EP2655199B1 - Package of oral care implements and method of using the same - Google Patents
Package of oral care implements and method of using the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2655199B1 EP2655199B1 EP10809216.4A EP10809216A EP2655199B1 EP 2655199 B1 EP2655199 B1 EP 2655199B1 EP 10809216 A EP10809216 A EP 10809216A EP 2655199 B1 EP2655199 B1 EP 2655199B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- film
- subcavities
- oral care
- package
- annular wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 34
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 33
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 26
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 description 20
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 19
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 11
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 235000010585 Ammi visnaga Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 244000153158 Ammi visnaga Species 0.000 description 8
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003296 saliva Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012491 analyte Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- OSGAYBCDTDRGGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium sulfate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O OSGAYBCDTDRGGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000593 degrading effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000551 dentifrice Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000002324 mouth wash Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940051866 mouthwash Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000606 toothpaste Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940034610 toothpaste Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 241000628997 Flos Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001110 calcium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001628 calcium chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N dialuminum;dioxosilane;oxygen(2-);hydrate Chemical compound O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3].O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007407 health benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012771 household material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002808 molecular sieve Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000741 silica gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002027 silica gel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium aluminosilicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])=O.[O-][Si]([O-])=O URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005382 thermal cycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003053 toxin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000765 toxin Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 108700012359 toxins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/12—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
- B65D1/14—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by shape
- B65D1/16—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by shape of curved cross-section, e.g. cylindrical
- B65D1/165—Cylindrical cans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/24—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents with moulded compartments or partitions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
- B65D77/2028—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab
- B65D77/2032—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/264—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing liquids
- B65D81/265—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing liquids the absorbent being placed beneath a false bottom
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
- B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
- B65D2577/2075—Lines of weakness or apertures
- B65D2577/2091—Lines of weakness or apertures in cover
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of packaging oral care implements, and specifically to a package of oral care implements having a moisture sensitive pre-applied oral care material.
- oral care implements cannot be used due to a lack of a water source, such as when a user is driving in a vehicle or on-the-go.
- Oral care implements that can be used without a water source have recently been developed.
- oral care implements have been developed that provide an oral care material within the oral care implement itself, such as through an integrated channel, for distribution through the oral care implement to the bristles.
- Disposable waterless oral care implements that utilize a pre-applied moisture sensitive capsule have also been introduced into the market.
- Oral care implements such as those described above, must be maintained in a sealed environment prior to use in order to prevent moisture from prematurely degrading and/or releasing the oral care material. As such, these oral care implements must be carefully packaged. Furthermore, users of disposable oral care implements need a place to dispose the oral care implements after use. Disposable oral care implements of the type discussed above are currently packaged in plastic clamshell packages that are individually foil-sealed for protection. If a user uses a disposable oral care implement in a vehicle or another "on-the-go" location, the user must resort to either leaving the used disposable oral care implement loose within the vehicle or holding onto it until a proper waste basket can be located.
- a package that can contain oral care implements in a moisture-free environment prior to use Furthermore, there is a need for a package that can contain a plurality of oral care implements such that one of the oral care implements can be removed from the package for use while the remainder of the oral care implements remain in a moisture protected environment.
- US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/120798 discloses an oral care toothbrush which includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements.
- International Patent Application Publication No. 2008/086389 describes a rigid or semi-rigid package or container comprising a body, a cover, and a resealable layer.
- International Patent Application Publication No. 2009/016568 relates to a container for food products, for example dry pasta, divided into two or more inner compartments each containing or suited to contain a quantity of food product corresponding to a single portion.
- International Patent Application Publication No. 2010/065307 discloses an analyte sensor container system for storing and dispensing analyte sensors.
- German Utility Model No. 202005017991 describes a packaging box having an elongated box casing with a chamber for retaining a household material.
- the present invention provides a package of oral implements according to claim 1.
- a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, a plurality of inner walls in the cavity that divide the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, and a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a film sealing a top end of each of the subcavities, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
- the invention can be a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, a plurality of inner walls in the cavity that divide the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities, and a roof sealing a top end of each of the subcavities; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a plurality of slots in the annular wall, wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities through which one of the oral care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing the slots, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
- the present disclosure also provides a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, at least one inner wall in the cavity that divides the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, an a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities; a plurality of oral care implements disposed within each of the subcavities; a re-sealable film sealing a top end of each of the subcavities, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed, the film being re-sealable to the tubular body after separation therefrom.
- a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall and a plurality of subcavities within the annular wall; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a plurality of slots in the annular wall, wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities through which one of the oral care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing the slots, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
- an oral care implement 100 that is particularly suited for use with the present invention is exemplified. As will become apparent from the discussion below, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 be packaged in a manner that protects the oral care implement 100 against moisture and/or humidity.
- the oral care implement 100 extends from a proximal end 101 to a distal end 102 and includes a head 112 and a handle 114.
- the oral care implement 100 includes a tail portion 103 located at the proximal end 101, and a head portion 104 located at the distal end 102.
- the head 112 may either be a refill head that is removably connected to the handle 114 or a structure that is permanently connected to the handle 114.
- the majority of the handle 114 and a portion of the head 112 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including without limitation plastics, resins and the like.
- One suitable rigid material is polypropylene.
- other rigid materials may be used as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
- the tail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100 which is opposite the head portion 104 to which the head 112 is located, comprises an oral care accessory, which in the exemplified embodiment is a toothpick 116.
- the toothpick 116 is preferably formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer.
- the toothpick 116 may be a refill toothpick that is removably connected to the handle 114 or may be permanently connected to the handle 114.
- the toothpick 116 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth. Forming the toothpick 116 of a soft thermoplastic elastomer provides a more comfortable interproximal cleaning between the teeth.
- the toothpick 116 could, however, be made of a stiff, rigid material similar to the main portion of the handle 114, or could simply be a rubber or elastomeric pick adhered or otherwise mounted to the end of the handle 114.
- a different accessory such as a strip of dental floss or a tongue cleaning element, may be attached to the tail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100.
- the oral care implement 100 may not include an accessory or may include multiple accessories.
- the head 112 comprises a cleaning element block 122.
- the cleaning element block 122 comprises a plurality of bristles extending from the head 114.
- the bristles of the cleaning element block 122 may be of any desired shape.
- the bristles could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length.
- the bristles could taper from the root where they extend from the head 122 to their outer cleaning ends. It is understood that the cleaning element block 122 may include other cleaning elements.
- each bristle of the cleaning element block 122 may extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head 112 a distance no greater than 10mm and preferably no greater than 8mm and most preferably no greater than 6mm.
- the root diameter should be no greater than 1.5mm, more preferably between 0.5mm and 1mm, and most preferably no greater than 0.3mm. The diameter could then decrease in size with distance from the head 112.
- the length of the entire oral care implement 100 is no greater than 12.7cm (5 inches), more preferably no greater than 10.16cm (4 inches) and most preferably in the range of 5.08cm to 10.16cm (2 to 4 inches).
- the gel capsule 132 is filled with an oral care material, such as a fluidic solution, for cleaning or otherwise providing health benefits to a user's oral cavity.
- the oral care material may be toothpowder, toothpaste, tooth cleaning gel, mouthwash or a similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same.
- the gel capsule 132 is moisture-sensitive and should be protected against high humidity environments in order to prevent premature rupture.
- the gel capsule 132 is susceptible to degradation when subjected to a high humidity atmosphere as it has been discovered that moisture in the air in a high humidity environment can degrade the integrity of the gel capsule 132. Therefore, it is desirable to package the oral care implement 100 in a manner that protects the gel capsule 132 from humidity and liquid moisture prior to use.
- the gel capsule 132 holds and applies an oral care material onto the tooth cleaning elements 122 of the oral care implement head 112, and ultimately to a user's teeth and oral care surfaces.
- the oral care material may be toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or a similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same.
- the gel capsule 132 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having a shell comprising frangible, thin walls that easily rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth.
- the gel capsule 132 degrades when subjected to moisture and, thus, dissolves when mixed with the saliva of a user.
- the oral care solution held therein is excreted. While the degradation of the gel capsule 132 is a desired characteristic for effectuating end use of the oral care implement 100 by the consumer, the moisture-driven degradation of the gel capsule 132 presents issues with respect to properly preserving the integrity of the gel capsule 132 during product manufacturing, packaging, shipping and display in retail stores.
- the gel capsule 132 is susceptible to degradation when subjected not only to direct contact with liquid water but also to prolonged exposure to atmospheres having a high humidity level. It has been discovered that a high humidity environment can degrade the integrity of the gel capsule 132 and prematurely expel the oral care material or cause the oral care material to dry up. Of course, the exact humidity levels and exposure times that will result in the degradation of the gel capsule 132 will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering such factors as the type of gel capsule 132 being used, the type of oral care material, and the thermal cycling to which the oral care implement 100 is subjected.
- the gel capsule 132 (and potentially the entire oral care implement 100 ) be placed in a package that forms a sealed cavity in which at least the gel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 is disposed, thereby protecting the gel capsule 132 from external moisture which can be in the form a high humidity atmosphere or liquid water.
- the sealed cavity may be hermetically sealed.
- the entire structure of the oral care implement 100 is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation typically used in the manufacture of oral care implements.
- This enables the oral care implement 100 to be economically and quickly manufactured.
- the oral care implement 100 may be constructed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and relative dimensions, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 have a small profile so that it is easily portable and can be discreetly used.
- the head 112 be small enough to cover a single tooth at a time and that the handle 114 be substantially thinner than conventional, everyday oral care implement handles.
- the oral care implement 100 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 weigh no more than 3 grams in certain embodiments.
- the small size allows the oral care implement 100 to be held completely within the palm of an adult user's hand.
- the head 112 is preferably sized to correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas. While the head 112 could be made in any suitable shape, it is preferably of circular or oval shape and has a maximum lateral dimension or diameter of no greater than 13mm, preferably no greater than 12mm and most preferably no greater than 11mm.
- the oral care implement 100 is not limited to any specific dimensions or shapes.
- the present invention is not limited to the above-described oral care implement 100. While the inventive package will be described in combination with a plurality of the oral care implements 100, it is to be understood that other oral care implements can be packaged as discussed below. In certain embodiments of the invention, the package is in no way limited to the structure of the oral care implement 100 unless specifically stated in the claims.
- the oral care implement 100 disposed within the package is one which is disposable, has a pre-applied oral care material, and must be protected against moisture.
- a conventional toothbrush or any other type of oral care implement may be disposed within the package, irrespective of whether it must be protected against moisture and/or contains a pre-applied oral care material.
- pre-applied means that the oral care material is associated with the oral care implement as-packaged for sale.
- a package 300 containing a plurality of the oral care implements 100 according to a first comparative example is illustrated.
- the package 300 is designed to keep moisture out of the subcavities containing the oral care implements 100 so that the pre-applied oral care material, which is in the form of the gel capsule 132, is protected from degradation due to humidity and/or moisture.
- the package 300 need not be hermetically sealed.
- the package 300 generally comprises a tubular body 301 having an annular wall 302 that forms a cavity 305.
- the annular wall 302 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile.
- the circular transverse cross-sectional profile shape is beneficial when the package 300 is designed for positioning in a cup holder of a vehicle.
- the package 300 preferably has a diameter D 1 that is between 60-80mm.
- the package 300 may take on a tapered shape (not shown) such that the diameter D 1 of the package 300 is larger at a top end 303 of the package 300 than at a bottom end 304 of the package 300 or vice versa.
- the transverse cross-sectional profile of the annular wall 302 may be almost any shape, including without limitation rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, triangular or otherwise polygonal.
- the package 300 comprises a plurality of inner walls 310 positioned within the cavity 305.
- the inner walls 310 divide the cavity 305 into a plurality of subcavities 306.
- Each of the subcavities 306 comprises a top end 308 and a bottom end 309.
- the inner walls 310 form a rectilinear gridwork of walls.
- the invention is not so limited and the inner walls 310 may take on any other form so long as the inner walls 310 divide the cavity 305 into a plurality of subcavities 306.
- the rectilinear gridwork is illustrated in greater detail.
- the rectilinear gridwork is a preferable arrangement of the inner walls 310 because it maximizes the amount of cavity space that is being used when the annular wall 302 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile.
- some of the subcavities 306 are empty because they are not large enough to contain one of the oral care implements 100 therein.
- the circular transverse cross-sectional profile is preferable when the package 300 is being stored in a vehicle cup holder.
- the inner walls 310 may be in the form of a Cartesian gridwork in order to maximize the used cavity space.
- Each of the subcavities 306 may be the same size or different sizes.
- each of the subcavities 306 may be different sizes to store the different types of oral care implements. Stated simply, the number and size of the subcavities 306 are in no way limiting of the present invention in all embodiments.
- the bottom end 304 of the package 300 is enclosed by a floor 307.
- the floor 307 is coupled to the annular wall 302 and each of the inner walls 310 so as to seal the bottom end 309 of each of the plurality of subcavities 306.
- the floor 307 is a separate component from the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 and is attached to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 at a later stage in the manufacturing process.
- the invention is not so limited and in certain other embodiments the floor 307 may be formed integrally with the other components of the package 300.
- each of the subcavities 306 is disposed within each of the subcavities 306.
- the transverse cross-sectional dimensions of each of the subcavities are approximately between 6-20mm, and more preferably between 10-15mm.
- the size of the subcavities 306 may be larger or smaller than the ranges discussed herein in order to accommodate larger or smaller oral care implements, or to accommodate more than a single one of the oral care implements 100 therein.
- the oral care implements 100 are arranged in the subcavities 306 so that the tail portions 103 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the top ends 308 of the subcavities 306 and the head portions 104 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the bottom ends 309 of the subcavities 306. Positioning the oral care implements 100 in the subcavities 306 in this manner provides for easier gripping of the oral care implements 100 by the user for removal from the subcavities 306 as will be described in more detail below.
- the invention is not to be limited by the particular arrangement of the oral care implements 100 within the subcavities 306, unless specifically recited in the claims
- the package 300 comprises a film 320 that seals the top ends 308 of each of the plurality of subcavities 306. More specifically, the film 320 is attached to a top edge 312 of the annular wall 302 and a top edge 311 of the inner walls 310. Thus, a combination of the annular wall 302, the inner walls 310, the floor 307 and the film 320 creates an environment within each of the plurality of subcavities 306 such that each subcavity 306 is sealed with respect to the other subcavities 306 and to an environment external to the package 300, such as the ambient atmosphere.
- subcavity 306 is hermetically sealed.
- the film 320 is preferably a thin sheet of material that encloses the entire top end 303 of the package 300, thereby also enclosing the top ends 308 of each of the subcavities 306.
- the film 320 can be, for example without limitation, a laminate, a foil, a wax paper or a plastic sheet.
- the film 320 is preferably flexible, but may be rigid in certain arrangements.
- any other materials that can seal the top ends 308 of each of the subcavities 306 as would be known to persons skilled in the art may also be used for the film 320.
- the film 320 can be attached to the top edges (or surfaces) of the tubular body 301 by any number of means, including adhesion, thermal bonding, static, friction, or combinations thereof.
- the film 320 is a substantially transparent material. By creating the film 320 out of a transparent material, a user can easily see through the film 320 into each of the subcavities 306 to determine whether an oral care implement 100 is disposed therein. By allowing a user to see though the film 320 may also allow the user to choose the oral care implement 100 he or she wishes to retrieve in arrangements where different types of oral care implements are stored in the package 300.
- the invention is not so limited and the film 320 may be translucent or opaque.
- the film 320 may be colored in any desired fashion including a solid color or a patterned coloring arrangement. In some arrangements, a patterned coloring arrangement consisting of different color film segments 321 may denote to the user the different type of oral care implements that are stored in the package 300.
- the film 320 is divided into a plurality of film segments 321 that are separable from each other.
- the film segments 321 are not limited to an arrangement comprising a single film that is subsequently divided into segments but also includes arrangements where completely separate and distinct segments of film 320 are separately applied.
- the film segments 321 may be a single film covering the entire top end 303 of the package 300 that is subsequently separated into the film segments 321 by pre-weakening portions 322 on the film 320. Regardless of how the film segments 321 are created, the film segments 321 collectively form the film 320.
- the top end 308 of each one of the subcavities 306 is sealed by a corresponding one of the film segments 321.
- the film 320 is coupled to the package 300 in a manner so that access can be obtained into a single one of the subcavities 306 while the other subcavities 306 remain sealed from each other and the external environment.
- the film segment 321 that is sealing that particular subcavity 306 must be removed, penetrated or otherwise opened so that the subcavity 306 is no longer covered or sealed by the film segment 321.
- the film segment 321 hermetically seals the subcavity 306.
- the pre-weakened portions 322 that separate the film 320 into the film segments 321 are portions of the film 320 between adjacent film segments 321.
- the pre-weakened portions 322 of the film 320 are the portions of the film 320 that overlie and are attached to the top edges 311 of the inner walls 310 between adjacent film segments 321.
- the film 320 also has a pre-weakened portion 322 overlying the top edge 312 of the annular wall 310.
- the portion of the film 320 that overlies the top edge 312 of the annular wall 310 is not pre-weakened.
- the pre-weakened portions 322 can be perforated seams, heat-weakened seams or cut seams located between adjacent film segments 321.
- Manipulating the film segment 321 includes removing or penetrating the film segment 321 or otherwise creating an opening in the film 320 in the area of the film segment 321 that is covering a particular subcavity 306 so that the subcavity 306 is no longer covered by the film segment 321. Due to the pre-weakened portions 322, the film segments 321 are easily penetrated or removed.
- the film 320 breaks along the pre-weakened portions 322 surrounding the selected film segment 323.
- the selected film segment 323 becomes separated from the remainder of the film 320 and a passageway is formed from the external environment into the selected subcavity 316 that was sealed by the selected film segment 323.
- the force F is preferably the force of a user's finger pressing down on the selected film segment 323.
- the invention is not so limited and the force F can be obtained by an object being pressed against the selected film segment 323 or in any other manner as would be understood by persons skilled in the art.
- each of the film segments 321 may have a corresponding tab that is able to be gripped by a user.
- the user grips the tab and pulls the selected film segment 323 away from the subcavity in order to provide a passageway into the selected subcavity 316.
- the selected film segment 323 is manipulated to create a passageway into the selected subcavity 316, once the selected subcavity 316 is open, the oral care implement 100 disposed in the selected subcavity 316 will be exposed. As such, the user will be able to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it from the selected subcavity 316 for use.
- the tail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100 be positioned adjacent the top ends 308 of the subcavities 306. This is because the tail portion 103 of the oral care implements 100 are smaller than the head portions 104 , which will make it easier for a user to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it from the subcavity 306.
- the oral care implement 100 After the user grips the oral care implement 100 and removes it from its corresponding subcavity 306, the user can use the oral care implement to cleanse his or her oral cavity.
- the gel capsule 132 will rupture upon use either by dissolving in the user's saliva or being punctured by the user's teeth, and the user's teeth and other oral surfaces will benefit from the contents of the gel capsule 132.
- the oral care implement 100 is intended for one-time use and is therefore disposable. Thus, after use, the user can discard the oral care implement 100 by replacing the oral care implement 100 back into the selected subcavity 316 from which it came.
- the package 300 can be used as a container for storing the oral care implements 100 prior to use and as a waste basket for discarding of the oral care implements 100 after use. If the package 300 is sized and configured to fit within the cup holder of a vehicle, this will prevent users from leaving the used oral care implements 100 loose within the vehicle.
- the film 320 is also re-sealable. A user may find it unattractive to have the used oral care implements 100 merely positioned uncovered in the subcavities 306. Thus, by re-sealing the film 320, the used oral care implements 100 can be blocked from view.
- the package 300 also comprises a lid (not shown).
- a lid may take on any known lid embodiments.
- the lid may be a snap-fit, press-fit, interference fit or other type of lid that covers the top ends 308 of the subcavities 306 above the film 320.
- the lid will be coupled to the tubular body 301 so that the film 320 is located between a bottom surface of the lid and the tubular body 301. The lid will prevent the film 320 from being prematurely punctured, opened or removed during manufacturing, packaging, shipping and display at a retail store for sale to an end user.
- the lid is preferably made of the same materials as the other components of the package 300 as will be discussed below. However, the lid may be formed of any materials so long as the lid protects the film 320 from premature puncture. Any of the embodiments discussed herein, whether illustrated with a lid or not, may be manufactured, shipped, displayed and sold with a lid.
- the desiccant 380 is positioned within the package 300 in order to remove any moisture that may seep into the subcavities 306 of the package 300.
- the package 300 further comprises a transverse plate 360 positioned within each of the subcavities 306 that separates each of the subcavities 306 into an upper chamber 362 and a lower chamber 363.
- the package 300 can be considered to include a single transverse plate 360 extending transversely across the entirety of the cavity 305 generally parallel to the floor 307.
- the upper chamber 362 extends between the film 320 and a top surface 364 of the transverse plate 360.
- the lower chamber 363 extends between a bottom surface 365 of the transverse plate 360 and the top surface 312 of the floor 307.
- the transverse plate 360 is integrally formed as a unitary part with the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310. The manufacturing process involved in creating the package 300 with the desiccant 380 will be described in greater detail below.
- the transverse plate 360 comprises a plurality of openings 361, each of which provides a passageway between the upper and lower chambers 362, 363 of the subcavities 306.
- air within the upper chamber 362 is able to flow downward into the lower chamber 363 through the openings 361 and vice versa.
- the transverse plate 360 there are three openings 361 in the transverse plate 360 in each of the subcavities 306.
- the invention is not so limited and there can be more or less openings 361 in the transverse plate 360 as desired.
- the transverse plate 360 can be omitted altogether.
- the desiccant 380 is disposed in the lower chamber 363.
- the desiccant 380 may be any material that is known to induce or sustain a state of dryness in its local vicinity in a moderately well-sealed container.
- the desiccant 380 may be, for example without limitation, silica gel, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, montmorillonite clay, molecular sieves, rice, salt or the like.
- Other desiccants that are now known or later discovered that can sustain a state of dryness within a sealed container while not transmitting any toxins to the oral care implements 100 disposed within the subcavities 306 may be used.
- the oral care implements 100 are disposed in the upper chamber 362.
- the entire package 300 only needs to be large enough in height to contain the oral care implements 100, which may be as small as 5.08cm to 10.16cm (2 to 4 inches), and the desiccant 380, which may simply be a layer of salt disposed in the lower chamber 363.
- the desiccant 380 will absorb any moisture within either of the upper and lower chambers 362, 363 because the air within the subcavities 306 will freely flow between the upper and lower chambers 362, 363 through the openings 361 in the transverse plate 360. Thus, the desiccant 380 will remove excess humidity that would otherwise degrade or potentially destroy the oral care implements 100 within the upper chamber 362.
- the oral care implements 100 be placed in the package 300 at a relative humidity level that is less than 70% at room temperature, preferably less than 60% at room temperature, more preferably less than 50% at room temperature, and most preferably less than 40% at room temperature in order to avoid degradation of the gel capsules 132.
- a relative humidity level that is less than 70% at room temperature, preferably less than 60% at room temperature, more preferably less than 50% at room temperature, and most preferably less than 40% at room temperature in order to avoid degradation of the gel capsules 132.
- the desiccant 380 in the lower chamber 363 will be able to absorb the excess moisture without degrading the gel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100.
- the subcavities 306 are air-tight as discussed above in order to prevent further exposure of the gel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 to moisture, thereby keeping the gel capsule 132 intact.
- the annular wall 302, the inner walls 310, the transverse plate 360 and the floor 307 can be formed of any type of material as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
- the material may be a metal or metal alloy, or a thermoplastic such as for example polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride.
- the invention is not so limited and other materials as would be known to persons skilled in the art can be used.
- the package 300 can be formed in a multi-step process. Specifically, in one arrangement, the annular wall 302, the inner walls 310 and the transverse plate 160 are formed in a single step injection molding process. After the annular walls 302, the inner walls 310 and the transverse plate 360 are formed, the lower chamber 363 is filled with the desiccant 380. Then, after the desiccant 380 is properly positioned, the floor 307, which is in the form of a plate, is connected to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 so as to enclose the bottom ends of the annular walls 302 and the inner walls 310.
- the floor 307 can be created in a second injection molding step and then attached or coupled to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 at a later stage of the manufacturing process.
- the coupling of the floor 307 to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 can be achieved by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners or the like. It should be understood that the various components of the package 300 may be formed by methods other than molding, such as, for example, milling, machine, or other suitable process.
- the desiccant 380 may be omitted altogether in certain arrangements.
- the floor 307 may be formed integrally with the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310.
- the arrangements discussed below are not specifically discussed or illustrated as having a desiccant.
- the structure of the package embodiments discussed below may be manufactured as discussed above so that the desiccant 380 can be included in the package for moisture absorption.
- the package 300 is preferably sized so that it can fit within a vehicle cup holder.
- the invention is not so limited and the package 300 can take on other shapes and sizes, such as those disclosed above herein.
- FIG. 6 an alternative arrangement of a package 600 of oral care implements is illustrated.
- the package 600 is identical to the package 300 except that the configuration of the inner walls and the film are different.
- the portions of the package 600 that are the same as portions of the package 300 will be described with the same reference numerals, except that the 600-series of numbers will be used. Any portions of the package 600 not specifically described herein have the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of the package 300.
- the package 600 comprises a tubular body 601 having an annular wall 602 that forms a cavity 605 with a longitudinal axis A-A.
- the package 600 comprises a plurality of radial walls 610 that divide the cavity 605 into a plurality of subcavities 606.
- the radial walls 610 extend radially from the longitudinal axis A-A to the annular wall 602 such that each subcavity 606 is sealed from the other subcavities 606.
- the package 600 has twelve radial walls 610 that divide the cavity 605 into twelve equally sized subcavities 606.
- the invention is not so limited and more or less than twelve radial walls 610 may be provided to divide the cavity 605 into more or less than twelve subcavities 606.
- the radial walls 610 may divide the cavity 605 into a plurality of subcavities 606 of different sizes.
- the plurality of subcavities 606 may be of different sizes in order to store different types of oral care implements within a single package 600.
- the number and size of the subcavities 606 are in no way limiting of the present invention.
- the package 600 has a film 620 enclosing a top end 608 of each of the subcavities 606.
- the film 620 is connected to a top edge 611 of each of the radial walls 610 and to a top edge 612 of the annular wall 602.
- a portion of the film 620 that overlies and is attached to the top edges 611 of the radial walls 610 and the top edge 612 of the annular wall 602 is a pre-weakened portion 622 of the film 620.
- the pre-weakened portion 622 of the film 620 may only be the portion of the film 620 that overlies the top edges 611 of the radial walls 610.
- the film 620 may not have any pre-weakened portions 622, but may instead be a plurality of separate film segments as discussed above with reference to the package 300.
- the package 600 is the same as the package 300 in all respects except for the configuration of the inner/radial walls 310, 610, and thus, the size, shape and number of the subcavities 306, 606. It is preferable that only one oral care implement 100 is disposed within each of the subcavities 606. However, the subcavities 606 are generally larger than the subcavities 306 and it may be possible to dispose more than one oral care implement 100 within each of the subcavities 606.
- the film 620 may be penetrated as discussed above by providing a force onto the top surface of one of the films 620 so that the film 620 breaks along the pre-weakened portions 622 surrounding the film 620.
- each of the film segments of the film 620 may include a tab for gripping by a user so that the film 620 can be separated from the top edges 611 of the radial walls 610 and the top edge 612 of the annular wall 602.
- package 700 of oral care implements is illustrated.
- the portions of the package 700 that are the same as portions of the package 300 will be described with the same reference numerals, except that the 700-series of numbers will be used. Any portions of the package 700 not specifically described herein have the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of the package 300.
- the package 700 comprises a tubular body 701 having an annular wall 702 that forms a cavity 705.
- the package 700 further comprises an inner wall 710 that divides the cavity 705 into two subcavities 706.
- the package 700 is illustrated having only a single inner wall 710, the invention is not so limited. In other arrangements, the package 700 may have two inner walls that are perpendicular to each other, or more than two inner walls. The number of inner walls included with the package 700 is dependent upon the desired number of subcavities 706.
- a bottom end 704 of the package 700 is enclosed by a floor (not shown), which seals each of the subcavities 706 as discussed above with reference to the package 300.
- the package 700 has a plurality of the oral care implements 100 disposed within each of the subcavities 706. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, ten oral care implements 100 are disposed within each of the subcavities 706. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the number of oral care implements 100 disposed within each of the subcavities 706.
- Each of the subcavities 706 has a top end 708 that is sealed by a re-sealable film 720.
- the re-sealable film 720 is attached to a top edge 711 of the inner wall 710 and a top edge 712 of the annular wall 702. More specifically, the re-sealable film 720 comprises two separate film segments 721 that are attached to the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710 and the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702 with a gap or space 723 between each of the film segments 721 at the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710.
- each one of the film segments 721 encloses and seals one of the subcavities 706.
- the film 720 may be a single film sheet that encloses both of the subcavities 706 and the film 720 may be a pre-weakened area as discussed above.
- the film 720 is attached to the package 700 so that a portion of the film 720 can be manipulated to provide access into a single one of the subcavities 706, while the other subcavities 706 remain sealed. More specifically, one of the film segments 721 can be separated from the package 700 to expose/open one of the subcavities 706 while the other one of the film segments 721 remains attached to the package 700 so as to seal the other one of the subcavities 706 . Of course, in embodiments where there are more than two subcavities 706, any one of the subcavities 706 can be opened while the other of the subcavities 706 remain sealed.
- Each of the film segments 721 comprises a pull tab 724.
- the pull tabs 724 enable a user to easily grip the film segments 721 to manipulate the film segments 721 and open the subcavities 706, thereby exposing the oral care implements 100 within the subcavities 706 to the external environment.
- the pull tabs 724 are sized and shaped to be easily grasped by a user's fingers and thumb. The pull tabs 724 also facilitate re-sealing of the film segments 721 as will be discussed below.
- pull tabs 724 are illustrated as being located on the portion of the film segments 721 adjacent the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702, in other arrangements the pull tabs 724 can be located on the portion of the film segments 721 adjacent the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710.
- the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702 and a portion of the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710 are covered or layered with an adhesive. Specifically, the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710 is covered with an adhesive while leaving the gap 723 between adjacent film segments 721 free of the adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be applied along a perimeter of each of the film segments 721. The adhesive is not applied to the pull tab 724 so that the pull tab 724 is prevented from adhering to the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702. Thus, a user will be more easily able to grasp the pull tab 724 and pull the film segments 721 of the film 720 away from the package 700 to open the subcavities 706.
- the consumer is not drawn to touching the adhesive portion of the film segments 721. Touching the adhesive portion of the film segments 721 may cause the adhesive layer to lose its adhesiveness and not provide a proper reseal of the top ends 708 of the subcavities 706.
- Any type of adhesive that is now known or later discovered for use with re-sealable films as described above may be used as the adhesive as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
- a user will grasp the pull tab 724 of one of the film segments 721 and pull the film segment 721 away from the package 700 to open the subcavity 706.
- the bonding strength of the adhesive is strong enough to maintain a hermetic seal when the film 720 is positioned on the package 700, but weak enough so that the seal can be broken to open the subcavities 706 without tearing or otherwise destroying the film 720.
- a user will remove one of the oral care implements 100 from the subcavity for use 706. The user can replace the oral care implement 100 back into the subcavity 706 for disposal after use.
- the user will re-seal the film segment 721 to enclose and seal the subcavity 706 by reattaching the film segment 721 to the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702.
- the user can apply pressure to the perimeter of the film segment 721 in order to ensure that a sufficient seal is achieved between the film segment 721 and the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702.
- the oral care implements 100 disposed within the subcavity 706 that was covered by the film segment 721 will be exposed to the external environment and therefore also to any moisture contained therein.
- the oral care implements 100 be sealed during the packaging, shipping and display stages until sale to the end user. In some arrangements, the oral care implements 100 are sealed. Once the end user purchases the package 700, limited exposure to moisture will not damage the oral care implements 100 or the gel capsules 132 disposed thereon.
- opening the package 700 and exposing a plurality of the oral care implements 100 to the external environment temporarily is not harmful to the gel capsules 132 of the oral care implements 100.
- the package 700 so that a desiccant can be disposed therein can further protect the gel capsules 132 of the oral care implements 100 against moisture damage.
- the oral care implements 100 in the package 700 will be subjected to the external environment prior to use because a plurality of the oral care implements 100 are positioned within a single subcavity 706.
- the package 700 may have a desiccant disposed therein as discussed above with regard to FIG. 5 in order to absorb moisture that may potentially enter into the subcavities 706 during removal of a single one of the oral care implements 100 from the subcavity 706.
- FIG. 9 one arrangement of a package 900 having a lid 910 is illustrated.
- the package 900 may be any of the packages 300, 600, 700 discussed herein.
- the package 900 is therefore generically illustrated as comprising a tubular body 901 having an annular wall 902 that forms a cavity (not shown).
- the lid 910 may be any type of lid that is known to persons skilled in the art.
- the lid 910 does not need to hermetically seal the top end of the cavity because the film achieves the hermetic seal as discussed above.
- the lid 910 comprises a top plate 911 and an annular skirt 912.
- the lid 910 may be coupled to the tubular body 910 in any manner as would be known to persons skilled in the art. Because the package 900 is already sealed by the film (not shown), the lid 910 helps to protect the film from rupture prior to the time a user desires to use an oral care implement disposed in the cavity. In certain other embodiments, the lid 910 may provide an additional hermetic seal by including a gasket to prevent moisture in the external environment from penetrating into the cavity.
- the lid 910 may be attachable to the tubular body 901 by a press-fit, snap-fit, interference fit, friction fit or any other type of attachment/connection as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
- the package 1000 comprises a tubular body 1001 having an annular wall 1002 that forms a cavity 1005.
- the package 1000 also comprises a plurality of inner walls 1010 in the cavity 1005 that divide the cavity 1005 into a plurality of subcavities 1006.
- the inner walls 1010 extend radially from a longitudinal axis B-B of the cavity 1005. More specifically, the inner walls 1010 extend from the longitudinal axis B-B to an inner surface 1013 of the annular wall 1002.
- the annular wall 1002 comprises a plurality of slots 1030.
- Each of the slots 1030 forms a passageway into one of the subcavities 1006 from an area external to the subcavities 1006.
- the annular wall 1002 is made up of a plurality of wall segments 1032 that are separated by a gap formed by the slots 1030.
- Each of the wall segments 1032 is connected to one of the inner walls 1010 to form a T-shape.
- the package 1000 comprises a roof 1003 that seals a top end 1008 of each of the subcavities 1006 and a floor that seals a bottom end 1009 of each of the subcavities 1006.
- the floor and roof 1003 may be integrally formed with the annular wall 1002 and inner walls 1010 or the floor and the roof 1003 may be separately formed and later connected to the annular wall 1002 and inner walls 1010 as has been discussed herein above.
- the floor and the roof 1003 are plates that enclose the bottom and top ends 1009, 1008 of the package 1000, respectively.
- the floor and the roof 1003 of the package may take on other structural forms as would be known to persons skilled in the art so long as the floor seals the bottom ends 1009 of the subcavities 1006 and the roof 1003 seals the top ends 1008 of the subcavities 1006.
- At least one oral care implement 100 is disposed within each of the plurality of subcavities 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one oral care implement 100 is disposed in each of the twelve illustrated subcavities 1006. However, in certain other embodiments, more than one oral care implement 100 may be disposed in each of the subcavities 1006. Furthermore, the package 1000 may comprise more or less than twelve subcavities 1006 in alternative embodiments. The oral care implements 100 may be retrieved from the package 1000 through the passageway that is formed by the slots 1030 in the annular wall 1002.
- each of the subcavities 1006 is an open space between the annular wall 1002 and adjacent inner walls 1010.
- the subcavities 1006 may simply be depressions in the annular wall 1002 that are sized and shaped to snugly fit a single oral care implement 100 therein.
- the annular wall 1002 may have a depression in an outer surface 1014 that is sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the oral care implements 100.
- the oral care implements 100 can fit within the depression and be covered by a film as will be described in more detail below.
- the inner walls 1010 may be omitted altogether because they will not be necessary to create the plurality of subcavities 1006. Rather, in such an embodiment, the plurality of subcavities 1006 are the depressions formed in the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002.
- each of the slots 1030 is sealed by a film 1020.
- each of the subcavities 1006 is sealed from the external environment.
- the combination of the annular wall 1002, the inner walls 1010, the roof 1003 and the floor seal each of the subcavities 1006 from the other subcavities 1006.
- each subcavity 1006 is its own, isolated and separate sealed compartment.
- the film 1020 is configured as discussed below so that a portion of the film 1020 can be manipulated to provide access into a single one of the subcavities 1006 while the other subcavities 1006 remain sealed.
- the film comprises a plurality of film segments 1021 that are separable from one another.
- the film segments 1021 are connected to each other to collectively form the film 1020.
- the film 1020 comprises pre-weakened portions between adjacent film segments 1021, the pre-weakened portions overlying and attached to the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002 to enable the film segments 1021 to be easily separated from each other so that access to one subcavity 1006 at a time can be achieved.
- each of the film segments 1021 is attached to the roof 1003, the floor and two adjacent wall segments 1032 of the annular wall 1002. Furthermore, each of the film segments 1021 comprises a tab 1024.
- the tab 1024 extends from the film segments 1021 beyond the roof 1003 of the package 1000 for easy gripping by a user.
- the invention is not so limited and the tab 1024 could be otherwise located on the film segments 1021.
- the film segments 1021 could be attached to the package 1000 in other ways that would be known to persons skilled in the art as long as each one of the film segments 1021 seals one of the subcavities 1006.
- an adhesive is applied to either a rear surface 1025 of the film segments 1021 around the perimeter of the film segments 1021 or the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002, or both.
- the film segments 1021 are removably attached to the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002.
- a user can grasp the tab 1024 and pull down on the film segments 1021 in order to remove the film segments 1021 from the annular wall 1002 and to expose the subcavities 1006.
- the film segments 1021 are re-sealable such that the film segments 1021 can be re-attached to the annular wall 1002 after opening in order to enclose and seal the subcavity 1006.
- any of the embodiments may comprise a desiccant.
- any of the embodiments may comprise a lid.
- mixing and matching the various components of the different embodiments described is herein contemplated.
- ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.
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Description
- The present invention relates to the field of packaging oral care implements, and specifically to a package of oral care implements having a moisture sensitive pre-applied oral care material.
- The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known. Often, however, oral care implements cannot be used due to a lack of a water source, such as when a user is driving in a vehicle or on-the-go. Oral care implements that can be used without a water source have recently been developed. For example, oral care implements have been developed that provide an oral care material within the oral care implement itself, such as through an integrated channel, for distribution through the oral care implement to the bristles. Disposable waterless oral care implements that utilize a pre-applied moisture sensitive capsule have also been introduced into the market.
- Oral care implements, such as those described above, must be maintained in a sealed environment prior to use in order to prevent moisture from prematurely degrading and/or releasing the oral care material. As such, these oral care implements must be carefully packaged. Furthermore, users of disposable oral care implements need a place to dispose the oral care implements after use. Disposable oral care implements of the type discussed above are currently packaged in plastic clamshell packages that are individually foil-sealed for protection. If a user uses a disposable oral care implement in a vehicle or another "on-the-go" location, the user must resort to either leaving the used disposable oral care implement loose within the vehicle or holding onto it until a proper waste basket can be located.
- Hence, there is a need for a package that can contain oral care implements in a moisture-free environment prior to use. Furthermore, there is a need for a package that can contain a plurality of oral care implements such that one of the oral care implements can be removed from the package for use while the remainder of the oral care implements remain in a moisture protected environment.
- A need also exists for a package of oral care implements that is designed to resemble a cup that can be positioned within a vehicle cup holder. Furthermore, a need exists for a package of oral care implements that provide a disposal cavity after use.
-
US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/120798 discloses an oral care toothbrush which includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. International Patent Application Publication No.2008/086389 describes a rigid or semi-rigid package or container comprising a body, a cover, and a resealable layer. International Patent Application Publication No.2009/016568 relates to a container for food products, for example dry pasta, divided into two or more inner compartments each containing or suited to contain a quantity of food product corresponding to a single portion. International Patent Application Publication No.2010/065307 discloses an analyte sensor container system for storing and dispensing analyte sensors. German Utility Model No.202005017991 describes a packaging box having an elongated box casing with a chamber for retaining a household material. - The present invention provides a package of oral implements according to
claim 1. Also disclosed herein is a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, a plurality of inner walls in the cavity that divide the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, and a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a film sealing a top end of each of the subcavities, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed. - In one embodiment, the invention can be a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, a plurality of inner walls in the cavity that divide the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities, and a roof sealing a top end of each of the subcavities; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a plurality of slots in the annular wall, wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities through which one of the oral care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing the slots, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
- The present disclosure also provides a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, at least one inner wall in the cavity that divides the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, an a floor sealing a bottom end of each of the subcavities; a plurality of oral care implements disposed within each of the subcavities; a re-sealable film sealing a top end of each of the subcavities, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed, the film being re-sealable to the tubular body after separation therefrom.
- Also disclosed is a package of oral care implements comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall and a plurality of subcavities within the annular wall; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a plurality of slots in the annular wall, wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities through which one of the oral care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing the slots, the film configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
Figure 1 is a front view of an oral care implement particularly suited for use in a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 2 is a side view of the oral care implement ofFIG. 1 ; -
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in accordance with a first comparative example; -
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV ofFIG. 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V ofFIG. 4 ; -
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in accordance with a second comparative example; -
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in accordance with a third comparative example; -
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII ofFIG. 7 ; -
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements having a lid thereon; -
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI ofFIG. 10 . - The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
- The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front" and "rear" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," "secured" and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments, even if indicated as being preferred. The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of an oral care implement 100 that is particularly suited for use with the present invention is exemplified. As will become apparent from the discussion below, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 be packaged in a manner that protects the oral care implement 100 against moisture and/or humidity. Theoral care implement 100 extends from aproximal end 101 to adistal end 102 and includes ahead 112 and ahandle 114. Theoral care implement 100 includes atail portion 103 located at theproximal end 101, and ahead portion 104 located at thedistal end 102. Thehead 112 may either be a refill head that is removably connected to thehandle 114 or a structure that is permanently connected to thehandle 114. The majority of thehandle 114 and a portion of thehead 112 may be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including without limitation plastics, resins and the like. One suitable rigid material is polypropylene. However, other rigid materials may be used as would be known to persons skilled in the art. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
tail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100, which is opposite thehead portion 104 to which thehead 112 is located, comprises an oral care accessory, which in the exemplified embodiment is atoothpick 116. Thetoothpick 116 is preferably formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. As with thehead 112, thetoothpick 116 may be a refill toothpick that is removably connected to thehandle 114 or may be permanently connected to thehandle 114. Thetoothpick 116 provides a mechanism for spot cleaning between teeth. Forming thetoothpick 116 of a soft thermoplastic elastomer provides a more comfortable interproximal cleaning between the teeth. Thetoothpick 116 could, however, be made of a stiff, rigid material similar to the main portion of thehandle 114, or could simply be a rubber or elastomeric pick adhered or otherwise mounted to the end of thehandle 114. Alternatively, a different accessory, such as a strip of dental floss or a tongue cleaning element, may be attached to thetail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100. Moreover, in certain embodiments of the invention, the oral care implement 100 may not include an accessory or may include multiple accessories. - The
head 112 comprises acleaning element block 122. Thecleaning element block 122 comprises a plurality of bristles extending from thehead 114. The bristles of thecleaning element block 122 may be of any desired shape. For example, the bristles could be of cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length. Alternatively, the bristles could taper from the root where they extend from thehead 122 to their outer cleaning ends. It is understood that thecleaning element block 122 may include other cleaning elements. - Furthermore, the dimensions of the various components of the oral care implement 100 are preferably small. Thus, for example, each bristle of the
cleaning element block 122 may extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head 112 a distance no greater than 10mm and preferably no greater than 8mm and most preferably no greater than 6mm. Where tapered cleaning elements are used, the root diameter should be no greater than 1.5mm, more preferably between 0.5mm and 1mm, and most preferably no greater than 0.3mm. The diameter could then decrease in size with distance from thehead 112. Preferably, the length of the entire oral care implement 100 is no greater than 12.7cm (5 inches), more preferably no greater than 10.16cm (4 inches) and most preferably in the range of 5.08cm to 10.16cm (2 to 4 inches). - A central portion of the
head 112, which is surrounded by thecleaning element block 122, comprises a depression or cavity for retaining a rupturable gel capsule orbead 132. Thegel capsule 132 is filled with an oral care material, such as a fluidic solution, for cleaning or otherwise providing health benefits to a user's oral cavity. The oral care material may be toothpowder, toothpaste, tooth cleaning gel, mouthwash or a similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same. Thegel capsule 132 is moisture-sensitive and should be protected against high humidity environments in order to prevent premature rupture. In other words, thegel capsule 132, or at least a portion thereof, is susceptible to degradation when subjected to a high humidity atmosphere as it has been discovered that moisture in the air in a high humidity environment can degrade the integrity of thegel capsule 132. Therefore, it is desirable to package the oral care implement 100 in a manner that protects thegel capsule 132 from humidity and liquid moisture prior to use. - The
gel capsule 132 holds and applies an oral care material onto thetooth cleaning elements 122 of the oral care implementhead 112, and ultimately to a user's teeth and oral care surfaces. As mentioned above, the oral care material may be toothpaste, a gel, a mouthwash, or a similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same. Preferably, thegel capsule 132 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having a shell comprising frangible, thin walls that easily rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth. In a preferred embodiment, thegel capsule 132 degrades when subjected to moisture and, thus, dissolves when mixed with the saliva of a user. As the saliva of a user degrades and dissolves the walls of thegel capsule 132, the oral care solution held therein is excreted. While the degradation of thegel capsule 132 is a desired characteristic for effectuating end use of the oral care implement 100 by the consumer, the moisture-driven degradation of thegel capsule 132 presents issues with respect to properly preserving the integrity of thegel capsule 132 during product manufacturing, packaging, shipping and display in retail stores. - The
gel capsule 132, or at least a portion thereof, is susceptible to degradation when subjected not only to direct contact with liquid water but also to prolonged exposure to atmospheres having a high humidity level. It has been discovered that a high humidity environment can degrade the integrity of thegel capsule 132 and prematurely expel the oral care material or cause the oral care material to dry up. Of course, the exact humidity levels and exposure times that will result in the degradation of thegel capsule 132 will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering such factors as the type ofgel capsule 132 being used, the type of oral care material, and the thermal cycling to which the oral care implement 100 is subjected. In view of the foregoing, it is desirable that the gel capsule 132 (and potentially the entire oral care implement 100) be placed in a package that forms a sealed cavity in which at least thegel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 is disposed, thereby protecting thegel capsule 132 from external moisture which can be in the form a high humidity atmosphere or liquid water. In certain embodiments, the sealed cavity may be hermetically sealed. - In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the entire structure of the oral care implement 100, including the
head 112, thehandle 114, and thetoothpick 116, is molded as one integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding operation typically used in the manufacture of oral care implements. This enables the oral care implement 100 to be economically and quickly manufactured. Although the oral care implement 100 may be constructed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and relative dimensions, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 have a small profile so that it is easily portable and can be discreetly used. In one embodiment, it is preferred that thehead 112 be small enough to cover a single tooth at a time and that thehandle 114 be substantially thinner than conventional, everyday oral care implement handles. - Since the oral care implement 100 is intended to be both small and lightweight, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 weigh no more than 3 grams in certain embodiments. The small size allows the oral care implement 100 to be held completely within the palm of an adult user's hand. The
head 112 is preferably sized to correspond to the size of an individual tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas. While thehead 112 could be made in any suitable shape, it is preferably of circular or oval shape and has a maximum lateral dimension or diameter of no greater than 13mm, preferably no greater than 12mm and most preferably no greater than 11mm. Of course, the oral care implement 100 is not limited to any specific dimensions or shapes. - It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described oral care implement 100. While the inventive package will be described in combination with a plurality of the oral care implements 100, it is to be understood that other oral care implements can be packaged as discussed below. In certain embodiments of the invention, the package is in no way limited to the structure of the oral care implement 100 unless specifically stated in the claims. In the exemplary embodiment, the oral care implement 100 disposed within the package is one which is disposable, has a pre-applied oral care material, and must be protected against moisture. However, in certain other embodiments, a conventional toothbrush or any other type of oral care implement may be disposed within the package, irrespective of whether it must be protected against moisture and/or contains a pre-applied oral care material. As used herein, pre-applied means that the oral care material is associated with the oral care implement as-packaged for sale.
- Referring to
FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, apackage 300 containing a plurality of the oral care implements 100 according to a first comparative example is illustrated. Thepackage 300 is designed to keep moisture out of the subcavities containing the oral care implements 100 so that the pre-applied oral care material, which is in the form of thegel capsule 132, is protected from degradation due to humidity and/or moisture. Of course, in arrangements where the oral care implements contained within thepackage 300 do not need to be protected against moisture degradation, thepackage 300 need not be hermetically sealed. - The
package 300 generally comprises atubular body 301 having anannular wall 302 that forms acavity 305. In the first comparative example, theannular wall 302 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile. The circular transverse cross-sectional profile shape is beneficial when thepackage 300 is designed for positioning in a cup holder of a vehicle. In such an embodiment, thepackage 300 preferably has a diameter D1 that is between 60-80mm. In certain other arrangements, thepackage 300 may take on a tapered shape (not shown) such that the diameter D1 of thepackage 300 is larger at atop end 303 of thepackage 300 than at abottom end 304 of thepackage 300 or vice versa. Of course, the invention is not so limited and in certain other embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional profile of theannular wall 302 may be almost any shape, including without limitation rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, triangular or otherwise polygonal. - The
package 300 comprises a plurality ofinner walls 310 positioned within thecavity 305. Theinner walls 310 divide thecavity 305 into a plurality ofsubcavities 306. Each of thesubcavities 306 comprises atop end 308 and abottom end 309. In the first comparative example, theinner walls 310 form a rectilinear gridwork of walls. Of course, the invention is not so limited and theinner walls 310 may take on any other form so long as theinner walls 310 divide thecavity 305 into a plurality ofsubcavities 306. - Referring solely to
FIG. 4 , the rectilinear gridwork is illustrated in greater detail. The rectilinear gridwork is a preferable arrangement of theinner walls 310 because it maximizes the amount of cavity space that is being used when theannular wall 302 has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile. In the exemplary arrangement in which a circular transverse cross-sectional profile of theannular wall 302 is utilized, some of thesubcavities 306 are empty because they are not large enough to contain one of the oral care implements 100 therein. However, as discussed above, the circular transverse cross-sectional profile is preferable when thepackage 300 is being stored in a vehicle cup holder. In arrangements where the transverse cross-sectional profile of theannular wall 302 is rectangular, theinner walls 310 may be in the form of a Cartesian gridwork in order to maximize the used cavity space. Each of thesubcavities 306 may be the same size or different sizes. For example, in arrangements where different types of oral care implements are stored in thepackage 300, each of thesubcavities 306 may be different sizes to store the different types of oral care implements. Stated simply, the number and size of thesubcavities 306 are in no way limiting of the present invention in all embodiments. - Referring again to
FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, thebottom end 304 of thepackage 300 is enclosed by afloor 307. Thefloor 307 is coupled to theannular wall 302 and each of theinner walls 310 so as to seal thebottom end 309 of each of the plurality ofsubcavities 306. As will be described in more detail below, in certain arrangements, thefloor 307 is a separate component from theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310 and is attached to theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310 at a later stage in the manufacturing process. Of course, the invention is not so limited and in certain other embodiments thefloor 307 may be formed integrally with the other components of thepackage 300. - In the first comparative example, exactly one oral care implement 100 is disposed within each of the
subcavities 306. Thus, in such an arrangement the transverse cross-sectional dimensions of each of the subcavities are approximately between 6-20mm, and more preferably between 10-15mm. Of course, the size of thesubcavities 306 may be larger or smaller than the ranges discussed herein in order to accommodate larger or smaller oral care implements, or to accommodate more than a single one of the oral care implements 100 therein. - The oral care implements 100 are arranged in the
subcavities 306 so that thetail portions 103 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the top ends 308 of thesubcavities 306 and thehead portions 104 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the bottom ends 309 of thesubcavities 306. Positioning the oral care implements 100 in thesubcavities 306 in this manner provides for easier gripping of the oral care implements 100 by the user for removal from thesubcavities 306 as will be described in more detail below. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the particular arrangement of the oral care implements 100 within thesubcavities 306, unless specifically recited in the claims - The
package 300 comprises afilm 320 that seals the top ends 308 of each of the plurality ofsubcavities 306. More specifically, thefilm 320 is attached to atop edge 312 of theannular wall 302 and atop edge 311 of theinner walls 310. Thus, a combination of theannular wall 302, theinner walls 310, thefloor 307 and thefilm 320 creates an environment within each of the plurality ofsubcavities 306 such that eachsubcavity 306 is sealed with respect to the other subcavities 306 and to an environment external to thepackage 300, such as the ambient atmosphere. Creating an environment within each of the plurality ofsubcavities 306 that is sealed from each of theother subcavities 306 assists with maintaining a moisture-free environment within each of thesubcavities 306 prior to use of the particular oral care implement 100 within thatsubcavity 306. In some arrangements,subcavity 306 is hermetically sealed. - The
film 320 is preferably a thin sheet of material that encloses the entiretop end 303 of thepackage 300, thereby also enclosing the top ends 308 of each of thesubcavities 306. Thefilm 320 can be, for example without limitation, a laminate, a foil, a wax paper or a plastic sheet. Thefilm 320 is preferably flexible, but may be rigid in certain arrangements. Furthermore, any other materials that can seal the top ends 308 of each of thesubcavities 306 as would be known to persons skilled in the art may also be used for thefilm 320. Thefilm 320 can be attached to the top edges (or surfaces) of thetubular body 301 by any number of means, including adhesion, thermal bonding, static, friction, or combinations thereof. - In one arrangement, the
film 320 is a substantially transparent material. By creating thefilm 320 out of a transparent material, a user can easily see through thefilm 320 into each of thesubcavities 306 to determine whether an oral care implement 100 is disposed therein. By allowing a user to see though thefilm 320 may also allow the user to choose the oral care implement 100 he or she wishes to retrieve in arrangements where different types of oral care implements are stored in thepackage 300. However, the invention is not so limited and thefilm 320 may be translucent or opaque. Furthermore, thefilm 320 may be colored in any desired fashion including a solid color or a patterned coloring arrangement. In some arrangements, a patterned coloring arrangement consisting of differentcolor film segments 321 may denote to the user the different type of oral care implements that are stored in thepackage 300. - The
film 320 is divided into a plurality offilm segments 321 that are separable from each other. Thefilm segments 321 are not limited to an arrangement comprising a single film that is subsequently divided into segments but also includes arrangements where completely separate and distinct segments offilm 320 are separately applied. In one arrangement, thefilm segments 321 may be a single film covering the entiretop end 303 of thepackage 300 that is subsequently separated into thefilm segments 321 bypre-weakening portions 322 on thefilm 320. Regardless of how thefilm segments 321 are created, thefilm segments 321 collectively form thefilm 320. Furthermore, it should be understood that thetop end 308 of each one of thesubcavities 306 is sealed by a corresponding one of thefilm segments 321. - The
film 320 is coupled to thepackage 300 in a manner so that access can be obtained into a single one of thesubcavities 306 while theother subcavities 306 remain sealed from each other and the external environment. In order to gain access into a single one of thesubcavities 306, thefilm segment 321 that is sealing thatparticular subcavity 306 must be removed, penetrated or otherwise opened so that thesubcavity 306 is no longer covered or sealed by thefilm segment 321. In some arrangements, thefilm segment 321 hermetically seals thesubcavity 306. In the first comparative example, thepre-weakened portions 322 that separate thefilm 320 into thefilm segments 321 are portions of thefilm 320 betweenadjacent film segments 321. Specifically, thepre-weakened portions 322 of thefilm 320 are the portions of thefilm 320 that overlie and are attached to thetop edges 311 of theinner walls 310 betweenadjacent film segments 321. In the first comparative example, thefilm 320 also has apre-weakened portion 322 overlying thetop edge 312 of theannular wall 310. However, in certain other arrangements, the portion of thefilm 320 that overlies thetop edge 312 of theannular wall 310 is not pre-weakened. Thepre-weakened portions 322 can be perforated seams, heat-weakened seams or cut seams located betweenadjacent film segments 321. - As discussed above, in order to gain access into one of the
subcavities 306 for removal of the oral care implement 100 disposed therein, thefilm segment 321 that is sealing thatparticular subcavity 306 must be manipulated. Manipulating thefilm segment 321 includes removing or penetrating thefilm segment 321 or otherwise creating an opening in thefilm 320 in the area of thefilm segment 321 that is covering aparticular subcavity 306 so that thesubcavity 306 is no longer covered by thefilm segment 321. Due to thepre-weakened portions 322, thefilm segments 321 are easily penetrated or removed. Specifically, when a force F is applied to a selected film segment 323 of the plurality offilm segments 321 that is enclosing a selected subcavity 316 of the plurality ofsubcavities 306, thefilm 320 breaks along thepre-weakened portions 322 surrounding the selected film segment 323. As such, the selected film segment 323 becomes separated from the remainder of thefilm 320 and a passageway is formed from the external environment into the selected subcavity 316 that was sealed by the selected film segment 323. It should be understood that the force F is preferably the force of a user's finger pressing down on the selected film segment 323. However, the invention is not so limited and the force F can be obtained by an object being pressed against the selected film segment 323 or in any other manner as would be understood by persons skilled in the art. - In certain other arrangements not illustrated, each of the
film segments 321 may have a corresponding tab that is able to be gripped by a user. In such an arrangement, when the user desires to gain access into the selected subcavity 316, the user grips the tab and pulls the selected film segment 323 away from the subcavity in order to provide a passageway into the selected subcavity 316. Regardless of how the selected film segment 323 is manipulated to create a passageway into the selected subcavity 316, once the selected subcavity 316 is open, the oral care implement 100 disposed in the selected subcavity 316 will be exposed. As such, the user will be able to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it from the selected subcavity 316 for use. As discussed above, it is preferable that thetail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100 be positioned adjacent the top ends 308 of thesubcavities 306. This is because thetail portion 103 of the oral care implements 100 are smaller than thehead portions 104, which will make it easier for a user to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it from thesubcavity 306. - After the user grips the oral care implement 100 and removes it from its
corresponding subcavity 306, the user can use the oral care implement to cleanse his or her oral cavity. Thegel capsule 132 will rupture upon use either by dissolving in the user's saliva or being punctured by the user's teeth, and the user's teeth and other oral surfaces will benefit from the contents of thegel capsule 132. In certain embodiments as discussed above, the oral care implement 100 is intended for one-time use and is therefore disposable. Thus, after use, the user can discard the oral care implement 100 by replacing the oral care implement 100 back into the selected subcavity 316 from which it came. As such, thepackage 300 can be used as a container for storing the oral care implements 100 prior to use and as a waste basket for discarding of the oral care implements 100 after use. If thepackage 300 is sized and configured to fit within the cup holder of a vehicle, this will prevent users from leaving the used oral care implements 100 loose within the vehicle. - In certain embodiments, as will be described in more detail below with reference to
FIGS. 7 and10 , thefilm 320 is also re-sealable. A user may find it unattractive to have the used oral care implements 100 merely positioned uncovered in thesubcavities 306. Thus, by re-sealing thefilm 320, the used oral care implements 100 can be blocked from view. - In certain embodiments, the
package 300 also comprises a lid (not shown). One embodiment of a lid will be discussed in detail below with reference toFIG. 9 . However, the lid may take on any known lid embodiments. Specifically, the lid may be a snap-fit, press-fit, interference fit or other type of lid that covers the top ends 308 of thesubcavities 306 above thefilm 320. More specifically, the lid will be coupled to thetubular body 301 so that thefilm 320 is located between a bottom surface of the lid and thetubular body 301. The lid will prevent thefilm 320 from being prematurely punctured, opened or removed during manufacturing, packaging, shipping and display at a retail store for sale to an end user. The lid is preferably made of the same materials as the other components of thepackage 300 as will be discussed below. However, the lid may be formed of any materials so long as the lid protects thefilm 320 from premature puncture. Any of the embodiments discussed herein, whether illustrated with a lid or not, may be manufactured, shipped, displayed and sold with a lid. - Referring solely to
FIG. 5 , an arrangement of thepackage 300 that comprises adesiccant 380 will be described. In certain arrangements, thedesiccant 380 is positioned within thepackage 300 in order to remove any moisture that may seep into thesubcavities 306 of thepackage 300. Thus, thepackage 300 further comprises atransverse plate 360 positioned within each of thesubcavities 306 that separates each of thesubcavities 306 into anupper chamber 362 and alower chamber 363. Conceptually, thepackage 300 can be considered to include a singletransverse plate 360 extending transversely across the entirety of thecavity 305 generally parallel to thefloor 307. Theupper chamber 362 extends between thefilm 320 and atop surface 364 of thetransverse plate 360. Similarly, thelower chamber 363 extends between abottom surface 365 of thetransverse plate 360 and thetop surface 312 of thefloor 307. In the exemplified embodiment, thetransverse plate 360 is integrally formed as a unitary part with theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310. The manufacturing process involved in creating thepackage 300 with thedesiccant 380 will be described in greater detail below. - In the exemplified arrangement, the
transverse plate 360 comprises a plurality ofopenings 361, each of which provides a passageway between the upper andlower chambers subcavities 306. In other words, for eachsubcavity 306, air within theupper chamber 362 is able to flow downward into thelower chamber 363 through theopenings 361 and vice versa. As will be better understood from the discussion below, it is preferable that there is at least oneopening 361 in a portion of thetransverse plate 360 that is disposed within each of the plurality ofsubcavities 306. This will enable air to circulate between the upper andlower chambers subcavities 306. In the exemplified embodiment, there are threeopenings 361 in thetransverse plate 360 in each of thesubcavities 306. However, the invention is not so limited and there can be more orless openings 361 in thetransverse plate 360 as desired. Furthermore, it should be understood that in certain other embodiments, thetransverse plate 360 can be omitted altogether. - In the exemplified arrangement, the
desiccant 380 is disposed in thelower chamber 363. Thedesiccant 380 may be any material that is known to induce or sustain a state of dryness in its local vicinity in a moderately well-sealed container. Thedesiccant 380 may be, for example without limitation, silica gel, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, montmorillonite clay, molecular sieves, rice, salt or the like. Other desiccants that are now known or later discovered that can sustain a state of dryness within a sealed container while not transmitting any toxins to the oral care implements 100 disposed within thesubcavities 306 may be used. - The oral care implements 100 are disposed in the
upper chamber 362. Thus, theentire package 300 only needs to be large enough in height to contain the oral care implements 100, which may be as small as 5.08cm to 10.16cm (2 to 4 inches), and thedesiccant 380, which may simply be a layer of salt disposed in thelower chamber 363. - Due to the
openings 361 in thetransverse plate 360, thedesiccant 380 will absorb any moisture within either of the upper andlower chambers subcavities 306 will freely flow between the upper andlower chambers openings 361 in thetransverse plate 360. Thus, thedesiccant 380 will remove excess humidity that would otherwise degrade or potentially destroy the oral care implements 100 within theupper chamber 362. - It is preferred that the oral care implements 100 be placed in the
package 300 at a relative humidity level that is less than 70% at room temperature, preferably less than 60% at room temperature, more preferably less than 50% at room temperature, and most preferably less than 40% at room temperature in order to avoid degradation of thegel capsules 132. However, in certain embodiments, even if an atmosphere having a higher humidity is initially trapped within thesubcavities 306, thedesiccant 380 in thelower chamber 363 will be able to absorb the excess moisture without degrading thegel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100. However, thesubcavities 306 are air-tight as discussed above in order to prevent further exposure of thegel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 to moisture, thereby keeping thegel capsule 132 intact. - The
annular wall 302, theinner walls 310, thetransverse plate 360 and thefloor 307 can be formed of any type of material as would be known to persons skilled in the art. Specifically, the material may be a metal or metal alloy, or a thermoplastic such as for example polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. Of course, the invention is not so limited and other materials as would be known to persons skilled in the art can be used. - The
package 300 can be formed in a multi-step process. Specifically, in one arrangement, theannular wall 302, theinner walls 310 and the transverse plate 160 are formed in a single step injection molding process. After theannular walls 302, theinner walls 310 and thetransverse plate 360 are formed, thelower chamber 363 is filled with thedesiccant 380. Then, after thedesiccant 380 is properly positioned, thefloor 307, which is in the form of a plate, is connected to theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310 so as to enclose the bottom ends of theannular walls 302 and theinner walls 310. - The
floor 307 can be created in a second injection molding step and then attached or coupled to theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310 at a later stage of the manufacturing process. The coupling of thefloor 307 to theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310 can be achieved by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners or the like. It should be understood that the various components of thepackage 300 may be formed by methods other than molding, such as, for example, milling, machine, or other suitable process. - It should be understood that the
desiccant 380 may be omitted altogether in certain arrangements. In such arrangements, thefloor 307 may be formed integrally with theannular wall 302 and theinner walls 310. The arrangements discussed below are not specifically discussed or illustrated as having a desiccant. However, the structure of the package embodiments discussed below may be manufactured as discussed above so that thedesiccant 380 can be included in the package for moisture absorption. Furthermore, as discussed above, thepackage 300 is preferably sized so that it can fit within a vehicle cup holder. Thus, a user will have oral care implements 100 available for use when the user is driving in the vehicle. Of course, the invention is not so limited and thepackage 300 can take on other shapes and sizes, such as those disclosed above herein. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , an alternative arrangement of apackage 600 of oral care implements is illustrated. Thepackage 600 is identical to thepackage 300 except that the configuration of the inner walls and the film are different. The portions of thepackage 600 that are the same as portions of thepackage 300 will be described with the same reference numerals, except that the 600-series of numbers will be used. Any portions of thepackage 600 not specifically described herein have the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of thepackage 300. - The
package 600 comprises atubular body 601 having anannular wall 602 that forms acavity 605 with a longitudinal axis A-A. Thepackage 600 comprises a plurality ofradial walls 610 that divide thecavity 605 into a plurality ofsubcavities 606. Theradial walls 610 extend radially from the longitudinal axis A-A to theannular wall 602 such that eachsubcavity 606 is sealed from theother subcavities 606. In the exemplary arrangement, thepackage 600 has twelveradial walls 610 that divide thecavity 605 into twelve equallysized subcavities 606. Of course, the invention is not so limited and more or less than twelveradial walls 610 may be provided to divide thecavity 605 into more or less than twelvesubcavities 606. Furthermore, in certain arrangements theradial walls 610 may divide thecavity 605 into a plurality ofsubcavities 606 of different sizes. As described above with respect to thepackage 300, the plurality ofsubcavities 606 may be of different sizes in order to store different types of oral care implements within asingle package 600. The number and size of thesubcavities 606 are in no way limiting of the present invention. - Similar to the
package 300, thepackage 600 has afilm 620 enclosing atop end 608 of each of thesubcavities 606. Thefilm 620 is connected to atop edge 611 of each of theradial walls 610 and to atop edge 612 of theannular wall 602. Furthermore, in the exemplary arrangement, a portion of thefilm 620 that overlies and is attached to thetop edges 611 of theradial walls 610 and thetop edge 612 of theannular wall 602 is apre-weakened portion 622 of thefilm 620. Of course, in certain other arrangements, thepre-weakened portion 622 of thefilm 620 may only be the portion of thefilm 620 that overlies thetop edges 611 of theradial walls 610. In certain other arrangements, thefilm 620 may not have anypre-weakened portions 622, but may instead be a plurality of separate film segments as discussed above with reference to thepackage 300. Thus, thepackage 600 is the same as thepackage 300 in all respects except for the configuration of the inner/radial walls subcavities subcavities 606. However, thesubcavities 606 are generally larger than thesubcavities 306 and it may be possible to dispose more than one oral care implement 100 within each of thesubcavities 606. - The
film 620 may be penetrated as discussed above by providing a force onto the top surface of one of thefilms 620 so that thefilm 620 breaks along thepre-weakened portions 622 surrounding thefilm 620. Alternatively, each of the film segments of thefilm 620 may include a tab for gripping by a user so that thefilm 620 can be separated from thetop edges 611 of theradial walls 610 and thetop edge 612 of theannular wall 602. Thus, the process of removing an oral care implement 100 from one of thesubcavities 606 of thepackage 600 is the same as the process of removing an oral care implement 100 from one of thesubcavities 306 of thepackage 600 discussed above with references toFIG. 3 . - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and8 , another comparative example,package 700 of oral care implements, is illustrated. The portions of thepackage 700 that are the same as portions of thepackage 300 will be described with the same reference numerals, except that the 700-series of numbers will be used. Any portions of thepackage 700 not specifically described herein have the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of thepackage 300. - The
package 700 comprises atubular body 701 having anannular wall 702 that forms acavity 705. Thepackage 700 further comprises aninner wall 710 that divides thecavity 705 into twosubcavities 706. Although thepackage 700 is illustrated having only a singleinner wall 710, the invention is not so limited. In other arrangements, thepackage 700 may have two inner walls that are perpendicular to each other, or more than two inner walls. The number of inner walls included with thepackage 700 is dependent upon the desired number ofsubcavities 706. Abottom end 704 of thepackage 700 is enclosed by a floor (not shown), which seals each of thesubcavities 706 as discussed above with reference to thepackage 300. - The
package 700 has a plurality of the oral care implements 100 disposed within each of thesubcavities 706. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, ten oral care implements 100 are disposed within each of thesubcavities 706. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the number of oral care implements 100 disposed within each of thesubcavities 706. - Each of the
subcavities 706 has atop end 708 that is sealed by are-sealable film 720. There-sealable film 720 is attached to atop edge 711 of theinner wall 710 and atop edge 712 of theannular wall 702. More specifically, there-sealable film 720 comprises twoseparate film segments 721 that are attached to thetop edge 711 of theinner wall 710 and thetop edge 712 of theannular wall 702 with a gap orspace 723 between each of thefilm segments 721 at thetop edge 711 of theinner wall 710. Thus, each one of thefilm segments 721 encloses and seals one of thesubcavities 706. Of course, the invention is not so limited and in certain other arrangements thefilm 720 may be a single film sheet that encloses both of thesubcavities 706 and thefilm 720 may be a pre-weakened area as discussed above. - The
film 720 is attached to thepackage 700 so that a portion of thefilm 720 can be manipulated to provide access into a single one of thesubcavities 706, while theother subcavities 706 remain sealed. More specifically, one of thefilm segments 721 can be separated from thepackage 700 to expose/open one of thesubcavities 706 while the other one of thefilm segments 721 remains attached to thepackage 700 so as to seal the other one of thesubcavities 706. Of course, in embodiments where there are more than twosubcavities 706, any one of thesubcavities 706 can be opened while the other of thesubcavities 706 remain sealed. - Each of the
film segments 721 comprises apull tab 724. Thepull tabs 724 enable a user to easily grip thefilm segments 721 to manipulate thefilm segments 721 and open thesubcavities 706, thereby exposing the oral care implements 100 within thesubcavities 706 to the external environment. Thepull tabs 724 are sized and shaped to be easily grasped by a user's fingers and thumb. Thepull tabs 724 also facilitate re-sealing of thefilm segments 721 as will be discussed below. Although thepull tabs 724 are illustrated as being located on the portion of thefilm segments 721 adjacent thetop edge 712 of theannular wall 702, in other arrangements thepull tabs 724 can be located on the portion of thefilm segments 721 adjacent thetop edge 711 of theinner wall 710. - The
top edge 712 of theannular wall 702 and a portion of thetop edge 711 of theinner wall 710 are covered or layered with an adhesive. Specifically, thetop edge 711 of theinner wall 710 is covered with an adhesive while leaving thegap 723 betweenadjacent film segments 721 free of the adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be applied along a perimeter of each of thefilm segments 721. The adhesive is not applied to thepull tab 724 so that thepull tab 724 is prevented from adhering to thetop edge 712 of theannular wall 702. Thus, a user will be more easily able to grasp thepull tab 724 and pull thefilm segments 721 of thefilm 720 away from thepackage 700 to open thesubcavities 706. Furthermore, by giving a consumer a specific portion of thefilm segments 721 to pull, the consumer is not drawn to touching the adhesive portion of thefilm segments 721. Touching the adhesive portion of thefilm segments 721 may cause the adhesive layer to lose its adhesiveness and not provide a proper reseal of the top ends 708 of thesubcavities 706. Any type of adhesive that is now known or later discovered for use with re-sealable films as described above may be used as the adhesive as would be known to persons skilled in the art. - In use, a user will grasp the
pull tab 724 of one of thefilm segments 721 and pull thefilm segment 721 away from thepackage 700 to open thesubcavity 706. The bonding strength of the adhesive is strong enough to maintain a hermetic seal when thefilm 720 is positioned on thepackage 700, but weak enough so that the seal can be broken to open thesubcavities 706 without tearing or otherwise destroying thefilm 720. Once thesubcavity 706 is opened, a user will remove one of the oral care implements 100 from the subcavity foruse 706. The user can replace the oral care implement 100 back into thesubcavity 706 for disposal after use. Then, the user will re-seal thefilm segment 721 to enclose and seal thesubcavity 706 by reattaching thefilm segment 721 to thetop edge 712 of theannular wall 702. The user can apply pressure to the perimeter of thefilm segment 721 in order to ensure that a sufficient seal is achieved between thefilm segment 721 and thetop edge 712 of theannular wall 702. - When the
film segment 721 is pulled back from thepackage 700, the oral care implements 100 disposed within thesubcavity 706 that was covered by thefilm segment 721 will be exposed to the external environment and therefore also to any moisture contained therein. As noted above, it is desirable to prevent the oral care implements 100 from exposure to moisture prior to use in order to prevent premature rupture of thegel capsules 132. However, it is most preferable that the oral care implements 100 be sealed during the packaging, shipping and display stages until sale to the end user. In some arrangements, the oral care implements 100 are sealed. Once the end user purchases thepackage 700, limited exposure to moisture will not damage the oral care implements 100 or thegel capsules 132 disposed thereon. Thus, opening thepackage 700 and exposing a plurality of the oral care implements 100 to the external environment temporarily is not harmful to thegel capsules 132 of the oral care implements 100. However, it is preferable that thefilm segments 721 be properly re-sealed onto thepackage 700 in order to prevent excessive exposure of the unused oral care implements 100 to moisture. - Furthermore, creating the
package 700 so that a desiccant can be disposed therein can further protect thegel capsules 132 of the oral care implements 100 against moisture damage. As discussed above, the oral care implements 100 in thepackage 700 will be subjected to the external environment prior to use because a plurality of the oral care implements 100 are positioned within asingle subcavity 706. As such, in certain arrangements, thepackage 700 may have a desiccant disposed therein as discussed above with regard toFIG. 5 in order to absorb moisture that may potentially enter into thesubcavities 706 during removal of a single one of the oral care implements 100 from thesubcavity 706. - As discussed above with regard to the
package 300, it may be beneficial to provide a lid for the packages described herein in order to protect the films from damage or rupture. Referring toFIG. 9 , one arrangement of apackage 900 having alid 910 is illustrated. Thepackage 900 may be any of thepackages package 900 is therefore generically illustrated as comprising atubular body 901 having anannular wall 902 that forms a cavity (not shown). Thelid 910 may be any type of lid that is known to persons skilled in the art. Thelid 910 does not need to hermetically seal the top end of the cavity because the film achieves the hermetic seal as discussed above. In the exemplary embodiment, thelid 910 comprises atop plate 911 and anannular skirt 912. Thelid 910 may be coupled to thetubular body 910 in any manner as would be known to persons skilled in the art. Because thepackage 900 is already sealed by the film (not shown), thelid 910 helps to protect the film from rupture prior to the time a user desires to use an oral care implement disposed in the cavity. In certain other embodiments, thelid 910 may provide an additional hermetic seal by including a gasket to prevent moisture in the external environment from penetrating into the cavity. Thelid 910 may be attachable to thetubular body 901 by a press-fit, snap-fit, interference fit, friction fit or any other type of attachment/connection as would be known to persons skilled in the art. - Referring to
FIGS. 10 and11 , an embodiment of apackage 1000 of oral care implements is illustrated. Thepackage 1000 comprises atubular body 1001 having anannular wall 1002 that forms acavity 1005. Thepackage 1000 also comprises a plurality ofinner walls 1010 in thecavity 1005 that divide thecavity 1005 into a plurality ofsubcavities 1006. In the exemplified embodiment, theinner walls 1010 extend radially from a longitudinal axis B-B of thecavity 1005. More specifically, theinner walls 1010 extend from the longitudinal axis B-B to aninner surface 1013 of theannular wall 1002. - The
annular wall 1002 comprises a plurality ofslots 1030. Each of theslots 1030 forms a passageway into one of thesubcavities 1006 from an area external to thesubcavities 1006. In other words, theannular wall 1002 is made up of a plurality ofwall segments 1032 that are separated by a gap formed by theslots 1030. Each of thewall segments 1032 is connected to one of theinner walls 1010 to form a T-shape. - The
package 1000 comprises aroof 1003 that seals atop end 1008 of each of thesubcavities 1006 and a floor that seals abottom end 1009 of each of thesubcavities 1006. The floor androof 1003 may be integrally formed with theannular wall 1002 andinner walls 1010 or the floor and theroof 1003 may be separately formed and later connected to theannular wall 1002 andinner walls 1010 as has been discussed herein above. In the exemplified embodiment, the floor and theroof 1003 are plates that enclose the bottom and top ends 1009, 1008 of thepackage 1000, respectively. However, the floor and theroof 1003 of the package may take on other structural forms as would be known to persons skilled in the art so long as the floor seals the bottom ends 1009 of thesubcavities 1006 and theroof 1003 seals the top ends 1008 of thesubcavities 1006. - At least one oral care implement 100 is disposed within each of the plurality of
subcavities 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one oral care implement 100 is disposed in each of the twelve illustrated subcavities 1006. However, in certain other embodiments, more than one oral care implement 100 may be disposed in each of thesubcavities 1006. Furthermore, thepackage 1000 may comprise more or less than twelvesubcavities 1006 in alternative embodiments. The oral care implements 100 may be retrieved from thepackage 1000 through the passageway that is formed by theslots 1030 in theannular wall 1002. - In the exemplified embodiment, each of the
subcavities 1006 is an open space between theannular wall 1002 and adjacentinner walls 1010. However, in certain other embodiments, thesubcavities 1006 may simply be depressions in theannular wall 1002 that are sized and shaped to snugly fit a single oral care implement 100 therein. In other words, theannular wall 1002 may have a depression in anouter surface 1014 that is sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the oral care implements 100. In such an embodiment, the oral care implements 100 can fit within the depression and be covered by a film as will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, theinner walls 1010 may be omitted altogether because they will not be necessary to create the plurality ofsubcavities 1006. Rather, in such an embodiment, the plurality ofsubcavities 1006 are the depressions formed in theouter surface 1014 of theannular wall 1002. - Each of the
slots 1030 is sealed by afilm 1020. As such, each of thesubcavities 1006 is sealed from the external environment. Furthermore, the combination of theannular wall 1002, theinner walls 1010, theroof 1003 and the floor seal each of thesubcavities 1006 from theother subcavities 1006. Thus, eachsubcavity 1006 is its own, isolated and separate sealed compartment. Thefilm 1020 is configured as discussed below so that a portion of thefilm 1020 can be manipulated to provide access into a single one of thesubcavities 1006 while theother subcavities 1006 remain sealed. Specifically, the film comprises a plurality offilm segments 1021 that are separable from one another. Thefilm segments 1021 are connected to each other to collectively form thefilm 1020. Thefilm 1020 comprises pre-weakened portions betweenadjacent film segments 1021, the pre-weakened portions overlying and attached to theouter surface 1014 of theannular wall 1002 to enable thefilm segments 1021 to be easily separated from each other so that access to onesubcavity 1006 at a time can be achieved. - The
film 1020 is attached to theouter surface 1014 of theannular wall 1002. More specifically, each of thefilm segments 1021 is attached to theroof 1003, the floor and twoadjacent wall segments 1032 of theannular wall 1002. Furthermore, each of thefilm segments 1021 comprises atab 1024. Thetab 1024 extends from thefilm segments 1021 beyond theroof 1003 of thepackage 1000 for easy gripping by a user. Of course, the invention is not so limited and thetab 1024 could be otherwise located on thefilm segments 1021. Furthermore, thefilm segments 1021 could be attached to thepackage 1000 in other ways that would be known to persons skilled in the art as long as each one of thefilm segments 1021 seals one of thesubcavities 1006. - An adhesive is applied to either a
rear surface 1025 of thefilm segments 1021 around the perimeter of thefilm segments 1021 or theouter surface 1014 of theannular wall 1002, or both. Thus, thefilm segments 1021 are removably attached to theouter surface 1014 of theannular wall 1002. A user can grasp thetab 1024 and pull down on thefilm segments 1021 in order to remove thefilm segments 1021 from theannular wall 1002 and to expose thesubcavities 1006. Furthermore, in certain embodiments thefilm segments 1021 are re-sealable such that thefilm segments 1021 can be re-attached to theannular wall 1002 after opening in order to enclose and seal thesubcavity 1006. - The various components of the different embodiments of the packages discussed above may be used with any of the package embodiments. For example, although not all embodiments are illustrated and described as having a desiccant, any of the embodiments may comprise a desiccant. Furthermore, although not all embodiments are illustrated and described as having a lid, any of the embodiments may comprise a lid. Thus, mixing and matching the various components of the different embodiments described is herein contemplated.
- As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.
Claims (10)
- A package (1000) comprising:a tubular body (1001) having an annular wall (1002) and a plurality of subcavities (1006) within the annular wall (1002);a plurality of slots (1030) in the annular wall (1002), wherein each slot (1030) forms a passageway into one of the subcavities (1006);a film (1020) sealing the slots (1030), the film (1020) configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities (1006) while the other subcavities remain sealed,wherein the film (1020) comprises a plurality of film segments (1021) that are separable from one another, wherein each of the plurality of slots (1006) is sealed by one of the plurality of film segments (1021); characterized in thatthe film (1020) comprises pre-weakened portions between adjacent film segments (1021), the pre-weakened portions overlying and attached to an outer surface of the annular wall (1002); andthe package (1000) comprises at least one oral care implement (100) disposed within each of the subcavities (1006), wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities (1006) through which one of the oral care implements (100) can be retrieved.
- The package of claim 1 wherein the film is selected from the group consisting of a laminate, a foil, a wax paper, and a plastic sheet.
- The package of claim 1 wherein the annular wall (1002) forms a cavity (1005), and comprising a plurality of inner walls (1010) in the cavity (1005) that divides the cavity into the plurality of subcavities (1006), a floor sealing a bottom end (1009) of each of the subcavities (1006), and a roof (1003) sealing a top end (1008) of each of the subcavities (1006).
- The package according to claim 3 wherein the film (1020) hermetically seals the slots.
- The package according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the film (1020) is substantially transparent.
- The package according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the plurality of inner walls (1010) extend radially from a longitudinal axis of the cavity (1005).
- The package according to any preceding claim wherein each of the film segments (1021) comprises a tab for gripping by a user.
- The package according to any of claims 1 or 3 to 6 wherein the pre-weakened portions are perforated seams, heat-weakened seams or cut seams.
- The package according to any preceding claim wherein the subcavities (1006) are sealed with respect to one another and an external environment.
- The package according to any preceding claim wherein the oral care implement (100) is a toothbrush comprising a pre-applied moisture-sensitive dispenser.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15151543.4A EP2889230A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2010/061884 WO2012087318A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15151543.4A Division-Into EP2889230A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
EP15151543.4A Division EP2889230A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2655199A1 EP2655199A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
EP2655199B1 true EP2655199B1 (en) | 2015-03-04 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP10809216.4A Not-in-force EP2655199B1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
EP15151543.4A Withdrawn EP2889230A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15151543.4A Withdrawn EP2889230A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Package of oral care implements and method of using the same |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20130277255A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2655199B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20130114208A (en) |
CN (1) | CN103261037A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010365771A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112013016216A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2821923A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2013007229A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2544821C2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW201238840A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012087318A1 (en) |
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AT517238B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2018-11-15 | Pyar Ltd | container |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4053054A (en) * | 1975-10-07 | 1977-10-11 | Padeg A.G. | Package having individual isolated cells |
US4995509A (en) * | 1990-04-30 | 1991-02-26 | Joseph Kornfeind | Disposable toothbrush sanitizing and storage device |
CH683175A5 (en) * | 1991-02-04 | 1994-01-31 | Alusuisse Lonza Services Ag | Packaging. |
US5375698A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1994-12-27 | Allergan, Inc. | Prefilled, resealable contact lens container |
US7478959B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2009-01-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care toothbrush |
US8240937B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2012-08-14 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with bead retention |
US8950630B2 (en) * | 2003-07-07 | 2015-02-10 | Bruce D. Jackson | Reclosable dispenser |
ITTO20040043A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2004-04-29 | Ferrero Spa | FOOD CONTAINER. |
CN1803544A (en) * | 2005-01-11 | 2006-07-19 | å¼ é€¶ | Combined toothpaste (liquid) storage apparatus |
US20060216379A1 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2006-09-28 | Chih-Yung Chou | Mini jelly container |
US7951343B1 (en) * | 2005-09-09 | 2011-05-31 | Annie Davis | Toothbrush holder and sanitizer |
DE202005017991U1 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2006-02-02 | Werner, Valeska | Packaging box for e.g. aluminum foil, cling film has long elongated box casing with a chamber for retaining of household material whereby box casing is provided with another chamber and each chamber is attached to its own cover |
WO2008086389A2 (en) * | 2007-01-10 | 2008-07-17 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Recloseable package |
ITPD20070074U1 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2009-02-03 | Marinelli Adolfo | CONTAINER FOR DOSING FOOD PRODUCTS |
US7832956B2 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2010-11-16 | Ross Karen L | Dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus |
WO2010065307A1 (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2010-06-10 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Sealed analyte sensor container systems and storage methods |
BRPI1008097A2 (en) * | 2009-02-02 | 2016-03-08 | Gillette Co | shaver cartridge pack |
WO2011123374A1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2011-10-06 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
-
2010
- 2010-12-22 RU RU2013133910/12A patent/RU2544821C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 KR KR1020137018786A patent/KR20130114208A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-12-22 US US13/997,347 patent/US20130277255A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-12-22 BR BR112013016216A patent/BR112013016216A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-12-22 WO PCT/US2010/061884 patent/WO2012087318A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-12-22 CN CN2010800708655A patent/CN103261037A/en active Pending
- 2010-12-22 EP EP10809216.4A patent/EP2655199B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-12-22 MX MX2013007229A patent/MX2013007229A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-12-22 EP EP15151543.4A patent/EP2889230A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-12-22 AU AU2010365771A patent/AU2010365771A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-12-22 CA CA2821923A patent/CA2821923A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2011
- 2011-12-21 TW TW100147620A patent/TW201238840A/en unknown
Also Published As
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TW201238840A (en) | 2012-10-01 |
US20130277255A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
WO2012087318A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
MX2013007229A (en) | 2013-08-15 |
AU2010365771A1 (en) | 2013-05-09 |
BR112013016216A2 (en) | 2018-05-15 |
CA2821923A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
EP2889230A1 (en) | 2015-07-01 |
RU2013133910A (en) | 2015-01-27 |
RU2544821C2 (en) | 2015-03-20 |
EP2655199A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
CN103261037A (en) | 2013-08-21 |
KR20130114208A (en) | 2013-10-16 |
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