Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: Pearlescent inks are provided. The inks are suitable for use in writing instruments, and include a dispersion of a pearlescent pigment in a solvent. Some inks are erasable and/or shear-thinning.

Abstract: The invention features dispensers for applying a material, e.g., a tape, to a surface. For example, the invention features a dispenser for applying a material to a surface, including a housing, at least a major portion of which is substantially cylindrical; within the housing, a supply spool rotatable about an axis and a quantity of material stored on the supply spool in a plurality of widths wide; and, at one end of the housing, an applicator head about which the material is passed, the head being constructed to press the material against the surface, the head having an edge, over which the material passes, that is disposed at an angle of greater than 5 degrees relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the housing.

Abstract: An erasable, shear-thinning writing composition includes a shear-thinning additive and graphite particles dispersed within an aqueous solvent system.

Abstract: An erasable, shear-thinning writing composition includes a shear-thinning additive and graphite particles dispersed within an aqueous solvent system.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying a material to a surface includes a supply spool rotatable about an axis, a quantity of unused tape stored on the supply spool, and an applicator head about which the tape is passed. The head presses the tape against a surface to deposit a transfer layer of the tape onto the surface. A take-up spool stores a backing layer of the tape after the transfer layer has been deposited on the surface. The take-up spool is also rotatable about the axis. A housing surrounds at least a majority of the tape, a substantial portion of the housing being substantially cylindrical in shape. The tape is guided from the supply spool to the head and from the head to the take-up spool. The applicator head is located substantially along the axis, and the spools are movable along the axis. The tape causes movement of the spools along the axis as the spools are rotated about the axis. The-tape is stored on each spool in a plurality of tape layers thick and a plurality of tape widths wide.

Abstract: Pearlescent inks are provided. The inks are suitable for use in writing instruments, and include a dispersion of a pearlescent pigment in a solvent. Some inks are erasable and/or shear-thinning.

Abstract: A hand-held fluid delivery system includes a rigid body, a collapsible enclosure within the body, a fluid (e.g., correction fluid) within the enclosure, and a delivery end in communication with the collapsible enclosure. The delivery system preferably includes a spring that applies pressure to deliver fluid from the collapsible enclosure to the delivery end.

Abstract: Writing instruments include a foam layer covering the outer surface of a preformed tubular core. The writing instruments are formed by a pultrusion process.

Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: A hand-held fluid delivery system includes a rigid body, a collapsible enclosure within the body, a fluid (e.g., correction fluid) within the enclosure, and a delivery end in communication with the collapsible enclosure. The delivery system preferably includes a spring that applies pressure to deliver fluid from the collapsible enclosure to the delivery end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 &mgr;m to about 100 &mgr;m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m. Particles less than 0.1 &mgr;m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 &mgr;m to about 100 &mgr;m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m. Particles less than 0.1 &mgr;m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: A dental hygiene article, including a dental floss, and a microcapsule associated with a portion of the floss. The microcapsule includes a pigment encapsulated within the microcapsule for changing the color of a portion of the floss associated with the microcapsule upon rupture of the microcapsule as an indication of use or release of an active agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: A hand-held fluid delivery system includes a rigid body, a collapsible enclosure within the body, a fluid (e.g., correction fluid) within the enclosure, and a delivery end in communication with the collapsible enclosure. The delivery system preferably includes a spring that applies pressure to deliver fluid from the collapsible enclosure to the delivery end.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses are provided, including multicomponent coextruded filaments and/or filaments having a multilobal cross-section. Some preferred flosses of the invention are capable of bulking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.