MX2015004880A

MX2015004880A - Oral care system.

Info

Publication number: MX2015004880A
Application number: MX2015004880A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Donghui Wu; Christine Boyke
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2012-10-18
Filing date: 2012-10-18
Publication date: 2015-07-23
Also published as: AU2012392543A1; CN104703510A; EP2900104A1; WO2014062182A1; RU2597298C1; US20150265041A1; CN104703510B; AU2012392543B2; TW201440687A; BR112015008787A2

Abstract

An oral care system including an elongated member having tooth cleaning elements and a store of oral care material. In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a through-slot extending through the handle; an elongated member rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a rotational axis, the elongated member comprising: a toothbrush head located on a first side of the rotational axis; and a dispenser comprising a store of oral care material located on a second side of the rotational axis; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the toothbrush head; the elongated member rotatable about the rotational axis between: (1) a first state in which the toothbrush head protrudes from the handle while the dispenser is nested within the through-slot; and (2) a second state in which the dispenser protrudes from the housing while the toothbrush head is nested within the through-slot.

Description

BUCCAL CARE SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a mouth care system, and specifically to an oral care system including a toothbrush and at least one dispenser that are coupled to a housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The oral care products or agents are applied in different ways. For example, a common technique used for teeth whitening products is to empty an impression of a person's teeth and provide a guardian with the shape of this impression. Although guard-based systems are convenient, many people do not use them due to the fact that they tend to be uncomfortable and / or rare. In addition, in order to use a whitening guard, a user must keep the storage and the required components at hand. This not only requires an extra storage space in already filled bathroom cabinets but also requires that the user remember to use the whitening system. In addition, these guard-based systems are not conveniently portable for transport and / or travel.

In addition, from the difficulties in the application of some oral care products, sometimes the storage is complicated and inconvenient for the user. The oral care product typically should be stored separately from oral care tooth cleaning implements such as a toothbrush because the oral care product package and the toothbrush have so far usually been treated as parts separate and distinct from a system of oral care. A more portable, compact and convenient way to store oral care products is desired, and to dispense and apply those oral care products to the oral surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Modes of the present invention provide an efficient, compact and portable oral care system that combines an oral care implement such as a toothbrush with an oral care product or agent dispenser in a highly portable housing. Conveniently, said modalities are especially convenient to facilitate transportation and / or travel.

In one embodiment, the invention may be a buccal care system comprising: a housing comprising a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first lateral surface; a through slot extending through the housing from the first lateral surface to the second lateral surface and having an open upper end; an elongate element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the elongated element comprises a first portion located on a first side of the axis of rotation and a second portion located on a second side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of elements for cleaning the teeth extending from the first portion of the elongate element; a dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongate element through which a mouth care material stored in the elongate member can be dispensed; and the elongate element rotatable about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the first portion of the elongate member protrudes from the housing while the second portion of the elongate element is nested within the passage slot; and (2) a second state in which the second portion of the elongate element protrudes from the housing while the first portion of the elongate element is nested within the passage slot.

In another embodiment, the invention may be a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a through groove extending through the handle; an elongated element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the elongate element comprising: a toothbrush head located on a first side of the axis of rotation; and a dispenser comprising a storage of the oral care material located on a second side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of elements for cleaning the teeth extending from the head of the toothbrush; the elongate element rotatable about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the toothbrush head protrudes from the handle while the dispenser is nested within the passageway; and (2) a second state in which the dispenser protrudes from the housing while the toothbrush head is nested within the passageway.

In still another embodiment, the invention may be a buccal care system comprising: a housing; an element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the element; a dispensing orifice in the element through which a mouth care material stored in the elongated element can be dispensed; and the elongated rotating element around the axis of rotation, the element is a integral construction.

In still another embodiment, the invention may be a buccal care system comprising: a housing comprising a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface; a through slot extending through the housing from the first lateral surface to the second lateral surface and having an open upper end; an element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the element comprising a first portion located on a first side of the axis of rotation, a second portion located on a second side of the axis of rotation, and a third portion located on a third side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the first portion of the elongated element; a first dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongated element through which a first oral care material stored in the second portion can be dispensed; and a second dispensing orifice in the third portion of the elongated element through which a second oral care material stored in the third portion can be dispensed; and the rotating element about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the first portion protrudes from the end open top; (2) a second state in which the second portion projects from the open upper end; and 3) a third state in which the third portion protrudes from the open upper end.

Additional areas of applicability of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that is provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended to be for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A is a front view of a mouth care system according to an embodiment of the present invention including an elongate element rotatably coupled to a housing and having a first portion of the elongated element protruding from the housing, wherein the arrows indicate the direction of rotation of the elongated element; Figure IB is a front view of the system mouth care of Figure 1A wherein the elongate member has been rotated so that a second portion of the elongate member protrudes from the housing; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the oral care system taken along line II-II of Figure 1A; Figure 3 is an approach view of area III of Figure 2; Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the IVA-IVA line of Figure 1A, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a mechanism for locking the elongate element in place when the first portion of the elongate element protrudes from the housing; Y Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB of Figure IB according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a mechanism for locking the elongate element in place when the second portion of the elongated element protrudes from the housing.

Figure 5A is a front view of a buccal care system according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the elongate element comprises a first portion configured as a toothbrush, a second portion configured as a first dispenser, and a third portion configured as a second dispenser, and wherein the elongate member is in a first condition; Figure 5B is a front view of the oral care system of Figure 5A wherein the elongate element has been rotated to a second state; Y Figure 5C is a front view of the oral care system of Figure 5A wherein the elongate element has been rotated to a third state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The intention of the description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is that it is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which will be considered part of the entire written description. In describing the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to the address or orientation is simply intended to be for convenience of the description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "below", "above", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "above", "below", "left", "right", "superior" and "inferior" as well as derivatives thereof (for example, " horizontally "," downwards "," upwards ", etc.) should be interpreted to refer to the orientation as described or shown later in the drawings to be analyzed. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be interpreted or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly so indicated. Terms such as "joined", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected", "insured" and the like refer to a relationship wherein the structures are secured or joined together either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as joints or mobile or rigid relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. In addition, the features and benefits of the invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Accordingly, the invention should not expressly be limited to those exemplary embodiments that illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of characteristics that may exist alone or in other combinations of characteristics; the scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with respect to one or more possible treatment or oral care systems. Modalities of the oral care system include a dispenser that may include, without limitation, one of the following oral care fluids: teeth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-fixation, fluoride, control / protection against tartar, flavoring, a sensitive ingredient, coloring and others. However, other embodiments of the present invention can be used to store and dispense any convenient type of oral care fluid and the invention is not expressly limited to any particular oral care system or fluid alone. A more detailed but not exhaustive list of possible oral care materials that can be stored in the dispenser of the present invention and used with the oral care system will be provided below.

Referring to Figures 1A and IB concurrently, an oral care system 100 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The oral care system 100 is a user-friendly, self-contained, easily portable and compact system comprising all components and chemicals necessary for a user to execute a desired oral care treatment routine. As will be described in more detail below, the oral care system 100, in an exemplary embodiment, generally takes the form of a housing having a toothbrush and a dispenser that are rotatably or rotatably coupled to each other. The 100 oral care system is portable for travel, ease of use and reduces the amount of storage space required. In addition, because the toothbrush and the dispenser are housed together, the user is less likely to place the dispenser in the wrong place and will be more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser because the brushing will remind him / her The user simply separates and applies the content of the dispenser.

The oral care system 100 generally comprises a housing 110 and an elongate member 120 rotatably coupled to the housing 110. Specifically, the elongate member 120 is rotatably coupled to the housing 110 for rotation about an axis of rotation AA. The elongate element 120 comprises a first portion 121 located on a first side of the axis of rotation A-A and a second portion 122 located on a second side of the axis of rotation A-A. In the exemplified modality, the second side of the axis of rotation AA in which the second portion 122 is located is opposite the first side of the axis of rotation AA in which is the first portion 121. Therefore, the first and second portions 121, 122 extend from the axis of rotation AA at a 180 ° (angular) spacing from one another, thus forming a substantially linear structure. In other embodiments, the first and second portions 121, 122 extend from the axis of rotation A-A to other angular compensations, such as less than 180 °, including a 90 ° or 120 ° separation. In said embodiments, the second side of the axis of rotation AA in which the second portion 122 is located is not opposite to the first side of the axis of rotation AA in which the first portion 121. is. Still in another embodiment (see for example figure 5 and analysis related below), the elongated member 120 may comprise more than two portions extending from the axis of rotation AA.

The elongate member 120 comprises several components that assist a user in oral care as will be discussed in detail below. The housing 110 provides a mechanism through which the user can hold and manipulate the oral care system 100 during use. The housing 110 can assume various shapes, sizes and configurations different from those illustrated to improve the comfort and grip of the housing 110 of a user during the use of the oral care system 100.

The first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 are integrally connected so that rotation of one of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 about the axis of rotation AA results in a corresponding rotation of the other of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 about the axis of rotation AA. In some embodiments, the elongate element 120 can be formed as a one-piece structure that includes both the first and second portions 121, 122. However, in other embodiments, the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 are they can form separately and connect at a later stage in the manufacturing process. Regardless of the formation of the elongated element, the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 are integrally connected together and rotate together.

As will be discussed in more detail below, in the oral care system 100, one of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongated member 120 is always protruding from the housing 110 when the other of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 is retained within the housing 110. This is due to the arrangement in which the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 are oriented to a 180 ° separation from one another in the exemplified embodiment. For example, in FIG. 1A, the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120 is projecting from the housing 110 while the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is contained within the housing 110. The rotation of the elongated element 120 is one hundred and eighty degrees ( 180 °) about the axis of rotation AA in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1A results in the configuration illustrated in Fig. IB where the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is projecting from the housing 110 while the first portion 121 of the elongate member 120 is contained within the housing 110. Therefore, each of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element are applied to the oral cavity of a user separately to achieve separate oral care benefits. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element can be applied to the oral cavity of a user in sequence so that a combined benefit of oral care can be achieved. It should also be appreciated that the elongate member 120 in alternate or additional form may rotate in a direction of rotation opposite to that shown by the arrows in Figure 1A In some embodiments, housing 110 is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as, for example, without limitation, polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, in some embodiments, the elongated member 120 is also formed from one of the rigid plastic materials noted above. However, the invention will not be limited to this in all the embodiments and, in some other embodiments, the housing 110 and / or the elongate element 120 can be formed from other materials. In addition, in some embodiments, the housing 110 and the portions of the elongated element 120 can be overmoulded with a soft, resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer to provide comfort to a user when the housing 110 is held during the use of the system. 100 oral care to clean and / or sanitize a user's oral cavity.

When the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110 as illustrated in Figure 1A, the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 forms a toothbrush device that can be used by a user to brush and / or carve your teeth. In this state, the first portion 121 of the elongated element forms a neck 126 and a head 127 of the brush device of teeth while the casing forms a handle of the toothbrush device. The head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 has a first surface 123 and a second opposing surface 124. A plurality of tooth cleaning element 125 extends from the first surface 123 of the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the element. elongated 120. In the exemplified embodiment, the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 has a terminal end 128, and the plurality of tooth cleaning elements 125 is located adjacent the terminal end 128 of the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120.

The exact structure, pattern, orientation and material of the teeth cleaning elements 125 are not a limitation of the present invention unless so specified in the claims. As used herein, the term "elements that come in contact with the teeth" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or rinse the teeth and / or soft oral tissue (for example). example, tongue, cheeks, gums, etc.) through a relative surface contact. Common examples of "elements that come into contact with the teeth" include, without limitation, tufts of bristles, bristles filament, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protuberances, flexible polymer protuberances, combinations thereof and / or structures containing said materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for use in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the elements that come into contact with the teeth or soft tissue has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore. A suitable elastomeric material is the styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials could be used inside and outside the observed hardness range.

The elements that come in contact with the teeth 125 of the present invention can be connected to the head 127 in a manner known in the art. For example, staples / anchors, tufted in-mold (IMT) or anchor-free tufting (AFT) could be used to assemble the cleaning elements / elements that come into contact with the teeth. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding.

The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any convenient form of cleaning elements can be used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to blocks or sections of tufts extending through convenient openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted inside or under the tuft block.

In some embodiments, the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 may also include a soft tissue cleanser coupled to or placed on its second surface 124. An example of a convenient soft tissue cleanser that can be used with the present invention and which can be placed on the second surface 124 of the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,143,462 issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of the present application, the entirety of which is Incorporated here by reference. In some other embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may include protuberances, which may assume the shape of elongated ridges, knots, or combinations thereof. Of course, the invention is not limited to this and, in some embodiments, the head 127 of the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 may not include some soft tissue cleanser.

Referring to Figures IB and 2 concurrently, the oral care system 100 will be described further. A mouth care material 140 is stored in the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120. The second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 comprises a terminal end 131. In the exemplified embodiment, a dispensing orifice 132 is formed in the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of elongate element 120. Dispensing orifice 132 provides an opening in second portion 122 of elongated element 120 through which mouth care material 140 contained within second portion 122 of elongate element can be dispensed.

In the exemplified embodiment, the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 forms a dispenser 130 for containing a storage of the oral care material 140. The dispenser 130 is an elongated structure having an inner surface 141 defining a hollow interior cavity 142 for storing the mouth care material 140 in the same In some embodiments, the dispenser 130 can be filled so that a user can refill the oral care material 140 within the dispenser 130 after exhaustion thereof. However, in some other embodiments, upon depletion of the oral care material 140 within the dispenser 130, all of the oral care system 100 will be replaced. Therefore, the amount of oral care material 140 may be indicative of the life cycle of the teeth cleaning elements 125 (ie, the mouth care material 140 can last for three months when used regularly, which is the recommended period of time for the replacement of a toothbrush).

The dispenser 130 comprises an elongated body portion 133 and an applicator 134. In some embodiments, the elongated body portion 133 may be formed of a compressible material so that the oral care material 140 contained therein may be delivered. Of course, the invention is not limited to this and other techniques can be used to deliver the oral care material 130 from the dispenser 130, such as for example a threaded screw coupled to an elevator platform, a mechanical, electrical or electromechanical pump. , or similar.

In the exemplified embodiment, the dispensing orifice 132 is formed in the applicator 134 of the dispenser 130. In some embodiments, the applicator 134 may be formed of an elastomeric material to provide comfort when the oral care material is applied directly on a user's teeth and / or buccal surfaces from the mouth. dispenser 130. Specifically, when the oral care material 140 is dispensed directly onto a tooth, the applicator 134 can be made to directly contact the tooth to ensure that the oral care material 140 is applied adequately and adequately on the tooth. Tooth surface. The formation of the applicator 134 from an elastomeric material makes this direct supply process more comfortable for a user. However, the invention is not limited to this and, in some other embodiments, the applicator 134 may be formed of other materials, including bristles, a porous or sponge material, or a fibrous material. In addition, in still other embodiments, the applicator 134 can be omitted and the dispensing orifice 132 can be formed directly in the dispenser 130 to dispense the oral care material 140 contained therein.

The elongate element 120 further comprises a cover 139 detachably coupled to the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120. The cover 139 is coupled in a manner separable to the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 to enclose the dispenser orifice 132 and prevent accidental spillage of the mouth care material 140 from the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120. In some embodiments, the lid 139 may include a sealing element protruding in the dispenser hole 132 to execute the seal. In other embodiments, the cap 139 simply covers a portion or all of the applicator 134 to prevent leakage of the oral care material 140 stored there. In addition, in some embodiments a second lid to be detachably coupled to the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 can be provided to provide protection to the elements for cleaning the teeth 125 extending therefrom.

When the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110 as illustrated in FIG. IB, the housing 110 forms a handle for applying the oral care material contained within the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120. Thus both, the housing 110 is used as the handle both in the case where the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120 is used to clean the teeth and / or oral cavity of a user as in the case where the second portion 122 of the elongated element is used to apply the oral care material 140 on the teeth and / or oral cavity of a user. As such, the housing 110 can have any desired ergonomic shape to achieve a comfortable grip surface for a user.

The elongated element 120 comprises both the tooth cleaning elements 125 extending therefrom and the oral care material 140 stored there for use in a buccal care regime. By forming the oral care system 100 to include both the teeth cleaning elements 125 and the oral care material 140, the oral care system 100 functions as a stand-alone oral care device that can achieve both the cleaning of the teeth as well as the oral surface as well as other benefits that are achieved through the use of the oral care material 140 as will be discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the oral care system 100 can simply be considered a toothbrush wherein the housing 110 forms the handle of the toothbrush and the elongated element 120 comprises a toothbrush head having teeth cleaning elements extending from there and a dispenser that contains a material of oral care.

Briefly referring to Figures 1A, IB, 2, 4A and 4B concurrently, housing 110 comprises a first side surface 111 and a second surface side 112 opposite the first side surface 111. A passage groove 115 extends through the housing 110 from the first side surface 111 to the second side surface 112. Therefore, each of the first and second side surfaces 111 , 112 comprises an opening that provides access to the passage slot 115. The passage slot 115 provides a passage for the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 to pass through the housing 110 when the elongate element 120 is rotated around the axis of rotation AA. Therefore, the passage groove 115 allows the elongated member 120 to alternate between having the first portion 121 projecting from the housing 110 and having the second portion 122 projecting from the housing 110 and allowing a complete 360 ° rotation of the elongate member 120 around the axis of rotation AA.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the oral care system 100 comprises a pivot 117 on which the elongated element 120 rotates. The pivot 117 is an elongated cylindrical pivot extending along the rotary axis A-A. The pivot 117 extends through a through hole 118 formed inside the elongate element 120. The distance from the pivot 117 and the axis of rotation A-A to the terminal end 128 of the first portion 121 of the element elongate 120 is substantially equal to the distance from the pivot 117 and the axis of rotation AA to the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120. In addition, although the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 is illustrated as the end of the applicator 134, in some embodiments, the terminal end 131 of the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 may be the end of the lid 139. This ensures that both the first and the second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 fit within the passage slot 115 of the housing 110.

The second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 has an outer surface 129. In addition, the housing 110 has an inner side surface 113 that defines the passage groove 115. In the exemplified embodiment, when the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is nested within the passage groove 115 as illustrated in Figure 2, the outer surface 129 of the second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 is in surface contact with the interior surface 113 of the housing 110 Therefore, the width of the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 on the outer surface 129 is substantially equal to the width of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 defining the passage slot 115. Said structural arrangement and Relative dimensioning of the components ensures that when the second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 is located within the passage slot 115, it will not rotate out of the passage slot 115 without a user applying a force to rotate the elongate member 120. .

Similarly, in the exemplified embodiment, the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 has an outer surface 139 in the head portion 127 that is substantially equal in width to the outer surface 129 of the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120. therefore, when any of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 is located within the passage groove 115 of the housing 110, the elongate member 120 can not rotate without some help from the user. Specifically, when the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 is located within the passage groove 115, the outer surfaces 139, 129 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 are carved against the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 to form an interference fit therebetween in order to keep the elongate member 120 in a particular state of rotation (i.e., in the first state with the first portion 121 of the element elongate 120 projecting from the housing 110, or in the second state with the second portion 122 of elongate member 120 projecting from the housing). Of course, it should be appreciated that the fit between the outer surfaces 139, 129 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 and the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 is not so tight as to prevent rotation, but simply to prevent undesired and continuous rotation of the elongate member 120 without the user applying a force on the elongated member 120 or otherwise intentionally rotating the elongate member 120.

However, in some other embodiments, the widths on the outer surface 139, 129 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 may be smaller than the width of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 defining the groove in step 115 to ensure that the elongated element 120 is not delayed or prevented from rotating. However, in some embodiments, the oral care system 100 includes a locking element 180 that is biased toward a locking position when one of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 is located within the passage slot to prevent rotation of the elongate member 120 without a user uncoupling the locking member 180, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the figures 2 and 3. Of course, other locking systems can be used to prevent rotation of the elongate member 120 when said rotation is undesirable, examples of which will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

Referring now to Figures 1-2, the passage slot 115 further comprises an open upper end 116 which additionally allows the first and / or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 to protrude from the housing 110 and further facilitates movement of rotation of the elongated element 120 relative to the housing 110. Therefore, the elongate element 120 is rotatable about the axis of rotation AA between a first state, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, in which the first portion 121 of the elongate member 120 protrudes from a distal end of the housing 110 through the open upper end 116 of the housing 110 while the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is nested within the passage groove 115, and a second condition, such as illustrated in FIG. IB, in which the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 protrudes from a distal end of the housing 110 through the open upper end 116 of the car. house 110 while the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120 is nested inside the passage slot 115. In this In this manner, when the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110, the teeth cleaning elements 125 can be used to brush and / or otherwise clean the teeth and mouth surfaces of a user while the housing 110 protects the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 and keeps the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 out of the user's path so as not to interfere with the brushing of the teeth. Similarly, when the second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 projects from the housing 110, the mouth care material 140 can be dispensed into the mouth cavity of a user to provide various benefits to the user while the housing 110 protects the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 and the teeth cleaning elements 125 against damage and maintains the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 out of the user's path so as not to interfere with the delivery of the oral care material 140.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to store the oral care system 100 in the second condition illustrated in Figure IB during periods of non-use. This is because the second portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises the lid 139 to protect the applicator 134 and prevent leakage of the oral care material 140 stored there. However, the teeth cleaning elements 125 are not protected against damage when the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110. Therefore, by storing the oral care system 100 with the first portion 121 of the elongate element 120 nested within from the passage groove 115 of the housing 110, the teeth cleaning elements 125 can be protected and the life cycle of the oral care system 100 can be extended.

Of course, the oral care system 100 can be stored either with either the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120 projecting from the housing 110 as desired.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and IB, the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 comprises a first cavity 146. Similarly, the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 comprises a second cavity 147. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second cavities 146, 147 are illustrated as being square shaped cavities. However, the invention is not limited thereto and the shape and relative size of the cavities 146, 147 will not limit the invention in all modes. Each of the first and second cavities 146, 147 is a recess or groove formed in the first and second portions 122, 122 of the elongate element, respectively.

As will be discussed in more detail below, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the locking element 180 fits within the first and second cavities 146, 147 to prevent rotation of the elongate member 120.

The first cavity 146 is located at a first distance Di from the axis of rotation A-A. The second cavity 147 is located at a second distance D2 from the axis of rotation A-A. In addition, the second distance D2 is the same or substantially equal to the first distance Di. The first and second cavities 146, 147 provide a region in the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 so that the blocking element 180 engages the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 in order to prevent rotation of the elongated element 120 when said rotation is undesirable, such as during use and storage of the oral care system 100 By maintaining the first distance Di equal to the second distance D2, the locking mechanism 180 can couple both cavities 146, 147 independently depending on which of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 is located within the groove of step 115 of housing 110.

The first portion 121. has a first length Li measured from the rotation axis A-A to the distal end 128 while the second portion 121 has a second length L2 measured from the axis of rotation A-A to the distal end 151 (Figure 1A). In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second lengths Li, L2, are substantially equal to each other. In another embodiment, the first and second lengths Li, L2 may not be the same. In said embodiment, the first length Li is greater than the second length L2. In another embodiment of this type, the second length L2 is greater than the first length Li.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 concurrently, the locking element 180 will be described in greater detail. The blocking element 180 is used to maintain the elongated element 120 in the first state or the second state described above. Specifically, the blocking element 180 prevents rotation of the elongated element 120 by engaging the cavities 146, 147 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120. The locking member 180 generally comprises a latch portion 181 and a latching element. deflection 182. In addition, an actuator 183 is operatively coupled to the blocking element 180 to alter the blocking element 180 between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the embodiment exemplified in Figures 2 and 3, the second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 is nested within the groove of step 115 of the housing 110 and the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110. In this position, the locking element 180 couples the cavity 147 of the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120. More specifically, the Latch portion 181 of locking member 180 protrudes into cavity 147 of second portion 122 of elongated element 120 to prevent elongate member 120 from rotating about the axis of rotation AA.

The locking element 180 is biased towards the locked state, illustrated in Figure 3, in which the locking element 180, and specifically the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 engages the elongated element 120 to prevent relative rotation between the elongate element 120 and the housing 110. More specifically, the latch portion 181 of the locking member 180 protrudes into the cavity 146, 147 of either the first or second portion 121, 122 of the elongate member 120, depending on which of the first or second portions 121, 122 of the elongate element 120 is located within the passage slot 115. Therefore, if the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 is located within the passage slot 115, the portion of latch 181 of locking member 180 is nested within first cavity 146 of first portion 121 of elongate member 120 to prevent rotation of the element elongate 120. If the second portion 121 of the elongate member 120 is located within the passage slot 115 (as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3), the latch portion 181 of the blog element 180 nests within the second cavity 147 of the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 to prevent rotation of the elongated element 120.

The blogging element 180 is biased towards the locked state through the biasing element 182. In the exemplified embodiment, the biasing element 182 is a torsion spring. However, the invention will not be limited to this in all embodiments and, in some other embodiments, the biasing member 182 may be a compression spring, a tension spring, a barrel spring, an extension spring, a spring of coil, a pulling spring, a bearing spring, a spring-pivot, a pin, spring washers, springs of one or any other type of element with the ability to deflect the locking element 180 towards the locked state such as it is illustrated.

The blocking element 180 can be altered between the locked state discussed above and an unlocked state in which the blocking member 180 decouples the elongate member 120 to allow relative rotation between the elongated element 120 and the housing 110. Specifically, by means of the actuation of the actuator 183, the portion of latch 181 of locking member 180 is removed from first or second cavity 146, 147 of first or second portion 121, 122 of elongate member 120, respectively.

When the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 is removed from the first or second cavity 146, 147, the locking member 180 is in the unlocked state. The actuator 183 must be actuated with sufficient force to overcome the deflection of the deflecting member 182 in order to pull the latch portion 181 of the locking element 180 out of the first or second cavity 146, 147. At the time of removing the portion of latch of the blogging element 180 out of the first or second cavity 146, 147, the locking element 180 is in the unlocked state and relative rotation between the elongate member 120 and the housing 110 is allowed.

When the elongated member 120 is in the first state so that the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110 and the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is nested within the passage groove 115 (Fig. 1A), the blocking element 180 is in the locked state by causing latch portion 181 of locking element 180 to protrude into second cavity 147. Similarly, when the elongate element 120 is in the second state so that the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 protrudes from the housing 110 and the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 nests within the passage groove 115 (figure IB), the locking element 180 is in the locked state by causing the portion of latch 181 of locking member 180 protrude into the first cavity 146. In some other embodiments, cavities 146, 147 can be omitted and locking status can be achieved by causing locking member 180 to engage the outer surface of the elongate element 120 with sufficient force to prevent rotation thereof relative to the housing 110.

Of course, in some other embodiments, the blocking element 180 can also be omitted. In such embodiments, interference fit or contact between the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 and the outer surfaces 139, 129 of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongate member 120, as discussed above, may be used. to maintain the elongate element in the first and / or second states and to prevent rotation of the elongate element 120 relative to the housing 110. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the relative rotation between the elongated element 120 and the housing 110 can be prevented from through other mechanisms, including, for example, without limitation, a set screw, a slide fastener, a magnetic insurance, a swivel insurance, a button type insurance, an electronic insurance, a bolt insurance or similar. In said embodiments, the component that engages the elongate element 120 will be considered the blocking element. However, in still other embodiments, the cross-sectional profiles of the first and second portions 121, 122 of the elongated element 120 can be formed to maintain the elongate element 120 in the first and / or second states, thus serving as a mechanism for blockage, as discussed below.

Referring now to the filters 4A and 4B, concurrently, an alternative mechanism for maintaining the elongated element 120 in the first and / or second states will be described. The embodiment exemplified in Figures 4A and 4B can be used with and without the blocking element 180 discussed above. Therefore, in some embodiments, both the mechanism discussed below and the locking element 180 can be used in combination to maintain the position of the elongated element 120 relative to the housing 110 and to prevent undesirable rotation of the element. elongate 120. However, in other embodiments, either only the blocking element 180 discussed above or only the alternative mechanism discussed below may be used. In other modalities still neither the blocking element 180 nor the alternative mechanism discussed below are used and the rotation of the elongate element 120 can be avoided simply by having a user grasp the housing 110 and preventing the elongated element 120 from slipping out of the through slot , or any other technique analyzed here.

Referring first to Figure 4A, the second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 is illustrated nested within the passage slot 115 of the housing 110. Therefore, in Figure 4A, the elongate member 120 is in the first state ( that is, the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 is projecting from the housing 110 and the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 is nested within the passage groove 115 of the housing 110). The second portion 122 of the elongate member 120 comprises a cross section profile configured to couple the interior surface 113 of the housing 110 in a matching manner to maintain the elongated element 120 in the first state.

Specifically, the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 comprises a first pair of spaced protuberances 105 on a first side 101 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110. The inner surface 113 of the housing 110 also comprises a second pair of separate protuberances 106 on a second side 102 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110, the second side 102 is opposite the first side 101. Each of the protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 is aligned with one of the protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110. Furthermore, a first socket 103 is formed between the pair of protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the interior surface 113 of the housing 110 and a second socket 104 is formed between the pair of protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110.

As noted above, the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 comprises a cross-sectional profile configured to couple the interior surface 113 of the housing 110 in a matching manner. More specifically, the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 comprises a first protrusion 107 and second protrusion 108. When second portion 122 of elongate member 120 rotates toward passage slot 115 of housing 110, first protrusion 107 nests within first base 103 and second protrusion 108 is nested within second socket 104. In this way, the elongated element 120 can no longer rotate around the axis of rotation AA without 4O Therefore, a force is applied to the elongated element 120. Therefore, the formation of the second portion 122 of the elongate element 120 with the profile in cross-section described above, and the formation of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 with the profile in The cross-section described above creates an integrated locking mechanism that helps maintain the elongated element 120 in the first state. Of course, through the pressure applied by the user or other pressure, the elongated element 120 can be rotated by applying a force on the elongate element 120 sufficient to uncouple the protrusions 107, 108 from the second portion of the elongated element 120 of the sockets 103, 104 on the inner surface 113 of the housing 110.

Referring now to Figure 4B, the first portion 121 of the elongate member 120 is illustrated nested within the passage groove 115 of the housing 110. Therefore, in Figure 4B, the elongate member 120 is in the second state ( that is, the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 is projecting from the housing 110 and the first portion of the elongate element 120 is nested within the passage groove 115 of the housing 110). The first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 comprises a cross section profile configured to couple the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 in a matching manner so as to keep elongated element 120 in the first state.

Specifically, as discussed above, the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 comprises the first pair of spaced protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110. The inner surface 113 of the housing 110 also comprises the second pair of separate protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110, the second side 102 is opposite the first side 101. As noted above, the first socket 113 is formed between the pair of protuberances 105 on the first side 101 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 and the second socket 104 is formed between the pair of protuberances 106 on the second side 102 of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110.

As noted above, the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 comprises a cross-sectional profile configured to couple the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 in a matching manner. More specifically, the first portion 122 of the elongated member 120 (is say, the head 127 of the toothbrush device) comprises a first contoured side surface 175 and a second contoured side surface 176. When the first portion 122 of the elongate member 120 rotates toward the passage slot 115 of the housing 110, the first contoured side surface 175 is nested within the first socket 103 and the second contoured side surface 176 is nested within the second socket 104. In this manner, the elongated element 120 can no longer rotate about the axis of rotation AA without a force being applied on the elongated element 120. Thus, the formation of the first portion 122 of the elongate element 120 with the profile in cross section described above, and the formation of the inner surface 113 of the housing 110 with the profile in cross section described above it creates an integrated locking mechanism that helps maintain the elongated element 120 in the second state.

To ensure that each of the first and second portions 1221, 122 of the elongate member 1120 will couple the sockets 103, 104 formed on the inner surface 113 of the housing 110, the protrusions 107, 108 in the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 remain located at the same distance from the axis of rotation AA as the first and second contoured lateral surfaces 175, 176 of the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120. In other words, the cross-sectional profile of the first portion 121 of the elongated element 120 which allows the first portion 121 of the elongated member 120 to engage the bases 103, 104 and the cross-sectional profile of the second portion 12 of elongate element 122 allowing the second portion 122 of elongate member 120 to engage sockets 103, 104 are located at the same distance from axis of rotation A-A.

As described herein, the oral care system 100 generally comprises a plurality of teeth cleaning elements and a storage of oral care material. Although the invention is described herein with respect to the use of teeth cleaning elements as one of the two primary components of the oral care system 100, it will be understood that other alternative oral cleaning mechanisms can be used (as alternatives to cleaning elements). of teeth) within the scope of the invention, including energized or movable teeth cleaning elements, a tongue scraper, a soft tissue and gum cleanser, a mouth irrigator, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, elements in contact with teeth specially designed to increase the effect of oral care material on the teeth or any other type of component commonly used for oral care. Therefore, it will be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of buccal cleaning mechanism unless a type is specified in the claims. specific mechanism of oral cleaning.

It will be understood that the inventive system can be used for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the elongate element 120 with any oral care material, such as a mouth care fluid that achieves a desired buccal effect. In one embodiment, the oral care material is preferably free from (ie, it is not) toothpaste, since the oral care material is intended to increase rather than supplant the brushing regime. However, the invention will not be limited to this and, in other embodiments, the oral care material may be or may include toothpaste. The oral care materials and / or their environment can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as coordinating active flavors, colors, aesthetics or ingredients.

The oral care materials contained within the elongate member 120 can be a measured amount of a mouthfeel composition with a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing, semi-viscous yet flowable taste that is metered or measured through the dispensing orifice and delivered directly to the cavity. mouth of a user or on the teeth cleaning elements. The oral care material may be either a flowable liquid and / or a solid that is easily supplied for consumer use. The flowable liquids may include, without limitation, pastes, gels, rinses, foams, scrubbers, solids, liquids and / or aerosols under compressed air.

Oral care materials can be used for a variety of oral care needs including, but not limited to, whitening, sensitivity, gum health, stain removal, enamel strengthening, mouthwash, breath spray, sanitizing solution for a toothbrush, or mouth care solutions in general. The oral care material may also include active ingredients typical of use in mouth-to-mouth oral care formulations. The oral care material may also contain sweeteners, particulate materials and sensitive ingredients with the ability to deliver unique benefits to the consumer.

The oral care material can be used as a stand-alone formulation. In some embodiments, the composition has the ability and potential to contain and deliver active ingredients, such as fluorine, arginine, triclosan or the like, while additionally providing a potential cleaning, stain removal, whitening of the surface of the teeth with the incorporation of chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide, abrasives for polishing such as, for example, silica, dicalcium phosphate, precipitated calcium carbonate or the like. The composition also has the ability to deliver visual signals perceptible to the consumer through unique dyes, shapes, strips, sparks, extruded forms, etc. while at the same time delivering additional sensory signals perceptible by the consumer delivered through the consumer. unique flavors, sweeteners, sensitive ingredients, or similar.

Oral care materials include materials that provide oral health benefits to a user at the time of contact with a user's oral cavity. In one embodiment, oral care materials are fluidic materials. For example, in some embodiments, oral care materials include a mouthwash solution that cleans mouth surfaces when applied to them and provides the user with refreshing breath benefits. In other embodiments, oral care materials include a tooth cleaning solution, such as a toothpaste. Of course, oral care materials will in no way limit the present invention and may include fluids having active or inactive agents that deliver therapeutic, cosmetic, experience and / or sensory benefits to a consumer during a cleansing regime of teeth, soft tissue, tongue or interdental. Specifically, the oral care material may be an anti-sensitivity agent, fluorine, a protective agent against tartar, an antibacterial agent, an oxidative or blanching agent, an enamel strengthening or repair agent, an erosion prevention agent. of the teeth, an ingredient for the sensitivity of the teeth, an active for the health of the gums, a nutritional ingredient, an anti-stain or tartar control ingredient, an enzyme, a sensitive ingredient, a flavor or flavor ingredient , a refreshing breath ingredient, an oral malodour reduction agent, a sealant or anti-union agent, a diagnostic solution, an occlusion agent, an ingredient to relieve dry mouth, a catalyst to improve the activity of any of these agents, dyes or aesthetic ingredients, arginine bicarbonate, chlorhexidine, triclosan, CPC, zinc oxide and combinations thereof. As noted above, in some embodiments, oral care materials or at least one of the oral care materials is free of a dentifrice since the oral care fluid is intended to complement the traditional brushing of the teeth instead of the tooth. impersonate In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the second portion 122 of the elongated element 120 may include a first dispensing orifice and a second dispensing orifice. In such embodiment the first dispensing orifice is fluidly coupled to a first buccal care material storage within the second portion 122 while the second dispensing orifice is fluidly coupled to a second buccal care material storage within the second portion 122. In this manner, second portion 122 can be used to apply two different oral care materials, either concurrently or consecutively. In such embodiment, the second portion 122 may include two separate hollow interior cavities 142 extending side-by-side, wherein the first and second buccal care material stores serve to store it. As discussed above, these hollow interior cavities 142 would be fluidly coupled to the first and second dispensing orifices. In yet another embodiment of this type, a single dispensing orifice that is fluidly coupled to both hollow interior cavities 142 may be provided in order to effect a point-of-use mixing of the first and second oral care materials during delivery through the dispensing orifice (or immediately prior to it in a mixing chamber).

Referring now to Figures 5A-5C concurrently, a mouth care system 100A is illustrated in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The mouth care implement 100A is identical to the oral care system 100 discussed above with the exception that the elongated element comprises three portions instead of two. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those aspects of the oral care system 100A that differ from the oral care system 100 will be analyzed below. It will be understood that non contradictory concepts described above for the oral care system 100 are incorporated. (or can be incorporated) into the 100A oral care system. In addition, for simplicity purposes, the corresponding elements of the oral care system 100 and the oral care system 100A will be provided with similar reference numbers with the addition of "A".

The oral care system 100A comprises a housing 110A and an element 120A rotatably coupled to the housing 110A. The housing 110A, in the exemplified embodiment, is identical to the housing 100 discussed above. However, in other embodiments, the housing 110A may be enlarged to accommodate two of the three portions 121A, 122A, 223A of the member 120A that are not being used.

The member 120A is rotatably coupled to the housing 110A for rotation about an axis of rotation X-X. The element 120 comprises a first portion 121A located on a first side of the axis of rotation X-X, a second portion 122A located on a second side of the axis of rotation X-X, and a third portion 223A located on a third side of the axis of rotation X-X. In the exemplified embodiment, the first, second, and third portions 121A, 122A, 223A are equally spaced apart angularly from each other (i.e., approximately 120 °). In other embodiments, another angular separation can be implemented. The rotation of one of the first, second or third portions 121A, 122A, 223A results in a corresponding rotation of the others of the first, second or third portions 121A, 122A, 223A.

As discussed above for the first portion 121, the first portion 121A is configured to be a toothbrush device in which a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 125A are mounted thereto. In addition, as discussed above with respect to the second portion 122, the second portion 122A is configured to be a dispenser containing a storage of a mouth care material. Additionally, similar to that described above for the second portion 122, the third portion 223A is also configured to be a dispenser that contains a storage of a mouth care material. Therefore, the oral care system 100A comprises a toothbrush device and two different dispensers. If so desired, different oral care materials may be included in each of the dispensers formed by the second and third portions 22A, 223A respectively. The structures and operation of the dispenser of each of the second and third portions 122A, 223A is otherwise identical to that of the dispenser formed by the second portion 122 discussed above and, therefore, does not require further explanation.

The rotating element 120A about the axis of rotation X-X between: (1) a first state (FIG. 5A) in which the first portion 121A protrudes from the open upper end 116A of the passage groove 115A; (2) a second state (Figure 5B) in which the second portion 122A protrudes from the open upper end 116A of the passage groove 115; and (3) a third state (Figure 5C) in which the third portion 223A projects from the open upper end 116A of the passage groove 115A.

As used in this document, ranges are used as a quick method to describe each value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the term of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure will prevail.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including the currently preferred modes for carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It will be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should be broadly construed as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. - A system of oral care that includes: a housing comprising a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface; a through slot extending through the housing from the first lateral surface to the second lateral surface and having an open upper end; an elongate element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the elongated element comprises a first portion located on a first side of the axis of rotation and a second portion located on a second side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the first portion of the elongated element; a dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongate element through which a mouth care material stored in the elongate member can be dispensed; Y the elongated element rotatable about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the first portion of the elongate element protrudes from the housing while the second portion of the elongate element is nested within the passage slot; and (2) a second state in which the second portion of the elongate member protrudes from the housing while the first portion of the elongated element is nested within the passage slot.

2. - The oral care system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first state, the first portion of the elongate element protrudes from the housing through the open upper end of the passage slot, and where in the second condition, the second portion of the elongate element protrudes from the housing through the open upper end of the passage groove.

3. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the dispensing orifice is located at a terminal end of the second portion of the elongate element.

4. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is located adjacent a terminal end of the first portion of the elongated element.

5. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elongated element further comprises a lid removably coupled to the second portion for enclosing the dispensing orifice.

6. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the first state the housing forms a handle of a toothbrush device and the first portion of the elongated element forms a neck and a head of the device of toothbrush.

7. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the second state, the housing forms a handle for applying the oral care material.

8. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a blocking element for maintaining the elongate element in the first state or the second state.

9. - The oral care system according to claim 8, characterized in that the blocking element can be altered between a locked state in which the blocking element engages the elongated element to prevent relative rotation between the elongated element and the housing, and an unlocked state in which the blocking element disengages the elongated element to allow relative rotation between the elongated element and the housing.

10. - The oral care system according to claim 9, further comprising that the blocking element is biased toward the locked state.

11. - The oral care system according to any of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the first portion of the elongated element comprises a first cavity and the second portion of the elongated element comprises a second cavity, and wherein when the elongated element is in the first state and the blocking element is in the locked state, the blocking element protrudes in the second cavity, and wherein when the elongated element is in the second state and the blocking element is in the locked state, the blocking element is in the locked state. Lock protrudes in the first cavity.

12. - The oral care implement according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second cavities are located at the same distance from the axis of rotation.

13. - The oral care system according to any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising an actuator, the actuator operatively coupled to the blocking element to alter the blocking element between the locked state and the unlocked state.

14. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first portion of the elongated element comprises a profile in cross section configured to couple in a matching manner an interior surface of the housing to maintain the elongated element in the second state, and wherein the second portion of the elongated member comprises a cross section profile configured to couple the inner surface of the housing in a matching manner to maintain the elongate element in the first state.

15. - The oral care system according to claim 14, characterized in that the profile in cross section of the first portion and the profile in cross section of the second portion are located at the same distance from the axis of rotation.

16. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first and second portions of the elongate element are integrally connected so that the rotation of one of the first or second portions around the axis of rotation has as result a corresponding rotation of the other of the first or second portions around the axis of rotation.

17. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first portion has a first length and the second portion has a second length, and wherein the first and second lengths are substantially equal.

18. - A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a through groove extending through the handle; an elongate element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the elongate element comprising: a toothbrush head located on a first side of the axis of rotation; Y a dispenser comprising a storage of the oral care material located on a second side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the toothbrush head; the elongated element rotatable about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the toothbrush head protrudes from the handle while the dispenser is nested within the passageway; and (2) a second state in which the dispenser protrudes from the housing while the toothbrush head is nested within the through slot.

19. - The toothbrush according to claim 18, characterized in that the passage slot comprises an open upper end, wherein in the first state, the toothbrush head of the elongated element protrudes from the handle through the open upper end of the through slot, and wherein in the second state, the elongated element dispenser projects from the handle through the open upper end of the through slot.

20. - The toothbrush according to any of claims 18 to 19, characterized in that the toothbrush head and the dispenser are integrally connected so that the rotation of one of the toothbrush head or the dispenser about the axis of toothbrush. rotation results in a corresponding rotation of the other toothbrush head or dispenser about the axis of rotation.

21. - A system of oral care comprising: a housing; an element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the element; a dispensing orifice in the element through which the oral care material stored in the element can be delivered; Y the rotating element around the axis of rotation.

22. - The oral care system according to claim 21, further comprising: a passage groove extending through the housing; Y the plurality of teeth cleaning elements located on a first side of the axis of rotation while the dispensing orifice is located on a second side of the axis of rotation opposite the first side; Y the rotating element about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is located outside the passage slot; and (2) a second state in which the dispensing orifice is located outside the through slot.

23. - A system of oral care that includes: a housing comprising a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface; a through slot extending through the housing from the first side surface to the second surface lateral and having an open upper end; an element rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, the element comprising a first portion located on a first side of the axis of rotation, a second portion located on a second side of the axis of rotation, and a third portion located on a third side of the axis of rotation; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the first portion of the elongate element; a first dispensing orifice in the second portion of the elongated element through which a first oral care material stored in the second portion can be delivered; Y a second dispensing orifice in the third portion of the elongated element through which a second oral care material stored in the third portion can be delivered; Y the rotating element about the axis of rotation between: (1) a first state in which the first portion protrudes from the open upper end; (2) a second state in which the second portion protrudes from the open upper end; and (3) a third state in which the third portion projects from the open upper end.