Dental package, and method of providing a dental material from a package

Abstract

A device for providing a dental material, which comprises a compartment formed by first and second interconnected layers, and a well adjacent the compartment in the first layer. The second layer partially overlaps the well. The device includes a compartment for receipt of an applicator and a compliant mechanism in the compartment to articulate the device along a fold line. The device helps the dental material to be used in a convenient manner, and may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Description

[0001] DENTAL PACKAGE, AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A DENTAL MATERIAL FROM A PACKAGE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device for providing a dental material. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a device and a kit that allow storing the dental composition in the device, and providing the dental composition in a convenient way to a user. The disclosure further relates to a method of providing a dental composition from such a device or kit.

[0003] Background of the disclosure

[0004] A variety of packages have been proposed over the years for containing and storing liquid and semi-liquid dental components and dental compositions. Examples of commonly used packages include cartridges, syringes or blister packages. Such packages are typically designed to provide a readily dispensable composition, a readily mixable composition, or to provide the components individually for subsequent mixing. There are also a variety of single use packages for providing suitable amounts of composition for a single treatment.

[0005] For example US 6,105,761 discloses a device for storing and dispensing substances, including a container formed by two sheets that are interconnected by heat sealing. The sheets form a compartment for receiving the liquid and a pocket for receiving a brush. In the area between the compartment and the pocket, the connection between the sheets includes a pre-defined break zone which can be released by pressure exerted on the compartment, to force the liquid from the compartment into the pocket and wet the tip of the brush disposed therein.

[0006] DE 100 09 622 discloses a device for storing and dispensing substances, including a container formed by two sheets, interconnected by heat sealing and cooperating to form a compartment for receiving the liquid and a pocket for receiving a brush. The device is designed to allow a liquid stored in the compartment to be forced in a pocket and from there onto a film sheet where it can be mixed.

[0007] EP 2 231 058 features a device for providing a dental material, which comprises a compartment formed by first and second interconnected layers, and a well adjacent the compartment in the first layer. The second layer at least partially overlaps the well. The device further includes a pocket for receipt of an applicator.

[0008] Examples of certain dental or orthodontic products commercially available for 3M Company based in St. Paul, Minnesota include 3M™ Adper™ Prompt™ L-Pop Adhesive, 3M™ Transbond™ L-Pop Adhesive. 3M™ Clinpro L-pop Blister, 3M™ Unitek™ Transbond™ and Transbond™ Plus Self Etching Primer, 3M™ L-Pop Prime and Bond Adhesive, 3M™ Adper™ L- Pop Easy Bond Self-Etch Adhesive, 3M™ L-Pop Single Bond Universal Adhesive, 3M™ L-Pop Scotchbond™ Universal and Universal™ Plus Adhesive Unit Doses.

[0009] There is still a desire for packages that can be used to provide dental compositions for different applications. In particular, suitable packages for providing relatively small amounts of a composition are desirable. Moreover, there is a need for packages that can be used in health care fields such as in dentistry, with its associated hygiene requirements. There is also a general need for packages that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and use.

[0010] Summary of the disclosure

[0011] A first aspect of the disclosure is related to a device for providing a dental material. The device comprises: a compartment including the dental material and a well adjacent the compartment with an openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism, wherein each compliant mechanism is a hinge, a notch, a pivot, a crease, a score line, a weakened portion, a line of concentrated stress, a frangible portion, a perforation, a bendable element, a thinner portion, a portion with lower modulus of strength, or a predetermined slot, void or gap.

[0012] Preferably the openable seal is adapted to form, when opened, a pathway for guiding the material from the compartment into the well. The openable seal is typically formed by interconnected layers which in the area of the seal are adapted to separate upon forcing at least a component of the dental material between the layers.

[0013] In one embodiment the device comprises an open pocket for receiving an applicator. The applicator may be a brush, a sponge, a spatula, swabs or any other applicator suitable for application of the dental material or a component of the dental material.

[0014] In a particular embodiment the first and second layers are made of a multilayer film. In certain embodiments, the first and second layers include a polymeric layer and a metallic layer (e.g., aluminum or steel). In other embodiments, the first and second layers are each a polymeric layer. In a particular embodiment the first and second layers are made of a multilayer film having an outer layer of polyethylene. At least one of the first and second layers may comprise a multilayer foil comprising an aluminum layer. Therefore the material may be generally inexpensive, but may provide a relatively impermeable barrier.

[0015] In another embodiment the device of the present disclosure contains a dental restorative, a dental primer, a dental cavity liner, a dental cement, an endodontic material, a dental varnish, a tooth desensitizer, a tooth coating, an orthodontic adhesive, an orthodontic primer, or an orthodontic cement, or at least one component thereof. The devices of the present disclosure may also be used to store and dispense any number of liquid or semi-liquid compositions, such as condiments, oils, skin-care compositions, etc.

[0016] In another particular embodiment the device may be provided with a gripping area. A user may hold the device conveniently at the gripping area during use, for example, during mixing components in the well, or removal of components from the well. The gripping area may be formed by an extension of one or both of the first and the second layers. For example, a tab or flap may be formed by the layer(s) of the device. The gripping area may be structured, for example may comprise linear bulged structures.

[0017] A second aspect is directed to a method of providing a dental material. The method comprises the steps of: providing a device comprising; a compartment containing a dental material and a well in fluid communication with the compartment with a first openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism; articulating the device at the compliant mechanism; opening the first openable seal; compressing the compartment to dispense the dental material onto a substrate.

[0018] In another aspect, a method for providing a dental material comprises the steps of: providing a device comprising; a compartment containing a dental material and a well in fluid communication with the compartment with a first openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism; opening the first openable seal; c compressing the compartment to dispense the dental material into the well.

[0019] The method may comprise using transparent area(s) to assess the mixing quality of a mixture of components stored in the device. The method may also comprise comparing a color of a mixture from components stored in the device with a reference color area on the device.

[0020] The methods of the disclosure may also comprise the step of mixing components in the well. The components may be transferred into the well with or without prior mixing in the compartment. In both cases the user may mix or further mix the components to a desired extent. The method may also include adding a component from a source other than the device, so that the user may mix the added component with the transferred composition in the well.

[0021] A third aspect of the disclosure is related to a kit of parts. The kit comprises a device according to any embodiment of the disclosure, and a separate dental product selected from a dental crown, bridge, restorative, implant, adhesive, instrument, sealant, dentifrice, oral rinse, orthodontic bracket, and bands. The kit may further comprise instructions for using the device of any embodiment of the disclosure according to the method of any embodiment of the disclosure. Preferably the kit comprises a plurality of devices according to any embodiment of the disclosure. The plurality of devices may each include components exhibiting different characteristics, so that a range of dental products may be provided in the kit. For example, the kit may comprise a plurality of devices containing components of different color shades.

[0022] The device of the disclosure is advantageous in that it facilitates the variable preparation of a material provided by the device for different applications and myriad options for easily dispensing said material. The device can accordingly be used for a variety of different applications. The device further preferably allows a user to adapt the composition and the methods of dispensing that composition according to personal preference. The device is also generally inexpensive to manufacture. As another advantage the device is generally easy to use, for example because it allows for one-handed use. It is further advantageous that the device provides a relatively long storage period of the materials contained.

[0023] In this application, terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

[0024] As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0025] Also herein, all numbers are assumed to be modified by the term “about” and preferably by the term “exactly.” As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0026] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties). The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, strictly, and the like, are understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0027] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples can be used in various combinations. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive list.

[0028] Brief description of the Drawings

[0029] Fig. 1 is a top view of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0031] Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 4 is an end view along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1 ;

[0033] Fig. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional, schematic view of the base and cover of an embodiment of the device including a plurality of layers;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration along the line 2-2 of the device in use according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a use of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0036] Figs. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d are photographs of different stages of use of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a photograph of the use of a device of the prior art lacking a compliant mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 10 is a perspective side view of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0039] Fig. I la and 11b are a bottom views of devices according to an alternative embodiments of the disclosure.

[0040] While the above-identified figures set forth several embodiments of the disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the description. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosure by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention.

[0041] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0042] Fig. 1 is a top view of the device 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, while Fig. 2 is the opposing bottom view. The device 1 includes a compartment 7 for containing a dental material (typically a flowable dental composition), a well 3 for receiving the material and, preferably, an applicator 11 held in a pocket 10. The applicator 11 may be generally used to assist in opening the seal between a compartment and the well, to mix material(s) or components within the compartment, to pick up material from the well, to agitate the material in the well and / or to assess a property of the material such as its viscosity.

[0043] The device may also have two or more compartments for storing two or more materials, respectively. However, for clarity Fig. 1 refers to a device having only one compartment, by way of example.

[0044] The material stored in the device may be transferred from the compartment 7 into the well 3 for further processing or use or may be dispensed onto a desired surface directly from the compartment. Since the well is only partially covered, and otherwise open, the user can observe the properties of the component(s) in the well. The well 3 can be used to receive a further component that either may be stored in a separate compartment of the device (not shown in Fig. 1), or which may be obtained from another source, for example from a bottle. The material(s) received in the well 3 may be mixed, for example by use of the applicator 11 , to form a composition. Or the materials may be used without intentional prior mixing. In the latter case the components may be transferred from compartments of the device into the well but left generally unmixed. Therefore, the well may comprise zones that may receive the initial components. However, the components may merge, blend, or mix at areas where they are in contact with one another. Such zones of blended components may be comprised of the components at different ratios. The applicator in this case may be used to pick up material from any of the zones. For example, if the device contains components of different color shades, a variety of shades may be obtained from those different zones.

[0045] A flowable composition, preferably a flowable dental or orthodontic composition 80, is housed in the compartment 7 (see Fig. 6). Examples of flowable dental composition 80 may include adhesives, flowable composites, cements, liners, sealants, caries indicators, desensitizers, caries arrest liquids. Examples of flowable orthodontic compositions also include adhesives, etchants, primers, and attachment composite. A dentist, orthodontist, hygienist or any other professional assisting the dentist / orthodontist / hygienist (i.e., a practitioner) may use the device of the present disclosure to specifically prepare a dental material according to a particular situation in a patient’s mouth. The device may allow, for example, using the components in their initial composition as they are stored in the device, as a mixture of components at different mixing ratios, or in combination with components added from sources other than the device. The practitioner may, for example, prepare the dental material at a color that resembles the color of a natural tooth that is to be treated. The practitioner may also control the consistency of the material. For example, the practitioner may use the material at a lower viscosity for smaller repair or preparation works where it is useful for the material to flow into cracks and openings, and at a higher viscosity for applications in which the material is used for filling larger cavities, or the like.

[0046] Figs. 1 and 2 show the device 1 of the present disclosure. Some details indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are further illustrated in Fig. 3 which is a cross-sectional view along the line 3 - 3 of the device of Fig. 1. Further details are illustrated in Fig. 4, which is an end on cross-sectional view of the opposite side of the device 1 from Fig. 1. The device 1 has a base 2 (corresponding to a “first layer”) in which a bulge 4 and the well 3 (also in the form of a bulge) are arranged. The base 2 is partially coextensive with a cover 6 (corresponding to a “second layer”). Cover 6 entirely spans the bulge 4 to create compartment 7, but only partially spans the well 3. The cover 6 terminates at an edge 12, which creates a partial ledge over the well 3. The well 3 is left partially open so that it is visible and accessible to a user, for example. The base 2 of the device 1 may have one or more further bulges for forming two or more compartments, as indicated above. The first compartment 7 is formed by a portion of the base 2 having a first concave surface 16 and a portion of the cover 6 having a generally planar surface 17 opposite the first concave surface 16. Similarly, the well 3 is formed by a portion of the base 2 having a second concave surface 18. Each concave surface 16, 17 is viewed relative to the side view of the horizontal axis A running the length of the device 1. The description of base and cover as “concave” or “convex” does not, however, exclude the possibility of the layer changing its curvature characteristics, in particular in edge zones. The bulge 4 (and thus compartment 7) is arranged along a longitudinal axis 5 that is substantially parallel to the length dimension “L” of the device 1.

[0047] The compartment 7 and well 3 are preferably formed such that they are rounded (circular or oval, etc.) but, if appropriate, also could be angular (square, rectangular or triangular, etc. with rounded or sharp edges). The volume of the first compartment usually lies in the range from 0.01 ml and about 3 ml, or more specifically between about 0.03 ml and about 1.5 ml.

[0048] The device shown in Figs. 1 and 2 further has a pocket 10 for receiving an applicator 11. The pocket 10 in the example is formed by a receptacle 13 in the base 2, and the receptacle 13 is enclosed by the cover 6. The pocket may also be otherwise formed, for example, by only providing an area in which the base 2 and the cover 6 are generally unconnected so that the applicator can be inserted, whereby the unconnected parts displace and from a pocket. The pocket may alternatively be formed by forming a receptacle in the cover, or in both the cover and the base. The receptacle 13 is spaced from the compartment 7 and well 3 along the width dimension “W” of the device 1 and arranged along an axis 15 that is substantially parallel to the bulge axis 5. In the depicted embodiment, the length of the receptacle equals or exceeds the combined diameter of well 3 and length of compartment 7, but this is not strictly necessary.

[0049] As best depicted in Fig. 5, the applicator 11 includes an applicator head 20 mounted on the end of a handle 22. The handle 22 may include optional grip assist portions 23. The applicator 11 may further include an elongate neck 24 coupling the head 20 to the handle 22. The neck 24 may include a decreasing taper as the head 20 is approached from the handle 22. At least the head 20 and typically a portion of the handle 22 are retained within pocket receptacle 13. The receptable 13 is typically closed or sealed on one terminal end 14.

[0050] The base 2 and the cover 6 are interconnected, for example heat-sealed, cold-sealing, or ultrasonically welded to one another so that the compartment 7 is sealed (preferably hermetically) in its initial state. The device 1 may thus be suitable for storing a material over a relatively long time, for example to encapsulate the material in the compartment 7 against environmental conditions, like air or moisture which may cause changes in the material. The interconnection may generally include an indirect interconnection, meaning that something is between the base and the cover. For example, the base 2 and the cover 6 may be interconnected with primers, bonding agents, adhesives or other suitable materials.

[0051] An exemplary sealing area 8 is indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1. The sealing area 8 preferably provides a permanent seal, and the passage area 9 preferably provides an openable seal. The terms "permanent" and "openable" preferably refer to the bond strength between the base 2 and the cover 6. Preferably the openable seal (passage area 9) is adapted to open due to the application of finger pressure to a compartment while the permanent seal (sealing area 8) remains sealed. Finger pressure is typically in a range of 5 N to 70 N, preferably in a range of 9N to 50 N. The sealing area 8 and the passage area 9, in combination, preferably provide a hermetic seal for the compartment 7. The openable seal further preferably allows the compartment 7 to be opened for use of the device.

[0052] A variety of approaches exist for providing a seal that is permanent in one area and openable in another area. Preferably, such differential seal (permanent / openable) is provided by sealing the base and the cover using different sealing parameters. For example, the base 2 and the cover 6 may be made of layers of material that may be heat-sealed together. To provide a permanent seal the layers may, for example, be heat-sealed at a higher sealing temperature and / or a longer sealing time relative to the openable seal. Thereby the areas that are heat-sealed at a longer time and / or a longer temperature obtain higher bond strengths than areas heat-sealed at a shorter time and / or a lower temperature. However, the base 2 and the cover 6 in the different seal areas may also be interconnected using different types of adhesive forming different bond strengths with one or both of the interconnected parts. The different adhesive types may also have different cohesion properties so that the adhesive used for the openable seal fractures when exerted to a certain force while the other adhesive withstands that force. As an alternative, the connection of the first base 2 to the second layer 6 may take place, for example, by cold-sealing, and / or ultrasonic welding with sonotrodes.

[0053] The base 2 and the cover 6 may be comprised of generally flexible sheet-like layers of material. Each layer may be a single, unitary layer or be multilayer, including a plurality of sublayers. Each of the base 2 and cover 6 are preferably a laminated foil, which is typically made from both plastic layers and metal foil. The two are sealed to each other in a peelable manner. The concave bulges and the well may be deep-drawn within the material layer used for the base 2 and may therefore also be flexible or deformable. The layers may form a diffusion or permeation barrier between the compartment and the environment, for example to avoid ingredients of the component stored in the compartment to escape through the layer by permeation. This may for example allow storing components including rather volatile ingredients (like some solvents) over a relatively long time period. In other embodiments, the base 2 and cover 6 are cold formed to provide the design as described above. For example, cold forming may involve placing layers 2, 6 containing the metal foils within a die and squeezing the two layers together into a formed by the die, while the metal in the die is at room temperature or below the metal foil’s recrystallization temperature, to form the desired shape or configuration within the layers.

[0054] Fig. 5 illustrates a representative sealed portion of device 1 having base 2 and cover 6 each encompassing multiple sublayers of material. As illustrated, both the base 2 and the cover 6 have three sublayers. The cover 6 has a top layer 46, and the base 2 has a bottom layer 56. Both layers 46, 56 may be made of clear materials. Examples of suitable materials for the clear materials in layers 46, 56 include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVA), acrylonitrile, COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), and PVDF (polyvinyl difluoride). The cover 6 includes a foil layer 48 adjacent the top layer 46. The base 2 has a foil layer 58. The middle foil layers 48, 58 are metallic foil, preferably aluminum. The cover 6 can include a film or seal layer 50, while the base 2 also includes a film or seal layer 60. Examples of suitable film or seal layers 50 and 52 include polymeric and / or adhesive films. Examples of suitable seal layers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVA).

[0055] The multilayer construction of the Fig. 5 can be achieved by laminating, calendaring, laminating of various layers comprising single layers, if appropriate also by vapor-depositing, for example with metals such as aluminum. Also, depending on the application area and the desired deformability, the layers 2, 6 are stretched or are in an unstretched state before the activation of the device 1. The layers may be chosen from plastic layers, metal foils and ceramic sheets. Suitable plastic layers are, for example: PE, PP, PET, PA, PBT, PVC, EVA, PVDF Suitable metal foils are, for example: aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and iron (Fe) based such as steel. Suitable ceramic sheets are to be understood as meaning layers which have, for example, a layer containing SiOx or AlOx.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows the device when it is used in typical fashion to transfer a component stored in the compartment 7 into the well 3. The bulge 4 is compressed by a user so that sufficient pressure is generated in the compartment 7 to cause the openable seal to open due to the separation of the base 2 and the cover 6 in the passage area 9 (shown in Fig. 1). The passage area 9 is restricted by the seal area 8 so that the base 2 and cover 6 when separated form a flow channel 9' between the compartment 7 and the well. Upon further deforming the bulge 4 the composition 80 can be forced from compartment 7 through the flow channel 9' into the well 3. The user may initially mix or knead the composition prior to opening the seal. For example, the user may, without applying forces that would cause the seal to open, deform the bulge in different areas and thereby agitate the composition within the compartment 7. This may be advantageous for use with components that tend to separate during storage, for example.

[0057] Fig. 7 illustrates a potential use of the applicator 11. As shown the applicator can be used to agitate material in the well, for example to mix the component stored in the device with another component which in this example is supplied from a bottle (as shown), but which also may be stored in another compartment of the device (not shown). By agitating the material in the well a user may also assess the property of the material, for example the viscosity, the color or the mixing quality.

[0058] Returning to Figs. 2 and 4, the device 1 may also be used to dispense a dental material (e.g., flowable composition 80) directly from the compartment 7, without a requisite residence in the well 3. To that end, the receptacle 13 includes a compliant mechanism 30 establishing a hinge or articulation axis 31. The compliant mechanism 30 is disposed on a section of the cover 6 near the edge 12 and coextensive with a small portion of the well 3 and passage area 9. The articulation axis 31 established by the compliant mechanism 30 is substantially parallel to the edge 12 of the cover 6 overhanging the well 3 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the receptable 13. The compliant mechanism 30 permits and encourages the bending of the device about the articulation axis 31 to expose the passage area 9 and, in some embodiments, breach the openable seal separating the compartment 7 from the well 3 to create the functional flow channel 9’. Once the flow channel 9’ is opened, the device 1 may be manipulated, typically through finger pressure on the compartment 7, to dispense the dental composition onto a target surface (e.g., a glove or tooth).

[0059] Suitable compliant mechanisms to effectuate the articulation of the base 2 and cover 6 include a hinge, a notch, a pivot, a crease, a score line, a weakened portion, a line of concentrated stress, a frangible portion, a perforation, a bendable element, a thinner portion, a portion with lower modulus of strength, or a predetermined slot, void or gap. In the depicted embodiment and in certain presently preferred embodiments, the compliant mechanism is a notch or crease. The notch or crease has a generally V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, with the apex of the V or U forming the bottom 32 of the notch or crease. The depth of the notch or crease is not critical but is typically shallow enough to permit the applicator 11 to be retained in the pocket 10 after the compliant mechanism is formed in the cover 6. An exemplary notch or crease is 5 to 50%, preferably 10 to 30 % of the height of the applicator receptacle 13 (as measured from the outer surface 13a of the cover). As a further benefit, a notch or crease can aid in the retention of the applicator 11 in the pocket by applying slight pressure to the handle 20.

[0060] In presently preferred embodiments, the compliant mechanism 30 is confined to the area of the receptacle 13, in that the structural features defining the compliant mechanism are not found elsewhere on the base 2 or cover 6. Surprisingly, despite the limited footprint, a compliant mechanism 30 solely on the receptacle 13 is sufficient to reduce the beam strength of the base 2 and cover 6 and permit the bending / folding of the entire device 1 about the articulation axis 31. In other words, the device 1 can be folded or otherwise articulated across all or substantially its entire width dimension W, with the bend line remaining substantially parallel to cover edge 12. To further aid in the articulation of device 1 , the cover 6 and base 2 may be unsealed or otherwise unconnected in regions parallel to or adjacent the articulation axis 31.

[0061] Figs. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d show a device 1 at different stages of use while taking advantage of the complaint mechanism. Fig. 8a shows the device 1 in an initial stage with the applicator removed from the receptacle 13 and with a slight bend about articulation axis 31. Fig. 8b depicts a further bending of the device 1 about the articulation axis 31 provided by the compliant mechanism 30. As referenced earlier, the bending creates a fold line 38 across the width W of the device 1 that substantially parallel to the articulation axis and / or the edge 12 of the cover 6. As the device is bent further as depicted in Fig. 8c, the well 3 is displaced from the passage area 9 and rotate near a top surface 2a of the base 2. In some embodiments, this additional bending opens the sealed area 8, but this is not strictly necessary. With the well 3 realigned, the user may manipulate the compartment 7 to open or further open the flow channel 9’ and dispense the composition 80 on a target surface 90, here a medical glove (Fig. 8d). Optionally (but now shown), the user may entirely remove the portion of the device including the well along the fold line 38.

[0062] The edge 12 which overlaps the well 3 may also be bulged out to help prevent the composition 80 from flowing on top of the cover 6 and / or base 2. The overlapping edge 12 may further provide a spatula-like blade for scraping off excess material from the target surface 90 or for any subsequent surface on which the composition 80 is placed.

[0063] In the absence of a compliant mechanism and defined articulation axis, the devices otherwise made according to the present disclosure tend to bend along a fold line that cuts through the passage area at an acute angle or obtuse angle relative to the long axis of the device. This tendency is depicted in the photograph in Fig. 9. As shown in the device 1 at the top of the photograph, the base 2 and receptacle lack any compliant mechanism. An attempt to fold such a device 1 at the receptacle 13 results in a fold line 38 that intersects the compartment 7 and traverses the passage area at an obtuse angle relative to the device axis. A fold line that is not substantially perpendicular to the compartment axis 5 makes the creation of the flow channel more challenging and can interfere with dispensing the composition in the compartment 7.

[0064] The devices of the present disclosure may include more than one compliant mechanism to aid in dispensing the composition in the compartment and retaining the applicator in the pocket. One such exemplary device is depicted in Fig. 10 in a side view. The device 100 has a base 102 in which a bulge 104 and the well 103 (also in the form of a bulge) are arranged. The device 100 further has a pocket 110 for receiving an applicator 111. The pocket 110 in the example is formed by a receptacle 113 in the base 102, and the receptacle 113 is enclosed by the cover 106. Considerations for elements of device 1 apply mutatis mutandis with their corresponding elements in device 100 and are discussed in detail above.

[0065] The receptable 113 includes a first compliant mechanism 130 and a second compliant mechanism 134. The first and second compliant mechanisms can be the same form (e.g., both a notch or crease) or each may be different. The first compliant mechanism 130 is disposed adjacent the edge 112 of the cover 106 and defines a first articulation axis. Like articulation axis 31, the first articulation axis is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 114 of the receptacle 113 and substantially parallel with the cover edge 112. The first compliant mechanism 130 is primarily used for folding the device 100 in a fashion similar to that depicted in Figs. 8a-8d.

[0066] The second compliant mechanism 133 is disposed on the cover 106 nearer the closed end 114 of the receptacle 113. The second compliant mechanism 133 creates a second articulation axis that is substantially parallel to the first articulation axis. The second articulation axis in turn extends through the compartment 107. When the applicator 111 is received in the pocket 110, the compliant mechanism creates a protrusion that engage the applicator head 122 where it transitions to handle 120. The engagement between the compliant mechanism 133 and the applicator 111 prevents the inadvertent removal of the applicator 111 from the pocket 110 and can aid the user in manipulating the compartment to express the dental composition through the passage area 109.

[0067] Figs. Ila and 11b depict variations of the device 100 including a third compliant mechanism 135. The third compliant mechanism 135 may be the same form as either or both of the first or second compliant mechanisms 130, 133, or may be entirely different. In the depicted and presently preferred embodiments, the first, second, and third compliant mechanisms 130, 133, 135 are each a notch or crease. A third compliant mechanism 135 can be used to create a stop for the applicator head 122 (Fig. 1 la) so the applicator 111 does not breach the terminal end 115 of the receptacle 113, or to provide additional purchase on the applicator neck 124 (Fig. 1 lb). Regardless of location on the cover, the articulation axis of the third compliant mechanism 135 is substantially parallel to articulation axis 131, and typically intersects a portion of the compartment 107.

[0068] The devices of the present disclosure can be formed to have transparent areas. Such transparent areas may make the contents of the device visible to a user. Accordingly, the user may assess, for example, a mixing quality of the contents by use of the transparent areas. The base may be opaque, in which case the contents of the device may be assessed against the background of the base. The base may also be configured to provide a particular background behind one or both of the transparent areas of the cover. The base may further be transparent at least in the area behind the transparent area(s) of the cover. Therefore the contents of the device may be assessable using transmitted light.

[0069] Two embodiments illustrate ways in which the transparent areas may be integrated into the device of the disclosure. In one case, the transparent area and the cover can be obtained from separate parts that have different properties. The cover may be made of a foil that comprises an opaque aluminum layer. An area may be removed from the foil and re-closed by the transparent area. For example, the transparent area may circumferentially overlap the removed area and the overlapping areas may be heat-sealed with one another. On the other hand the transparent area may be a part of the cover. For example the cover may be color printed or coated with aluminum, and the print or coat may be recessed to form the transparent area. The devices of the present disclosure may have a color reference area representing a certain color shade, for example. Therefore, a user may control the color shade of a material by mixing components of different color shades and comparing the color of the reference area with the color of the mixture. The device of the disclosure may be used with a variety of applicators, like brushes, spatulas, and swabs.

[0070] The patents, patent documents, and patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated by reference. Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many possible specific arrangements that can be devised in application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be devised in accordance with these principles by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the structures described in this application, but only by the structures described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those structures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for providing a dental material, comprising: a compartment including the dental material and a well adjacent the compartment with an openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism, wherein each compliant mechanism is a hinge, a notch, a pivot, a crease, a score line, a weakened portion, a line of concentrated stress, a frangible portion, a perforation, a bendable element, a thinner portion, a portion with lower modulus of strength, or a predetermined slot, void or gap.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each compliant mechanism is a notch or crease.

3. The device of claim 1 and including the applicator held within the pocket.

4. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compartment is formed by a first and a second layer that are interconnected, wherein the second layer defines the cover and includes a terminal edge extending over a portion of the well and forming a portion of the pocket.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first layer comprises a polymeric layer, a metallic layer, or a combination thereof, and wherein the second layer comprises a polymeric layer, a metallic layer, or a combination thereof.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first layer comprises a polymeric layer coextensive with a metallic layer and the second layer comprises polymeric layer coextensive with a metallic layer.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the metallic layer comprises aluminum.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a first compliant mechanism of the one or more compliant mechanisms is confined to the cover.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first compliant mechanism is located on a section of cover coextensive with a portion of the well.

10. The device of any of the previous claims, wherein the compliant mechanism crease is elongate with an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator receptacle.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a terminal edge overhanging a portion of the well, and wherein the first compliant mechanism is located parallel to the terminal edge.

12. The device of claim 1, and further comprising a flow channel between the compartment and the well formed when the first seal is opened.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first compliant mechanism is located on a section of the cover coextensive with a portion of the flow channel.

14. The device of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one compliant mechanism includes a first compliant mechanism and a second compliant mechanism, also confined to the pocket cover.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the second compliant mechanism is located on a section of the cover.

16. The device of claim 15 and further comprising the applicator within the pocket, wherein the second compliant mechanism in the cover forms a protrusion engaging a surface of the applicator.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the pocket extends along a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel with a second longitudinal axis of the compartment.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the openable seal is formed by the interconnected layers which in the area of the seal are adapted to separate upon forcing at least a component of the dental material between the layers.

19. The device of any of the previous claims, containing at least one component of a dental restorative, a dental primer, a dental cavity liner, a dental cement, an endodontic material, a dental varnish, a tooth desensitizer, a tooth coating, an orthodontic adhesive, an orthodontic primer, or an orthodontic cement.

20. Method of providing a dental material comprising the steps of: providing a device comprising; a compartment containing a dental material and a well in fluid communication with the compartment with a first openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism; articulating the device at the compliant mechanism; opening the first openable seal; compressing the compartment to dispense the dental material onto a substrate.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the well is coupled to the compartment via a flow channel formed when the first openable seal is opened, and wherein the compressing the compartment to dispense the dental material through the flow channel.

22. The method of the previous claims, wherein articulating the device causes the opening of the first openable seal.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the compartment is formed by a first and a second sheetlike layer that are interconnected.

24. The method of claim 23 and further comprising using a portion of the second layer to spread at least a portion of the dental material on the substrate.

25. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein the openable seal is formed by the interconnected layers which in the area of the seal are adapted to separate upon forcing at least a component of the dental material between the layers.

26. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein a first compliant mechanism of the one or more compliant mechanisms is confined to the cover.

27. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein the device further comprises a second compliant mechanism located on a section of the cover.

28. The method of claim 28 and further comprising an applicator within the pocket, wherein the second compliant mechanism in the cover forms a protrusion engaging a surface of the applicator.

29. Method of providing a dental material comprising the steps of: providing a device comprising; a compartment containing a dental material and a well in fluid communication with the compartment with a first openable seal arranged therebetween, a pocket for receiving an applicator, the pocket including a receptable partially enclosed by a cover, wherein the cover includes at least one compliant mechanism; opening the first openable seal; compressing the compartment to dispense the dental material into the well.

30. The method of claim 29 and further comprising separating the well from the device.

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