Patents by Inventor Sharon Kennedy
Sharon Kennedy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8727652Abstract: An oral care system, such as a toothbrush having a detachable dispenser containing an oral care material. In one embodiment, the dispenser may include a housing; an internal reservoir for containing a fluid and a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid; a first cam surface, the first cam surface being non-rotatable with respect to the housing; a reciprocator comprising an actuator, a drive screw, and a second cam surface, the reciprocator being rotatable with respect to the housing; an elevator forming a transverse end wall of the reservoir, the elevator being non-rotatable with respect to the housing and threadily coupled to the drive screw; wherein rotation of the actuator causes the elevator to (1) axially advance, and (2) axially reciprocate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Alan Sorrentino, Michael Rooney, Joseph Fattori
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Publication number: 20140119809Abstract: An oral care implement having an internal reservoir. In one embodiment, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle having an internal reservoir containing an oral care fluid; a head coupled to the handle; an applicator located on the head; a partition member positioned within the internal reservoir that divides the internal reservoir into a storage chamber and an overflow chamber; a passageway extending through the partition member from the storage chamber to the overflow chamber, the passageway terminating as a first opening in a first surface of the partition member and as a second opening in a second surface of the partition member; and a wick member having a first end in fluid communication with the applicator and a second end terminating in an end surface that abuts the second surface of the partition member to prohibit axial movement of the wick member in a first axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: ColgatepPalmolive CompanyInventors: Brian G. Worthington, Sharon Kennedy, Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Patent number: 8708700Abstract: A method of cleaning teeth by providing a device for generating a chemical agent in situ on an as-needed basis via the application of an electrical potential across a pair of conductors in communication with an electrolyte. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine and/or hypochlorite. The device may include a voltage source and a first set of electrodes for applying an electrical potential to the electrolyte. The device may also include a second set of electrodes disposed about an anode of the first set of electrodes. The first and second sets of anodes cooperate to produce ions, peroxides, ozone and/or other chemical agents via the application of electrical potential to the electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Robert Dickson, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Heng Cai, Sharon Kennedy, Thomas Mintel, Bruce M. Russell
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Publication number: 20140106309Abstract: A method of cleaning teeth by providing a device for generating a chemical agent in situ on an as-needed basis via the application of an electrical potential across a pair of conductors in communication with an electrolyte. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine and/or hypochlorite. The device may include a voltage source and a first set of electrodes for applying an electrical potential to the electrolyte. The device may also include a second set of electrodes disposed about an anode of the first set of electrodes. The first and second sets of anodes cooperate to produce ions, peroxides, ozone and/or other chemical agents via the application of electrical potential to the electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Heng Cai, Sharon Kennedy, Thomas Mintel, Bruce M. Russell
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Publication number: 20140010583Abstract: A fluid dispensing oral care implement (100). In one aspect, the oral care implement comprises a body (105) comprising a handle (120), a head (110) coupled to the handle, and an internal cavity (140, 150) containing an oral care material; and a roll-on applicator (130) rotatably mounted to the body, such that the oral care material is delivered from the internal cavity to an exposed portion of the roll-on applicator (130) due to rotation of the roll-on applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Thomas J. Boyd, John J. Gatzemeyer, Sharon Kennedy, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Michael C. Rooney
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Publication number: 20140000047Abstract: A fluid dispensing toothbrush (100). In one aspect, the toothbrush comprises a body (105) having a reservoir (135) containing an oral care fluid (136) therein, the oral care fluid being delivered to an applicator (132) via capillary action. The toothbrush comprises an actuator (130) for moving either the applicator and/or the reservoir between different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Thomas J. Boyd, John J. Gatzemeyer, Sharon Kennedy, Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Publication number: 20130340185Abstract: An interdental cleaning device that delivers an oral care fluid to a cleaning element via capillary action. The invention can be an interdental cleaning device comprising: a housing forming an internal reservoir containing an oral care fluid; an applicator extending from the housing, the applicator comprising a stem and at least one cleaning element extending from the stem; and wherein the stem comprises a capillary material that extends into the reservoir to be in fluid communication with the oral care fluid so that the capillary material of the stem delivers the oral care fluid from the reservoir to the at least one cleaning element via capillary action.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Madhusudan Patel, Thomas J. Boyd, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy
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Publication number: 20130340188Abstract: A toothbrush that includes a piezochromic polymer or a proximity dye based polymer effective to emit an optical signal indicative of brushing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Madhusudan Patel, Thomas E. Mintel, Sharon Kennedy, John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Publication number: 20130330116Abstract: Disclosed are compositions suitable for use with an oral care implement. The compositions provide improved sensory appeal, and comparable reduction in volatile sulfur compounds and antibacterial activity to advanced formula toothpaste formulations. The compositions include a high percentage of antibacterial agent and flavoring, when compared to conventional toothpastes, and some mouth washes formulations, such that only minor amounts of the composition can be delivered to the oral care implement to provide improved reduction in volatile sulfur compounds, antibacterial efficacy, and optionally a cooling sensation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Sarita Mello, Madhusudan Patel, Sharon Kennedy, Thomas Boyd, Evangelia S. Arvanitidou, James R. Brown, Suman Chopra
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Publication number: 20130316070Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a wicking delivery system with a reservoir for storing a solution of oral care ingredients generally in fluid form. The reservoir includes an absorbent wicking porous pad that extends through at least a portion of the floss dispensing device to deliver the solution to the dental floss. When the floss is pulled through the porous pad holding the oral care ingredient(s), the porous pad activates (e.g., coats, impregnates, saturates) the floss, providing the consumer with new benefits such as enhanced deep cleaning, new flavors, better plaque dissolving capabilities, ease of floss use and maneuverability, whitening, and deposition of therapeutic actives into the gum pockets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Madhusudan Patel, John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy
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Publication number: 20130309629Abstract: An oral care implement, e.g., toothbrush, having a wick applicator and a method of assembling the same is disclosed. The implement includes a head, a handle connected to the head by a neck portion, and a recess. The recess is arranged for receipt of the wick applicator. The handle includes an internal fluid reservoir holding a fluid in communication with the recess. The wick applicator is arranged to enable a fluid to pass therethrough by capillary action and has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the wick applicator comprises at least one projection for engaging at least one cooperating portion of the recess to secure the wick applicator in the recess at an operative position, whereupon the wick applicator is in fluid communication with the fluid in the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy
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Publication number: 20130298341Abstract: An oral care system comprising a toothbrush and a dispenser is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispenser comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and an internal reservoir containing an oral care material; a drive component rotatably disposed within the housing and comprising a drive screw, the drive component being axially retained relative to the housing through mechanical interference; and an elevator coupled to the drive screw so that rotation of the drive component in a first rotational direction causes the elevator to axially advance along the drive screw in a first axial direction to dispense the oral care material from a dispensing orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Alan Sorrentino, John J. Gatzemeyer, Michael Rooney, Joseph E. Fattori
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Publication number: 20130291325Abstract: An oral care system wherein a dispenser is mounted to the handle of an oral care implement. The dispenser holds an oral care material and is alterable between a storage state wherein a dispensing end of the dispenser nests within the handle and an application state wherein the dispensing end of the dispenser is un-nested and exposed for oral care use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
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Patent number: 8511323Abstract: An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Alan Sorrentino, John J. Gatzemeyer, Michael Rooney, Joseph E. Fattori
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Patent number: 8506196Abstract: A fluid delivery system usable in an oral care implement and a reservoir containing a flowable substance. A capillary channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver flowable substance(s) through one or more outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the rate of fluid flow through the capillary channel is different in at least a first flow section than in a second flow section. In another embodiment, the rate of flow between flow sections of the wicking member is different than in at least one of the flow sections. A variety of flowable substances can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Boyd, Sharon Kennedy, Madhusudan Patel, John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez
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Patent number: 8491210Abstract: An oral care system and method wherein a dispenser is mounted to the handle of an oral care implement. The dispenser holds an oral care material and is alterable between a storage state wherein a dispensing end of the dispenser nests within the handle and an application state wherein the dispensing end of the dispenser is un-nested and exposed for oral care use. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care system comprising: an oral care implement comprising a head, a handle having a longitudinal axis, and one or more oral surface engaging elements; a dispenser having a reservoir containing an oral care material and an applicator for dispensing the oral care material; the dispenser alterable between: (i) a storage state wherein the applicator is nested within the handle; and (ii) an application state wherein the applicator is un-nested from the handle and exposed for oral care use.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy, Robert Moskovich, John Gatzemeyer, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
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Patent number: 8424146Abstract: A mechanical energy harvesting toothbrush may employ circuits and devices to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Such conversion can be done using piezoelectric devices to convert stresses and strains from bending of the toothbrush head and/or bristles during use, and can be done using electromagnetic generators involving passing a magnet through a coil to induce current. The resulting electric energy may be rectified, and stored in a storage device, such as a capacitor or rechargeable battery. A switching circuit may be configured to detect the level of energy stored in the storage device, and to close an electrical connection when a predetermined level of energy (e.g., a charge) has been reached. The predetermined level may correspond to a desired amount of brushing. The closing of the electrical connection may be used to power output devices when that desired amount of brushing has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Donghui Wu, Sharon Kennedy, John P. Rouse, John Gatzemeyer
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Patent number: 8398325Abstract: An oral care implement (1) includes a head (12), a handle (10), a neck portion (11) connecting the head and the handle, and a reservoir (15) which contains at least one active agent. The implement has an activator (22) for activating a delivery device which delivers the active agent to one or more outlets (50). A powered delivery device (18) disposed in the head to deliver a liquid from the reservoir via the outlet. A wide variety of types of active agents may be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefit.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Donghui Wu, John P. Rouse, John Gatzemeyer, Sharon Kennedy
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Patent number: 8398326Abstract: A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement may include a valve and a specially configured storage cap. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Thomas Boyd, Sharon Kennedy, Madhusudan Patel, John Gatzemeyer, Robert Moskovich, Alan Sorrentino, Michael Rooney
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Publication number: 20120322023Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and systems for detecting the existence of oral conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas Hohlbein, Elizabeth Gittens, Harsh M. Trivedi, Sharon Kennedy, Madhusudan Patel, Deborah Peru