TW201320924A - Oral care system, kit and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An oral care dispenser and oral care system incorporating the system that includes a resilient applicator that optimizes application of the subject fluid to the desired oral surfaces. In one embodiment, the invention is a dispenser comprising a housing having an internal reservoir containing the fluid. The resilient applicator is coupled to the housing and comprises a dispensing orifice. The resilient applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing and is defined by a polygonal perimeter edge, the polygonal perimeter edge comprising a plurality of apex portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions forms a distal most-portion of the resilient applicator.

Description

Oral health care system and method Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the priority of the Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US10/60874 filed on December 22, 2010, and the US Provisional Patent Application filed on December 15, 2010. Interests in 61/423,414. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to oral care systems and dispensers, and more particularly to an applicator for an oral care material dispenser.

Oral care products or agents are administered in different ways. For example, without limitation, a common technique for tooth whitening products is to cast the mold cavity of the human tooth and provide the mold cavity of this tray shape. The individual thus only needs to add a whitening composition to the tray and apply the tray to his/her teeth. This line is left in place for a while and then removed. After some treatment, the teeth gradually whiten. Another technique consists in using a strip with a whitening composition on one of its surfaces. This strip is applied to the individual's teeth and left in place for about 30 minutes. After several applications, the teeth gradually whiten. Yet another technique is to apply a whitening composition to the teeth using a small brush. The brush is repeatedly immersed back into the container during application of the tooth whitening composition to the individual's teeth. In some governance After the treatment, the teeth gradually turned white.

One problem with existing wiping techniques is that the saliva in the mouth contains hydrogen peroxide enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the decomposition of peroxides. The brush is capable of picking up some hydrogen peroxide and delivering the hydrogen peroxide back to the bottle during application of some whitening product to the teeth. This hydrogen peroxide, now in the bottle, is capable of reducing the peroxide in the bottle. Another problem with this latter technique is that it does not conform to the use of a water-free whitening composition. Here, the brush transfers moisture from the saliva back into the bottle. This will have a negative impact on the whitening composition due to the potential decomposition of the peroxide active ingredient. In addition, if the individual rinses the brush after each use, moisture enters the bottle from the moist bristles.

Although tray systems are suitable, in reality most people are not used because they feel uncomfortable and/or difficult to handle. In addition, in order to use a whitening tray, the user must have the tray and the required components at hand. This not only requires additional storage space in the narrow bathroom cabinets, but also allows the user to remember to use the whitening system. Moreover, such tray systems are not conveniently portable for transportation and/or travel.

In addition to the difficulty in administering some oral care products, storage is often cumbersome and inconvenient for the user. The oral care product typically must be stored separately from an oral care tooth cleaning tool such as a toothbrush, as the oral care product package and toothbrush have heretofore been generally considered as separate and individual components of an oral care method.

A more portable, compact and convenient storage oral health care product, and the delivery and application of the oral health care product to the oral surface The method is required.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient, miniaturized and portable oral health care system that combines an oral care implement such as a toothbrush with a fluid dispenser in a highly portable and convenient housing. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an oral care dispenser having an improved design for applying the fluid and applying to the flat surfaces of the teeth and gums. Advantageously, these particular embodiments are particularly suitable for easy transportation and/or travel.

In one embodiment, the present invention can be an oral care system comprising: a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containment of fluid Extending from a proximal end along a longitudinal axis to a distal end; an elastic applicator coupled to the distal end of the outer casing, the resilient applicator including a dispensing aperture for the fluid to be a reservoir dispensing; and wherein the elastic applicator includes a working surface oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the outer casing and defined by a polygonal peripheral edge comprising a plurality of tip portions and a plurality of sides Part, wherein one of the plurality of side portions constitutes the most distal portion of the elastic applicator.

In another embodiment, the present invention can be an oral care dispenser comprising: an outer casing having an inner reservoir for containing fluid, the outer casing extending from a proximal end along a longitudinal axis to a distal end; Elastic applicator Coupled with the distal end of the outer casing, the resilient applicator includes a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the resilient applicator includes a working surface oriented to form the longitudinal axis of the outer casing The angle of inclination is defined by a peripheral edge of the polygon comprising a plurality of tip portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions constitutes the most distal portion of the one of the elastic applicators.

In another embodiment, the present invention can be an oral care dispenser comprising: an outer casing having an inner reservoir containing a fluid, the outer casing extending from a proximal end along a longitudinal axis to a distal end An applicator coupled to the distal end of the outer casing, the applicator including a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the applicator includes a working surface oriented with the outer casing The longitudinal axis is at an oblique angle, the working surface being defined by a multi-lobed peripheral edge comprising a generally straight side portion extending between adjacent pairs of each pair, the generally One of the upper straight side portions constitutes the most distal portion of the applicator.

In certain exemplary embodiments, any suitable fluid or product, such as a fluid oral care material, can be used in conjunction with the specific embodiments and methods of the invention described herein. Thus, the oral health treatment system can be any type of system including, but not limited to, tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others. The invention is expressly not limited to any particular type of oral care system or oral care material unless specifically claimed.

Further areas of scope for the applicability of the present invention will be The detailed description provided will become apparent. The detailed description and specific examples are intended to be illustrative of the preferred embodiments 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 utility.

The illustrations of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention are intended to be read in connection with the additional drawings, which are considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to the orientation or orientation is merely intended to be illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relativistic terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward" (up), "down", "top", and "bottom" and their derivatives (eg, "horizontly", "downwardly", "Upwardly", etc., should be considered as an orientation as explained below or as shown in the drawings in question. The relative terms are merely for convenience of description and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated. Such as "attached", "affixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected", and the like. Terms that are either firmly or attached to each other directly or indirectly via an intervening structure, as well as movable or rigid attachment means or relationships, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further, the features and advantages of the present invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplified embodiments, which are illustrated in the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; The scope of the patent application is defined.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to a viable oral health care or treatment system. Specific embodiments of the oral care system can include, but are not limited to, fluids such as fluid oral care materials including: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-adhesion, fluoride, tartar control/ Protection, fragrance, feel, coloring agents and others. However, other embodiments of the invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid, and the invention is expressly limited to any particular oral care system or only oral care material.

Referring to Figures 1-2, an oral care system 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The oral care system 100 is a small, easy-to-carry, stand-alone, easy-to-use system that contains all the necessary components and chemical components for the user to perform a routine routine work of oral health care. As will be explained in greater detail below, in an exemplary embodiment, the oral care system 100 is generally in the form of a modified toothbrush having a detachable dispenser 300 that is at least partially Set within its handle range. Since the dispenser 300 is positioned within the handle of the toothbrush itself, the oral care system 100 is portable for travel, easy to use and reduces the total amount of storage space required. Moreover, since the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are wrapped together, it is less likely that the user misplaces the dispenser 300 and is more likely to use the dispenser 300 to maintain the oral treatment routine because the brushing action will The user is reminded to simply separate and apply the contents of the dispenser 300.

However, it should be understood that the toothbrush 200 is not required in all embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the oral care dispenser 300 can be provided without the toothbrush 200 itself. Accordingly, while the following description is primarily directed to the oral care system 100, which includes the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300, the present invention is not so limited and the dispenser 300 can be sold, used, and stored separately from the toothbrush 200. Or alternatively a kit with another toothbrush or oral care implement.

The oral care system 100 generally includes a toothbrush body 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as a toothbrush) and a dispenser 300. Although the present invention relates to the use of a toothbrush as one of the two major components of the oral care system 100, it will be appreciated that other alternate oral health care implements may be used to encompass the scope of the present invention. These include tongue cleaners, tooth grinders, and shank appliances that are specifically designed to have tooth engaging elements. Moreover, as noted above, in certain other embodiments, the toothbrush 200 (or any alternate oral health care implement) can be omitted entirely or simply packaged into A kit.

In some examples, the toothbrush 200 can include a tooth engaging element that is specifically designed to be added to the desired oral surface, such as a tooth, tongue, cheek, gums or other soft tissue, in the dispenser 300. The effect of the fluid. For example, the tooth engaging elements can include an elastomeric wiping element that helps remove plaque from the teeth and/or helps force the fluid into the tubules of the teeth. Moreover, although the toothbrush 200 is illustrated as a manual toothbrush, in other embodiments of the invention the toothbrush can be a powered toothbrush. It will be appreciated that the system of the present invention can be used for a plurality of desired oral care needs by filling the dispenser 300 with a suitable fluid, such as an active or inactive oral care agent capable of achieving a desired oral effect, such as A dental anti-sensitizer, a tooth whitening agent, a pharmaceutical, a breath freshener, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the fluid has no (i.e., not) toothpaste when the dispenser 300 is intended to expand rather than replace the brushing method. The fluid can be selected to complement the toothpaste formulation, such as by blending odor, color, aesthetics or active ingredients.

The toothbrush 200 generally includes a handle 210, a neck portion 220, and a head 230. The handle 210 provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can easily grasp and manipulate the toothbrush 200. The handle 210 can be constructed in a plurality of different shapes, sizes, materials, and plural manufacturing methods well known to those skilled in the art, as long as it can be used to encapsulate the dispenser 300 therein as described in detail below. The handle 210 can include a suitable elastomeric material, if desired. Textured grip 211. The handle 210 can be a single or multi-part construction. The handle 210 extends from a proximal end 212 along a longitudinal axis A-A to a distal end 213. A chamber (not visible) is formed within the handle 210. An opening 215 is configured to provide a passageway into the chamber at the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 through which the dispenser 300 can be inserted and retracted. Although the opening 215 is located at the proximal end 212 of the handle 210 in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 215 can be located at other locations on the handle 210 in other embodiments of the invention. At the office. For example, the opening 215 can be located on a longitudinal surface of the handle 210 (eg, the front surface, the rear surface, and/or the side surfaces) and can be elongated to provide sufficient access to the chamber.

The handle 210 is transformed into the neck portion 220 at the distal end 213. Although the neck portion 220 generally has a smaller cross-sectional area than the handle 210, the invention is not so limited. In general, the neck portion 220 is only a transition region between the handle 210 and the head 230 and is conceptually considered to be a portion of the handle 210. As such, the head 230 is coupled to the distal end 213 of the handle 210 (via the neck portion 220).

The head 230 of the toothbrush 200 and the handle 210 are constructed as a unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the handle 210 and the head 230 can be constructed as individual components that can be operatively coupled in a later process stage by any suitable technique known in the art. Including but not limited to heat or ultrasonic welding, tight fit assembly, even Knot sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesive or fastener. The head 230 and the handle 210, whether in a single or multiple piece construction (including joining techniques), do not limit the invention unless specifically stated. In some embodiments of the invention, the head 230 can be separated (and replaceable) from the handle 210 using techniques well known in the art.

The head 230 generally includes a front surface 231, a rear surface 232, and a peripheral side surface 233 extending between the front surface 231 and the rear surface 232. The front surface 231 and the rear surface 232 of the head 230 can take a wide variety of shapes and contours, but none of them limit the invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 231, 232 can be planar, wavy, or a combination thereof. In addition, the rear surface 232 can also include additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth abrading structure, if desired. An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad that contains a plurality of nodules and/or ridges. An example of a dental abrasive structure can be an elastomeric component such as a prophy cup or an elastomeric wiper. Moreover, although the head portion 230 is generally widened relative to the neck portion 220 of the handle 210, in some configurations it may simply be a continuous extension or narrowing portion of the handle.

The front surface 231 of the head 230 includes an accumulation of one of the oral cleaning elements, such as the dental engagement element 235 extending therefrom for cleaning and/or abrasive contact with an oral surface and/or interdental space. Although the gathering of the tooth engaging elements 235 is suitable for brushing the teeth, the gathering of the tooth engaging elements 235 can also be used in place of or in addition to cleaning the teeth. For grinding teeth. As used herein, the term "teeth engaging element" is used in a generic sense with respect to any structure that is capable of cleaning, grinding or wiping teeth and/or soft tissue (eg, tongue, via opposing surface contact). Cheeks, gums, etc.). Common examples of "teeth engaging elements" include, but are not limited to, combinations of tufts of bristles, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric projections, flexible polymer projections, and the like. And/or structures comprising the materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible elastomeric material for use in an oral hygiene device. To provide optimum comfort and the advantages of cleaning, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging element has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. A suitable elastomeric material is a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene segment copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS made by other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the hardness range mentioned may be used.

The tooth engaging element 235 of the present invention can be coupled to the head 230 in any manner well known in the art. For example, a shackle/fixer, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting (AFT) may be used to mount the cleaning elements/teeth engaging elements. In the AFT, a flat plate or film is secured to the brush head, such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or film. The free ends of the bristles are located on one side of the plate or film to perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristle on the other side of the plate or film are fixed in place by heat melting together Set. Any suitable form of cleaning element can be used in the broad practice of the present invention. Optionally, the bristles may be mounted to the tufts or segments by extending through suitable openings in the tufts such that the bases of the bristles are mounted within or below the tufts.

The toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are non-single-separated structures. In some embodiments, they are specifically designed to be non-fixedly secured when in an assembled state (here considered a storage state). Together and when in a disassembled state (here considered an application state) completely isolated and separated from each other. Of course, as described above, in some embodiments, the dispenser 300 is a separate product that is not designed or intended to be wrapped within the toothbrush 200. In Figure 1, the toothbrush 200 and the dispenser 300 are illustrated in a stored condition and in Figure 2 in an applied state. The dispenser 300 is slidably operable and in the stored state (Fig. 1), wherein the dispenser 300 is disposed in the toothbrush handle portion 210, and the application state (Fig. 2), wherein the dispenser 300 is needed if desired It is removed by the user from the handle portion 210. The dispenser 300 will now be described in greater detail.

Referring now to Figures 3-5, the dispenser 300 is schematically illustrated. The dispenser 300 is an elongated tubular pen-shaped structure that extends along a longitudinal axis B-B. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 300 generally includes a housing 301, an elastic applicator 800 coupled to the housing 301, and a removable cover 302 coupled to one end of the housing 301. The elastic applicator 800 is closed, and an actuator 303 is coupled to the opposite end of the outer casing 301 (as explained in detail below) Actuator 303 is part of a larger fluid delivery system 50).

The outer casing 301 is an elongated hollow tubular structure that extends from a proximal end 315 to a distal end 316 along the longitudinal axis B-B. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 301 has an outer shape that is generally circular in cross section. However, the invention is not so limited and in certain other embodiments, the outer casing 301 can have a non-circular cross-sectional profile. The outer casing 301 is in the form of an elongated tubular barrel that extends along a central axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis B-B.

The outer casing 301 generally includes a receiving product portion 711 for receiving the fluid therein, an annular shoulder portion 712, and a neck portion 713 extending from the annular shoulder portion 712. The neck portion 713 is narrowed relative to the containing product portion 711. The annular shoulder portion 712 provides a transition structure between the containment product portion 711 and the neck portion 713. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 301, and more particularly the containment product portion 711, defines an internal reservoir 317 that contains a desired fluid or product therein, which fluid or product can be either active or It is an inactive oral health care agent.

The fluid and/or its carrier can be in any form such as a solid or a flowable material including, but not limited to, a viscous paste/gel or a less viscous liquid composition. In some embodiments, the flow system is a flowable material having a low viscosity. Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention. For example, the fluid can include an oral care agent such as a whitening agent, including but not limited to a peroxide comprising a tooth whitening ingredient. A suitable peroxide system comprising a tooth whitening ingredient is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11/403,732, filed on Apr. 13, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference. Although a tooth whitening agent and a sensitizer are exemplified active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral health care agent can be used in conjunction with a particular embodiment of the present invention and thus stored in the reservoir 317. The fluids to be considered include oral health care agents which may be an active or inactive ingredient, including but not limited to, antibacterial agents; oxidizing or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repairing agents; dental anticorrosive agents; anti-sensitive ingredients; gingival health active agents ; nutrient composition; tartar control or anti-staining component; enzyme; sensory component; odor or plural odor component; breath freshening component; lowering oral odor agent; anti-adhesion agent or sealant; diagnostic solution; occlusion agent; anti-inflammatory agent; Dry mouth slowing component; a catalyst used to increase the activity of any of the agents; a colorant or aesthetic component; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fluid has no (i.e., not) toothpaste. Alternatively, the fluid is intended to provide supplemental oral health benefits in addition to brushing only the teeth. Other suitable oral care fluids may include lip balm or other materials which are typically suitable for use in a semi-solid state.

In another embodiment, the flow system is a tooth anti-sensitizer and the elastic applicator 800 is particularly suitable for applying a tooth anti-sensitivity agent to the tooth surface in the most desirable case. In some embodiments, useful materials for the oral care fluid contained in the reservoir can include an oral health care composition comprising a basic amino acid in free form or in the form of a salt. In one embodiment, the basic amino acid can be arginine. For supplying the arginine to the user Use different recipes. One such oral health care composition can be used, such as a dentifrice comprising: i an amount of an effective basic amino acid, in free or salt form, such as arginine, for example, a total amount of at least about 1%, For example, from about 1 to about 30%; based on the weight of the total formulation, based on the weight of the free base; ii an effective amount of fluoride, such as a soluble fluoride salt, such as sodium fluoride, fluorine The stannous or sodium fluorophosphate provides from about 250 to about 25,000 ppm of fluoride ions, such as from about 1,000 to about 1,500 ppm; and iii, an abrasive such as alumina, calcium carbonate or calcium hydrogen phosphate.

The dental treatment material of the present invention can have a viscosity which is suitable for use in dental treatment applications and methods. As used herein, the "viscosity" shall be related to "dynamic viscosity" and is defined as the ratio of shear stress to deformation rate, which is derived from TA Instruments, New Castle, Delaware, USA. The AR 1000-N rheometer was measured.

The viscosity may have a range when measured at a shear rate of 1 second ^-1 and the lower point of the range is typically about 0.0025 poise, about 0.1 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise. The high point of the range is selected independently of the low point of the range and is generally about 10,000 poise, especially about 5,000 poise, and more specifically about 1,000 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges include from about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, from about 0.1 poise to about 5,000 poise, from about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, and when measured at a shear rate of 1 second ^-1 . From about 0.1 poise to about 10,000 poise.

The viscosity may have a range when measured at a shear rate of 100 sec ^-1 and the lower point of the range is typically about 0.0025 poise, specifically about 0.05 poise, more specifically about 7.5. The high point of the range is selected independently of the low point of the range and is generally about 1,000 poise, specifically about 100 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges include from about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, from about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise, from about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and when measured at a shear rate of 100 sec ^-1 . From about 0.05 poise to about 1,000 poise.

The viscosity may have a range when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 sec ^-1 and the lower point of the range is typically about 0.0025 poise, specifically about 0.05 poise, more specifically about 5 The high point of the range is selected independently of the low point of the range and is typically about 500 poise, especially about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges include from about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise, from about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, from about 5 poise to about 50 poise, and when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 sec ^-1 . From about 0.05 poise to about 500 poise.

The outer casing 301 is constructed from a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the desired structural integrity to the dispenser 300. For example, the outer casing 301 can be constructed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. However, the selected plastic should be compatible with the fluid stored in the dispenser 300 and should not be affected by the Fluid corrosion or degradation.

Although the outer casing 301 is illustrated as a single layer construction, in some embodiments, the outer casing 301 can be a multi-layer construction. In certain embodiments of the multilayer, an inner layer may be constructed of the hard plastic material described above, and an outer layer may be constructed of a soft elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a durometer measuring range between A13 and A50 Shore hardness, although materials falling outside this range may be used. A suitable durometer is rated between A25 and A40 Shore hardness. Although an overmolded construction is a suitable method of forming the outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, can be formed in a thin layer and bonded by a suitable adhesive, sonic or by other means. Attached to the inner layer.

The fluid delivery system 50 provides the mechanism by which a user can dispense (or deliver) the fluid within the internal reservoir 317 from the dispenser 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid delivery system 50 includes a reciprocating machine 306, an extension member 307, an elevator 308, and a collar 332. The reciprocating machine 306 generally includes the actuator 303, an elastic member 310, and a drive screw 311. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 303, the resilient member 310, and the drive screw 311 are integrally formed to form the reciprocating machine 306 as a unitary structure. The structural and functional details of the fluid delivery system 50 are described in detail in the priority application, which is incorporated herein by reference. A patent application No. PCT/US10/60874, filed on Dec. 22, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Therefore, most of the details of the fluid delivery system 50 will not be described herein.

Additionally, a plurality of different types of fluid delivery systems can be used with the dispenser 300 of the present invention. For example, the fluid delivery system 50 can be any type of automated or manual system from which the fluid within the internal reservoir 317 can be delivered. For example, in certain alternative embodiments, the fluid delivery system 50 can be incorporated into the housing 301 by simply making the housing 301 laterally compressible. In still other alternative embodiments, the fluid delivery system 50 can be an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical pump system. The pump system can use a combination of a piston, pressure delivery, or the like.

The rotatable actuator 303 extends from the proximal end 315 of the outer casing 301. The dispenser 300 is designed to be capable of dispensing the fluid stored therein by rotating the actuator 303 with a single hand. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 300 is positioned in a user's hand such that the actuator 303 is received in the palm of the user's palm. The user thus uses the same hand finger to rotate the outer casing 301 (while maintaining the actuator 303 stationary relative to the outer casing 301). Therefore, the flow system contained therein is distributed from the dispenser 300.

The actuator 303 projects axially from the proximal end of one of the outer casings 301 so that the user can easily grasp and rotate the actuator 303. complex The plurality of protuberances 305, in the form of axially aligned and spaced apart ridge portions, are positioned on an outer surface 304 of the actuator 303 to further facilitate gripping and rotation. The actuator 303 is rotatable relative to the outer casing 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 303 has a generally circular cross-sectional profile. The actuator 303 is suitably sized and shaped so that its cross-sectional configuration is adapted to fit within the cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 301. Of course, depending on the fluid delivery system 50 used in the dispenser 300, the actuator can be a translation-type actuator, a click-type actuator. A sliding actuator, a suppressable button, or one of the other components, such as the housing 301 as described above.

The cover 302 has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of the cross-sectional shape of the outer casing 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 302 and the outer casing 301 have a circular cross-sectional shape. Of course, a non-circular cross-sectional profile can be used to facilitate gripping and/or twisting, the cover being removed from the housing so that the fluid can be dispensed from the internal reservoir 317 of the dispenser 300.

A dispensing orifice 319 is disposed at the distal end 316 of the outer casing 301 through which fluid stored in the reservoir 317 is dispensed from the dispenser 300. The elastic applicator 800 also includes a dispensing aperture 801. The dispensing aperture 801 of the resilient applicator 800 is aligned with the dispensing aperture 319 of the housing 301 so that once the actuator 303 is actuated, the fluid located in the internal reservoir 317 can be dispensed therefrom. The device 300 discharges the desired oral table for administration to the user surface. The dispensing apertures 319, 801 are centrally located along the longitudinal axis B-B of the dispenser 300. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the dispensing apertures 319, 801 can be partially or completely offset from the longitudinal axis B-B.

Referring now only to Figure 5, the neck portion 713 of the outer casing 301 has a reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the containment product portion 301. The neck portion 713 extends axially from the annular shoulder portion 712 of the outer casing 301 and provides a structure for coupling the elastic applicator 800 to the outer casing 301. More specifically, the neck portion 713 includes a plug portion 715 that is slidable into an interior chamber 803 of one of the sleeve portions 802 of the resilient applicator 800 to complete the coupling. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve portion 802 of the elastomeric applicator 800 has a circular cross-sectional profile. However, the invention is not so limited, and in some embodiments, the sleeve portion 802 can have other cross-sectional shapes.

When the dispenser 300 is fully assembled, the plug portion 715 of the outer casing 301 is configured and retained within the interior chamber 803 of the sleeve portion 802 of the resilient applicator 800. By engaging one of the raised portions 328 of the outer casing 301 with the recessed portion 804 of one of the elastic applicators 800, the elastic applicator 800 can be reinforced to the outer casing 301. More specifically, the plug portion 715 of the outer casing 301 includes the protuberance portion 328 that protrudes from an outer surface of the plug portion 715. Similarly, the sleeve portion 802 of the elastic applicator 800 includes the recessed portion 804 that is configured to enter one of the sleeve portions 802. surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 804 is in the form of an annular groove and the raised portion 328 is in the form of an annular flange. Of course, the recessed portion 804 and the raised portion 328 can be employed in a wide variety of embodiments as long as they are capable of intermeshing when the dispenser 300 is fully assembled to provide axial orientation to the resilient applicator 800. A degree of retention. For example, the recessed portion 804 can take the form of one or more small depressions, one or more notches, one or more channels, and their engagement. Likewise, the protuberance portion 328 can take the form of, for example, one or more ridge portions, one or more barbs, one or more sharp portions, one or more bumps, and the like. Moreover, although in the illustrated embodiment the recessed portion 804 is located in the resilient applicator 800 and the raised portion 328 is positioned in the outer casing 301, in some optional embodiments The elastic applicator 800 can include the raised portion 328 in the embodiment and the outer casing 301 includes the recessed portion 804. Of course, in some embodiments, the elastic applicator 800 can be integrally formed with the outer casing 301, or a portion thereof, rather than being separately constructed and coupled as described herein. Moreover, in other embodiments, the protuberance portion 328 and the recessed portion 804 may be omitted together.

Still referring only to FIG. 5, a protuberance 329 is also disposed on the neck portion 713 of the outer casing 301 to facilitate coupling of the removable cover 302 to the outer casing 301. In this regard, the cover 302 also includes a protuberance 369 to assist in facilitating coupling between the removable cover 302 and the outer casing 301. When the cover 302 is fastened on the outer casing 301, the cover The circumference of 302 is slightly expanded to allow the protuberance portion 369 to slide through the protuberance portion 329. The protuberance portion 369 of the cover 302 is nested on the protuberance portion 329 of the outer casing 301 to axially hold the cover 302 to the outer casing 301 in a coupled manner until a sufficient shaft is applied thereto. The force is used to remove the cover 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the protuberances 329, 369 of the cover 302 and the outer casing 301 are in the form of annular ridge portions. Of course, the protuberances 329, 369 can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations, including sharp portions, tip portions, bump portions, ridge portions, and the like. The protuberance portion 329 is disposed on the neck portion 713 at a longitudinal position, and is closer to the shoulder portion 712 of the outer casing 301 than the convex recessed portion/annular groove 328 of the plug portion 715.

The removable cover 302 includes a tubular side wall 364 and a lateral end wall 365. The removable cover 302 has a closed top end and an open bottom end. An axial plug 368 extends axially from a bottom surface of the end wall 365. The removable cover 302 covers the elastic applicator 800 and the neck portion 713 of the outer casing 301 by sliding. As explained above, interference between the protuberance portion 369 of the removable cover 302 and the protuberance portion 329 of the outer casing 301 secures the removable cover 302 to the outer casing 301. When the removable cover 302 is fully assembled to the outer casing 301, the axial plug 368 extends through and seals the aperture 801 of the applicator and the dispensing aperture 319 of the outer casing 301, thereby preventing the reservoir The fluid leaks and/or dries out in 317.

Referring now to Figures 5-9, the elastic applicator 800 will be described. detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic applicator 800 is constructed from a single piece of resilient material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material of the applicator 800 can have a TPE having a Shore A hardness of 20 to 60, although elastomeric materials outside of this range can be used. In a particular embodiment, the elastomeric material of the applicator 800 can have a TPE having a Shore A hardness of 25 to 35.

The elastic applicator 800 generally includes a main body portion 805 and the sleeve portion 802. The dispensing orifice 801 of the elastomeric applicator defines a fluid passageway from one of the working surfaces 806 of the resilient applicator 800 to the dispensing orifice 319 of the outer casing 301 to form a channel of fluid contained within the internal reservoir 317 This channel can be dispensed from the dispenser 300 to the desired oral surface.

The elastic applicator 800 extends axially from a proximal annular edge 807 and includes the working surface 806. During use of the dispenser 300, the working surface 806 is in contact with the oral surface, such as a tooth, to apply the fluid dispensed from the dispensing orifice 801. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing aperture 801 is positioned along the longitudinal axis B-B and is located in a central portion of the working surface 360.

The working surface 806 of the applicator 800 is oriented at an oblique angle θ to the longitudinal axis B-B of the outer casing 301. The inclination angle θ is in a range of 10 to 89 degrees, and more preferably in a range of 25 to 35 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the work surface The 360 is a generally flat surface. However, in certain other embodiments, the work surface can be contoured. Moreover, although the working surface 806 is illustrated as a generally smooth surface, in an alternative embodiment the working surface 806 can include a raised portion and/or a recessed portion (or otherwise Flat topography), such as those disclosed in Figures 10-12.

The working surface 806 is defined by a polygonal peripheral edge 810 comprising a plurality of apex portions 811-813 and a plurality of side portions 814-816. Thinking another way, the working surface 360 is defined by a multi-lobed peripheral edge 810 comprising a plurality of lobed portions 811-813 and a plurality of side portions 814-816. For further explanation herein, the details of the peripheral edge 810 of the elastic applicator 800 will be described in terms of a polygonal shape having apex portions, it being understood that the aforementioned leaflet portion terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate.

Each side portion 814-816 extends between the adjacent apex portions 811-813 of a pair. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 814 extends between apex portions 811, 813 that extend between the apex portions 811, 812, and the side portion 816 is at the apex portion 812, Extend between 813.

In the illustrated embodiment, the polygonal perimeter edge 810 is generally triangular in shape and thus has three apex portions 811-813 and three side portions 814-816. When the term of the leaflet portion is used, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral edge 810 is a trilobate. Of course However, the invention is not so limited and the peripheral edge 810 can take other polygonal or multilobal shape if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, each vertex portion 811-813 is circular and thus has a first radius of curvature. In one embodiment, the first radius of curvature is in the range of from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of from 1.9 mm to 2.2 mm. However, in an alternative embodiment, a set or all of the apex portions 811-813 may converge to a point rather than being circular.

In the illustrated embodiment, each side portion 814-816 is generally linear/flat. However, in certain other embodiments, one or more of the side portions 814-816 can be slightly curved or otherwise slightly contoured along a portion of their length or the entire length. However, in particular embodiments where the side portions 814-816 are curved, the side portions 814-816 will have a second radius of curvature that is substantially greater than the first radius of curvature of each vertex portion 811-813. Thus, there is a clearly visible difference between the apex portions 811-813 and the equal side portions 814-816. In this embodiment, the ratio of the second radius of curvature to the first radius of curvature is in the range of 15 mm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 12.5 mm to 13.5 mm. In a range.

By forming the side portions 814-816 to be straight or slightly curved (compared to the apex portions), the side portions 814-816 are particularly adapted to be interspersed from the dispensing aperture along the oral surface 801 dispensed the fluid.

As mentioned above, the working surface 360 of the applicator 800 is oriented at an oblique angle θ relative to the longitudinal axis B-B of the outer casing 301. The angular orientation of the perimeter 810 about the longitudinal axis BB coincides with the angle of inclination θ such that one of the side portions 814-816 constitutes the most distal portion 818 of the resilient applicator 800 (along the longitudinal Axis BB measurement). In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 814 forms one of the most distal portions 818 of the elastic applicator 800. In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 814 of the polygonal perimeter 810 that forms one of the distal end portions 818 of the elastic applicator 800 is fully in a plane that is generally associated with the longitudinal axis BB. Vertical and not intersecting the elastic applicator 800 or other portions of the outer casing 301. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments.

In some embodiments, the angular orientation of the perimeter 810 relative to the longitudinal axis BB is consistent with the tilt angle θ, such that one of the vertex portions 811-813 constitutes the most proximal portion of the working surface 806. 819. In the illustrated embodiment, the apex portion 812 forms the proximal end portion 819 of the working surface 806.

By designing the resilient applicator 800 such that the working surface 806 is angled and oriented as described above, the side portion 814, which forms the most distal portion 818 of the resilient applicator 800, is associated with a tongue depressor or A similar approach to the file functions and helps to spread (or potentially enter) the fluid onto the desired oral surface, such as a tooth having a thin tube. Moreover, the compressible material of the elastic applicator 800 can be pressed when the side portion 814 can adopt the contour of the desired oral surface. The nature of the contraction further helps to achieve optimal application conditions. This is particularly useful and effective for the application of dental anti-sensitizers.

As mentioned above, the elastic applicator 800 includes a sleeve portion 802 having a circular cross-sectional profile regardless of the working surface 806 having a polygonal shape. The circular cross-sectional profile of the sleeve portion 802 facilitates coupling of the resilient applicator 800 to the outer casing 301 while still providing the advantages described above with respect to the working surface 806.

Referring now to Figures 10-12, an alternate embodiment of the elastic applicator 800 is illustrated. Referring first to Figure 10, an applicator 800A having a working surface 806A is illustrated. The working surface 806A includes a plurality of nodules or protuberances 820 that extend outwardly therefrom. The nodules 820 are constructed of an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and can be integrally formed with or separate from the elastic applicator 800. Although the illustrated embodiment illustrates a plurality of nodules 820, in other embodiments the working surface 806A can comprise a single nodule. Further, the nodules have a short length or extension from the working surface 806A of about 1-3 mm, or a larger length of about 3-5 mm. A shorter nodule will provide the user with a more rigid feel, and a longer nodule will be able to penetrate deeper between any of the teeth, gums and other oral care surfaces. The nodules 820 provide a massaging effect when the working surface 806A rubs the user's teeth and the gum surface. Again, the nodules 820 can extend between the teeth, the gums, and other oral surfaces to ensure adequate coverage of the fluid by the applicator 800A.

Referring now to Figure 11, an applicator 800B having a working surface 806B is illustrated. The working surface 806B includes a plurality of elongated grooves 821 disposed therein extending from one of the side portions 815B to an opposite one of the side portions 816B. In the illustrated embodiment, the working surface 806B includes five grooves 821. However, the invention is not so limited and may have exactly a single groove or any other number of grooves 821 as would be properly fitted to the working surface 806B. The grooves 821 provide a passage for fluid to flow while it is being dispensed from the dispenser 300. The grooves 821 will enhance application of the fluid to any rough surface or surface having bumps thereon.

Referring to Figure 12, an applicator 800C having a working surface 806C is illustrated. The working surface 806C includes a plurality of ridge portions 822 extending from one of the side portions 815C to an opposite one of the side portions 816C. The ridge portions 822 are formed of an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and can be integrally formed with or separately from the elastic applicator 800. Again, in this particular embodiment, channel 823 is formed between adjacent ridge portions 822. This particular embodiment will further enhance and facilitate the application of the fluid to the teeth, gums and other oral surfaces.

The scope of the invention is to be construed as a Any numerical value encompassed within the range can be selected as the boundary of the range. In addition, all of the references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entireties. a definition and a place in the present disclosure In the case of conflicting definitions of references, this disclosure is dominant.

Although the foregoing description and drawings are intended to be illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention may Spirit and scope. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other forms, structures, arrangements, ratios, dimensions, and other elements, materials, and components may be embodied without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics. It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with a plurality of structures, arrangements, ratios, dimensions, materials, and components, which are otherwise designed to be adapted to a particular environment. And operational requirements without departing from the principles of the invention. The present invention is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims. example.

50‧‧‧Fluid transport system

100‧‧‧ oral health care system

200‧‧‧ toothbrush

210‧‧‧Hands

211‧‧‧ grip

212‧‧‧ proximal end

213‧‧‧ distal

215‧‧‧ openings

220‧‧‧Neck section

230‧‧‧ head

231‧‧‧ front surface

232‧‧‧Back surface

233‧‧‧ peripheral side surface

235‧‧‧Teeth engaging elements

300‧‧‧Distributor

301‧‧‧ Shell

302‧‧‧Removable cover

303‧‧‧Actuator

304‧‧‧Outer surface

305‧‧‧Long convex part

306‧‧‧Reciprocating machine

307‧‧‧Extension members

308‧‧‧ Lifts

310‧‧‧Flexible components

311‧‧‧Drive screw

315‧‧‧ proximal end

316‧‧‧ distal

317‧‧‧Internal storage

319‧‧‧Distribution orifice

328, 329‧ ‧ bulging

332‧‧‧ collar

360‧‧‧Work surface

364‧‧‧Tubular sidewall

365‧‧‧lateral end wall

368‧‧‧Axial plug

369‧‧‧Long convex part

711‧‧‧Products part

712‧‧‧Ringed shoulder section

713‧‧‧Neck section

715‧‧‧plug part

800‧‧‧Elastic applicator

800A, 800B‧‧ applicator

800C‧‧‧ applicator

801‧‧‧Distribution orifice

802‧‧‧Sleeve part

803‧‧‧Internal chamber

804‧‧‧ recessed part

805‧‧‧ body part

806, 806A‧‧‧ work surface

806B, 806C‧‧‧ work surface

810‧‧‧ Around the edge of the polygon

811-813‧‧‧Vertex

814-816‧‧‧ side part

815B, 816B‧‧‧ side part

815C, 816C‧‧‧ side part

818‧‧‧ the farthest part

819‧‧‧The most recent part

820‧‧‧ Nodule or protuberance

821‧‧‧Elongation trench

822‧‧‧ ridge

823‧‧‧ channel

The characteristics of the exemplary embodiments will be described in relation to the following figures, in which the same elements are labeled the same.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including a toothbrush and a dispenser Where the delivery Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the oral care system of Figure 1, wherein the dispenser is removed from the toothbrush; Figure 3 is the dispenser of the oral care system of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 3 taken along the longitudinal axis BB; Figure 5 is a close-up view of the area VI of Figure 4; Figure 6 is Figure 3 A perspective view of the dispenser removing the cover; FIG. 7 is a top view of the elastic applicator and the distal end portion of the outer casing of the dispenser of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is the elastic applicator and FIG. a right side view of the outer casing of the dispenser;

Figure 9 is a front view of the elastic applicator and the outer casing of the dispenser of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a second embodiment of the present invention, an elastic applicator and a distal portion of a dispenser 1 is a perspective view of a distal portion of an elastic applicator and a dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 12 is a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view of a resilient applicator and a distal portion of a dispenser.

100‧‧‧ oral health care system

200‧‧‧ toothbrush

210‧‧‧Hands

211‧‧‧ grip

212‧‧‧ proximal end

213‧‧‧ distal

215‧‧‧ openings

220‧‧‧Neck section

230‧‧‧ head

231‧‧‧ front surface

232‧‧‧Back surface

233‧‧‧ peripheral side surface

235‧‧‧Teeth engaging elements

300‧‧‧Distributor

301‧‧‧ Shell

303‧‧‧Actuator

Claims (41)

An oral care system comprising: a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having a reservoir containing a fluid from a proximal side The end extends along a longitudinal axis to a distal end; an elastic applicator coupled to the distal end of the outer casing, the resilient applicator including a dispensing aperture for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; The elastic applicator includes a working surface oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the outer casing and defined by a peripheral edge of the polygon, the peripheral edge of the polygon comprising a plurality of tip portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein the plurality One of the side portions constitutes the most distal portion of the elastic applicator. The oral health care system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tip portions are rounded. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of side portions are substantially straight. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of side portions are curved. The oral care system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of side portions have a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of tip portions have a second radius of curvature that is smaller than the first radius of curvature. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the plurality of tip portions constitutes a proximalmost portion of the working surface. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic applicator comprises a sleeve portion having an internal chamber, and the housing comprises a plug portion disposed in the sleeve The barrel portion is for coupling the elastic applicator to the outer casing. The oral care system of claim 7, wherein the sleeve portion has a circular cross-sectional shape. The oral care system of any one of claims 7 to 8, further comprising: a protuberance portion located on an inner surface of the sleeve portion of the elastic applicator or the plug portion of the outer casing And one of the outer surfaces of the sleeve portion of the elastic applicator or the other of the outer surface of the plug portion of the outer casing Upper, the protuberance portion engages the recessed portion. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the elastic applicator is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer. The oral health care system of claim 9, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of 25 to 35. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the angle of inclination is in a range of 25 to 35 degrees. Oral health care system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12. The distribution aperture is disposed in a central portion of the working surface along the longitudinal axis. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the outer casing comprises an elongated barrel portion having a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The oral care system of claim 14, wherein the barrel portion comprises a product receiving portion, a shoulder portion, and a neck portion, the elastic applicator being coupled to the neck portion. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elastic applicator comprises at least one protuberance portion extending from the working surface. The oral care system of claim 16, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a plurality of nodules. The oral care system of claim 16, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a plurality of elongate ridges. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elastic applicator comprises at least one recessed portion in the working surface. The oral health care system of claim 19, wherein the at least one recessed portion comprises a plurality of elongated grooves. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the dispenser comprises a fluid delivery system for delivering the fluid from the dispensing orifice. Oral health care system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 System, wherein the flow system is a tooth anti-sensitizer. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the working surface is substantially flat. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the working surface is contoured. The oral care system of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the polygonal peripheral edge is generally triangular in shape with three pointed portions and three side portions. An oral health care dispenser comprising: an outer casing having an inner reservoir containing a fluid, the outer casing extending from a proximal end along a longitudinal axis to a distal end; an elastic applicator with the outer casing The distal end coupling, the elastic applicator including a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the resilient applicator includes a working surface that is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the outer casing The corner is defined by a peripheral edge of the polygon, the peripheral edge of the polygon comprising a plurality of tip portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions constitutes the most distal portion of the one of the elastic applicators. The oral health care dispenser of claim 26, wherein the plurality of tip portions are rounded. . The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the plurality of side portions are substantially rectilinear. Oral health care as claimed in any of claims 26 to 27 The feeder, wherein the side portions of the plurality are curved. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein one of the plurality of tip portions constitutes a proximalmost portion of the working surface. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the angle of inclination is in a range from 10 degrees to 89 degrees. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the dispensing aperture is disposed in a central portion of the working surface along the longitudinal axis. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the outer casing comprises an elongated barrel portion having a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the barrel portion comprises a product containment A portion, a shoulder portion, and a neck portion, the elastic applicator being coupled to the neck portion. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the elastic applicator comprises at least one protuberance portion extending from the working surface. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein the elastic applicator comprises at least one recessed portion in the working surface. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein the flow system is a dental anti-sensitizer. An oral health care dispenser according to any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein the peripheral edge of the polygon is generally triangular. It has three tip portions and three side portions. An oral health care dispenser comprising: an outer casing having an inner reservoir containing a fluid, the outer casing extending from a proximal end along a longitudinal axis to a distal end; an applicator having the outer casing Distal coupling, the applicator includes a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the applicator includes a working surface oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing, The working surface is defined by a multi-lobed peripheral edge comprising a generally straight side portion extending between adjacent pairs of each pair, the substantially straight side portions of which One of them constitutes the most distal portion of the applicator. An oral health care dispenser according to claim 38, wherein the flow system is a dental anti-sensitizer. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 38 to 39, wherein one of the flaps constitutes a proximal end portion of the working surface. The oral care dispenser of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the multi-lobed peripheral edge is a three-petal type having three generally straight portions.