Dentifrice Dispenser

Abstract

A container for dispensing a water-sensitive dentifrice. The container has two chambers and a divider with an opening to allow a few dentifrice unit-doses to pass through. A method for dispensing a water-sensitive dentifrice using a dual chambered container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dentifrice dispenser and methods of use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a two-chambered dispenser separated by a divider comprising an opening that allows one or a few unit-doses of oral care compositions to pass through the opening upon inverting the dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dentifrice compositions are typically formulated as a paste that can be squeezed out of a tube; and usually include a fluoride agent, abrasives, calcium sources, surfactants, whitening agents, humectants, thickening agents, and other formulation ingredients. Typically, dentifrice compositions must be carefully formulated to avoid reactivity in the tube, but retain reactivity in the oral cavity. In many cases, ingredients must be substituted or removed to balance reactivity in the tube with in mouth benefits.

Solid forms of unit-doses of dentifrice can alleviate many reactivity concerns amongst typical dentifrice ingredients in the liquid phase. However, solid forms of unit-doses of dentifrice can be sensitive to water. Thus, new dentifrice dispensers are needed to dispense solid forms of unit-doses of dentifrice without the introduction of water. As such, the present invention is directed to new dispensers and methods of their use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a dentifrice container comprising a storage chamber, a dispensing chamber, a divider separating the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber comprising an opening, and a lid.

Also disclosed herein is a method of dispensing a dentifrice comprising providing a container comprising (i) a storage chamber, (ii) a dispensing chamber, (iii) a divider separating the storage chamber and dispensing chamber comprising an opening, wherein the opening connects the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber, and (iv) a lid; providing at least one unit-dose of dentifrice in the storage chamber; manipulating the container to allow at least one unit-dose of dentifrice to move from the storage chamber through the opening in the divider to the dispensing chamber; opening the lid of the container; and selecting at least one unit-dose of dentifrice that has moved from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber.

Also disclosed herein is a dentifrice container comprising a storage chamber; a dispensing chamber; a divider separating the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber comprising an opening; and a lid comprising a lever.

Disclosed herein is a dentifrice container (10) comprising a storage chamber (15), a dispensing chamber (20), a divider (22) separating the storage chamber (15) and the dispensing chamber (20) comprising an opening (25), and a lid (30).

Also disclosed herein is a method of dispensing a dentifrice comprising providing a container (10) comprising (i) a storage chamber (15), (ii) a dispensing chamber (20), (iii) a divider (22) separating the storage chamber (15) and dispensing chamber (20) comprising an opening (25), wherein the opening (25) connects the storage chamber (15) and the dispensing chamber (20), and (iv) a lid (30) in a closed position; providing at least one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) in the storage chamber (15); manipulating the container (10) to allow at least one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) to move from the storage chamber (15) through the opening (25) in the divider (22) to the dispensing chamber (20); opening the lid (30) of the container (10); and selecting at least one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) that has moved from the storage chamber (15) to the dispensing chamber (20).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a container with a lever associated with a lid.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a container, which is being shaken and inverted.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a container with a unit-dose of dentifrice visible through a window on a lid.

FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of a user selecting a unit-dose of a dentifrice from a dispensing chamber.

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of a user selecting a unit-dose of a dentifrice from a dispensing chamber with a device.

FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of a container with a ridge associated with a lid.

FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of a container with a transparent lid.

FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of a container with a transparent lid that can be opened by a button.

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of a container with a window on a lid that can be opened with a switch.

FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of a container with a window on a lid and a sloped upper surface of a divider.

FIG. 11 is a side, perspective view of a container with a window on the lid and a refilling unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Recently, novel oral care compositions comprising layers of nonwoven webs have been created. While dentifrice reactivity is typically manipulated through formulation design, the use of a unit-dose oral care composition allows for reactivity to be dramatically lowered prior to use by separating the components in the solid phase, where reactivity is lower, or physically separating the ingredients through assembly design of the layers or through compartmentalization of the unit-dose.

Nonwoven webs dissipate, dissolve, and/or form into a foam in the presence of water in order to deliver the oral care active ingredients to the proper locations in the oral cavity. This unique behavior is advantageous if the transition from the solid phase occurs when in contact with water present in the oral cavity or on the brush head; however, special care must be taken to prevent contact between a unit-dose of dentifrice and water until it reaches a brush head or the oral cavity.

Thus, nonwoven web-based dentifrices are water-sensitive, and new dispensers and methods for dispensing these dentifrices are needed to prevent contact with water until ready for use by the consumer. As such, the present invention is directed to new dispensers and methods of their use to prevent contact between the nonwoven web-based dentifrices and water until brushing.

The following non-limiting FIGURES represent possible embodiments of the container and methods of use of said container disclosed herein.

The present invention is directed to a container (10) that can dispense a unit-dose of dentifrice (40) and methods of use of said container to dispense a unit-dose of dentifrice (40), in certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-4. The dentifrice can be held in a storage chamber (15) until a consumer manipulates the container (10). A consumer can move the container or apply motion to the container, such as by shaking or inverting the container, as shown in FIG. 2, which causes the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) to pass from the storage chamber (15) through an opening (25) in a divider (22) into a dispensing chamber (20). The consumer can visually inspect, as shown in FIG. 3, if at least one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) that passed through the opening (25) by looking through a transparent portion of the lid, or window in the lid (35), or dispensing chamber (20) or by opening the lid (30). The consumer can select a unit-dose of dentifrice (40) residing in the dispensing chamber (20). Then, the consumer can cause the container (10) to allow the remaining unit-doses of dentifrice (40), if any, to pass back through the opening (25) and into the storage chamber (15).

The present invention is thus based on the surprising discovery that a container can be used to dispense a solid form of dentifrice by reducing or eliminating the introduction of water to the remaining doses of dentifrice. By using this container, the consumer will only need to touch a single unit-dose of dentifrice (40). Additionally, this container can be manipulated with a single hand.

The foregoing summary is not intended to define every aspect of the invention, and additional aspects are described in other sections. In addition, the invention includes, as an additional aspect, all embodiments of the invention narrower in scope in any way than the variations defined by specific paragraphs set forth herein. For example, certain aspects of the invention that are described as a genus, and it should be understood that every member of a genus is, individually, an aspect of the invention.

Also, aspects described as a genus or selecting a member of a genus should be understood to embrace combinations of two or more members of the genus. With respect to aspects of the invention described or claimed with “a” or “an,” it should be understood that these terms mean “one or more” unless context unambiguously requires a more restricted meaning. The term “or” should be understood to encompass items in the alternative or together, unless context unambiguously requires otherwise. If aspects of the invention are described as “comprising” a feature, embodiments also are contemplated “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” the feature.

As used herein, “translucent” is understood to describe a material that allows some electromagnetic radiation to pass through. A translucent material allows some light to pass through, such that some objects cannot be seen distinctly. Thus, a translucent material allows the consumer to see the material held within the translucent material, but in certain instances without much detail.

As used herein, “transparent” is understood to describe a material that allows nearly all electromagnetic radiation to pass through. A transparent material allows most of the light to pass through. Thus, a consumer will generally be able to see detailed images of other materials through transparent materials.

As used herein, “opaque” is understood to describe a material that does not allow nearly any light or electromagnetic radiation to pass through. Thus, a consumer will not generally be able to see other materials through opaque materials.

As used herein, “moisture sensitive” is understood to describe a material that react with water and/or the water vapor typically present in air. In the present disclosure, water and/or the water vapor typically present in air can dissolve the nonwoven web forming materials, releasing the contents of the dentifrice.

Features of the compositions and methods are described below. Section headings are for convenience of reading and not intended to be limiting per se. The entire document is intended to be related as a unified disclosure, and it should be understood that all combinations of features described herein are contemplated, even if the combination of features is not found together in the same sentence, or paragraph, or section of this document. It will be understood that any feature of the methods or compounds described herein can be deleted, combined with, or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature described herein.

All measurements referred to herein are made at 25° C. unless otherwise specified.

The components of the present compositions and methods are described in the following paragraphs.

Storage Chamber

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, storage chamber (15) can be the void formed by the interior surface (12) of storage chamber (15) and the divider (22). The storage chamber (15) can hold the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) when the container is not in operation or being manipulated. The storage chamber (15) cross-sectional shape can be circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape that can hold solid or semisolid compositions along the longitudinal axis (LA), as shown in FIG. 1. The storage chamber cross-sectional shape can vary or be essentially consistent along the longitudinal axis (LA), as shown in FIG. 1.

The storage chamber (15) can be a unitary piece, but may include separate non-structural elements, such as labels, grip structures, etc associated with the exterior surface (11) of the storage chamber (15). The storage chamber (15) can comprise different regions of different materials, which are intrinsically or chemically bonded to one another as a part of the manufacturing process.

The storage chamber (15) can be made out of any material suitable for use as a dentifrice container. The storage chamber can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. For example, the storage chamber (15) can be made out plastic, metal, and/or glass. The storage chamber (15) can comprise an exterior surface (11) of the storage chamber (15) and an interior surface (12) of the storage chamber (15). The exterior surface (11) of the storage chamber (15) and the interior surface (12) of the storage chamber (15) can form the wall (17) of the storage chamber (15), as shown in FIG. 1, that can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 10 cm, from about 1 mm to about 1 cm, or from about 10 mm to 1 cm. The wall (17) of the storage chamber (15) thickness may vary along the longitudinal axis of the container (10) by controlling the parison thickness profile in an extrusion blow molding process.

The storage chamber (15) can be a unitary piece of molded plastic along with the divider (22) and the dispensing chamber (20). For example, the storage chamber (15) can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The storage chamber (15) can also be a separate piece of material, such that the storage chamber (15) can be replaced to refill the unit-doses of dentifrice (40).

The storage chamber (15) can be larger in total volume than the dispensing chamber (20). The storage chamber (15) can be greater than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 250%, or 500% larger in volume than the dispensing chamber (20). The storage chamber (15) can be from 10% to 1000%, from 20% to 500%, or from 30% to 250% larger in volume than the dispensing chamber (20).

As in FIG. 1, the storage chamber (15) can be located below the dispensing chamber (20) and separated by the divider (22) when the container (10) resides on its base (13). The storage chamber (15) is defined by a wall (17) having an interior surface (12) and an exterior surface (11), said wall serves to provide a side and a bottom portion of the storage chamber (15). The interior surface (12) of the storage chamber (15) may have one or more coatings to enhance the exit of the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) from the storage chamber (15). The exterior surface (11) of the storage chamber (15) may have an irregular surface to increase grip of the container (10). The wall (17) of the storage chamber (15) may be formed from one or more layers. The wall (17) of the storage chamber (15) may be produced by any conventional method, such as blow molding or injection molding.

The storage chamber (15) can be opaque, transparent, and/or translucent. The storage chamber (15) can comprise a window (16) to allow the consumer to visually inspect the contents of the storage chamber (15) and determine when a new container or refill to the container needs to be purchased. The window of the storage chamber can be translucent or transparent in an otherwise opaque storage chamber (15). The thickness of the window (16) can be the same or a different thickness than the wall (17) of the storage chamber (15).

The storage chamber (15) can be separated from the remaining portions of the container (10), such as the divider (22), dispensing chamber (20), and lid (30) by any conventional means, such as by screwing, snapping, or any other method for removably connecting two parts of a container.

Refilling Unit

The container (10) can be designed to allow for a refilling unit (50), as in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the refilling unit (50) can be the void formed by the interior surface (52) of refilling unit (50) and the dispensing chamber (20). The refilling unit (50) can hold the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) when the container is not in operation or being manipulated. The refilling unit (50) cross-sectional shape can be circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape that can hold solid or semisolid compositions.

The refilling unit (50) can be a unitary piece, but may include separate non-structural elements, such as labels, grip structures, etc associated with the exterior surface (52) of the storage chamber (20). The refilling unit (50) can comprise different regions of different materials, which are intrinsically or chemically bonded to one another as a part of the manufacturing process.

The refilling unit (50) can be made out of any material suitable for use as a dentifrice container. The refilling unit (50) can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. For example, the refilling unit (50) can be made out of plastic, metal, and/or glass. The refilling unit (50) can comprise an exterior surface (51) of the refilling unit (50) and an interior surface (52) of the refilling unit (50). The exterior surface (51) of the refilling unit (50) and the interior surface (52) of the refilling unit (50) can form the wall (53) of the refilling unit (50), as shown in FIG. 11, that can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 10 cm, from about 1 mm to about 1 cm, or from about 10 mm to 1 cm. The wall (53) of refilling unit (50) thickness may vary along the longitudinal axis of the container (10) by controlling the parison thickness profile in an extrusion blow molding process. The refilling unit (50) may also be formed utilizing an injection molding process or a thermoforming process.

For example, the refilling unit (50) can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The refilling unit (50) can also be a separate piece of material, such that refilling unit (50) can be replaced to refill the unit-doses of dentifrice (40).

As in FIG. 11, the refilling unit (50) can be located below the dispensing chamber (20) when the container (10) resides on its base (13). The refilling unit is defined by a wall (53) having an interior surface (52) and an exterior surface (51), said wall serves to provide a side and a bottom portion of the refilling unit (50). The interior surface (52) of the storage chamber (15) may have one or more coatings to enhance the exit of the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) from the refilling unit (50). The wall (53) of the refilling unit (50) may be formed from one or more layers. The wall (53) of the refilling unit (50) may be produced by any conventional method, such as blow molding or injection molding. The refilling unit (50) can store the unit-doses of dentifrice (50) until the container (10) is operated or manipulated.

The refilling unit (50) can be opaque, transparent, and/or translucent. The refilling unit (50) can comprise a window to allow the consumer to visually inspect the contents of the refilling unit (50) and determine when a new container or refill to the container needs to be purchased. The window of the refilling unit (50) can be translucent or transparent in an otherwise opaque refilling unit (50).

In FIG. 11, the refilling unit (50) can reside inside the storage chamber (15). The storage chamber (15) and the refilling unit (50) can be translucent or transparent to allow for a consumer to see through the wall (17) of the storage chamber (15) and the wall (53) of the refilling unit (50) to see how many unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are remaining.

The refilling unit (50) can be separated from the remaining portions of the container (10), such as the storage chamber (15) divider (22), dispensing chamber (20), and lid (30) by any conventional means, such as by screwing, snapping, or any other method for removably connecting two parts of a container.

A refilling unit (50) or a second storage chamber (15) with unit-doses of dentifrice (40) can be re-associated with the container using any conventional means, such as by screwing, snapping, or any other method for re-joining two parts of a container.

Dispensing Chamber

As shown in FIG. 3-10, the dispensing chamber (20) can hold the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) after the container (10) has been manipulated. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispensing chamber (20) can be the void created by the interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (20), the divider (22), and the interior surface (34) of the lid (30). The dispensing chamber (20) can be circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, triangular, polygonal, or any other cross-sectional shape shape that can hold solid or semisolid compositions along the longitudinal axis (LA), as shown in FIG. 1. The dispensing chamber (20) cross-sectional shape can vary or be essentially consistent along the longitudinal axis (LA), as shown in FIG. 1.

The dispensing chamber (20) can be smaller in total volume than the storage chamber (15). The dispensing chamber (20) can be less than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 250%, or 500% smaller in volume than the storage chamber (15). The dispensing chamber (20) can be from 10% to 1000%, from 20% to 500%, or from 30% to 250% smaller in volume than the storage chamber (15).

As in FIG. 4, the dispensing chamber (20) can be located above the storage chamber (15) and separated by the divider (22) when the container (10) resides on its base (13). As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing chamber (20) can be defined by a wall (28) having an interior surface (27) and an exterior surface (21), said wall (28) serves to provide a side portion of the dispensing chamber (20). The top portion of the dispensing chamber (20) can be defined by the interior surface (34) of the lid (30). The bottom portion of the dispensing chamber (20) can be defined by the divider (22).

The dispensing chamber (20) can be made out of any material suitable for use as a dentifrice container. The dispensing chamber (20) can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. For example, the dispensing chamber (20) can be made out plastic, metal, and/or glass. The interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (20) or the upper portion (26) of the divider (22) may have one or more coatings to enhance the exit of the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) from the dispensing chamber (20). The exterior surface (21) of the dispensing chamber (20) may have an irregular surface to increase grip of the container (10). The wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20) may be formed from one or more layers. The wall (28) of the storage chamber (20) may be produced by any conventional method, such as blow molding or injection molding.

The interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (20) may be sloped towards an opening (25) in the divider (22) to facilitate the return of the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) back through the opening (25) after use by a consumer. The slope of the interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (20) can be defined in angular degrees from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees, from about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees, from about 110 degrees to about 160 degrees, from about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees, or from about 130 degrees to about 140 degrees based on the angle formed between the interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (20) and the upper surface (26) of the divider (22), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The dispensing chamber (20) can be a unitary piece of molded plastic along with the divider (22) and the storage chamber (15) or the dispensing chamber can be a piece of molded plastic separate from the divider and/or storage chamber. For example, the dispensing chamber (20) can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

The dispensing chamber (20) can rotate in relation to the storage chamber (15), such as around a central axis. The rotation can allow for the dispensing chamber (20) to have multiple holes, only one of which is open at a time to allow for the selection of a dentifrice based on size, shape, or number.

The container can comprise a window in the dispensing chamber (20). The window can be used by the consumer to see if any and how many of the contents have been deposited into the dispensing chamber (20) prior to opening the lid (30). The dispensing chamber (20) can be opaque, transparent, and/or translucent in total.

Divider

As shown in FIG. 2, a divider (22) can be positioned between the storage chamber (15) and the dispensing chamber (20). The divider (22) can be circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape. The divider (22) can be sized to match the shape and size of the overall container. The divider may be an integral part of the storage chamber (15) and/or the dispensing chamber (20) or may be a separate component.

As in FIG. 2, the divider (22) can comprise an opening (25) to allow the contents to move from the storage chamber (15) to the dispensing chamber (20) or vice versa. The edges of the opening (25) can be beveled, rounded, square, or concave. The edges of the opening (25) can be coated with a material to ease passage through the opening. The number and location of the opening (25) in the divider (22) can be optimized to allow for the correct number or size of unit-dose of dentifrice (40) to pass through the divider (22).

The opening (25) can be a single opening or can be multiple openings. The opening (25) can be placed in the center of the divider and/or any place on the divider.

The opening (25) can be circular, rectangular, cylindrical, oval, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape. The opening (25) can be sized to be slightly larger than the unit-dose of dentifrice (19). The opening (25) can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 250%, or 500% larger in cross-sectional area than the single unit-dose of dentifrice (40). The surface area of the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) can be the surface area of the largest surface present on the unit-dose of dentifrice, or the face of the unit-dose of dentifrice (40).

As in FIG. 2, the divider (22) can comprise an upper surface (26) of the divider (22) and a lower surface (23) of the divider (22) to form the divider (22). The divider (22) may be made from any material suitable for use as a dentifrice container. For example, the divider (22) can be made out plastic, metal, and/or glass. The divider (22) can be made out of a single piece of molded plastic along with the dispensing chamber (20) and the storage chamber (15). For example, the divider (22) can be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

The opening (25) can be sloped towards the storage chamber (15) to facilitate the return of the contents to the storage chamber (15) from the dispensing chamber (20). In FIG. 10, the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) has a slope to prevent water or other impurities from falling into the storage chamber.

A plateau (29) can be formed surrounding the opening. The opening (25) can be sloped towards the dispensing chamber (15) to facilitate the transport of the contents to the dispensing chamber (20) from the storage chamber (15) when the container is manipulated. In FIG. 10, the interior surface (27) of the dispensing chamber (22) and the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) are sloped to encourage the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) to remain in the dispensing chamber (20) until the container (10) is manipulated and to prevent any water from being introduced into the storage chamber (15).

As in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, The lower surface (23) of the divider (22) can also be sloped towards the dispensing chamber (20) to facilitate the escape of unit-doses of dentifrice (40) from the storage chamber (15) to the dispensing chamber (20) when the container (10) is manipulated.

The slope of the divider (22) can originate at any point from the edge of the opening (25). The slope can originate at a point from 1 mm to 5 mm, 5 mm to 10 cm, 10 mm to 5 cm, 100 mm to 1 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, or less than 1 cm from the edge of the opening (25). The slope can terminate at the edge of the opening (25). The slope can also terminate prior to the edge of the opening (25) leaving a non-sloped plateau (29) region that surrounds the opening (25), as in FIG. 10.

The divider (22) may have no raised portions surrounding the perimeter of the opening (25). The divider can also have a raised portion surrounding the perimeter of the opening (25).

The divider (22) may be opaque, transparent, and/or translucent. The coefficient of friction of the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) and/or the lower surface (23) of the divider (22) can be manipulated to ease passage or retard passage of a unit-dose of dentifrice (40) through the divider (22).

Lid

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid (30) can be any lid (30) for closing the container. The lid (30) can be any cover that can serve to close the container (10) and form a closed or at least a partially closed dispensing chamber (20). The lid (30) can prevent moisture from entering the container upon closure. The lid (30) may include an attached portion that fits over and/or within the opening (25) when the lid is in the closed position to further protect the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) residing in the storage chamber (15).

The lid (30) can be partially or completely detached from the container. For example. the lid (30) can be closed by placing the lid (30) on top of or inside of the container (10), screwing into the container (10) using threads, snapping over raised threads, snapping inside the top of the container (10), sliding the lid (30) on top of the container (10), and/or any other suitable method to close a detached lid (30).

As in FIG. 4, the lid (30) can be removably associated with the container (10) by any conventional means, such as by way of a hinge (43), assembly, piece of molded plastic, rail system, and/or any other suitable method to close an attached lid (30). The attached lid (30) can be closed by any conventional means, such as by placing the lid (30) on top or inside the top of the container (10), screwing into the container (10) using threads, snapping over raised threads, snapping into the container (10), sliding the lid (30) on top of the container (10), rotating the lid (30) onto the top of the container (10), and/or any other suitable method to close an attached lid (30).

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid (30) can be further affixed with an opening member (32) to facilitate the opening of the lid (30) with a single hand while holding the container (10) with the same hand. The opening member (32) can be integral with the lid (30) or may be a separate component associated with the lid (30) by any conventional means, such as overmolding, adhesive, melt, etc. The opening member (32) can be a lever (as in FIG. 1), bar, a ridge (36, as in FIG. 6), depression, or any other raised, depressed, or protruded portion to provide the user with additional gripping locations to rotate, slide, screw, pry, pull, push, snap, and/or any other suitable method to open and close a lid (30) on a container (10). The lid (30) can automatically resume its previous resting state in which it closes or partially closes the dispensing chamber (20) once the consumer stops applying pressure to open the container. An automatically closing lid (30) can use a means known in the art, such as a spring, hinge, and/or folded plastic to automatically close the lid (30) of the container (10).

The lid (30) can be opened by using the opening member (32) to rotate, slide, screw pry, pull, push, or snap the lid (30) off the container (10). The lid (30) can be opened by applying pressure to the opening member (32). The lid (30) can also automatically open upon release of the lid (30). The lid (30) can be opened by pressing a button (37, as in FIG. 8), switch (38, as in FIG. 9), toggle, lever, or any other member that releases the lid (30) from remaining in the closed state where the lid (30) closes or partially closes the dispensing chamber (20).

As in FIG. 1, the opening member (32) can be positioned such that it does not extend or only partially extends (as compared to being fully extended) past the exterior surface (39) of the lid (30); for example, it may be folded back on the upper surface (31) of the lid (30) when not in use. The opening member (13) can be folded back on the upper surface (31) of the lid (30) when not in use with a hinge (33), spring, and/or folded plastic. The opening member (32) may also slid back on the upper surface (31) of the lid (30).

The lid (30) can be a tamper resistant, child resistant, and/or tamper evident lid.

As in FIG. 3, the container (10) can comprise a window (35) in the lid (30). The window (35) can be used by the consumer to see if any and how many of the contents have been deposited into the dispensing chamber (20) prior to opening the lid (30). The window (35) on the lid (30) can be translucent or transparent. There can be one or more windows (35) on the lid (30). The window (35) can be the same or different thickness as the thickness of the lid (30). The window (35) can be circular, square, triangular, or any other shape that is effective at allowing the consumer to look through the lid (30) to see how many unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are residing in the dispensing chamber (20) after manipulation of the container (10).

The lid (30) can be entirely translucent or transparent to allow for visual inspection of the contents deposited into the dispensing chamber (20).

Unit-Dose Oral Care Composition

As shown in FIG. 1-4, the container (10), disclosed herein, can dispense unit-dose oral care compositions, such as, for example, unit-doses of dentifrice (40). However, the container (10) can also dispense any solid or semi-solid compound. Preferably, the compounds can be moisture sensitive.

Alternatively, the contents of the container (10) can be a dentifrice, gum, mint, candy, pill, vitamin, lozenge, pod, pocket, solid/soluble foam, film, nonwoven web, detergent, shampoo, conditioner, cleaning product, pouch, tablet, or any other solid capable of being moved within this container. The contents of the container can be a dentifrice in the form of a nonwoven web. The contents of the container can be a unit-dose of dentifrice.

The amount, in mass and/or volume, of the unit-dose oral care composition is determined based on the desired type of unit-dose oral care composition. For example, a unit-dose dentifrice can be sized to deliver the correct amount of fluoride in a single use according to local laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monograph, which allows formulations of 850 to 1150 ppm and/or 1500 ppm of fluoride ions. Additionally, a unit-dose dentifrice can be sized to deliver the correct amount or ratio of other ingredients, such as, for example, antimicrobial agents, abrasives, surfactants, flavors, metal ions, etc. Similarly, a unit-dose mouth rinse can be sized to deliver the correct amount of mouth rinse ingredients, such as, for example, fluoride ions, antimicrobial agents, abrasives, surfactants, flavors, metal ions, etc.

The unit-dose oral care composition can be in the form of a pouch, a droplet, a solid open cell foam, a solid closed cell foam, a fibrous composition, a paste composition, a gel composition, a tablet composition, a strip composition, a tape composition, and/or an assembly of one or more of the forms described in this paragraph.

The unit-dose of dentifrice can comprise at least one nonwoven web layer. The nonwoven web layer can dissolve upon contact, which can release oral care active agents, such as, for example, anti-caries agents, anti-plaque-agents, anti-calculus agents, anti-halitosis agents, and desensitizers. Additionally, the dissolution of at least one nonwoven web layer can release aesthetic agents, such as, for example, flavors, whitening agents, and sweeteners. Other agents can be released upon the dissolution of the nonwoven web layer, such as humectants, surfactants, binders, abrasives, and other ingredients.

For a nonwoven web-based unit-dose of dentifrice to be effective, the nonwoven web layer should not contact water until it reaches the oral cavity. If a consumer reaches into a container, the water and oils present on the consumer's hand can contaminate the remaining, unselected unit-doses of dentifrice by at least partially dissolving the nonwoven web layer on any unit-dose of dentifrice that he or she incidentally touches while reaching for a dose.

The disclosed container (10) alleviates this concern by only dispensing a single or a few unit-doses of dentifrice (40) upon manipulating the container (10). The consumer can then select a single unit-dose of dentifrice (40) without touching any of the other doses. The remaining, unselected doses can be quickly returned to the storage chamber (15) without having to be handled. Additionally, the disclosed container (10) prevents water introduction to the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) by having a lid (30) and an opening (25), which can be smaller than the latitudinal cross-sectional area of the storage chamber (15). Finally, the container (10) can have a slope along the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) to prevent any water accidently introduced to the dispensing chamber (20) from reaching the remaining unit-doses of dentifrice (40) residing in the storage chamber (15).

The disclosed container (10) can further comprise a desiccant to further remove humidity from the container during storage or upon use.

Method

Also disclosed herein is a method to dispense a unit-dose of dentifrice from the container (10) disclosed herein. Additionally, disclosed herein is a method to dispense moisture sensitive contents from the container (10).

As in FIG. 2, a container (10) can be provided with a storage chamber (15), a dispensing chamber (20), a divider (22), and a lid (30) in the closed position as described herein. The storage chamber (15) can hold the unit-doses of dentifrice (40), when the container resides on its base (13).

As in FIG. 2, the container (10) can be manipulated by having a user manipulate or move the container (10) in such a way to allow the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) to move through the divider (22) comprising an opening (25) and into the dispensing chamber (20). The container can be manipulated by inverting, shaking, upending, swirling, stirring, throwing, rotation, or any other motion allowing the contents to move into the dispensing chamber (20). Upon cessation of the user's manipulation, the container (10) can be returned to its original position with the base (13) of the container (10) directed towards the ground or floor.

The user can then visually inspect the container (10) to see if any of the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) were deposited into the dispensing chamber (20). The dispensing chamber (20) can be visually inspected through a window in the dispensing chamber (20), a window in the lid (35, as in FIG. 3), a transparent and/or translucent dispensing chamber (20), a transparent/translucent lid (30, as in FIG. 7), and/or opening the lid (30) to the container, as in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

If zero unit-doses of dentifrice (40) were deposited into the dispensing chamber (20), the manipulation of the container (10) can be continued until at least one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is deposited into the dispensing chamber (20).

If one unit-dose of dentifrice (40) was deposited into the container (10), the user can open the lid (30) and select the piece.

If more than one unit-doses of dentifrice (40) were deposited into the dispensing chamber (20), the user can either open the lid (30) and select a single piece or try to orient, angle, and/or rotate the container to allow the excess pieces to fall back through the opening (25) in the divider (22) to the storage chamber (15) prior to opening the lid (30).

As in FIG. 11, the container (10) can comprise a refilling unit (50) that can be used to store the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) prior to the operation and/or manipulation of the container (10) as described herein.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a container (10) of the present invention when resting on a base (13) of the container (10). The container (10) comprises a storage chamber (15), a dispensing chamber (20), a lid (30), and an opening member (32) with a hinge (33) to facilitate the opening member folding back on the upper surface (31) of the lid (30). Unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are visible in the storage chamber (15). The storage chamber (15) comprises a wall (17) with an interior surface (11) and exterior surface (12).

FIG. 2 is a side view of a container (10) being manipulated. The base (13) of the container (10) is inverted and/or shaken so that the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) falls from the storage chamber (15) through the opening (25) and into the dispensing chamber (20), but kept from falling out of the container by the interior surface (34) of the lid (30), which is in the closed position and affixed with an opening member (32) comprising a hinge (33). The lower surface (23) of the divider (22) is sloped towards the dispensing chamber (20) to facilitate the movement of the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) into the dispensing chamber (20).

FIG. 3 is a top view of the container (10) after a unit-dose of dentifrice (40) has been transferred from the storage chamber (15) to the dispensing chamber (20). The consumer can look through the transparent window (35) on the lid (30). A unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is visible resting on the divider (22), next to the opening (25).

FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of a user selecting a unit-dose of a dentifrice (40) from a dispensing chamber (20) while the container is on its base (13) with a hand (41). The unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are resting on the divider (22). The interior surface (27) of the wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20) is sloped. The upper surface (26) of the divider (22) is not sloped, which leaves a plateau (29), as in FIG. 10, for the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) to rest on prior to return to the storage chamber (15) through the opening (25) in the divider (22).

FIG. 5 is a side, perspective view of a user selecting unit-dose of a dentifrice (40) from a dispensing chamber (20) while the container is on its base (13) with a device, such as a toothbrush (42). The unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are resting on the divider (22). The interior surface (27) of the wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20) is sloped. The upper surface (26) of the divider (22) is not sloped, which leaves a plateau (29) for the unit-doses of dentifrice (40) to rest on prior to return to the storage chamber (15) through the opening (25) in the divider (22), as in FIG. 10.

FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of a container (10) with a ridge (36) associated with a lid (30), which facilitates the opening of the lid (30). A unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is visible through the window (35) while resting on the upper surface (26) of the divider (22).

FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of a container (10) with a fully transparent lid (30). The unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is visible through the transparent lid (30), resting on the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) next to the interior surface (27) of the wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20).

FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of a container (10) with a fully transparent lid (30) that can be opened by pressing a button (37). The user can apply pressure to the upper surface (31) of the lid (30) to place it back in the closed position. The unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is visible through the transparent lid (30), resting on the upper surface (26) of the divider (22) next to the interior surface (27) of the wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20).

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of a container (10) with a window (35) on a lid (30) that can be opening with a switch (38). The user can apply pressure to the lid (12) to place it back in the closed position. The user can apply pressure to the upper surface (31) of the lid (30) to place it back in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of a container (10) in the open position. The unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are resting on the upper surface (26) of the divider (22). The upper surface (26) of the divider (22) is sloped away from the storage chamber (15) to prevent water from entering the storage chamber (15). The interior surface (27) of the wall (28) of the dispensing chamber (20) is sloped. The unit-doses of dentifrice (40) are visible through a window (16) of the storage chamber (15)

FIG. 11 is a side, perspective view of a container (10) comprising a refilling unit (50). A unit-dose of dentifrice (40) is resting on the inner surface (52) of the refilling unit (50). The wall (53) of the refilling unit (50) and the wall (17) of the storage chamber (15) are transparent, such that a consumer can view the unit-dose of dentifrice (40) residing in the refilling unit (50). The lid (30) has a transparent window (35) such that a consumer can look to see if a unit-dose of dentifrice (40) has been deposited into the dispensing chamber (20) upon manipulation of the container (10).

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A dentifrice container comprising:

(a) a storage chamber;

(b) a dispensing chamber;

(c) a divider separating the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber comprising an opening; and

(d) a lid.

2. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the divider comprises an upper surface of the divider.

3. The dentifrice container of claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the divider is sloped away from the storage chamber.

4. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the divider comprises a lower surface of the divider.

5. The dentifrice container of claim 4, wherein the lower surface of the divider is sloped towards the dispensing chamber.

6. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises an opening member.

7. The dentifrice container of claim 6, wherein the opening member is a lever, a ridge, depression, raised portion in the lid, button, or switch.

8. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the divider does not have any raised portions surrounding the perimeter of the opening.

9. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the dentifrice container comprises a window.

10. The dentifrice container of claim 1, wherein the lid is transparent.

11. A method of dispensing a dentifrice comprising:

(a) Providing a container comprising: (i) a storage chamber, (ii) a dispensing chamber, (iii) a divider separating the storage chamber and dispensing chamber comprising an opening, wherein the opening connects the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber, (iv) a lid;

(b) Providing at least one unit-dose of dentifrice in the storage chamber;

(c) Manipulating the container to allow at least one unit-dose of dentifrice to move from the storage chamber through the opening in the divider to the dispensing chamber;

(d) Opening the lid of the container;

(e) Selecting at least one unit-dose of dentifrice that has moved from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising orienting the container to allow the unit-doses of dentifrice to fall back through the opening in the divider to the storage chamber.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the unit-dose of dentifrice is moisture sensitive.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the unit-dose of dentifrice is a nonwoven web.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the lid is originally in the closed position.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the container comprises an opening member, wherein the opening member is a lever, a ridge, depression, raised portion in the lid, button, or switch.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein an upper surface of the divider is sloped away from the storage chamber.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the opening member folds back on an upper surface of the lid.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein opening the lid to the container comprises rotating the lid, sliding the lid, screwing the lid, or folding the lid.

20. A dentifrice container comprising:

(a) a storage chamber;

(b) a dispensing chamber;

(c) a divider separating the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber comprising an opening; and

(d) a lid comprising a lever.