Oral care system and packaging

Abstract

To provide an oral care regimen kit which avoids the risk of bacterial infection or spread of other illness or infection and allows a medical care professional to confirm compliance with a proper oral care regimen.SOLUTION: An oral care regimen kit includes a packaging unit. The packaging unit includes an oral care system, which includes a toothbrush and an oral fluid container, and a clip configured to engage a first portion of the oral care system such that the toothbrush cannot be depressed into the oral fluid container while the oral care system is engaged by the clip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 776,620, filed December 7, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,816,735, filed March 11, 2019, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Standard toothbrush designs are not ideally suited for use in hospitals or other medical treatment facilities where patients may have compromised immune systems. In such environments, the risk of illness and infection increases, for example contracting pneumonia. It is therefore important to adhere to a proper oral care regimen that includes brushing three to four times a day.

[0003] Because of repeated use, the use of standard toothbrushes in a hospital environment increases the risk of bacterial infection or the spread of other diseases and infections. In addition, standard toothbrushes are not suitable for some patients who are unable to spit or voluntarily remove liquids from their mouths, do not have easy access to water, or have difficulty holding and using a toothbrush with a standard size and shape. Standard toothpaste may also not be suitable for such patients, who may have difficulty finding and applying the appropriate amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.

[0004] In many situations, hygiene routines such as oral care must be repeated multiple times.For example, in oral care, a series of mouth care products must be used repeatedly for regular cleaning activities, which may include draining, brushing teeth, and swabbing mouth and gums.Since each procedure is repeated at a predetermined interval, such as every few hours, it is troublesome for medical personnel or patients to repeatedly collect the required one or more tools throughout the day.

[0005] Furthermore, in a hospital setting, although patients are recommended to brush their teeth a certain number of times per day (e.g., four times per day), many patients do not actually brush their teeth the recommended number of times (e.g., they may only brush their teeth twice per day instead of four times per day). Thus, even if healthcare professionals provide patients with a certain number of toothbrush units to use per day, patients may not actually use all of them, resulting in waste of toothbrush units that are opened but unused and must be discarded to prevent contamination. Furthermore, it may be difficult for healthcare professionals to verify whether patients are adhering to oral care recommendations, especially when patients are not honest about their usage or cannot accurately recall their activities for the day. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment is directed to an oral care planning kit. The oral care planning kit includes a packaging unit. The packaging unit includes an oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral fluid container, and a clip configured to engage a first portion of the oral care system such that the toothbrush is not forced into the oral fluid container while the oral care system is engaged with the clip. In some embodiments, the clip is a component configured to engage a portion of the oral care system to prevent the toothbrush from being forced into the oral fluid container. In some embodiments, the clip is supported by or a portion of the packaging unit. It is configured as follows.

[0007] One embodiment relates to an oral care plan unit, the oral care plan unit including a packaging unit and a wrapper enclosing the packaging unit, the packaging unit including a panel, at least one or more clips supported by the panel, and at least one or more oral care systems, each clip configured to engage a portion of the oral care system, each oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral fluid container.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a method of providing an oral care regimen kit, the method including the steps of: housing an oral care system in a packaging unit, the packaging unit including an oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral fluid container; and a clip, the clip configured to engage a portion of the oral care system such that the toothbrush is not forced into the oral fluid container while the oral care system is engaged with the clip; and enclosing the packaging unit in a wrapper.

[0009] Another embodiment relates to a method of providing an oral care regimen unit. The method includes the step of housing at least one or more oral care systems in a packaging unit. The packaging unit includes a panel and at least one or more clips supported by the panel. Each clip is configured to engage a portion of the oral care system. Each oral care system includes a toothbrush and an oral fluid container. The method further includes the step of enclosing the packaging unit in a wrapper.

[0010] Another embodiment is directed to a packaging system for an oral care regimen kit, the packaging system including a packaging unit, the packaging unit including a mounting portion, a mounting element supported by the mounting portion, and an oral care system, the mounting element including a pair of flats, the oral care system including a toothbrush including a suction port and a plunger configured to be removably inserted into the suction port, and an oral fluid container, the oral care system including a pair of grooves configured to receive the pair of flats of the mounting element, and the packaging system including a wrapper encasing the packaging unit.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to an oral care plan unit. The oral care plan unit includes a packaging unit and a wrapper enclosing the packaging unit. The packaging unit includes a panel and at least one or more clips supported by the panel. Each clip includes a set of prongs, each prong including a flat portion. The packaging unit further includes at least one or more oral care systems. Each oral care system includes a set of grooves. The flat portion of each clip is configured to receive the set of grooves of the oral care system. Each oral care system includes a toothbrush including a suction port and a plunger configured to be removably inserted into the suction port, and an oral fluid container.

[0012] Another embodiment is directed to an oral care planning kit. The oral care planning kit includes a first packaging unit carrying at least one oral care system and a first wrapper enclosing the first packaging unit. The oral care planning kit further includes a second packaging unit carrying at least one oral care system and a second wrapper enclosing the second packaging unit and connected to the first wrapper. The first packaging unit and the second packaging unit are connected to each other such that the first packaging unit can be removed from the first wrapper and the second packaging unit can be removed from the first wrapper. The knit is encapsulated such that it can be independently removed from the second wrapper. Each oral care system includes a toothbrush and an oral fluid container.

[0013] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes an amount of an oral care system recommended for use by a patient over a period of time, and at least one of the first packaging unit or the second packaging unit includes an amount of an oral care system expected to be used by the patient over the period of time.

[0014] In some embodiments, the oral care regimen kit includes four oral care systems, and each of the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit includes two oral care systems.

[0015] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit comprises the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit, each of which includes two oral care systems.

[0016] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit comprises the second wrapper connected to the first wrapper via a frangible connection.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes the first packaged unit and the second packaged unit provided back-to-back and the second wrapper connected to the first wrapper such that the first packaged unit and the second packaged unit can be moved to expose a back side of the first packaged unit and the second packaged unit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes the first wrapper and the second wrapper, with portions of the wrappers covering the backs of the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit temporarily attached together with a weak adhesive.

[0019] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit having recesses for each oral care system that receive a lower portion of the respective oral care system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the oral care regimen kit includes a first packaging unit and a second packaging unit each having a slot in a ledge of the packaging unit into which an upper portion of the respective oral care system is received.

[0021] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes each oral care system having a pair of grooves, each groove configured to receive a portion of the ridge surrounding the slot.

[0022] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes an oral fluid container for each oral care system containing a pre-measured amount of oral fluid contained in a lower portion of the oral care system, and the set of grooves configured to prevent the toothbrush from being pressed into the oral fluid while the oral care system is contained within the packaging unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the oral care planning kit includes the set of grooves configured to prevent the oral care system from being returned to the packaging unit after the oral care system has been used.

[0024] Another embodiment relates to a method of providing a kit of oral care systems for a patient. The method includes a step of housing a first oral care set including one or more oral care systems in a first packaging unit, and a step of housing a second oral care set including one or more oral care systems in a second packaging unit, each oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral fluid container. The method further includes a step of enclosing the first packaging unit in a first wrapper, and a step of enclosing the second packaging unit in a second wrapper. The method further includes a step of connecting the second wrapper to the first wrapper such that the first packaging unit can be removed from the first wrapper and the second packaging unit can be separately removed from the second wrapper, and a step of providing the first and second sets to a patient to complete an oral care regimen.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method includes the kit comprising a recommended amount of the oral care system for use by a patient over a period of time.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method includes four oral care systems, the kit including amounts of the oral care systems recommended for use by a patient over a period of time.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method includes the second wrapper being connected to the first wrapper via a frangible connection.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method includes the kit being provided such that the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit are provided back-to-back and the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit are provided such that they can be moved relative to one another to expose rear surfaces of the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method includes the first wrapper and the second wrapper being temporarily attached together with a weak adhesive, with portions of the wrappers covering the back sides of the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method includes the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit having recesses and slots in the overhangs of the packaging units for each oral-care system, and receiving the first set of oral-care systems in the first packaging unit includes inserting a lower portion of each oral-care system of the first set into a recess of the first packaging unit and sliding an upper portion of each oral-care system into a corresponding slot of the first packaging unit, and receiving the second set of oral-care systems in the second packaging unit includes inserting a lower portion of each oral-care system of the second set into a recess of the second packaging unit and sliding an upper portion of each oral-care system into a corresponding slot of the second packaging unit.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method includes each oral care system having a set of grooves, and sliding an upper portion of each oral care system into a slot includes sliding the set of grooves to receive a portion of the overhang surrounding the slot.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method includes an oral fluid reservoir in each oral care system containing a pre-measured amount of oral fluid at the bottom of the oral care system, and the set of grooves configured to prevent the toothbrush from being pressed into the oral fluid while the oral care system is contained within the packaging unit.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method includes the set of grooves configured to prevent the oral-care system from being returned to the packaging unit after the oral-care system has been used.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method includes providing the first and second sets to a patient to complete an oral care regimen.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method includes separating the first wrapper from the second wrapper to provide patient access to the first oral care set.

[0036] This summary is illustrative and not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] The following disclosure in its entirety can be best understood by reference to the detailed description provided when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a toothbrush, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic side perspective view of the oral fluid bottle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the oral fluid bottle of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the oral fluid bottle of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic side perspective view of a cylinder solution cup configured to snap onto the oral fluid bottle of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the cylinder solution cup of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the cylinder solution cup of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the cylinder solution cup of FIG. 10 with a seal according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic side perspective view of an oral fluid bottle according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of the oral fluid bottle of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a cylinder solution cup according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a cylinder solution cup according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic side perspective view of the spittoon straw of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side view of the spittoon straw of FIG. 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view of the spittoon straw of FIG. 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 illustrates steps for using the oral-care system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of a packaging unit for holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a rear view of the packaging unit of FIG. 29 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a top view of the packaging unit of FIG. 29 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a side view of the packaging unit of FIG. 29 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 29 holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a side view of the oral-care system of FIG. 33 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a side view of the oral-care system of FIG. 33 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 29 holding the oral-care system of FIG. 33 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 33 housed in a wrapper according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of two wrapped package units of FIG. 37 attached together as a kit, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a side perspective view of two wrapped package units of FIG. 37 attached together as a kit, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of another packaging unit for holding an oral-care system according to an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a rear view of the packaging unit of FIG. 40 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a top view of the packaging unit of FIG. 40 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 40 holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 40 holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 43 housed in a wrapper according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 46] FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of another packaging unit for holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a rear view of the packaging unit of FIG. 46 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a top view of the packaging unit of FIG. 46 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 46 holding an oral-care system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit of FIG. 49 housed in a wrapper according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Before turning to the figures which show in detail certain exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or shown in the drawings, and it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0039] According to various described embodiments, an oral care product is described that improves compliance with an oral care regimen by providing all the tools and accessories necessary to complete the regimen and a package to hold the oral care product until use. According to various exemplary embodiments, an oral care system for use in a hospital environment includes an oral care device (e.g., a toothbrush) and a unit dose oral fluid container. The oral care device and / or oral care system may be intended for single use. Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments, the package is configured to hold one or more oral care systems (e.g., as shown in Figs. 29 and 37). Various embodiments of oral care systems and packages for oral care systems are described in further detail below.

[0040] 1, a schematic side perspective view of an oral-care system 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Oral-care system 100 includes a unit dose oral fluid container, shown as oral fluid container 102, and a toothbrush, shown as toothbrush 104. As further shown, unit dose oral fluid container 102 includes an oral fluid bottle 106, a cylindrical solution cup 108, and a spittoon straw 110.

[0041] 2-4, a side view of a toothbrush 104 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The toothbrush 104 includes a handle 200 coupled to a lower stem 202, which in turn is coupled to a head 204. The head 204 includes bristles 214 and a foam section 216. The handle 200 includes an upper stem 206 having a disk-shaped protrusion 208 extending therefrom. The diameter of the protrusion 208 varies along the length of the upper stem 206, providing an ergonomically beneficial design. For example, the protrusion 208 may widen the handle of the toothbrush 104, making it easier for patients with reduced gripping strength or ability to grip the toothbrush 104. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some embodiments, the protrusion 208 is wider near the bottom of the toothbrush 104 and narrower near where the lower stem 202 and upper stem 206 meet. As further shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the projection 208 also narrows near the center of the upper stem 206.

[0042] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 208 is provided on the rear surface of the head 204 (e.g., a foam portion). The center of the protrusion 208 is offset from the upper stem 206 so that the protrusion 208 extends past the upper stem 206 of the handle 200 toward a front side of the head 204 (e.g., a side of the head 204 having the bristles 214) rather than toward a side of the head 204 having the bristles 216 opposite the bristles 214. Because the protrusion 208 is offset from the upper stem 206, the toothbrush 104 may be inserted into the spittoon straw 110 as shown in FIG. 1 without crushing the bristles 214. Further, the protrusion 208 includes a protrusion seal 218a and a protrusion seal 218b. The protrusion seals 218a and 218b are configured to block a central channel of the spittoon straw 110 to prevent contaminants (e.g., dust) from entering the interior of the oral fluid container 102, as will be described in further detail below.

[0043] In various arrangements, the upper stem 206 is hollow to allow suction therein. Thus, the upper stem 206 includes a suction port 210 configured to couple to a suction mechanism, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5, which shows a side perspective view of the toothbrush 104. Additionally, the upper stem 206 includes a protruding suction opening 212 that is positioned and extends beyond the protrusion 208 so that a patient can place a finger over the opening to activate suction through the upper stem 206. The lower stem 202, which extends between the upper stem 206 and the head 204, is hollow to allow suction to travel between the head 204 and the suction port 210.

[0044] As described above, the head 204 includes bristles 214 and a foam section 216. In some embodiments, the foam section 216 is located on both the back and sides of the head 204, as shown in FIG. 6, which shows a top perspective view of the toothbrush 104. In other embodiments, the foam section 216 is located on only one of the back or sides of the toothbrush head 204. Additionally, in some embodiments, the foam section 216 is glued to the head 204 of the toothbrush 104, while in other embodiments, the foam section 216 is attached to the head 204 via another mechanism (e.g., via an interference fit). As shown, in some embodiments, the foam section 216 has ridges to aid in cleansing. In various arrangements, the head 204 also includes one or more suction holes to provide for suction of fluids (e.g., saliva, antiseptics, or other oral care fluids, etc.) from the user's mouth. The suction holes are located on the top, front, and / or back of the head 204. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-6, the toothbrush 104 includes a suction hole 220a formed laterally through the center of the head 204 and a suction hole 220b formed at the top end of the toothbrush 104.

[0045] In various arrangements, the toothbrush 104 is manufactured using core-out injection molding. In some embodiments, the toothbrush 104 is a unitary, single injection molded piece that forms the upper stem 206, the protrusions 208, the lower stem 202, and the head 204. In other embodiments, the toothbrush 104 is manufactured in separate pieces that are assembled to form the completed toothbrush 104. For example, the upper stem 206 and the lower stem 202 are formed together as a single injection molded piece or are formed as separate pieces that are later connected together. However, it should be understood that the toothbrush 104 is intended to be exemplary and that the oral care system 100 may be used with toothbrushes of different designs in other embodiments.

[0046] 7-9, schematic side views of an oral fluid bottle 106 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. The oral fluid bottle 106 includes a container 300 and an internal chamber 302 defined within an interior portion of the oral fluid bottle 106, the internal chamber 302 including an outlet 304. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the internal chamber 302 includes a funnel portion 306 that narrows toward a neck portion 308. Thus, the internal chamber 302 provides a channel for receiving the spittoon straw 110, as will be described in further detail below. The funnel portion 306 also makes the oral fluid container 102 more spill-resistant. In the illustrated embodiment, the oral fluid bottle 106 includes a container 300 and an internal chamber 302 defined within an interior portion of the oral fluid bottle 106, the internal chamber 302 including an outlet 304. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the internal chamber 302 includes a funnel portion 306 that narrows toward a neck portion 308. Thus, the internal chamber 302 provides a channel for receiving the spittoon straw 110, as will be described in further detail below. The funnel portion 306 also makes the oral fluid container 102 more spill-resistant. The container 300 of the bottle 106 is configured as a hollow circular cylinder, although in other embodiments, the container 300 has another shape (e.g., a rectangular shape). Additionally, the oral fluid bottle 106 is relatively tall compared to other components of the oral care system 100 and is configured to widen from the top of the oral fluid bottle 106 to the bottom, which provides stability to the oral fluid bottle 106 and the oral fluid container 102 as a whole.

[0047] The container 300 is configured to receive the cylinder solution cup 108 from a bottom of the container 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the container 300 has an open bottom for receiving the cylinder solution cup 108, but in other embodiments, the container 300 is structured to receive the cylinder solution cup 108 in a different manner (e.g., including a slot for sliding the cylinder solution cup 108). In various embodiments, the container 300 includes apertures 310 for securing the cylinder solution cup 108 to the container 300. The apertures 310 may be variously positioned on the container 300. For example, in some embodiments, the container 300 includes a set of two apertures 310 facing each other near the bottom of the container 300, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a schematic side perspective view of the cylinder solution cup 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic side views of the cylinder solution cup 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cylinder solution cup 108 includes a base 400 configured to function as a reservoir for a pre-measured amount of oral fluid at a lower portion of the oral-care system 100. In addition, the cylinder solution cup 108 receives brushing waste from a patient who is brushing their teeth. The base 400 has a width sufficient to receive an end of the spittoon straw 110 and a depth sufficient to allow the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 attached to the spittoon straw 110 to be at least partially immersed in oral fluid placed therein, as will be described in further detail below. Furthermore, the cylinder solution cup 108 is configured to hold a sufficient amount of oral liquid such that, when the toothbrush 104 and the spittoon straw 110 are immersed in the oral liquid, a change in the volume of the oral liquid due to the displacement can substantially immerse, for example, the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 in the oral liquid while preventing the oral liquid from spilling out of an upper portion of the cup 108. In some embodiments, the cylinder solution cup 108 is configured to hold approximately 7.5 mL of oral liquid.

[0049] The cylinder solution cup 108 includes a frame 402 that defines a ledge 404 and retains a protrusion 406. The protrusion 406 is spaced to align with an aperture 310 of the oral fluid bottle 106 such that the protrusion 406 can be snapped into the aperture 310 to secure the cylinder solution cup 108 to the container 300 of the oral fluid bottle 106. Additionally, the frame 402, and the cylinder solution cup 108 as a whole, are configured such that when the protrusion 406 is snapped into the aperture 310, the container 300 of the oral fluid bottle 106 and the frame 402 are capable of containing liquid.

[0050] Additionally, cylinder solution cup 108 includes legs 408 that define an interior space from which base 400 projects. Legs 408 are spaced apart to generally provide a stable seat for cylinder solution cup 108 and oral fluid container 102 when cylinder solution cup 108 is snapped onto oral fluid bottle 106. While cylinder solution cup 108 may include any number of legs 408 that provide a stable seat, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10-12, cylinder solution cup 108 has four legs 408.

[0051] The frame also defines an opening 410 at the top of the cylinder solution cup 108 that pours into the base 400. In various embodiments, the opening 410 is covered by a seal 412, as shown in FIG. 13. The seal 412 is made of foil, plastic, or other frangible material that can be penetrated or broken. The seal 412 is formed from a material that is not intended to be a material that may be used to secure the oral care system 100 to the oral care system 100. The seal 412 is configured to contain the oral fluid within the base 400 until the opening 410 is used. However, the seal 412 is also configured to be broken, such as by being pierced by the cuspidor straw 110, when a patient uses the oral-care system 100, as described in further detail below. After the seal 412 is broken or pierced, the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 is at least partially immersed in the oral fluid contained within the base 400. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the opening 410 is instead sealed via another pierceable barrier, such as a cover made of foam, rubber, or a similar flexible material having cross cuts.

[0052] 14 and 15, there is shown a schematic side view of an oral fluid bottle 116 according to an illustrative embodiment. Similar to the oral fluid bottle 106, the oral fluid bottle 116 includes a container 500 and an internal chamber 502 defined within an interior portion of the oral fluid bottle 116, the internal chamber 502 including an outlet 504. The internal chamber 502 also includes a funnel portion 506 that narrows toward a neck portion 508 to provide a channel for receiving the spittoon straw 110 and to reduce spillage. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 500 of the oral fluid bottle 106 is configured as a cylindrical cylinder, although in other embodiments, the container 500 has another shape (e.g., a rectangular shape). The oral fluid bottle 116 is further configured to widen from a top to a bottom of the oral fluid bottle 116, which provides stability to the oral fluid bottle 116. However, unlike oral fluid bottle 106, oral fluid bottle 116 also includes feet 512 that provide a stable base for oral fluid container 102. Oral fluid bottle 116 may include any number of feet 512 that provide a stable base, but in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, oral fluid bottle 116 has four feet 512.

[0053] Additionally, rather than including an open bottom portion as in oral fluid bottle 106, the bottom portion of oral fluid bottle 116 includes a bottom ledge 514 that includes an opening 516 configured to receive a cylinder solution cup (e.g., the cylinder solution cup shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). In various embodiments, opening 516 includes an aperture 510 extending laterally into bottom ledge 514 for securing the cylinder solution cup to oral fluid bottle 116. Aperture 510 may have various arrangements along opening 516. For example, in some embodiments, opening 516 includes aperture 510 that is disposed opposite the space between legs 512. In other embodiments, opening 516 may include a different mechanism for securing the cylinder solution cup to oral fluid bottle 116, such as a rim around opening 516 configured to receive a corresponding ridge on the perimeter of the cylinder solution cup. Additionally, in some embodiments, oral fluid bottle 106 does not include bottom ledge 514, and instead, bottom ledge 514 is provided on the cylinder solution cup. In such an embodiment, oral fluid bottle 106 includes aperture 510 of container 500 configured to receive a cylindrical solution cup with a ledge, similar to aperture 310 of oral fluid bottle 106, for example.

[0054] 16, a side perspective view of the cylinder solution cup 118 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown in FIG. 16, the cylinder solution cup 118 is similar to the base 400 of the cylinder solution cup 108. As such, the cylinder solution cup 118 is configured to function as a reservoir for oral fluid and also to receive brushing waste. In addition, the cylinder solution cup 118 is configured to have a width sufficient to receive the end of the spittoon straw 110 and a depth sufficient to allow the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 to be at least partially immersed in the oral fluid placed therein. The cylinder solution cup 118 includes a frame 602 that retains a protrusion 606. The protrusion 606 is spaced apart to align with the aperture 510 to secure the cylinder solution cup 108 to the opening 516 of the oral fluid bottle 106. For example, the protrusion 606 may be disposed between the legs 512. The protrusions 606 are positioned on the frame 602 to align with the apertures 510 of the oral fluid bottle 116 that are positioned opposite the space. Thus, a person assembling an oral fluid container from the oral fluid bottle 116 and the cylinder solution cup 118 can align the cylinder solution cup 118 to the oral fluid bottle 116 by aligning the protrusions 606 with the spaces between the legs 512. Additionally, the frame 602 and the entire cylinder solution cup 118 are configured such that when the protrusions 606 are snapped into the apertures 510, the container 500 of the oral fluid bottle 106 and the frame 602 are capable of containing liquid.

[0055] The frame 602 also defines an opening 610 at the top of the cylinder solution cup 118 that pours into the body of the cylinder solution cup 118. In various embodiments, the opening 610 is covered by a seal 612, as shown in Figure 17. In various arrangements, the seal 612 is configured similarly to the seal 412 of the cylinder solution cup 108.

[0056] 18, a schematic side perspective view of the spittoon straw 110 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The spittoon straw 110 includes a funnel 700 and is connected at a base 702 of the funnel 700 to a tube 704 having an opening 706 at an end thereof. The funnel 700 and the tube 704 are configured to be inserted into the inner chamber 302 of the oral fluid bottle 106 such that the tube 704 protrudes into the container 300. Thus, the spittoon straw 110 facilitates the passage of brushing waste into the interior of the container 300 during or after use of a toothbrush (e.g., the toothbrush 104) by a patient. The funnel 700 provides a larger area for a patient to deposit brushing waste during brushing and minimizes any inconvenience associated with spitting into the unit-dose oral fluid container 102. The funnel 700 and the tube 704 then direct the brushing waste into the container 300 through the inlet 708 and the opening 706 of the spittoon straw 110. In addition, an end of the spittoon straw 110 is cut obliquely such that a horizontal plane of the opening 706 is obliquely positioned with respect to an axis of the straw 110. In this manner, the end of the straw 110 at the opening 706 constitutes a leading edge forming a cutting portion 710 on one side. The cutting portion 710 can be used to break or destroy, for example, the seal 412 of the cylinder solution cup 108 snapped to the oral fluid bottle 106 or the seal 612 of the cylinder solution cup 118 snapped to the oral fluid bottle 116.

[0057] 19 and 20, side views of the spittoon straw 110 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the funnel base 702 includes a spout such that the base 702 is wider than the top of the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110. Thus, the spittoon straw 110 is configured to receive the toothbrush 104 in a central channel of the spittoon straw 110 formed on the funnel 700 and the tube 704 such that the protrusion seal 218a rests on the base 702, thereby sealing the oral care system 100 from external contaminants after assembly. In addition, the tube 704 is sized to have a diameter wide enough to snugly fit the protrusion seal 218b therein, further sealing the oral care system 100 from external contaminants. In addition, as shown, the tube 704 includes a recess 712. The recess 712 is configured to be located under the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 such that when the toothbrush 104 is inserted into the tube 704, a small force must be applied to remove the toothbrush 104 from the spittoon straw 110.

[0058] 19 and 20, the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 also includes a protrusion 714. The protrusion 714 is angled so that the spittoon straw 110 can be inserted into the inner chamber 302 of the oral fluid bottle 106, and is configured to abut against the outlet 304 of the oral fluid bottle 106 once inserted to prevent the spittoon straw 110 from being pulled out of the inner chamber 302. In this way, the protrusion 714 is angled so that the protrusion 714 can abut against the outlet 304 of the oral fluid bottle 106 once inserted to prevent the spittoon straw 110 from being pulled out of the inner chamber 302. The protrusion 714 prevents the spitting straw 110 from being pulled out of the oral fluid bottle 106. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the spitting straw 110 includes two protrusions 714, but in other embodiments, the spitting straw 110 may include more protrusions 714.

[0059] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the spittoon straw 110, the oral fluid bottle 106, and / or the cylinder solution cup 108 may include a different mechanism to prevent the spittoon straw 110 from sliding out of the oral fluid bottle 106. In one example, the spittoon straw 110 may include a protrusion 714 further down the length of the tube 704, and the upper part of the cylinder solution cup 108 may include a notch that engages with the protrusion 714. Therefore, when the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the cup 108, the engagement between the protrusion 714 and the notch may prevent the spittoon straw 110 from being subsequently pulled out of the cup 108. In another example, the funnel 700 may include a protrusion, and the upper part of the oral fluid bottle 106 may include a notch that engages with the protrusion, such that when the spittoon straw 110 is fully pushed into the oral fluid bottle 106, the notch may engage with the protrusion, and the spittoon straw 110 may not be subsequently pulled back beyond the notch.

[0060] Further, the spittoon straw 110 includes an aperture 716 formed on a side wall of the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110. The aperture 716 makes the oral fluid container 102, including the oral fluid bottle 106, the cylinder solution cup 108, and the spittoon straw 110, less likely to spill. For example, when the oral fluid container 102 is tilted, liquid (e.g., unused oral fluid, brushing waste) contained in the container 300 may flow into the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 and then flow out through the aperture 716 on the side wall of the tube 704 and return to the container 300. The aperture 716 is designed to provide a maximum flow out of the tube 704 without compromising the structural integrity of the tube 704.

[0061] Further, in some embodiments, the spittoon straw 110 may include a protrusion configured to prevent the spittoon straw 110 from being pulled upward when the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the oral fluid bottle 106 (e.g., to dip the toothbrush head 204 into the oral fluid in the cylinder solution cup 108). For example, the spittoon straw 110 may include a protrusion (e.g., two protrusions on opposite sides of the tube 704) on the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 above the aperture 716. The protrusions stop on the neck 308 of the oral fluid bottle 106 before the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the oral fluid bottle 106. To push the spittoon straw 110 into the oral fluid bottle 106, a user may need to apply a small downward force to push the protrusions through the neck 308. In addition, when the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the oral fluid bottle 106, the protrusions are located below the outlet 304 and cannot be pulled back into the neck 308. As such, when the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the oral fluid bottle 106 and the cylindrical solution cup 108, the spittoon straw 110 cannot be pushed upward. As such, these protrusions help the user to pull out the toothbrush 104 from the oral fluid bottle 106 and the spittoon straw 110.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 1 , the assembled oral-care system 100 is shown. Thus, the cylinder solution cup 108 is snapped onto the oral fluid bottle 106 such that the protrusion 406 of the cylinder solution cup 108 fits into the aperture 310 of the oral fluid bottle 106. In addition, the spittoon straw 110 is inserted into the inner chamber 302 of the oral fluid bottle 106 such that the protrusion 714 prevents the spittoon straw 110 from being pulled out of the oral fluid container 102. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the components of the oral fluid container 102 (i.e., the oral fluid bottle 106, the cylinder solution cup 108, and the spittoon straw 110) are configured to have a circular cross-section, however, in other embodiments, the components may be , may have a different cross-section (e.g., an oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-section). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the cylinder solution cup 118 is snapped onto the oral fluid bottle 116 such that the protrusion 606 of the cylinder solution cup 118 fits into the aperture 510 of the oral fluid bottle 116, and the spittoon straw 110 is inserted into the inner chamber 502 of the oral fluid bottle 116 to form an assembled oral-care system.

[0063] In addition, the toothbrush 104 is inserted into the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 of FIG. The head 204 of the toothbrush 104 is disposed below the recess 712 such that the recess 712 holds the toothbrush 104 in the spittoon straw 110 and only a small force must be applied to remove the toothbrush 104 from the spittoon straw 110. Thus, the protrusion seal 218a rests on the base 702 of the spittoon straw 110, and the protrusion seal 218b rests in the tube 704. The protrusion seals 218a and 218b together seal the inside of the oral care system 100 from external contaminants. In addition, the protrusion seal 218a resting on the base 702 prevents the toothbrush 104 from completely sliding into the tube 704 and entering the container 300. Similarly, the protrusion seal 218b fits snugly against the tube 704 such that the outer periphery of the protrusion seal 218b abuts against the wall of the tube 704, further sealing the oral fluid container 102. Furthermore, the fact that the protrusions 208 are offset from the center of the toothbrush 104 allows the toothbrush 104 to be inserted into the spittoon straw 110 without crushing the bristles 214 of the toothbrush head 204.

[0064] In some embodiments, the oral-care system 100 is packaged as a pre-assembled unit, as shown in FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the oral-care system 100 is packaged as separate components (e.g., the oral fluid bottle 106, the toothbrush 104, the cylinder solution cup 108, and the spittoon straw 110 are packaged separately) such that a user, such as a healthcare professional or a patient, must assemble the oral-care system 100. Furthermore, the components of the oral-care system 100 may be manufactured from any type of suitable spill-resistant and hygienic material. For example, in some embodiments, the seal 412 is made from a polyethylene film and the cylinder solution cup 108 is a polyethylene cup. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the oral fluid bottle 106 and the spittoon straw 110 are made from polypropylene.

[0065] 21 to 28, side views of the oral-care system 100 during a procedure of use are shown. First, FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate side views of the assembled oral-care system 100 before use. As shown, the point 710 of the spittoon straw 110 rests adjacent to the seal 412 of the cylinder solution cup 108. To use the oral-care system 100, a patient or a healthcare professional thus pushes the toothbrush 104 and / or the spittoon straw 110 as indicated by the arrow 800 until the point 710 of the spittoon straw 110 breaks the seal 412. In some embodiments, the spittoon straw 110 may move about 0.25 inches within the container 300. Therefore, a patient or a medical professional may move the spittoon straw 110 in a first direction, and then push the spittoon straw 110 in the opposite direction toward the seal 412 to facilitate breaking, e.g., cutting, of the seal 412.

[0066] Next, the patient or the medical professional continues to push the toothbrush 104 and / or the spittoon straw 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 802 so that the opening 706 of the spittoon straw 110 and the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 are substantially immersed in the oral fluid contained in the base 400 of the cylinder solution cup 108. The patient or the medical professional continues to push the spittoon straw 110 until the point 710 of the spittoon straw 110 reaches near the bottom of the cylinder solution cup 108, as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 . In this way, the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 is substantially immersed in the oral fluid. Further, in some embodiments, when the spittoon straw 110 is pushed into the base 400 of the cylinder solution cup 108, the protrusion on the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 is pushed through the neck 308 of the oral fluid bottle 106 so that the spittoon straw 110 is not substantially pulled upward from the oral fluid bottle 106.

[0067] When the toothbrush head 204 is substantially immersed in the oral fluid, the patient or the healthcare professional pulls the toothbrush 104 and / or the spittoon straw 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 804. As a result, the spittoon straw 110 and the toothbrush 104 placed therein are pulled out. The spittoon straw 110 continues to be pulled out until the protrusion 714 of the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 contacts the outlet 304 of the oral fluid container 102, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26. Thus, the protrusion 714 prevents the spittoon straw 110 from being pulled out further. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spittoon straw 110 may include protrusions on the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110, which may prevent the spittoon straw 110 from being substantially pulled out upward from the oral fluid bottle 106 after the protrusions are pushed through the neck 308 of the oral fluid bottle 106.

[0068] At this point, the patient or healthcare professional continues to pull the toothbrush 104 in the direction indicated by the arrow 806 until the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 passes through the recess 712 and exits the spittoon straw 110, as shown in FIG. 25. In some embodiments, the tube 704 is configured to squeeze excess oral fluid from the head 204 of the toothbrush 104 when the toothbrush 104 is pulled out of the spittoon straw 110. When the toothbrush 104 is removed from the oral-care system 100, the spittoon straw 110 falls back into the oral fluid bottle 106 and / or the cylinder solution cup 108, as shown in FIG. 26. Alternatively, if the spittoon straw 110 includes a protrusion that engages with the outlet 304 when pushed out through the neck 308, the spittoon straw 110 remains in the oral fluid bottle 106 and / or the cylinder solution cup 108. In this manner, a healthcare professional can easily confirm that a patient has used the oral-care system 100 by checking whether the spittoon straw 110 is in its original position relative to the oral fluid container 102 or is further inserted into the oral fluid bottle 106, as shown in FIG. 26 .

[0069] Once the patient has removed the toothbrush 104 from the oral-care system 100, the patient may use the toothbrush 104 in a standard manner to brush the patient's teeth. During or after brushing, the patient may spit into the funnel 700 of the spittoon straw 110 to remove oral fluids from the patient's mouth. When the patient has completed the oral-care treatment, the oral-care system 100 is to be discarded. In some arrangements, the patient reinserts the toothbrush 104 into the tube 704 of the spittoon straw 110 before discarding the oral-care system 100.

[0070] It should be understood that the oral care system 100 depicted in use in Figures 21-28 is intended to be exemplary, and that other oral care systems and configurations may be used instead in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the oral fluid bottle 106 is replaced with an oral fluid bottle 116 shown in Figures 14 and 15, and the cylinder solution cup 108 is replaced with a cylinder solution cup 118 shown in Figures 16 and 17. Additionally, the oral care system may include additional or different components, such as a removable plunger configured to fit within the suction port 210 of the toothbrush 104 to prevent fluid from backflowing through the suction port 210 and protruding suction opening 212 when the suction port 210 and protruding suction opening 212 are not in use (e.g., as shown in Figure 44).

[0071] 29-33, there is shown a diagram of a packaging unit 120 for holding an oral-care system, such as oral-care system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit 120. As shown in FIG. 29, the packaging unit 120 includes an upper portion 900 and a lower portion 902. The upper portion 900 includes a panel 904 that forms the back of the packaging unit 120. The panel includes a front surface 906 and a rear surface 908 as shown in FIG. 30, which shows a rear view of the packaging unit 120.

[0072] The lower portion 902 includes an oral care system container 910 formed from a panel 904, a base 912, side flaps 916, and an overhang 918. As shown in FIG. 29, the base 912 includes a recess 920 for each of the oral care systems that the packaging unit 120 is configured to hold. Each recess 920 is configured to receive and hold a lower portion of the oral care system. For example, the recess 920 is configured to receive the base 400 and foot 408 of the cylinder solution cup 108, or the cylinder solution cup 118 and foot 512 of the oral fluid bottle 116. Additionally, the overhang 918 includes a slot 922 corresponding to each of the oral care systems that the packaging unit 120 is configured to hold. Each slot 922 is disposed over a corresponding recess 920 of the packaging unit 120, as shown in FIG. 31, which shows a top view of the packaging unit 120. Each slot 922 is configured to receive and secure an upper portion of the oral-care system, such as the toothbrush 104 and / or the spittoon straw 110. By way of example, in some embodiments, the spittoon straw 110 may include grooves configured to receive opposite edges of the slot 922 to secure the oral-care system 100 to the packaging unit 120, as described in further detail below. FIG 32 illustrates a left side view of the packaging unit 120. As shown in FIG 32, each side flap 916 may include a side surface 924.

[0073] In various embodiments, the packaging unit 120 is fabricated from a soft, flexible material, such as cardboard, card stock, or a plastic sheet. Additionally, in some embodiments, the packaging unit 120 is formed as a flat sheet (e.g., a flat sheet of cardboard) and configured to be folded into the configuration shown in Figures 29-32, which includes the oral-care system container 910. Thus, in such embodiments, the packaging unit 120 includes tabs and inserts, tabs and adhesive, or another mechanism for assembling the packaging unit 120 from a flat sheet.

[0074] Additionally, in various embodiments, the configuration of the packaging unit 120 provides a small footprint for packaging and providing the oral care system. For example, the packaging unit 120 requires little or minimal tabletop space, which is beneficial since in many hospital settings, patient access to the tabletop may be limited. At the same time, the packaging unit 120 itself includes a large amount of surface space that can be used in a variety of arrangements for marketing, providing instructions for use of the oral care system, providing drug information, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the front side 906 includes a brief description of the use of the oral care system. The back side 908 includes reasons why using the oral care system in a hospital environment is beneficial, detailed instructions for using the oral care system, drug information, and manufacturer information. The side 924 includes additional brief information regarding the use of the oral care system and reasons why using the oral care system is beneficial. Additionally, additional surfaces of the packaging unit 120 may also be used, such as the front portion of the base 912.

[0075] 33, a side perspective view of a packaging unit 120 holding an oral-care system 1000 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. In various embodiments, oral-care systems 1000 are configured similarly to oral-care systems 1000, with each oral-care system 1000 including an oral fluid container 1002 (e.g., including an oral fluid bottle 1006, a cylinder solution cup (not shown), and a spittoon straw 1010) and a toothbrush 1004. Further, in various embodiments, this These components are configured in the same manner as the oral fluid container 102, the toothbrush 104, the oral fluid bottle 106 or 116, the cylinder solution cup 108 or 118, and the spittoon straw 110. As shown in FIG 33, each of the recesses 920 of the packaging unit 120 is shaped to receive a lower part of the oral care system 1000 (e.g., a shape to receive the leg 408 or the leg 512). In addition, each of the slots 922 is shaped to receive an upper part of the oral care system 1000, such as the spittoon straw 1010.

[0076] Further, in some embodiments, the spittoon straw 1010 may include grooves 1020 configured to fit around both edges of the slot 922. FIGS. 34 and 35 are side views of the oral-care system 1000 according to an illustrative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , the spittoon straw 1010 may include a pair of grooves 1020 disposed on opposite sides of the spittoon straw 1010. Each groove 1020 may be configured to fit around a portion of the edge forming the slot 922. Further, as shown in FIG. 35 , each groove 1020 may include a wider end 1022. The wider end 1022 may be configured to receive an edge of the slot 922 and may aid an individual placing the oral-care system 1000 in the packaging unit 120 by making it easier for the individual to align the grooves 1020 with the edges of the slot 922 based on the wider size. One edge of the slot 922 inserted into one of the grooves 1020 of the spittoon straw 1010 is shown in FIG. 36 , which is a side perspective view of the packaging unit 120 holding the oral-care system 1000.

[0077] When the edge portion forming the slot 922 is received in the groove 1020, the groove 1020 helps accommodate the oral-care system 1000 within the packaging unit 120. Furthermore, in various arrangements, the groove 1020 may also help a healthcare professional determine whether a patient is complying with an oral-care regimen. First, in some arrangements, the groove 1020 may be configured to prevent the spittoon straw 1010 and the toothbrush 1004 from being pushed downward into the cylinder solution cup 1008 until the oral-care system 1000 is removed from the packaging unit 120. For example, the groove 1020 may engage with the slot 922 to prevent the spittoon straw 1010 and the toothbrush 1004 from moving downward. In this manner, the groove 1020 may prevent the oral-care system 1000 from prematurely entering the cylinder solution cup 1008, for example, during assembly and distribution of the oral-care system 1000, which may result in the oral-care system 1000 having to be discarded due to premature entry.

[0078] Further, in some arrangements, the groove 1020 is configured on the spittoon straw 1010 such that once a patient has used the oral-care system 1000, the oral-care system 1000 cannot be re-inserted into the packaging unit 120. For example, the groove 1020 is aligned with the top of the oral fluid container 1002. Thus, when a patient uses the oral-care system 1000 by pushing the toothbrush 1004 and the spittoon straw 1010 into the cylinder solution cup 1008, the groove is permanently moved below the top of the oral fluid bottle 1006 (e.g., because the spittoon straw 1010 includes a protrusion that prevents the spittoon straw 1010 from being pulled up and out of the oral fluid bottle 1006 when the spittoon straw 1010 is pushed into the oral fluid bottle 1006). In this manner, because the patient cannot return the oral care system 1000 to the packaging unit 120 once it has been used, the groove 1020 helps the medical practitioner determine whether the patient has actually used the oral care system 100 without requiring examination of the device. If the patient claims to have used the oral care system 1000, but the oral care system 1000 remains in the packaging unit 120, the medical practitioner will know that the patient has not actually used the oral care system 1000. This in turn helps the medical practitioner determine whether the patient is complying with the oral care regimen.

[0079] 37, a side perspective view of a packaging unit 120 holding an oral-care system 1000 therein and housed in a wrapper 130 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various arrangements, the packaging unit 120 is configured to be enclosed in the wrapper 130 for hygienic reasons (e.g., to keep contaminants away from the oral-care system 1000). Thus, when the oral-care system 1000 is ready for use, the packaging unit 120 is removed from the wrapper 130.

[0080] In some embodiments, the packaged units 120 may be provided individually (e.g., as a single oral care regimen unit) within the wrapper 130, as shown in FIG. 37. This may be due to a one-off special patient need for the oral care system, such as before surgery. However, in many hospital settings, patients are recommended to brush their teeth a certain number of times per day, but many patients brush their teeth less than the recommended number of times per day. For example, many patients brush their teeth only twice a day, even if brushing four times a day is recommended. As a result, healthcare professionals provide patients with toothbrush units that many patients will not use. If the toothbrush unit is opened (e.g., when the packaged unit 120 is removed from the wrapper 130 to expose the oral care system 1000), it may have to be discarded, whether or not it has been used, for hygiene reasons, such as to prevent contamination of the opened toothbrush unit. This may lead to waste of toothbrush units by the hospital.

[0081] Thus, in various embodiments, the packaging units contained in the wrapper are configured to hold the number of oral care systems that a patient is expected to actually use in a given period of time. For example, a patient may be recommended to brush their teeth four times a day, but many patients may only brush their teeth twice a day. As such, the packaging unit 120 is configured to contain two oral care systems 1000, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 37. Thus, a patient may be provided with multiple packaging units that contain the total number of oral care systems that are recommended for use in a period of time (e.g., two packaging units 120, each containing two oral care systems 1000, for use in brushing the patient's teeth four times a day). However, the patient may separately remove each packaging unit from the wrapper enclosing the respective packaging unit such that the remaining unpackaged oral care systems may be stored for future use if the patient does not fully use the recommended number of oral care systems in a period of time. For example, referring to the embodiment of the packaging unit 120 shown in Figures 29-33, 36, and 37, a patient may be provided with two separately wrapped packaging units 120 that together contain four oral care systems 1000 for use in brushing the patient's teeth four times per day. However, if the patient only brushes their teeth two times per day instead of the recommended four times per day, the patient would only use the two oral care systems 1000 contained within one packaging unit 120 within one wrapper 130. The remaining unopened packaging unit 120 could then be stored for future use.

[0082] Further, in some embodiments, the packaging units housing the oral care systems are configured to be bound together such that each kit contains the number of oral care units recommended for daily use. Illustratively, each kit includes at least two packaging units, including a first set of oral care systems housed in a first packaging unit and a second set of oral care systems housed in a second packaging unit. For example, FIGS. 38 and 39 show side perspective views of two packaging units 120 attached together as a kit 140. Each packaging unit 120 includes two oral care systems 1000 such that, overall, the kit 140 includes four oral care systems 1000. Although it is recommended that a patient use all four oral care systems 1000 in a day, many patients only use two oral care systems 1000 in a day. It is expected that this will not occur. Thus, each packaged unit 120 is individually enclosed in a wrapper 130 and includes a frangible connection with the other packaged units 120 such that the packaged units 120 in the kit 140 can be individually separated and opened. Thus, if a patient uses only two oral care systems 1000, the patient opens only one packaged unit 120, leaving the other packaged units 120 safely enclosed in the wrapper 130 for future use. Additionally, in some arrangements, the packaged units 120 are connected together, for example, via a frangible perforated connection between the wrappers 130. This connection holds the two wrappers 130 together, but the two wrappers, and thus the two packaged units 120, can be pulled apart by applying force to the perforated connection.

[0083] In some embodiments, the packaging units 120 in the kit 140 are provided back-to-back (e.g., the backs 908 of two packaging units 120 are provided together), as shown in FIG. 38. This configuration of the kit 140 is beneficial because two packaging units 120 can be handled at once by an individual picking up the panels 904 of the two packaging units 120 together. Furthermore, this configuration of the kit 140 allows the two packaging units 120 to be provided together in a compact manner (e.g., such that the two packaging units 120 occupy a small surface area of ​​a table). However, in such embodiments, the packaging units 120 of the kit 140 may be separable, as shown in FIG. 39, such that an individual can view the backs 908 of each packaging unit 120. For example, the backs 908 may include a drug information notice that must be observable for compliance reasons without requiring the opening of a wrapper (or wrappers) 130.

[0084] In one arrangement, the wrappers 130 of the packaging units 120 include a frangible connection on one vertical edge 132 of each wrapper, as shown in FIG. 39. Thus, the packaging units 120 can be placed back-to-back as shown in FIG. 38, but can also be rotated about the hinge-like frangible connection on the vertical edge 132 so that the packaging units 120 are side-by-side as shown in FIG. 39. In yet another arrangement, the wrappers 130 include a weak adhesive on the portion of the wrapper 130 that covers the back surface 908 of the packaging units 120. In this manner, the packaging units 120 are placed back-to-back as shown in FIG. 38, and the wrappers 130 of each packaging unit are temporarily attached together by the weak adhesive on the portion of the wrapper 130 that covers the back surface 908 of the wrapper 130. However, the packaging units 120 can be separated by applying a small force to pull the adhesive apart and rotating the packaging units 120 until the packaging units 120 are side-by-side as shown in FIG. 39. In yet another arrangement, the wrappers 130 include frangible connections at the top edges 134 of the two wrappers 130. In this manner, the wrappers 130 are coupled such that the packaging units 120 are back-to-back as shown in FIG. 38, but the back surfaces 908 of the packaging units 120 can be separated (e.g., by rotating one packaging unit 120 clockwise and the other packaging unit 120 counterclockwise) such that the back surfaces 908 are visible. In yet another arrangement, the wrappers 130 include frangible connections at the bottom edges 135 of the two wrappers 130.

[0085] However, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments of the oral-care system 1000 and packaging units 120 are intended to be exemplary, and that the oral-care systems 1000 and packaging units 120 described herein may be provided and configured differently in other embodiments. For example, in some alternative embodiments, each packaging unit 120 is configured to hold one oral-care system 1000 and is separately packaged. In this manner, a patient may receive four separate packaging units 120 each day. 20 are provided, with each packaged unit 120 holding one oral-care system 1000. In another example, each packaged unit 120 is configured to hold one oral-care system 1000 and is packaged separately, but the wrappers of four packaged units 120 are connected together (e.g., via frangible connections along the vertical edges of the wrappers) to form a kit of four packaged units 120. In this manner, the patient is provided with one kit for each day. Alternatively, in other embodiments, each packaged unit 120 is configured to hold more than one oral-care system 1000 and / or each kit includes more than one packaged unit 120. In one example, multiple packaged units 120 are connected together with frangible connections along the wrappers of the packaged units 120, and a healthcare professional separates as many packaged units 120 as are needed for the patient from the multiple packaged units 120 connected together. In further embodiments, each packaging unit 120 is configured to hold four oral care systems 1000 such that each packaging unit 120 can hold enough oral care systems 1000 to provide the recommended brushing of the patient's teeth four times per day. This can encourage medical personnel to ensure that the patient does not brush their teeth four times per day, or risk wasting the oral care systems 1000 by the hospital. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the patient is provided with a different number of oral care systems 1000 per day, such as three oral care systems 1000 or five oral care systems 1000. In this manner, the packaging units 120 may be configured to hold different numbers of oral care systems. For example, if the patient is recommended to brush their teeth three times per day, the bundle provided to the patient may include a packaging unit 120 holding two oral care systems 1000 and a packaging unit 120 holding one oral care system 1000.

[0086] 40-45, there is shown a diagram of another packaging unit 150 for holding an oral-care system, such as the oral-care system 100 or the oral-care system 1000, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit 150. As shown in FIG. 40, the packaging unit 150 is formed of a panel 1100 having an attachment portion, such as a backing portion 1102. The backing portion 1102 may be further connected to a left flap 1104 and a right flap 1106 (e.g., via a fold in the panel 1100 between the middle portion 1102 and the left flap 1104 and the right flap 1106). For example, the left flap 1104 and the right flap 1106 allow the packaging unit 150 to stand upright without further support. However, a single backing portion 1102 without the left flap 1104 and the right flap 1106 may also be used in combination with a lower portion of the oral-care system to allow the packaging unit to stand upright. The panel 1100 also includes a front surface 1108 and a back surface 1110, as shown in FIG. 41, which shows a rear view of the packaging unit 150.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 40, the packaging unit 150 further includes one or more attachment elements for coupling the oral care system(s) to a mounting portion, such as the panel 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment elements are clips 1112, each clip 1112 configured to hold an oral care system. For example, the packaging unit 150 shown in FIG. 40 includes two clips 1112, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the packaging unit may include one clip 1112 or may include more than one clip. Each clip 1112 is attached to the panel 1100 via a hole 1114 in the panel 1100 into which a protrusion 1116 on the back of the clip 1112 fits, as shown in FIG. 41, to support the clip 1112 on the panel 1100. As shown in FIG. 42, which illustrates a top view of the packaging unit 150, each clip 1112 includes a pair of prongs 1118 that are configured together to fit and engage around a portion of the oral care system. 40 and 42, each prong 1118 also includes a flat portion 1120. The flat portion 1120 is adapted to fit a set of grooves in the oral care system, e.g. For example, the flat portion 1120 may be configured to receive the groove 1020 (see FIGS. 43 and 44 ) to better hold the oral-care system in place within the packaging unit and prevent movement of the oral-care system during transport or other prior use. Furthermore, the flat portion 1120 may not be able to receive the groove after the oral-care system has been used (e.g., because the groove is recessed under the cuspidor straw, as described above with reference to oral-care system 1000). As such, the oral-care system may not be able to return properly to the clip 1112 once it has been used. However, the clip 1112 may be configured to engage the oral-care system in other ways. For example, the clip 1112 may be formed of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic and thus may bend to receive and engage a portion of the oral-care system. In some embodiments, the clip 1112 may not be coupled or attached to the panel 1100, but rather may be positioned independently of the panel 1100 in the packaging unit 150. For example, although not attached to the panel 1110, the clip 1112 may similarly be configured to engage a portion of the oral-care system to prevent movement of the oral-care system (e.g., to prevent the toothbrush 1004 from being pushed into the oral fluid bottle 1006, as described above with reference to the oral-care system 1000). Moreover, the clip 1112 may be configured to engage a portion of the oral-care system other than the groove 1020 after the oral-care system has been used. For example, the clip 1112 may be configured to engage a portion of the spittoon straw 1010 or another portion of the oral-care system after the oral-care system has been used. In some embodiments, the clip 1112 may be configured in another manner to prevent the toothbrush 1004 from being pushed into the oral fluid container 1006. For example, the clip 1112 may be configured as a linear member (e.g., a rod, etc.). The clip 1112 may further be configured to be removably coupled to or actuated relative to the oral-care system to prevent and / or allow the toothbrush 1004 to be forced into the oral fluid container 1006.

[0088] 43 is a side perspective view of a packaging unit 150 holding an oral-care system 1200, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the oral-care systems 1200 are configured similarly to the oral-care systems 100, and each oral-care system 1200 includes an oral fluid container 1202 (e.g., including an oral fluid bottle 1206, a cylinder solution cup 1208, and a spittoon straw 1210) and a toothbrush 1204. Further, in various embodiments, the components of each oral-care system 1200 are configured similarly to the oral fluid container 102, the toothbrush 104, the oral fluid bottle 106 or 116, the cylinder solution cup 108 or 118, and the spittoon straw 110 described above. Furthermore, each oral-care system 1200 includes a groove 1220 similar to the groove 1020 of the oral-care system 1000 described above. Additionally, the oral care system 1200 includes a plunger 1222 configured to be removably inserted to fit into the suction port 1224 of the toothbrush 1204. For example, the plunger 1222 can prevent oral fluids from backflowing out of the suction port 1224 or protruding suction opening 212 when the suction port 1224 or protruding suction opening 212 is not in use, specifically while the toothbrush 1204 is pressed into the cylinder solution cup 1208, as described above with reference to FIGS. 23-29. However, the plunger 1222 is removable so that the user can remove the plunger 1222 to attach the toothbrush 1204 to a suction device. It is understood that there can be other embodiments of the packaging unit that can include other removable elements configured to block the suction port 210 and the protruding suction opening 212 to prevent oral fluids from backflowing out when the toothbrush is pressed into the cylinder solution cup. For example, a removable cap can cover and / or otherwise block the suction port 210 and the protruding suction opening 212. These removable elements may be connected to a part of the oral care system, such as a brush, attached to a packaging unit, or may be separate elements.

[0089] 43 and 44, the prongs 1118 of each clip 1112 hold the oral-care system 1200, and the flats 1120 of each prong 1118 fit into grooves 1220 of the oral-care system 1200. Additionally, the panel 1100 is configured such that when the oral-care system 1200 is inserted into the clip 1112, the lower portion of each oral-care system 1200 ends up flush with the panel 1110. For example, as shown in FIG. 43, the bottom of the legs 1212 (e.g., configured similarly to legs 512) on the oral fluid bottle 1206 is flush with the bottom of the panel 1100 such that the panel 1100 and oral-care system 1200 stand upright together (e.g., by the left and right flaps 1104 and 1106 of the panel 1100 and the legs 1212 of the oral-care system 1200).

[0090] In various embodiments, similar to the packaging unit 120, the packaging unit 150 is fabricated from a soft, flexible material, such as cardboard, card stock, or plastic sheet. For example, the packaging unit 150 may be formed as a flat sheet (e.g., a flat sheet of cardboard) that is configured to fold (e.g., along lines and / or scratches on the flat sheet) into the configuration shown in FIGS. 40-45. Additionally, in various embodiments, and similar to the packaging unit 120, the configuration of the packaging unit 150 provides a small footprint for packaging and providing the oral care system. As an example, the packaging unit 150 requires little or minimal table surface space. However, the packaging unit 150 provides a large amount of surface space that can be used in a variety of arrangements, such as for marketing, for providing instructions for use of the oral care system, for providing drug information, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the left flap 1104 and the front surface 1108 of the middle portion 1102 include a label or logo of the oral care system and brief instructions regarding use of the oral care system. Additional space on the front 11108 of the left flap 1104 and the front 1108 of the right flap includes facts about using the oral care system and information about why using the oral care system in a hospital environment. The back 1110 of the middle section 1102 includes medication information, the back 1110 of the right flap 1106 includes detailed instructions for using the oral care system, and the back 1110 of the left flap 1104 includes additional facts about using the oral care system and information about why using the oral care system in a hospital environment.

[0091] In other embodiments, the attachment portion of the oral care system may not be a flat panel such as the panel 1100. The attachment portion may be any element or structure capable of fastening and / or holding one or more oral care systems together, directly or indirectly, preferably in an upright position. In some examples, the attachment portion may be a cylindrical attachment portion having one or more attachment elements around its circumference. In other embodiments, multiple attachment elements are connected together to form an array of attachment elements, such as, but not limited to, the clip 1112, and the attachment portion does not include additional elements to which the attachment elements are coupled. Furthermore, the attachment element may be provided in a configuration other than as a clip 1112, so long as it is capable of fastening one or more oral care systems 1200 and has an extended substantially flat portion configured to be received by the groove 1220 of the oral care system 1200 to prevent premature activation of the toothbrush 1204 against the oral fluid bottle 106.

[0092] 45, a side perspective view of a packaging unit 150 holding an oral-care system 1200 therein and housed in a wrapper 160 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similar to the packaging unit 120, in various configurations, the packaging unit 150 is configured to be enclosed in the wrapper 160 for sanitary reasons (e.g., to keep contaminants away from the oral-care system 1200). Thus, when the oral-care system 1200 is ready for use, the packaging unit 150 is removed from the wrapper 160 and the packaging unit 150 is then packaged in a plastic bag 162 that is then sealed with the wrapper 160. In some embodiments, the packaged units 150 are provided individually within a wrapper 160, as shown in FIG. 44 (e.g., as an oral care regimen unit). In other embodiments, the packaged units 150 may be provided in a kit similar to kit 140, which includes multiple packaged units 150 with frangible connections between the wrappers 160 enclosing the packaged units 150.

[0093] 46-50, there is shown a diagram of another packaging unit 170 for holding an oral-care system, such as oral-care system 100, oral-care system 1000, or oral-care system 1200, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the packaging unit 170. As shown in FIG. 46, the packaging unit 170 is configured similarly to the packaging unit 150 and includes a single panel 1100 divided into a middle section 1102 connected to a left flap 1104 and a right flap 1106. As further shown in FIG. 46, as well as in FIG. 47 (showing a rear view of the packaging unit 170) and FIG. 48 (showing a top view of the packaging unit 170), the packaging unit 170 further includes clips 1112 configured to hold the oral-care system. However, the packaging unit 170 shown in FIGS. 47-50 is wider than the packaging unit 150 shown in FIGS. 40-45 and includes four clips 1112. Thus, the packaging unit 170 is configured to hold four oral-care systems 1200, as shown in FIG. 49, which shows a side perspective view of the packaging unit 170, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0094] 50, a side perspective view of a packaging unit 170 having an oral-care system 1200 held therein and contained within a wrapper 180 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The packaging unit 170 may be enclosed within the wrapper 180 for reasons similar to those of the packaging units 120 and 150, as described above, and is removed from the wrapper 180 during use. Additionally, in some embodiments, the packaging units 170 are provided individually within the wrapper 180 (e.g., as an oral-care regimen unit), while in other embodiments, the packaging units 170 may be provided in a kit similar to 140, including multiple packaging units 170 having frangible connections between the wrappers 180 that enclose the packaging units 170.

[0095] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to enable the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the detailed numerical ranges provided. These terms should therefore be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0096] As used herein, the term "coupled" and variations thereof mean to join two members together directly or indirectly. Such coupling may be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such coupling may be achieved when the two members are directly coupled to each other, when the two members are coupled to each other using one or more separate intervening members and any additional intermediate members coupled to each other, or when the two members are coupled to each other using an intervening member integrally formed with one of the two members. When "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means to join two members together without a separate intervening member), resulting in a definition narrower than the general definition of "coupled" provided above.

[0097] In this specification, references to the location of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower") are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may vary according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0098] The construction and arrangement of elements in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, construction, shape and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements. Elements and assemblies may be composed of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Furthermore, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean to serve as an example, instance, or illustration. An embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word "exemplary" is intended to illustrate a concept. Thus, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. an oral care system having a toothbrush and an oral fluid container; A clip is provided. An oral care regimen kit comprising a packaging unit, the clip configured to engage a first portion of the oral care system such that the toothbrush is not forced into the oral fluid container while the oral care system is engaged with the clip.

2. The packaging unit includes a mounting portion configured to support the clip.

10. The oral care regimen kit of claim 1.

3. The mounting portion is a panel.

3. The oral care regimen kit of claim 2.

4. The panel includes a backing portion, a left flap, and a right flap, and the panel is configured to stand upright while being supported by the backing portion, the left flap, and the right flap.

4. The oral care regimen kit of claim 3.

5. The clip is configured to releasably couple to a first portion of the oral-care system and engage the first portion of the oral-care system.

10. The oral care regimen kit of claim 1.

6. The oral-care system includes a pair of grooves configured to receive a pair of flat portions of the clip.

10. The oral care regimen kit of claim 1.

7. the oral fluid container of the oral care system contains a pre-measured amount of oral fluid contained in a lower portion of the oral care system; and The pair of grooves of the oral-care system are configured to prevent the toothbrush from being forced into the oral fluid container while the pair of flats are received by the pair of grooves.

7. The oral care regimen kit of claim 6.

8. The clip is configured to engage a second portion of the oral-care system that is different from the first portion after the oral-care system has been used.

7. The oral care regimen kit of claim 6.

9. The toothbrush of the oral care system includes a suction port and a plunger configured to be removably inserted into the suction port.

10. The oral care regimen kit of claim 1.

10. The package unit further includes a wrapper for enclosing the package unit.

10. The oral care regimen kit of claim 1.

11. packaging the oral-care system in a packaging unit, the packaging unit comprising an oral-care system having a toothbrush and an oral fluid container, and a clip configured to engage a first portion of the oral-care system such that the toothbrush is not forced into the oral fluid container while the oral-care system is engaged by the clip; and enclosing the package unit in a wrapper. A method for providing an oral care planning kit.

12. The packaging unit includes a mounting portion configured to support the clip. The method of claim 11.

13. The mounting portion is a panel. The method of claim 12.

14. The panel further includes a middle portion, a left flap, and a right flap, and the panel is configured to stand upright while being supported by the middle portion, the left flap, and the right flap. The method of claim 13.

15. The clip is configured to releasably couple to a first portion of the oral-care system and engage the first portion of the oral-care system. The method of claim 11.

16. The oral-care system includes a pair of grooves configured to receive a pair of flat portions of the clip. The method of claim 11.

17. the oral fluid container of the oral care system contains a pre-measured amount of oral fluid contained in a lower portion of the oral care system; and The pair of grooves of the oral-care system are configured to prevent the toothbrush from being forced into the oral fluid container while the pair of flats are received by the pair of grooves.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. The clip is configured to engage a second portion of the oral-care system that is different from the first portion after the oral-care system has been used.

17. The method of claim 16.

19. The toothbrush of the oral care system includes a suction port and a plunger configured to be removably inserted into the suction port. The method of claim 11.

20. 1. A packaging system for an oral care planning kit, comprising: A package unit, a wrapper for enclosing the package unit; The package unit comprises: A mounting portion and a mounting element having a pair of flat portions and supported by the mounting portion; an oral care system including a toothbrush and an oral fluid container, the toothbrush including a suction port and a plunger configured to be removably inserted into the suction port; The oral-care system includes a packaging system having a pair of grooves configured to receive the pair of flat portions.

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