Abstract:
A method of forming a bristle field for an oral care implement. The method includes providing a bundle of bristles and aligning the bundle of bristles with an insertion opening in a guide member. Upon insertion into the guide member, the guide member divides the bundle of bristles into a plurality of bristle tufts. The guide member can be aligned with tuft holes on a head or head plate of an oral care implement so that the bundle of bristles can be inserted through the guide member and into the tuft holes. As a result, a single bundle of bristles can be used to mount a plurality of bristle tufts to the head or head plate.
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.
Abstract:
An oral care implement having a flexible handle. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head; and a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and connected to the head, the handle comprising: a main body integrally formed of a rigid material, the main body comprising a rigid gripping section terminating in a bulbous body, a rigid neck section terminating in a basin, and a flexible strut having a first end connected to the bulbous body and a second end connected to a floor of the basin; a resilient material encasing the flexible strut; and the flexible strut and the resilient material forming a hinge about which the rigid neck section pivots relative to the rigid gripping section upon a force being applied to the head.
Abstract:
A package (100) for an oral care implement (50) comprising a container (200) having a display portion(220) and a periphery (230), and a backing(300) attached to the container for defining an interior (210) for receiving an oral care implement. The backing further comprises a first portion (310) attached to a portion of the periphery for defining an interior of the container and a second portion attached to the display portion; wherein the second portion (330) of the backing further comprises a separable portion that facilitates separation of the first portion of the backing from the display portion and thereby facilitates access to the interior of the container.
Abstract:
A package (100) of articles, such as oral care implements (200) comprising: a tubular body (109) having a cavity (115), an open top end (167) and a closed bottom end (126). An annular wall (120) divides the cavity into a central cavity (125) and an annular cavity (115) that circumferentially surrounds the central cavity. A plurality of radial walls (130) extend from an outer surface (121) of the annular wall to an inner surface (112) of the tubular body and divide the annular cavity into a plurality of subcavities (135). At least one oral care implement is disposed within each of the subcavities. A cover (170) is coupled to at least one of the tubular body and the annular wall. The cover comprises a central opening (177) that forms a passageway into the central cavity and a dispensing opening (174).