Abstract:
An oral care implement that rotates about a longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head; a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a flat base surface; a mechanical vibratory device operatively connected to a power source, the mechanical vibratory device comprising an eccentric imparting movement to the head when activated; and wherein the flat base surface is oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle so that the oral care implement can stand in a self-supporting upright orientation on a horizontal flat surface, and wherein when the oral care implement stands in the self-supporting upright orientation and the mechanical vibratory device is activated, the oral care implement rotates about the longitudinal axis while maintaining the self-supporting upright orientation.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having a body that appears to float within an aperture of the handle. The body can perform both a decorative and/or utilitarian function depending on its design and/or location on the handle. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; an aperture in the handle; and a grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a body, the grip body constructed of a first material and the body constructed of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material.
Abstract:
An oral care system and method wherein a dispenser is mounted to the handle of an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush. The dispenser holds an oral care material and is alterable between a storage state wherein a dispending end of the dispenser nests within the handle and an application state wherein the dispensing end of the dispenser is un-nested and exposed for oral care use. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care system comprising: an oral care implement comprising a head, a handle having a longitudinal axis, and one or more oral surface engaging elements; a dispenser having a reservoir containing an oral care material and an applicator for dispensing the oral care material from the reservoir; the dispenser alterable between: (i) a storage state wherein the applicator or the dispensing end of the dispenser is nested within the handle; and (ii) an application state wherein the applicator or the dispensing end is un-nested from the handle and exposed for oral care use.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having an turbine-like arrangement of cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising an elliptical zone and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spirals spreading out from the elliptical zone; and for each spiral, an arcuate cleaning element wall extending outward from the first surface of the head along the spiral. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.
Abstract:
An oral care implement with an air flossing system cleans debris from the teeth of a user. The oral care implement may include an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue. A body is provided for gripping the implement. An air source is disposed in the body for proving pressurized air to an air outlet. The air outlet is disposed in the oral care region for injecting the pressurized air to clean debris from the oral tissue.
Abstract:
An oral care implement sanitization system that includes an oral care implement and a case for storing the oral care implement and activating a sanitization or sterilization procedure. The oral care implement may include tooth cleaning elements, a light source, and a first electrical coupling element operably coupled to the light source. The case may include a housing having a cavity for holding the oral care implement, a power source, and a second electrical coupling element operably coupled to the power source. When the oral care implement is positioned within the cavity of the housing of the case, the first and second electrical coupling elements are operably coupled together. Operable coupling of the first and second electrical coupling elements initiates, either immediately or upon the occurrence of some additional action, activation of the light source for sanitizing or sterilizing the tooth cleaning elements.
Abstract:
A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement may include a valve and a specially configured storage cap. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.