Device and Device Kit With Dual Tank For Oral Use, Cartridge, Tank and Related Manufacture and Assembling Method

A device for oral use includes at least two removable members, namely: a cartridge for containing a first fluid component to be dispensed; and a deformable tank for containing a second propulsion fluid component. The device can be assembled into at least two separate configurations: a first configuration forming a self-contained toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge, wherein the cartridge is provided between the deformable tank and a toothbrush head end piece in order to permit the discharge of the first and optionally the second fluid components entirely or partially through a same continuous channel; and a second configuration defining a dual-component food dispenser in which the cartridge is connected to the deformable tank so as to permit the discharge of the first and optionally the second fluid components towards an oral dispensing end piece integrated or added on the device, entirely or partially through a same continuous channel.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Section 371 National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/054290, filed Apr. 9, 2008 and published as WO 2008/135336 on Nov. 13, 2008, not in English.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure is that of single-use and/or refillable, portable or disposable fluid dispensers for oral hygiene applications, or for orally dispensing food and/or parapharmaceutical products.

More precisely, the disclosure applies primarily, but not exclusively, to dental hygiene devices, however it likewise finds application in connection with liquid food and/or parapharmaceutical product dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

All dentists are in agreement in saying that it is recommended to brush one's teeth several times a day. However, it is often difficult, or even impossible, for people to perform such brushing, in particular because of the constraints of modern life. As a matter of fact, people are often away from their residence (distant office, travel, business trips, . . . ), and have difficulty accessing their personal effects during the course of the day.

Thus, in order to attempt to remedy this problem, travel toothbrushes have been developed. In particular, they may be in the form of a case consisting of a toothbrush in two parts to be assembled together and a small tube of toothpaste.

However, one disadvantage of these travel toothbrushes lies in the necessity for the user to access a water supply point, preferably equipped with a nearby wash basin, in order for the person to be capable of rinsing their mouth after brushing, and to dispose of the toothpaste.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for oral use. According to an embodiment of the invention, such a device includes at least two removable elements, namely:

    • a cartridge capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
    • a deformable tank capable of containing a second fluid propellant;

said device being capable of being easily assembled according to at least two separate configurations of use:

    • a first configuration enabling a self-contained toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge to be formed, in which said cartridge is interposed between said deformable tank and a toothbrush head end piece, so as to allow the discharge of the first, and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent, through all or a portion of a single continuous channel; and
    • a second configuration enabling a two-constituent food dispenser to be formed, in which said cartridge is connected to the deformable tank so as to enable the discharge of the first, and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent towards a supplying mouthpiece built into or added on to said device, through all or a portion of a single continuous channel.

Thus, the general principle of an embodiment of the invention is based on the modularity of the oral device, which can assume two separate configurations each having a particular function, one configuration being capable of promoting the use of the other, and vice versa. The device further enables the selective dispensing of either a first, or successively two constituents, when mechanical pressure is exerted on the deformable tank by a user of the device.

In addition, the toothbrush configuration enables a user to brush their teeth without having to be in proximity to a water supply point or even having a rinsing liquid available (the latter being contained inside the deformable tank, for example).

On the other hand, the food dispenser configuration, for example, enables a user of the device to successively ingest two types of fluid food, e.g., confectionery products (which, for example, can have different tastes and textures).

The second propulsion fluid is advantageously chosen so as to likewise be capable of acting as a supplying fluid.

An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a device for oral use which includes at least three removable elements, namely:

    • a toothbrush head end piece;
    • a cartridge capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
    • a deformable tank capable of containing a second fluid propellant constituent, at least said first supplying fluid being a dental hygiene fluid; and in that said removable elements can be assembled so as to interpose said cartridge between the deformable tank and said toothbrush head end piece, so as to allow the discharge of the first, and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent towards a supplying mouthpiece built into or added on to said device, through all or a portion of a single continuous channel.

An embodiment of the invention also relates to a device for oral use which includes at least two removable elements, namely:

    • a cartridge capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
    • a deformable tank capable of containing a second fluid propellant constituent,

at least said first supplying fluid being a food fluid;

and in that said removable elements can be assembled together so as to so as to allow the discharge of the first, and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent towards a supplying mouthpiece built into or added on to said device, through all or a portion of a single continuous channel.

An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a device kit for oral use, characterised in that it includes a plurality of elements comprising a variety of end pieces and/or cartridges and/or tanks,

and in that said elements of the kit are selectively assemblable in order to form the device as described above.

In this way, when in possession of a kit, the user can use the device according to the two aforesaid configurations, without need of any other additional element.

An embodiment of the invention also relates to a cartridge intended for a device and device kit as described above.

The cartridge advantageously includes an internal cavity having an opening terminating at both ends of said cartridge and forming a channel for storing and conveying the fluid constituents, at least one of said openings cooperating with a removable protective tab.

The protective tab thus enables the constituent of the cartridge from being degraded upon contact with the ambient air.

In addition, the protective tab likewise enables any loss of the constituent to be prevented.

According to one advantageous characteristic, the cartridge includes a movable ball housed within said internal cavity, said movable ball moving along said storage and conveying channel of said internal cavity.

In this way, inserting a ball into the storage and conveying channel of the internal cavity, between the supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid, makes it possible, in particular, to regulate and limit the flow rate of the fluid propellant.

The cartridge advantageously includes a perforated stopper arranged at one end of the cartridge, said stopper being designed to be perforated at the level of said internal cavity.

The cartridge advantageously includes a body surrounding said cavity, said body being provided at each of the ends thereof with reversible means of positively connecting to a tank and/or an end piece, respectively.

Thus, on the one hand, the positive connection means ensure a perfect seal at the junction of the cartridge and the deformable tank, and, one the other hand, at the junction of the cartridge and the end piece.

Said cavity advantageously extends into the body of the cartridge in the principle direction of extension thereof, from a first substantially off-centre opening intended to cooperate with said tank towards a second substantially off-centre opening intended to cooperate with a toothbrush end piece.

Thus, the second opening is off-centre, for example, so as to enable the first supplying fluid to be dispensed to the brushes of a toothbrush end piece. According to one advantageous characteristic of an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is of the consumable, single-use or refillable type.

An embodiment of the invention likewise relates to a deformable tank intended for use with a device and/or a device kit as described above and which includes a deformable compartment of calibrated capacity; the calibration of said compartment is carried out in proportion with the volume capacity of the supplying fluid cartridge.

An embodiment of the invention further relates to a self-perforating end piece intended for use with a device and/or a device kit as described above and which includes a tube defining a channel for conveying at least one fluid constituent, and having a bevelled surface at each of the ends thereof, which acts as a perforating appendage.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing and assembling a device and device kit including a cartridge as described above, which includes the following steps:

    • a first step of separately manufacturing each element;
    • a step of storing and of placing a variety of elements, devices and device kits at the disposal of users;
    • a step of assembling the device and device kit elements for use, as desired by the user;
    • a step for the reuse of said elements by the user, with successive consumable cartridges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following description of several embodiments, given for merely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and from the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary, principal embodiment of the invention, in the form of a dual-tank toothbrush;

FIG. 2A is a detail sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a fluid cartridge capable of being used for a dual-tank toothbrush;

FIG. 2B shows the sectional view of an alternative of the preferred embodiment of a fluid cartridge capable of being used for a dual-tank toothbrush;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment for the deformable tank of the dual-tank toothbrush;

FIG. 4 shows a toothbrush end piece according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perforating end piece according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows the device for oral use according to a second embodiment, in the form of a dual-tank fluid food (or parapharmaceutical product) dispenser;

FIG. 7 shows an oral dispenser end piece in accordance with the second embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows the device for oral use according to a third embodiment, in the form of a feeding bottle;

FIG. 9 shows a nipple end piece in accordance with the third embodiment of FIG. 8.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention is primarily designed to provide a dual-tank, self-contained toothbrush device, which is available in the form of a kit with interchangeable or replaceable accessories.

However, in one advantageous configuration of an embodiment of the invention, as will be seen hereinbelow, the kit is convertible into the form of a dispenser with two fluid food or parapharmaceutical constituents, or even into the form of a feeding bottle or any other device in which a dual-tank system with a propulsion fluid or fluids and/or supplying fluid or fluids finds application.

The device of an embodiment of the invention can likewise be used separately for each of the applications thereof.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the device for oral use of the invention is a self-contained dual-tank toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge.

According principal embodiment of the invention, the self-contained dual-tank toothbrush 100 includes the following three removable elements:

    • a cartridge 200 capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
    • a deformable tank 300 capable of containing a second propulsion fluid;
    • a toothbrush end piece 400.

In relation to FIG. 2A, a detail sectional view is presented for a preferred embodiment of the single-use or refillable cartridge 200 of the dual-tank toothbrush.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 200 includes:

    • a cylindrically-shaped body 123, which is made, for example, of a rigid resin. Of course, according to an alternative of the invention, the body 123 can have a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., have a square cross-section);
    • an internal cavity 124, e.g., substantially cylindrical, which extends inside the body 123 of the cartridge 200 in the principal direction of extension thereof and having an opening terminating at both ends of the cartridge 200. Of course, according to an alternative, the internal cavity 124 can form a tube of oval section. A portion of the internal cavity 124 thus forms a channel for storing and conveying the fluid constituents from a first opening 127 (substantially off-centre in relation to the centre of the upper end of the cartridge 200), intended to cooperate with the deformable tank 300, towards a second opening 122, intended to cooperate with the toothbrush end piece 400;
    • reversible positive connection means 128 situated at the end of the body 123 of the cartridge 200. The positive connection means 128 can correspond to the male portion of a quarter-turn fastening system, e.g., in the form of wings at the lower end of the body 123 of the cartridge 200. It is likewise optionally possible to anticipate producing positive connection means at both ends (upper and lower) of the cartridge 200;
    • a housing 125 inside the body 123 of the cartridge 200, e.g., of a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, enabling the reception of an attachment lug of the toothbrush end piece 400. According to an alternative of the invention, the cartridge does not have any housing;
    • a housing 129 for receiving a locking gadroon of the toothbrush end piece;
    • a heat-sealed protective tab 121 serving to close the second opening 122 situated at the upper end of the cartridge 200. The protective tab thus makes it possible to prevent the constituent of the cartridge from being degraded upon contact with the ambient air. Furthermore, the protective tab likewise enables any loss of constituent to be prevented;
    • optionally, a membrane seal 126 (made of aluminium, for example) serving to close the first opening 127 situated at the lower end of the cartridge 200. The user can manually remove this membrane seal 126 in order to use the cartridge 200.

According to an alternative of the invention, the cartridge can be refillable by the user, and no longer for single use. The user can thus reuse a single cartridge several times by refilling it, e.g., by means of a syringe.

In relation to FIG. 2B, a sectional view is now presented for an alternative of the preferred embodiment of a fluid cartridge capable of being used for a dual-tank toothbrush.

Thus, according to this alternative, the portion of the cavity 124 which forms a channel for storing and conveying the fluid constituents, which is preferably of oval section, can include a ball 130 having a diameter slightly smaller than the smallest diameter of the oval section of the cavity 124 (e.g., a few tenths of a millimetre). The ball 130 can then move along the storage and conveying channel under the pressure of the propulsion fluid, the ball 130 being arranged between the supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid.

The ball 130 can be made, for example, of a rigid resin or any other rigid material (e.g., steel).

According to the alternative of the preferred embodiment of the cartridge, the membrane seal 126 serving to close the first opening 127 is replaced by a perforated stopper 131 which obstructs the first opening 127.

The perforated stopper 131 has an off-centre perforation 132 (e.g., of circular section) at the lower end thereof, which is slightly smaller (a few tenths of a millimetre) than the diameter of the ball 130, which makes it possible to prevent the ball 130 from escaping from the storage and conveying channel 124 via the perforation 132. Furthermore, when the ball 130 is compressed against the perforation 132, the propulsion fluid cannot escape from the internal cavity 124 (a seal thereby being ensured at the level of the perforation 132).

Optionally, a membrane seal (e.g., made of aluminium) can cover the perforation 132, this membrane seal being capable of being removed by the user.

According to the alternative of the preferred embodiment of the cartridge, when the protective tab 121 is broken by a user, an opening of oval section appears, the smallest diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the ball 130, thereby once again enabling the ball 130 to be retained inside the internal cavity 124.

Furthermore, the propulsion fluid is free to flow out via the opening created by the breaking of the tab, at a flow rate regulated by the size of the openings resulting from the difference in diameter between the ball and the oval section of the opening created.

In relation to FIG. 3, a sectional view is presented of a preferred embodiment for the deformable tank of the self-contained dual-tank toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge of the principal embodiment of the invention.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the deformable tank 300 includes:

    • a deformable compartment 135 having a calibrated capacity strictly greater than the capacity of the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200;
    • reversible positive connection means which can correspond to the female portion of a quarter-turn fastening system, e.g., in the form of a screw thread provided with teeth 133, which enable the wings 128 of the cartridge 200 to be screwed down, and which are situated at the neck 134 of the deformable tank 300;
    • optionally, a removable stopper can close the opening of the compartment 135, and bears the appendage 22 at the surface thereof. The stopper can be pulled out by the user, for example, in order to fill the deformable tank.

A waterproof joint can be optionally added on to the upper end of the deformable tank 300 in order to improve the seal of the joint between the cartridge 200 and the deformable tank 300.

According to an alternative, the deformable tank 300 can include two interconnected compartments.

A toothbrush end piece 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is presented in relation to FIG. 4.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the toothbrush end piece 400 includes:

    • an attachment lug 111 (also called an anchoring lug), e.g., having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, which is intended to be housed inside the housing 125 of the cartridge 200. The lug 111 can advantageously include a locking gadroon 402 in order to enable the toothbrush end piece 400 to be locked inside the housing 125 of the cartridge 200;
    • a conventional toothbrush head 112 including bristles, the head 112 being integral with the attachment lug 111.

According to an alternative of the invention, the toothbrush end piece 400 can include a channel for conveying and dispensing a fluid, including a first opening at the lower end of the attachment lug and a second opening substantially in the middle of the base in which the bristles of the toothbrush head are implanted.

The supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid can advantageously be dental hygiene fluids (e.g., edible toothpaste for the supplying fluid, and a drinkable rinsing solution containing fluorinated carbonated water for the propulsion fluid), the supplying fluid advantageously having a higher viscosity than that of the propulsion fluid.

According to the principal embodiment of the invention, the three removable elements 200, 300, 400 are assembled so as to interpose the cartridge 200 between the deformable tank 300 and the toothbrush end piece 400, in order to enable the first and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent to be discharged through all or a portion of the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200.

In order to keep the cartridge 200 and the deformable tank 300 fastened to one another, the male portion of the quarter-turn fastening system of the cartridge 200 is inserted by a user into the female portion of the quarter-turn fastening system of the deformable tank 300.

It is optionally possible to anticipate inserting a perforating end piece 900, as shown in FIG. 5. The self-perforating end piece 900 can include:

    • a body 901, of cylindrical shape, for example;
    • a tube 902 defining a channel 903 for conveying a fluid constituent, and having a bevelled surface 904, 906 at each the ends thereof, which serves as a perforating appendage;
    • positive connection means 905 on each of the two ends of the perforating end piece 900, which can correspond to the female portion of a quarter-turn system (e.g., in form of a screw thread provided with teeth).

Thus, during assembly of the perforating end piece 900 with the cartridge 200 (the reservoir 300, respectively), the bevelled portion 904 (906, respectively) perforates the membrane seal 126 of the cartridge 200.

The use of such a self-perforating end piece 900 requires slight adaptations of the positive connection means present on the tank 300, which, however, will appear obvious to a person skilled in the art.

When manual mechanical pressure is exerted by a user on the deformable tank 300 (which likewise serves as a toothbrush handle), the supplying fluid (present in the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200) is driven towards the bristles of the toothbrush head 112 by the propulsion fluid contained inside the compartment 135 of the deformable tank 300. As a matter of fact, the mechanical pressure exerted by the user is converted, by the compartment 135, into hydraulic pressure exerted on the propulsion fluid, thereby causing the supplying fluid to be discharged, the supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid being in direct contact with one another.

According to an alternative of the preferred embodiment of the cartridge 200 as shown in FIG. 2B, the mechanical pressure is converted by the compartment 135 into hydraulic pressure on the propulsion fluid, which then transmits the hydraulic pressure generated to the ball 130, the propulsion fluid and the ball 130 being in direct contact with one another. The ball 130 next transmits the hydraulic pressure coming from propulsion fluid to the supplying fluid, thereby causing the discharge of same from the internal cavity 124, the ball 130 and the supplying fluid being in direct contact with one another.

Inserting a ball 130 into the storage and conveying channel of the internal cavity 124, between the supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid, makes it possible, in particular, to regulate the flow rate of the fluid propellant at the opening of the oval section created by breaking the tab 121, when the supplying fluid has been entirely discharged from the internal cavity 124.

As a matter of fact, unlike the supplying fluid, the flow rate of which is regulated by the intrinsic nature of the supplying fluid (advantageously more viscous than the propulsion fluid), the flow rate of the propulsion fluid is regulated by the ball 130, at the opening of the oval section, which was created following the breaking of the tab 121, the regulation of the flow of the propulsion fluid resulting from the obstruction of a portion of this opening by the ball 130.

When the supplying fluid, which is contained inside the cavity 124, is emptied out onto the bristles of the toothbrush head 135, the user is in a position to perform dental brushing.

It is to be noted that the protective tab 121 of the cartridge 200 is broken by the user prior to using the self-contained dual-tank toothbrush in accordance with the principal embodiment of the invention.

When the user has finished brushing, they can, by pressing once again on the deformable tank 300, empty out the propulsion fluid into their mouth (the propulsion fluid is then considered to be a supplying fluid), thereby enabling them to rinse their mouth.

The propellant and supplying fluids are advantageously edible and/or ingestible constituents. The user can thus absorb them. Consequently, there is no need for any container for disposing of the propellant and supplying fluids, nor even any water supply point for rinsing one's mouth.

When they have finished both brushing and rinsing, the user can disassemble the various elements 200 (cartridge), 300 (deformable tank) and 400 (toothbrush head end piece). If desired, they can dispose of the cartridge 200, which is for single use, and store the deformable tank 300 and toothbrush head end piece 400 in a suitable case.

In this way, the user can brush their teeth, freshen up and rinse their mouth without needing to dispose of the fluids used, thereby rendering the act of brushing one's teeth easier during travel away from home (to school, at one's workplace, in one's car, in an airplane, . . . ).

In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the device for oral use, in the form of a self-contained dual-tank toothbrush, can be converted into a dual-tank fluid food (or parapharmaceutical product) dispenser.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the dual-tank fluid food dispenser 500 includes the following three removable elements:

    • a cartridge 200 capable of containing a first supplying fluid;
    • a deformable tank 300 capable of containing a second propulsion fluid;
    • optionally, a dispensing mouth 600.

The cartridge and the deformable tank of the dual-tank fluid food dispenser 500 (second embodiment) are advantageously similar to the cartridge and deformable tank of the self-contained dual-tank toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge of the principal embodiment.

A dispensing mouth 600 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention is presented in relation to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the dispensing mouth 600 includes:

    • a body 512 of cylindrical shape, the upper end of which can have a reduced-size neck. Of course, according to an alternative of the invention, the body 512 of the mouthpiece can be of a non-cylindrical shape, e.g., having a square cross-section, and can have an upper end with a different cross-section (e.g., plane, triangular, . . . );
    • an internal cavity 511, e.g., substantially cylindrical, which extends into the body 512 of the end piece 600 in the principle direction of extension thereof, and which has a opening terminating at both ends of the mouthpiece 600. Of course, according to an alternative, the internal cavity 511 can form a tube of oval section. The internal cavity 511 thus forms a channel for conveying the fluid constituents from a first opening 516 (substantially off-centre in relation to the centre of the body 512 of the mouthpiece 600), which is intended to cooperate with the internal cavity 124 of the cartridge 200, towards a second opening 510 opposite the first opening 516 (substantially off-centre in relation to the centre of the body 512 of the mouthpiece 600);
    • an appendage 515 forming a channel for conveying a fluid constituent and having opening 516 at the lower end thereof;
    • an attachment lug 517, e.g., having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, which is intended to be housed inside the housing 125 of the cartridge 200.

The supplying fluid and the propulsion fluid can advantageously be food and/or parapharmaceutical fluids. Thus, for example, the supplying fluid can be a sweetened jelly (or paste) which can be consumed as a dessert (such as a mint candy), and the propulsion fluid can be a medicated solution, for example, for facilitating the taking of medication by young children. Of course, according to alternatives of the second embodiment, other types of fluid can like be anticipated (e.g., cough syrup, food supplements in the form of an aqueous solution . . . ).

The assembly of the cartridge 200 onto the deformable tank 300 according to the second embodiment of the invention is identical to that implemented by the first embodiment of the invention.

Thus, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the three removable elements 200, 300 and 600 are assembled so as to interpose the cartridge 200 between the deformable tank 300 and the supplying mouthpiece 600, in order to enable the first and, where appropriate, the second fluid constituent to be discharged towards the supplying mouthpiece 600 attached to the cartridge 200 of the device 70, via all or a portion of the internal cavity 511 of this mouthpiece 600.

During assembly of the cartridge 200 and the mouthpiece 600, the lug 517 of the end piece 600 is inserted into the housing 125 of the cartridge 200, and then the appendage 515 is inserted into the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200.

In a manner similar to the first embodiment, it is optionally possible to anticipate inserting the self-perforating end piece 900 between the cartridge 200 and the tank 300.

According to an alternative of the second embodiment, the supplying mouthpiece can be built directly into the cartridge 200.

In this way, when manual mechanical pressure is exerted by a user on the deformable tank 20, the supplying fluid (present in the cavity 124 of the cartridge 200) is first propelled into the internal cavity 511 of the mouthpiece 600, and then emptied out into the user's mouth via opening 515, the operating principle of the deformable tank 300 being identical to that of the first embodiment of the invention.

When the supplying fluid contained inside the cavity 124 is emptied out into the user's mouth, the latter need do nothing more than swallow it.

In the same way as for the first embodiment of the invention, the protective tab 121 of the cartridge 200 is broken by the user prior to using the dual-tank fluid food dispenser 500.

Once the user has swallowed the supplying fluid entirely, they can, by pressing once again on the deformable tank 300, empty out the propulsion fluid into their mouth (the propulsion fluid is then considered to be a supplying fluid).

In this way, the user can have access to two different constituents successively.

In a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the device for oral use, in the form of a self-contained dual tank toothbrush, can be converted into a feeding bottle 700.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the feeding bottle 700 includes the two following removable elements:

    • a deformable tank 300 capable of containing a supplying fluid;
    • a nipple end piece 800.

The deformable tank 300 of the feeding bottle 700 (third embodiment) is advantageously similar to the deformable tank of the self-contained dual-tank toothbrush 100 with an interchangeable cartridge of the principal embodiment.

The nipple end piece 800 in accordance with the third embodiment is described in relation to FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the nipple end piece 800 includes:

    • a nipple 701;
    • a body 706 of cylindrical shape bearing the nipple 701 at the surface thereof;
    • a substantially cylindrical internal cavity 703, which extends into the body 706 of the nipple end piece 800 in the principal direction of extension thereof, and which has an opening terminating at both ends of the body 706. The internal cavity 703 thus forms a channel for conveying the fluid constituents from a first opening 704 towards a second opening 702, opposite the first opening 704;
    • reversible positive connection means 705 situated at the lower end of the body 706 of the nipple end piece 800. The positive connection means 705, for example, are the male portion of a quarter-turn system, e.g., in the form of wings at the lower end of the body 706 of the nipple end piece 800.

The supplying fluid can advantageously be a fluid food and/or parapharmaceutical product.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the two removable elements 300 and 800 are assembled so as to enable the supplying fluid to be discharged towards the nipple end piece 800 attached to the deformable tank 300, through all or a portion of the internal cavity 703 of this nipple end piece 800.

In order to keep the nipple end piece 800 and the deformable tank 300 fastened to one another, the male portion of the quarter-turn fastening system of the nipple end piece 800 is inserted, by the parent of a young child, into the female portion of the quarter-turn fastening system of the deformable tank 300.

In this way, when manual mechanical pressure is exerted on the deformable tank 20, by the parent (or the child himself/herself), the supplying fluid (present in the compartment 135 of the deformable tank 20) is propelled into the internal cavity 703 of the nipple end piece 800, and then emptied out into the nipple 701 via opening 702.

In this way, the young child will have access to the supplying fluid when they suck on the nipple.

Furthermore, the method of manufacturing and assembling the device for oral use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and the associated device kit, include the following steps:

    • a first step of separately manufacturing each element (cartridge 200, deformable tank 300, toothbrush head end piece 400, supplying mouthpiece 600, nipple end piece 800);
    • a step of storing and placing a variety of elements, devices and device kits at the disposal of the users;
    • a step of assembling the device elements and device kits for use, as desired by the user;
    • a step for the reuse of said elements by the user, with successive consumable cartridges.

The device kit with interchangeable or replaceable accessories can, for example, advantageously include one or more toothbrush end pieces (e.g., of different bristle size and rigidity), one or more deformable tanks (e.g., of different storage capacity), one or more replacement cartridges (e.g., of different flavour, different size, . . . ), one or more mouthpieces (e.g., of different size, different shape, . . . ), one or more nipple end pieces (e.g., of different size and shape), and any other accessory in which a dual-tank propellant and/or supplying fluid system finds application.

The various possible configurations assumed by the device for oral use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention thus give the device a high degree of modularity.

Furthermore, the high degree of modularity of the device for oral use of an embodiment of the invention in particular enables a link to be established between dental brushing and food. A child will be more inclined to brush his/her teeth if he/she has previously used the device for oral use as a food dispenser (e.g., for sweets). The modularity of the device for oral use thus likewise enables him/her to be a pedagogical subject.

Furthermore, the device for oral use of an embodiment of the invention will be perceived by children (or even adults) as a ludic (play) object. They will indeed have the possibility of assembling and/or transforming a toothbrush into a fluid food and/or parapharmaceutical product dispenser or into a deformable-tank feeding bottle, and vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention provides a self-contained portable device successively enabling both efficient brushing and rinsing, without having to access a water supply and discharge point.

An embodiment of the invention provides such a device which offers a large spectrum of modularity, as concerns both the brushing and rinsing elements as well as the replacement or replenishment of these elements after use, or even the reversible conversion thereof for other uses, such as food or parapharmaceutical uses.

An embodiment of the invention provides a ludic and teaching device, particularly in the eyes of children, who are often hesitant at the idea of brushing their teeth.

An embodiment also implements such a technique, which is simple and inexpensive.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more examples, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure and/or the appended claims. Also while certain embodiments and/or examples have been discussed herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to such embodiments and/or examples. One skilled in the art may implement variations of these embodiments and/or examples that will be covered by one or more issued claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A device for oral use, comprising at least two removable elements, namely:

a cartridge configured to contain a first supplying fluid;
a deformable tank configured to contain a second propulsion fluid;
and wherein, after assembling said cartridge and said deformable tank, the first supplying fluid and second propulsion fluid are in direct contact with one another, so as to enable the first fluid, and, where appropriate, the second fluid to be discharged through all or a portion of a single continuous channel.

2. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge contains said second propulsion fluid and said second propulsion fluid is chosen so as to be capable of likewise acting as a supplying fluid.

3. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein the device further includes a removable toothbrush end piece, at least said first supplying fluid being a dental hygiene fluid, and wherein, after assembly, said cartridge is interposed between said deformable tank and said toothbrush end piece, so as to form a self-contained toothbrush with an interchangeable cartridge.

4. The device for oral use according to claim 1, wherein the device further includes a removable supplying mouthpiece, which is built into or added on to said device, at least said first supplying fluid being a fluid food, and wherein, after assembly, said cartridge is interposed between said deformable tank and said supplying mouthpiece, so as to form a two-constituent food dispenser.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge contains the first supplying fluid.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge includes an internal cavity having an opening which terminates at both ends of said cartridge, and which forms a channel for storing and conveying the first supplying fluid, at least one of said openings cooperating with a removable protective tab.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the cartridge includes a movable ball housed inside said internal cavity, said movable ball moving along said storage and conveying channel of said internal cavity.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the cartridge includes a body surrounding said cavity, said body being provided at each of the ends thereof with reversible connecting means for connecting to a tank and/or an end piece, respectively.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said cavity extends into the body of the cartridge in a principle direction of extension thereof, from a first substantially off-centre opening configured to cooperate with said tank towards a second substantially off-centre opening configured to cooperate with a toothbrush end piece.

10. The device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge is of a consumable, single-use or refillable type.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the deformable tank contains a second propulsion fluid, and includes a deformable compartment of a calibrated capacity; wherein calibration of said compartment is carried out in proportion with the volume capacity of the supplying fluid cartridge.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a self-perforating end piece, which includes a tube defining a channel for conveying the first supplying fluid contained in the cartridge, and, where appropriate, the second propulsion fluid contained in the deformable tank and having a bevelled surface at each of the ends thereof, which acts as a perforating appendage.

13. A method of manufacturing and assembling a device, wherein the method includes the following steps:

a step of separately manufacturing a plurality of elements, comprising:
a cartridge containing a first supplying fluid;
a deformable tank containing a second propulsion fluid; and
a toothbrush head end piece or supplying mouthpiece;
a step of storing and placing at the disposal of users said plurality of manufactured elements;
a step of assembling the manufactured elements for use, as desired by the user.

14. A method of reusing a device for oral use, wherein the device comprises at least two removable elements, namely:

a cartridge configured to contain a first supplying fluid;
a deformable tank configured to contain a second propulsion fluid;
an end piece configured for conveying at least the first supplying fluid;
and wherein, after assembling said cartridge and said deformable tank, the first supplying fluid and second propulsion fluid are in direct contact with one another, so as to enable the first fluid, and, where appropriate, the second fluid to be discharged through all or a portion of a single continuous channel;
wherein the method includes a step of replacing at least one already consumed or used element included in said device with a new element, said already consumed or used element belonging to the group including said cartridge, said deformable tank and said end piece.
Patent History
Publication number: 20100175214
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 9, 2008
Publication Date: Jul 15, 2010
Inventor: Thierry Payet (Saint-Leu)
Application Number: 12/596,794
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Tooth Or Nail Brush (15/167.1)
International Classification: A46B 9/04 (20060101);