the central region. It is worth noting that an alternative, opposite spacer insert concept could be a convex spacer with an outwardly projecting convex surface instead of a recess. Figure 23B A first flat spacer insert 102B with a planar outward surface is shown, having a thickness T3 associated with forming a retaining volume V3. Figure 23C A second flat spacer insert 102C with a planar outward surface is shown, having a thickness T4 associated with forming a truncated volume V4 less than V3. Figure 23D A third flat spacer insert 102A with a planar outward surface is shown, having a thickness T5 associated with forming a retaining volume V5 smaller than V3 and V4. Volumes V2 to V5 are all smaller than the original baseline or fixed volume V1 without the spacer insert improvement added to the toothbrush bottom wall 107.

[0094] Each spacer insert 102A to 120D includes a flow channel 104b, which is concentrically aligned with a flow channel 104a extending through the bottom wall 107 when the insert is installed into the toothbrush. Together, these form a continuous flow channel between the retaining volumes V2, V3, V4, or V5 and the fluid distribution system flow conduit 42 when the insert is in place.

[0095] The common mounting interface shared by the spacer inserts compatible with the fixed mounting interface defined by the complementaryly configured handle pump chamber 103 includes an outer peripheral sidewall 132 of the same shape, sized to fit within an inwardly facing recess 135 on the underside of the actuator button 101, and an inner surface 131 of the same shape for forming a plane-to-plane mating engagement with the bottom wall 107 of the handle 21 (see, for example...). Figure 16 , 18A (to 21B and 23A to 23D). Therefore, the spacer insert 102 is at least partially accommodated within the recess of the button 101. The thickness T2 to T5 and shape of the outer surface 130 facing the button 101 of each spacer insert 102A to 102D may differ, as they do not affect the common mounting interface and interchangeability of the inserts.

[0096] In one method or process, spacer inserts 102 can be directly integrated into the body 20a of the toothbrush 20 using insert molding; the latter will include a bottom wall 107. A plurality of spacer inserts 102A to 102D can be prefabricated and molded separately from the toothbrush body. The inserts can be formed from the same or different polymer materials used for molding the toothbrush body. A method or process for forming a toothbrush with a preset or pre-selected oral care fluid dosage using spacer inserts can be summarized as follows. First, the process begins by selecting a spacer insert 102 from a plurality of prefabricated spacer inserts 102A to 102D, each with a different configuration.

[0097] It is worth noting that the term “construction” as used herein and throughout this disclosure should be interpreted as including both shape and size (i.e., thickness, depth, width, height, length, diameter, etc.).

[0098] The next step in the process or method is to insert the selected spacer insert into the injection mold in the button area of ​​the toothbrush handle portion. Next, the process or method continues to mold the toothbrush body onto the selected spacer insert 102, thereby directly integrating the insert into the toothbrush body composition. The advantage of this clamping molding process is that the spacer insert is directly and permanently incorporated into the toothbrush body base during initial molding, thus providing seamless integration of the insert and body into a single, inseparable component.

[0099] After the injection molding operation is completed, the button 101 can be attached to the toothbrush 20 as follows: first, position the button on the spacer insert 102 and into the retaining groove 109, and then insert the retaining ring 106 into the groove above the annular retaining flange 110 of the insert via a press-fit. The fluid pumping mechanism of the toothbrush is now complete and ready to operate.

[0100] In alternative processes, the spacer insert can be directly overmolded onto the toothbrush body structure, which is first injection molded separately. The toothbrush body base is then placed in a separate mold where overmolding is performed. The spacer insert is then injection molded onto the base to complete the integration of the insert and the toothbrush body.

[0101] Figures 18A to 21B Each of the spacer inserts 102A to 102D in the toothbrush 20 in a fully assembled state after either of the two injection molding processes described above and after the actuator button 101 is subsequently attached is depicted.

[0102] Instead of integrating the spacer insert 102 via molding, Figures 22A to 22B An alternative method for mechanically attaching an insert to a toothbrush is shown. In this embodiment, the spacer insert 102E is provided with a protruding rod 120 including a flow channel 104b. The rod is sized to be inserted into a corresponding flow channel 104a formed in the bottom wall 107 of the toothbrush body 20a after the toothbrush body base has been molded (as shown). A frictional press-fit is provided between the insert rod 120 and the flow channel 104a to hold the insert in place. The actuator button 101 is then mounted via a retaining ring 106 as previously described herein. Any of the aforementioned or other configurations of the insert rods 102A to 102D can be used for the mechanically attached spacer insert 102E. An air trapping volume V3 is shown to illustrate how it can be generated and passed through via the mechanically attached insert 102E. Figure 18B and 23B The same retention volume is produced by the spacer insert 102B molded by the clamp shown in the figure.

[0103] Non-limiting examples of active agents that can be incorporated into oral care fluid F include antibacterial agents, whitening agents, antisensitizing agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-adhesion agents, plaque indicators, flavoring agents, sensory agents, and coloring agents. Examples of these agents include metal ion agents (e.g., stannous ion agents, copper ion agents, zinc ion agents, silver ion agents), triclosan, triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexidine, alexiconidine, hexocide, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, salicylaniline, domiphen bromide, hexadecylpyridine chloride, tetradecylpyridine chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridine chloride (TDEPC), ostinidine, dimopistol, octopiol, nisin, essential oils, furanones, bacteriocins, flavans, flavonoids, folic acid, vitamins, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP-H2O2, polymer-bound peroxides, potassium nitrate, plugging agents, and bioactive compounds. Bioactive glass, arginine salts, arginine bicarbonate, bacalin, polyphenols, ethyl pyruvate, guanidinoethyl disulfide, tartar control agents, anti-fouling ingredients, phosphates, polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM / MA copolymers; enzymes, glucose oxidase, papain, fig protease, ethyl lauroyl arginine, menthol, carvone and anethole, various flavoring aldehydes, esters and alcohols, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, sassafras oil, clove oil, sage oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, pearberry oil, grapefruit oil and / or orange oil.

[0104] Surfactants and / or their mediators can be selected to complement toothpaste formulations, for example, by harmonizing flavor, color, aesthetics, or active ingredients. Flavoring agents can be applied to create gradual flavor changes during brushing, which is currently impossible with toothpaste alone.

[0105] Surfactants may be compatible with toothpaste, or may be unstable and / or react with typical toothpaste ingredients. Surfactants can also be used in dental cleaning agents to enhance the overall effectiveness of brushing.

[0106] In some embodiments, the active agent may be provided in any suitable fluid carrier, such as in an aqueous solution. Non-limiting examples of carriers include water, monohydric alcohols such as ethanol, poly(ethylene oxide) such as polyethylene glycol such as PEG 2M, 5M, 7M, 14M, 23M, 45M, and 90M available from Union Carbide, and carboxymethyl polymers such as those available from BFGoodrich. 934 and 974, and combinations thereof. The selection of a suitable carrier, depending on factors such as the nature of the surfactant and the desired properties of the medium (e.g., viscosity), will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Examples of teeth whitening compositions are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,770,266 and 6,669,930, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] Although a fluid dispensing mechanism has been described and shown in one embodiment of an oral care appliance in the form of a toothbrush 20 for ease of description, it should be understood that the fluid dispensing mechanism can be implemented in other types of oral care appliances, such as whitening pens or similar appliances, that dispense other oral care active agents. Such alternative appliances can be freestanding devices or detachably attached to a toothbrush for use in conjunction with a brushing regimen. Therefore, the term "oral care appliance" should be interpreted broadly.

[0108] It should be understood that although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, the foregoing description and examples are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and such aspects and modifications are within the scope of the invention and are described and claimed herein.

Claims

1. A toothbrush with an oral care fluid dispenser, comprising: An elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, a head defining a distal end, a handle defining a proximal end, and a neck extending between the head and the handle; The head includes an array of tooth-cleaning elements; A reservoir configured to store oral care fluids; An actuator operable to dispense the oral care fluid from the reservoir; An elastomeric valve is nested between a pair of spaced-apart first and second protective sheets, the valve being fluidly connected to the reservoir; as well as When the actuator is actuated, the valve is resiliently changeable between a normally closed position and an open position for dispensing the oral care fluid from the reservoir. The first and second protective sheets are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis and are elastically deformable; and During the brushing stroke in the first longitudinal direction, the first protective sheet folds to engage the second protective sheet and covers the valve to prevent external fluid from entering the valve, and during the brushing stroke in the opposite second longitudinal direction, the second protective sheet folds to engage the first protective sheet and covers the valve to prevent external fluid from entering the valve.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a pair of protective sheets are positioned adjacent to the valve such that no other tooth cleaning elements exist between the valve and the protective sheets.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or 2 further includes a lateral opening flow region formed between a pair of protective sheets on each side of the valve, the opening flow region forming a path that allows the oral care fluid to migrate laterally outward from the valve to a lateral tooth cleaning element on the head adjacent to the valve.

4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein each of the open flow regions faces a linear bristle tuft wall, the bristle tuft wall being configured adjacent to the valve and disposed on opposite sides of the valve.

5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the cluster wall has a height at least equal to that of a pair of protective sheets.

6. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first protective sheet is disposed on the proximal side of the valve, and the second protective sheet is disposed on the distal side of the valve.

7. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein, measured perpendicularly outward from the planar front surface of the head, the height of each protective sheet is equal to or greater than twice the height of the valve.

8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the first protective sheet and the second protective sheet each have an arcuate cross-sectional shape defining a concave recess facing the valve.

9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve located at the geometric center of the head.

10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a pair of protective sheets and a valve are mounted to an anchorless clustering top plate disposed on the head of the toothbrush.

11. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a pair of protective sheets and a valve are integrally molded as a single, integral component attached to the head of the toothbrush.

12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the integral component further comprises a distal sheet cluster and a proximal sheet cluster integrally formed with the protective sheet and the valve.

13. The toothbrush of any claim 10, wherein the valve is a separate component, separately attached to the top plate and separate from the protective sheet.

14. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein each of the protective sheets further comprises an integrally molded angled reinforcing rib formed on the side of the protective sheet opposite to the valve.

15. The toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing ribs on the first protective sheet are arranged on the distal side to resist bending of the first protective sheet toward the distal end of the body, and the second protective sheet is arranged on the proximal side to resist bending of the second protective sheet toward the proximal end of the body.

16. The toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the duckbill valve is fluidly connected to the reservoir via an internal flow conduit extending through the body of the toothbrush, and the actuator is operatively connected to the flow conduit between the valve and the reservoir disposed in the handle.

17. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a resiliently deformable button that can be manually pressed down to pump oral care fluid from the reservoir through the valve.

18. A method of brushing teeth using a toothbrush including an oral care fluid dispensing system, the method comprising: The toothbrush is provided, the toothbrush defining a longitudinal axis, a handle including a reservoir for receiving oral care fluid, and a head including an array of dental cleaning elements and an elastomeric valve nested between a first elastomeric protective sheet and a second elastomeric protective sheet, the valve being fluidly coupled to the reservoir; Press the actuator operably connected to the reservoir and the valve; A certain amount of the oral care fluid is discharged from the valve; The toothbrush is moved in the first longitudinal direction during the brushing stroke while engaging the teeth; as well as The teeth cause the first protective sheet to bend elastically to engage the second protective sheet, which at least partially covers the valve to prevent external fluid from entering the valve.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The toothbrush is moved in the brushing stroke in the opposite second longitudinal direction while engaging the teeth; as well as The teeth cause the second protective sheet to bend elastically in the opposite direction to engage the first protective sheet, which at least partially covers the valve to prevent external fluid from entering the valve.

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