UNIT DOSE ORAL CLEANING DEVICE AND PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

An oral care product dispensing system includes a container and a plurality of individually packaged items arranged in an organized fashion according to a predetermined treatment plan. At least one of the individually packaged items, or the packages in which it is contained, may be identified with a predetermined time for use. The plurality of individually packaged items may be arranged sequentially according to the predetermined time for use, such as meals, times of day, days, or intervals.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An oral care system, comprising: at least four packages, each package containing at least one oral care item; wherein the at least one oral care item comprises: an elongated, hollow body having a bottom end and a cleaning end; a cleaning head positioned at the cleaning end; a vacuum port located at a bottom end of the hollow body and a suction channel formed in the hollow body; wherein the cleaning head includes at least one opening in fluid communication with the suction channel; and wherein each of the at least four packages includes an identifier associated with a particular time of day for use of the respective package.

22. The oral care system of claim 21, wherein each package further contains a unit dose of oral cleaning solution.

23. The oral care system of claim 21, wherein the cleaning head of the at least one oral care item comprises at least one cleaning element.

24. The oral care system of claim 23, wherein the at least one cleaning element is a bristle.

25. The oral care system of claim 23, wherein the at least one cleaning element is a foam element.

26. The oral care system of claim 21, wherein the identifier on each of the at least four packages is an image.

27. The oral care system of claim 26, wherein the image on at least one of the at least four packages comprises a sun and the image on at least one of the at least four packages comprises a moon.

28. The oral care system of claim 21, wherein the particular time of day for use of each of the at least four packages is associated with a meal time.

29. The oral care system of claim 21, wherein the at least one opening in the cleaning head consists of two openings.

30. The oral care system of claim 29, wherein a first opening is on a front face of the cleaning head and a second opening is on an end face of the cleaning head.

31. A method of using an oral care system for oral care, comprising: obtaining an oral care system, the oral care system comprising: at least four packages, each package containing at least one oral care item; wherein the at least one oral care item comprises: an elongated, hollow body having a bottom end and a cleaning end; a cleaning head positioned at the cleaning end; a vacuum port located at a bottom end of the hollow body and a suction channel formed in the hollow body; wherein the cleaning head includes at least one opening in fluid communication with the suction channel; and wherein each of the at least four packages includes an identifier associated with a particular time of day for use of the respective package; selecting a first package from the at least four packages based on a current time of day and the identifier on the first package; and removing a first oral care item from the first package.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising coupling a suction device to the vacuum port.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein each package further contains a unit dose of oral cleaning solution and wherein the method further includes exposing the cleaning head to the oral cleaning solution.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the cleaning head of the at least one oral care item comprises at least one cleaning element.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one cleaning element is a bristle or a foam element.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the identifier on each of the at least four packages is an image.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the image on at least one of the at least four packages comprises a sun and the image on at least one of the at least four packages comprises a moon.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein the particular time of day for use of each of the at least four packages is associated with a meal time.

39. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one opening in the cleaning head consists of two openings.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein a first opening is on a front face of the cleaning head and a second opening is on an end face of the cleaning head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by reference to the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, drawing descriptions, abstract, background, field of the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numerals, when found on different figures, identify the same elements or functionally equivalent elements. The elements listed in the abstract are not referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements of the detailed description and associated disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is front elevation view of an oral cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the oral cleaning device of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of the oral cleaning device of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the oral cleaning device of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the oral cleaning device of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a cleaning head in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway view of an oral cleaning device with the plunger slide in an initial position;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of an oral cleaning device with the plunger slide in a final position;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of an oral cleaning device with the plunger slide in an initial position in an embodiment having a secondary foil for enclosing oral solution;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway view of an oral cleaning device with the plunger slide in an initial position in an embodiment having an oral solution capsule; and

[0035] FIG. 12 is a compliance system compromising a plurality of individually packaged oral cleaning devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the apparatus, device, or methods without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an oral cleaning device is shown. In the figures, the oral cleaning device is a unit dose suction brush 100, which is elongated and hollow, having a bottom end 100a (also referred to herein as the suction end) and a top end 100b (also referred to herein as the cleaning end) located at opposite axial ends of the unit dose suction brush 100.

[0038] The unit dose suction brush includes a substantially hollow handle 102 with a bottom end 102a and a top end 102b. The handle 102, located towards the suction end 100a, is connected to a cleaning head 104 which is located at the cleaning end 100b. In an embodiment, the top end 102b of the handle 102 tapers to a neck 118, such that the neck 118 is substantially narrower than the bottom end 102a of the handle 102. The exterior of the bottom end of the cleaning head 104 is substantially the same size as the exterior of the top end 102b of the handle. The neck 118 (which includes the bottom portion of the cleaning head 104 and the top portion of the handle 102) may be substantially straight (as illustrated) or may be bent at an angle or curved to allow for easier use.

[0039] A plunger slide 106 is slidably mounted to the handle 102. The plunger slide is configured to move along the handle 102 toward the top end 102b of the handle 102. In some embodiments, the plunger slide 106 moves around the circumference of the handle 102. The plunger slide 106 comprises a suction regulator, such as suction regulator aperture 108 which is shaped to be manipulated by a thumb or a finger of a user. In some embodiments, the suction regulator aperture 108 is not located on the plunger slide 106, and is instead positioned on the side or the back of the handle 102, to prevent a user from accidentally covering the suction regulator aperture 108 and causing suction when it is not desired. In other embodiments, both the suction regulator aperture 108 and the plunger slide 106 are located on a side or back of the handle 102. The plunger slide 106 comprises one or more protrusions 112 which extend away from the plunger slide 106. The protrusions 112 are configured such that a user of the unit dose suction brush 100 can easily apply pressure to the plunger slide 106 to move the plunger slide 106. In some embodiments, the plunger slide 106 makes an audible click as it is moving from an initial position to a final position, and/or when fully engaged. In an embodiment, the plunger slide 106 comprises one or more visual indicia 114, configured to readily instruct a user of the unit dose suction brush 100 on the operation of the plunger slide 106. The visual indicia 114 extend away from the plunger slide 106. In alternative embodiments, the visual indicia 114 may be formed flush on the plunger slide 106 or extend inwardly.

[0040] The cleaning head includes a front face 104a, a back face 104b located opposite thereto, and a top face 104c extending therebetween (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). The cleaning head may include one or more cleaning elements. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are bristles. As shown, a plurality of bristles 110 may extend away from the front surface 104a of the cleaning head 104. The cleaning head 104 may further comprise one or more suction ports 116. In one embodiment, the cleaning head 104 comprises three suction ports 116, including a front suction port 116a located on the front surface 104a of the cleaning head 104; a top suction port 116c located on the top surface 104c of the cleaning head 104; and a back suction port 116b located on the back surface 104b of the cleaning head 104. As discussed in greater detail below, the interior of the cleaning head 104 is hollow such that the one or more suction ports 116 are communicatively connected to one another. In an embodiment, the bristles 110 are arranged in a regular pattern surrounding the front suction port 116a.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, a plunger 502 is disposed within the handle 102. The plunger 502 comprises a bottom end 502a and a top end 502b. When the plunger 502 is placed within the hollow handle 102, the bottom end 102a of the handle 102 is located proximate the bottom end 502a of the plunger 502, and the top end 102b of the handle 102 is located proximate the top end 502b of the plunger 502. The plunger 502 is moveable between a first position (such as that shown in FIG. 8) where the plunger 502 is spaced at a distance away from the top end 102b of the handle, and a second position (such as that shown in FIG. 9) where the plunger 502 is moved closer to (compared with the first position) or is adjacent to the top end 102b of the handle.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plunger 502 comprises a hollow suction channel 503 stretching from the bottom end 502a to the top end 502b of the plunger 502. A vacuum port 504 is located at the bottom end 502a of the plunger 502. In an embodiment, the bottom end 502a of the plunger 502 tapers, such that the terminal portion of the bottom end 502a is narrower than the rest of the plunger 502. The bottom end 502a is configured to be connected to a vacuum hose (not shown). The bottom end 502a may be inserted into the vacuum hose, such that the vacuum port 504 is operatively connected to the vacuum hose.

[0043] The plunger 502 comprises a bottom rim 506 and a top rim 508, each of which extend radially away from the plunger 502 and are configured to stabilize the plunger 502 within the handle 102. The plunger comprises a vacuum channel 510 which extends away from the front face of the plunger 502 and is configured to fluidly connect the hollow interior of the plunger 502 to the suction regulator aperture 108 on the plunger slide 106. The plunger 502 is constructed from an impermeable or non-porous material, such that the only openings via which air can pass from the exterior portion of the plunger 502 to the hollow interior of the plunger 502 are the vacuum port 504, the top end 502b, and the vacuum channel 510 (which are communicatively connected together).

[0044] The vacuum channel 510 may include a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism preferably includes a pair of laterally extending teeth 518 which are ramped such that the teeth 518 protrude from the vacuum channel 510 at the suction end 100a of the vacuum channel 510 and are flush with the vacuum channel 510 at the cleaning end 100b of the vacuum channel 510. The teeth 518 are configured to mate or form a ratchet with a pair of laterally, inwardly extending pawls 520 on the handle 102. The pawls 520 are constructed such that they may deform in the lateral direction. As the teeth 518 slide along the pawls 520 toward the cleaning end 100b, the pawls 520 deform, bending laterally away from the vacuum channel 510. Once the pawls 520 slide past the teeth 518, the pawls 520 snap back into place against the vacuum channel 510 and press against the suction end 100a of the teeth 518, preventing the vacuum channel 510 (and thus the plunger 502 and plunger slide 106 as a whole) from moving back towards the suction end 100a.

[0045] In an embodiment, the interior surface of the suction regulator aperture 108 curves inwardly, such that the suction regulator aperture 108 is sealably connected to the vacuum channel 510. In other words, when an object (such as the surface of a user's finger or thumb) is placed over the suction regulator aperture 108, the suction regulator is sealed.

[0046] The top rim 508 may be configured to secure a flexible gasket or an O-ring 512 in place between the plunger 502 and the handle 102, such that there is an airtight seal between the plunger 502 and the handle 102. In an alternative embodiment, an airtight seal between the plunger 502 and the handle 102 is formed with a gasket in the place of the O-ring 512. In another alternative embodiment, an airtight seal between the plunger 502 and the handle 102 is formed by a process in which the plunger 502 and handle 102 are co-molded to produce an exact, airtight fit between those two components. A seal 514 is placed across the top end 502b of the plunger 502, such that the top end 502b of the plunger 502 is airtight while the seal 514 is in place. In embodiments, the seal 514 comprises foil, plastic, or a foil/plastic laminate and is impermeable to air. The seal 514 is configured such that it will readily break when pressed against a sharp surface.

[0047] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the figures depict enlarged views of the cleaning head 104 with the bristles 110 removed so that the structure of the cleaning head 104 may be more clearly understood. As shown, a front suction port 116a is located on the front surface 104a of the cleaning head 104; a top suction port 116c is located on the top surface 104c of the cleaning head 104; and a back suction port 116b is located on the back surface 104b of the cleaning head 104. The front surface 104a includes a top protrusion 602 and a bottom protrusion 604, both of which extend outwardly from the front surface 104a and are configured such that a plurality of bristles 110 may be mounted thereupon. The front suction port 116a is located between the top protrusion 602 and the bottom protrusion 604. As a result, the likelihood that an object will block the front suction port 116a is greatly reduced. Further, the protrusions 602, 604 enable the cleaning solution to readily adhere to the front surface 104a and the bristles 110. As shown, the edges of the cleaning head 104 may be chamfered so as to reduce the likelihood that a patient's mouth will be injured by the cleaning head 104.

[0048] The back face 104b of the cleaning head 104 includes a textured portion 702 surrounding the back suction port 116. In an embodiment, the textured portion 702 comprises a grid of diagonal protrusions or a waffle surface. This textured portion 702 enables the cleaning solution to readily adhere to the back surface 104b of the cleaning head 104 and assists in the use of the back surface 104b for scrubbing and the removal of saliva, mucus and other liquid and semi-liquid material during use. Further, the textured portion 702 reduces the likelihood that an object will block the back suction port 116b during use. In an alternative embodiment, the textured portion 702 is used as a glue or adhesive surface for attaching foam, textured portion 702 is used as a glue or adhesive surface for attaching foam, textured rubber, felt, or a similar material to the back face 104b. The foam, textured rubber, felt or similar material provides the benefits of serving as an additional cleaning surface and serving as a substrate for retaining oral cleansing solution during cleansing of the mouth.

[0049] FIGS. 8-11 depict partial cutaway views of the unit dose brush 100, such that the interior structure surrounding the solution chamber 802 may be more readily understood. As shown in FIG. 8, solution chamber 802 is formed in the top end 102b of the handle 102 and is configured to hold a unit dosage of cleaning solution (not shown). In an embodiment, the cleaning solution comprises an oral cleaning gel that is more viscous than water. The solution chamber 802 is above the seal 514, such that the cleaning solution cannot enter the interior of the plunger 502 while the seal 514 is intact. The cleaning head 104 includes a piercing element 516 extending downwardly from the cleaning head 104 through the neck 118 into the handle 102, such that the piercing element 516 is configured to break the seal 514 when the plunger 502 is moved sufficiently upward.

[0050] The unit dose brush 100 is assembled by securing the seal 514 over the top opening 502b of the plunger 502, securing the O-ring 512 against the top rim 508 of the plunger, inserting the plunger 502 into the bottom end 102a of the handle 102, inserting the flange 522 of the plunger slide 106 between the plunger 502 and the handle 102 such that the snap locks 524 secure the plunger slide 106 slidably in place, filling the solution chamber 802 with oral cleaning solution, inserting the piercing element 516 into the top end 102b of the handle 102, and securing the cleaning head 104 to the handle 102.

[0051] In FIG. 8, the plunger slide 106 is in its initial position proximate the suction end 100a of the unit dose suction brush 100, and the plunger 502 is in the first position. As the plunger slide 106 is moved towards the cleaning end 100b, and the plunger 502 is moved to or towards the second position, the cleaning solution is pushed out of the solution chamber by the seal 514 located at the top end 502b of the plunger 502. The cleaning solution travels through the hollow channel in the cleaning head 104 and is expelled through the suction ports 116 located on the cleaning head 104. Once a majority of the cleaning solution has been expelled, the piercing element 516 contacts and ruptures the seal 514, bringing the solution chamber 802 and the suction ports 116 into communicative connection with the vacuum port 504 and the suction regulator aperture 108. By controlling the extent to which the opening in the suction regulator aperture 108 is covered (such as by a finger or thumb), the amount of suction at the suction ports 116 may be controlled. For example, by covering the opening in the suction regulator aperture 108, the suction at the suction ports 116 is increased. By uncovering the opening in the suction regulator aperture 108, the amount of suction at the suction ports 116 is decreased. The amount of suction at the suction ports 116 may thus be varied by partially covering the suction regulator aperture 108.

[0052] Once the plunger slide 106 is pushed to its final position proximate the cleaning end 100b, it may be locked in place as the teeth 518 on the vacuum channel 510 ratchet against the pawls 520 in the handle 102. This prevents a user from attempting to reuse the unit dose suction brush 100, which would increase the risk of the user introducing bacteria or other contaminants into the mouth and thereby increasing the risk of contracting a serious disease, such as pneumonia.

[0053] In some embodiments, there is a second seal provided near the end of the piercing element 516 which provides access to the hollow channel of the cleaning head 104. In this way, the oral solution is held in the solution chamber 802 in a sealed manner. The seal comprises foil, plastic, or a foil/plastic laminate and is impermeable to air. For example, in FIG. 10, there may be provided a second seal (not shown) at the piercing element 516 closing off access to the hollow channel. As shown, the plunger slide 106 is in its initial position proximate the suction end 100a of the unit dose suction brush 100 and the plunger further includes a second piercing element 550 extended therefrom. The second seal is configured such that it will readily break when pressed against a sharp surface. As the plunger slide 106 is moved towards the cleaning end 100b, the second piercing element 550 is pushed toward the second seal by the seal 514 located at the top end 502b of the plunger 502, and the second seal is punctured by the second piercing element 550. As the plunger is moved further towards the cleaning end 100b, the oral solution exits the oral solution chamber 802 through the punctured second seal. The cleaning solution travels through the hollow channel in the cleaning head 104 and is expelled through the suction ports 116 located on the cleaning head 104. Once a majority of the cleaning solution has been expelled, the piercing element 516 contacts and ruptures the seal 514, bringing the solution chamber 802 and the suction ports 116 into communicative connection with the vacuum port 504 and the suction regulator aperture 108, as described above.

[0054] In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 11, the plunger slide 106 is in its initial position proximate the suction end 100a of the unit dose suction brush 100 and includes an oral solution capsule 552. The oral solution capsule 552 comprises foil, plastic, or a foil/plastic laminate and is impermeable to air. The oral solution capsule 552 is configured such that it will readily break when pressed against a sharp surface. As the plunger slide 106 is moved towards the cleaning end 100b, the oral solution capsule 552 is pushed toward the piercing element 516 by the top end 502b of the plunger 502 and the oral solution capsule 552 is punctured by the piercing element 516. As the plunger is moved further towards the cleaning end 100b, the oral solution exits the oral solution capsule 552 and the solution chamber. The cleaning solution travels through the hollow channel in the cleaning head 104 and is expelled through the suction ports 116 located on the cleaning head 104. Once a majority of the cleaning solution has been expelled, the piercing element 516 contacts and ruptures the other side of the oral solution capsule 552 as well as the seal 514, bringing the solution chamber 802 and the suction ports 116 into communicative connection with the vacuum port 504 and the suction regulator aperture 108, as described above. In this embodiment, there may not be a seal 514, and the piercing element 516 need only pierce both sides of the capsule 552 before the suction can be provided to the cleaning head 104.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, a unit dose brush without suction is provided. Aside from the differences described below, this embodiment is generally similar to unit dose suction brush 100. However, the vacuum port 504 is omitted and the plunger 502 is to be solid, rather than hollow. The seal 514 and piercing element 516 are omitted, as the top end 502b of the plunger 502 is solid. The suction regulator aperture 108 is similarly omitted. In an alternative embodiment, the teeth 518 and pawls 520 are replaced with a series of teeth and pawls, enabling the plunger 502 to be secured in numerous locations, each corresponding to a single dose of cleaning solution. In this way, the brush may be used multiple times.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 12, a compliance system comprises a container 1000 holding a plurality of individually packaged items 1002. Each of the individually packaged items 1002 may be, for example, a unit dose brush 100. Each of the items is sealed within a package, such that the items 1002 must be removed from the packaging prior to use. In an embodiment, the packaging includes directions regarding the use of the item contained therein.

[0057] The container 1000 is configured to hold the packaged items 1002 sequentially. For example, as shown, the packaged items 1002 may be arranged such that there is an item to be used at breakfast, an item to be used at lunch, an item to be used at dinner, and an item to be used at bedtime. Other sequential arrangements (e.g., organizing based on predetermined times, days or other intervals) will also be readily apparent to one of skill in the art based on the present disclosure.

[0058] Compliance with a treatment plan can be readily determined by visually inspecting the container 1000. For example, if it is lunchtime and the item to be used at breakfast is still present in the container 1000, it can be determined that the breakfast item was not used and the treatment plan was not adhered to. The container 1000 may contain an area for a compliance monitor (such as a physician or nurse) to indicate that the treatment plan has been followed. Other information, such as the start time and date or instructions for use of the items 1002, may also be provided on the container. In a preferred embodiment, each of the items 1002 is configured to be used a single time before being recycled or discarded. Accordingly, the breakfast item may not be reused at lunch, making compliance with the treatment plan readily ascertainable.

[0059] In an embodiment, each item is an individually packaged unit dose brush 100, complete with a unit dose of cleaning solution (such as toothpaste, cleaning gel, or another dentifrice). To use the system, an individual removes the correct unit dose brush (e.g., the “breakfast” brush after eating breakfast) and opens the packaging. The unit dose brush already contains a predetermined amount of cleaning solution and may be used immediately, as described above. When finished, the individual discards or recycles the brush, for example in a provided container. At the next time determined by the treatment plan (e.g., after lunch), the individual selects the correct item for that time. If the individual fails to follow the treatment plan (e.g., does not brush after lunch), a compliance monitor will be alerted upon visually inspecting the container 1000, as the unit dose brush for a previous time will still be present in the container.

[0060] One of skill in the art will recognize that all the various components identified in this disclosure may be made from any material or combination of materials suitable for the usage and environment, including, without limitation, metals, composites, engineered plastics, natural or synthetic materials, etc. Furthermore, such components may be formed in any conventional manner, such as by molding, casting, machining, cold or hot forming, forging, etc. Still further, such components may be finished in any conventional manner, such as painting, powder coating, plating, etc., or may be unfinished.

[0061] Furthermore, while the particular preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the teaching of the disclosure. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as limitation. The actual scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective, based on the related art.