Abstract: A swab is provided which includes an elongate stem and an absorbent covering such as cotton surrounding opposite tips of the stem. An antimicrobial agent is dispersed within the absorbent covering. A process is also provided for manufacturing the swabs. The process includes the steps of preparing a liquid medium containing the antimicrobial agent, contacting the absorbent covering with the liquid medium and then drying the absorbent covering.

Abstract: A method for a skin treatment regime and a respective product is provided which cosmetically improves human skin. The product includes a first composition containing at least one active and functioning to impart a first benefit to the skin. A second composition is provided which includes a second different active and imparts a second benefit to the skin. The first and second compositions are stored in respective separate containers, which nevertheless are joined together for reminding a consumer to use the compositions in tandem and to facilitate in one sale all necessary elements of a suggested regime. Packaging suitable for this purposes can be a series of stackable jars releasably lockable together through a threaded screw arrangement one above the other.

Abstract: An antiperspirant aerosol spray product is provided packaged in a metal can. Within the can is an antiperspirant aerosol spray composition that includes a propellant, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alcohol and an antiperspirant aluminum astringent salt having a water loss under drying no greater than about 8%. Corrosion and malodor can be minimized by use of low water containing antiperspirant astringent salts even in the presence of very substantial amounts of alcohol which normally tends to accelerate the corrosion process.

Abstract: A unitarily molded toothbrush is provided including a head with bristles integrally molded therewith, a handle and a neck, all being formed of an identical plastic material, preferably a polyolefin resin, having a Melt Index no lower than 6 g/10 min. At least one recess is formed with respective opening in an undersurface of the handle of the toothbrush. In alternative embodiments, recesses and their openings can also be found in the neck and head. These embodiments may include a beam flanked by the recess openings longitudinally traversing the length of the handle, and optionally also traversing the neck and head. Cross members may be formed orthogonal to the beam to strengthen the structure. Also provided is a kit for dental hygiene which includes the unitarily molded toothbrush in combination with a dentifrice to improve the delivery of flavor or a therapeutically active substance such as a source of fluoride.

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth is provided which involves applying to the teeth a mixture of a peroxide and a bicarbonate salt. Advantageously, the peroxide and bicarbonate salt are stored as active ingredients in separate respective compositions of a dispensing container. Preferably the dispensing container is a pump in the form of an upper and lower body telescopically engageable one with another, the upper body including at least two hollow and separate parallel cylinders each containing one of the compositions. These compositions may then be dispensed through relative compression of the pistons within the cylinders.

Abstract: An aerosol actuator is provided having an inner actuator chamber, an inner actuator chamber outlet by which the composition to be dispensed may exit the inner actuator chamber, and a stem piece channel by which the fluid to be dispensed may enter the inner actuator chamber. The inner surface of the inner actuator chamber is mathematically continuous. The mathematically continuous arrangement minimizes nozzle blockage in the actuator.

Abstract: An applicator pad dispensing container is provided having a jar, a cap to close the jar and a piston assembly movable within the jar. The piston assembly includes a platform with a rod projecting from an upper surface thereof terminating in a head. A stack of applicator pads, each with a central aperture, can be loaded onto the platform with the rod penetrating the aperture to securely hold the pads. The head engages a hollow socket in an under surface of the cap. Engagement of head and cap allows the platform with pads to be raised to a top position whereupon the cap can twistably be released from the head. After a pad(s) is removed, the cap can snap onto the head and with downward pressure return the platform with remaining pads back into the jar.

Abstract: A propellant driven deodorant composition for topical application to the human skin, comprising a deodorant active material comprising a cosmetically acceptable. polyhexamethylene biguanide salt, a cosmetically suitable vehicle comprising a short chain monohydric alcohol, and a non polar propellant composition having a Hildebrand Solubility Parameter of less than 14.5 MPa.sup.1/2, characterized in that the composition additionally comprises an effective amount of water.

Abstract: A duckbill valve is provided based on a valve seal with a hollow cylindrical body with first and second ends, the first end having an open mouth, the second end having a closable mouth circumscribed by a pair of crescent shaped lips. One of the lips has a thinner width than the other. The cylindrical body flares outward in the direction from the first end towards the second end. In another aspect, the cylindrical body includes a posterior and an anterior section adjacent the respective first and second ends, the anterior section having an outer wall portion curvilinearly tapering toward the thinner lip. Valves of the present invention are particularly suitable for controlling flow of semi-solid substances because the mouth of the duckbill can open to a relatively large extent, the latter being off-center within a round collar fitting.

Abstract: A replaceable head toothbrush is described having a handle, a brushhead and a collar. The handle is formed with a cavity within which the collar is insertable. The brushhead at an end thereof is formed with a neck having a coupling anchor for engaging a complementary disengaging mechanism within the collar.

Abstract: A refillable dispenser and refill cartridge is described for dispensing a product through a pumping mechanism that draws product from the cartridge. Product is pumped upwards from the refill cartridge through a connector tube, across a one-way check valve into a collecting chamber from which it is dispensed through a one-way monitoring valve and exits a nozzle. Flow is initiated by compression of a domed elastomeric wall covering the collecting chamber.

Abstract: A reclosable dispenser is provided which includes a receptacle, preferably a unitarily molded plastic thermoform, for holding dry goods such as cotton swabs and a reclosable lid hingedly attached to the receptacle. The lid has a cover substantially co-extensive with the open top of the receptacle and includes a cover with a flap extension at an end thereof oriented perpendicular to the cover. A slot in the flap extension lockingly receives a rigid tab formed along a flange atop a front wall of the receptacle. The tab and slot arrangement allows for easy opening but secure closure of the dispenser.

Abstract: A pump dispenser is described for dispensing a product through a pumping mechanism that draws product from a storage container upwards through a dip tube, across a check valve, into a collecting chamber from which it is dispensed through a one-way monitoring valve and exits a nozzle. Flow is initiated by compression of a domed elastomeric wall covering the collecting chamber. A vent system of conduits including a conical ring valve brings air into the container to equalize pressure upon release of compression against the elastomeric wall. The one-way monitoring valve, downstream from the collecting chamber, may be formed as a duckbill valve of elastomeric rubber having an exit slit at the dispensing end. This slit, normally closed, will open upon pressure from a product flow. Excellent control of dispensing amounts is achieved through the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for treating skin to achieve lightening by employing an active of the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl radicals. Most preferred is acetaminophen.

Abstract: A dental product is provided packaged in a telescopically arranged multicavity dispensing container having at least two cylinders in an upper body thereof. Peroxide and baking soda are placed as active ingredients in separate respective semi-solid streams, each stream being in separate ones of the cylinders. Uniform dispensing of each stream to deliver relatively equivalent ribbon length of each stream by incorporating a polyphosphate salt to adjust viscosity. Preferred salts are tripolyphosphates, hexametaphosphates and pyrophosphates.

Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container is provided having a cap, a receiving cavity on an outer wall of the cap and a spout rotatably lodged within the cavity. Product from the container can exit through the cap and be dispensed through a channel in the spout when the latter is rotated to a dispensing position. The spout is formed with a pair of flanking wings each having a trunnion/bearing mechanism on an outer surface.