Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
PACKAGE OF ORAL CARE IMPLEMENTS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging oral care
implements, and
specifically to a package of oral care implements having a moisture sensitive
pre-applied oral
care material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
100021 The advantages of good dental hygiene are well known. Often, however,
oral care
implements cannot be used due to a lack of a water source, such as when a user
is driving in a
vehicle or on-the-go. Oral care implements that can be used without a water
source have
recently been developed. For example, oral care implements have been developed
that provide
an oral care material within the oral care implement itself, such as through
an integrated channel,
for distribution through the oral care implement to the bristles. Disposable
waterless oral care
implements that utilize a pre-applied moisture sensitive capsule have also
been introduced into
the market.
[0003] Oral care implements, such as those described above, must be maintained
in a sealed
environment prior to use in order to prevent moisture from prematurely
degrading and/or
releasing the oral care material. As such, these oral care implements must be
carefully packaged.
Furthermore, users of disposable oral care implements need a place to dispose
the oral care
implements after use. Disposable oral care implements of the type discussed
above are currently
packaged in plastic clamshell packages that are individually foil-sealed for
protection. If a user
uses a disposable oral care implement in a vehicle or another "on-the-go"
location, the user must
resort to either leaving the used disposable oral care implement loose within
the vehicle or
holding onto it until a proper waste basket can be located.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for a package that can contain oral care
implements in a moisture-
free environment prior to use. Furthermore, there is a need for a package that
can contain a
plurality of oral care implements such that one of the oral care implements
can be removed from
the package for use while the remainder of the oral care implements remain in
a moisture
protected environment.
1
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
[00051 A need also exists for a package of oral care implements that is
designed to resemble a
cup that can be positioned within a vehicle cup holder. Furthermore, a need
exists for a package
of oral care implements that provide a disposal cavity after use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100061 The present invention is directed to a package of oral care implements.
In one
embodiment, the invention can be a package of oral care implements comprising:
a tubular body
having an annular wall forming a cavity, a plurality of inner walls in the
cavity that divide the
cavity into a plurality of subcavities, and a floor sealing a bottom end of
each of the subcavities;
at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a
film sealing a top end
of each of the subcavities, the film configured so that a portion of the film
can be manipulated to
provide access into one of the plurality of subcavities while the other
subcavities remain sealed.
[0007] In another embodiment, the invention can be a package of oral care
implements
comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, a
plurality of inner walls in
the cavity that divide the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, a floor
sealing a bottom end of
each of the subcavities, and a roof sealing a top end of each of the
subcavities; at least one oral
care implement disposed within each of the subcavities; a plurality of slots
in the annular wall,
wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of the subcavities through which
one of the oral
care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing the slots, the film
configured so that a portion of
the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of the plurality of
subcavities while the
other subcavities remain sealed.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a package of oral care
implements
comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall forming a cavity, at least
one inner wall in the
cavity that divides the cavity into a plurality of subcavities, and a floor
sealing a bottom end of
each of the subcavities; a plurality of oral care implements disposed within
each of the
subcavities; a re-sealable film sealing a top end of each of the subcavities,
the film configured so
that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access into one of
the plurality of
subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed, the film being re-
sealable to the tubular
body after separation therefrom.
[0009] In a still further embodiment, the invention can be a package of oral
care implements
comprising: a tubular body having an annular wall and a plurality of
subcavities within the
annular wall; at least one oral care implement disposed within each of the
subcavities; a plurality
2
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
of slots in the annular wall, wherein each slot forms a passageway into one of
the subcavities
through which one of the oral care implements can be retrieved; a film sealing
the slots, the film
configured so that a portion of the film can be manipulated to provide access
into one of the
plurality of subcavities while the other subcavities remain sealed.
[00101 Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the
detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the
detailed description
and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended
for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the
detailed description
and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] Figure 1 is a front view of an oral care implement particularly suited
for use in a package
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[00131 Figure 2 is a side view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1;
[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in
accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG.
3;
[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4;
[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in
accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[00181 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in
accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of
FIG. 7;
[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements
having a lid thereon;
[00211 Figure 10 is a perspective view of a package of oral care implements in
accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
[00221 Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
3
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
[0023] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely
exemplary in nature
and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
[0024] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of
the present
invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings,
which are to be
considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the
exemplary
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or
orientation is
merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way
to limit the scope
of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper,"
"horizontal," "vertical,"
"above," "below," "up," "down," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front" and
"rear" as well as
derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.)
should be construed to
refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under
discussion. These
relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that
the apparatus be
constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly
indicated as such. Terms
such as "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected,"
"secured" and similar
refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or
indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid
attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features
and benefits of the
invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated
herein.
Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary
embodiments,
even if indicated as being preferred. The discussion herein describes and
illustrates some
possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in
other combinations of
features. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of an oral care implement
100 that is
particularly suited for use with the present invention is exemplified. As will
become apparent
from the discussion below, it is preferred that the oral care implement 100 be
packaged in a
manner that protects the oral care implement 100 against moisture and/or
humidity. The oral
care implement 100 extends from a proximal end 101 to a distal end 102 and
includes a head 112
and a handle 114. The oral care implement 100 includes a tail portion 103
located at the
proximal end 101, and a head portion 104 located at the distal end 102. The
head 112 may either
be a refill head that is removably connected to the handle 114 or a structure
that is petinanently
connected to the handle 114. The majority of the handle 114 and a portion of
the head 112 may
4
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
be molded from a variety of rigid materials, including without limitation
plastics, resins and the
like. One suitable rigid material is polypropylene. However, other rigid
materials may be used
as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
[00261 In the illustrated embodiment, the tail portion 103 of the oral care
implement 100, which
is opposite the head portion 104 to which the head 112 is located, comprises
an oral care
accessory, which in the exemplified embodiment is a toothpick 116. The
toothpick 116 is
preferably formed of a resilient and soft thermoplastic elastomer. As with the
head 112, the
toothpick 116 may be a refill toothpick that is removably connected to the
handle 114 or may be
permanently connected to the handle 114. The toothpick 116 provides a
mechanism for spot
cleaning between teeth. Forming the toothpick 116 of a soft thermoplastic
elastomer provides a
more comfortable interproximal cleaning between the teeth. The toothpick 116
could, however,
be made of a stiff, rigid material similar to the main portion of the handle
114, or could simply
be a rubber or elastomeric pick adhered or otherwise mounted to the end of the
handle 114.
Alternatively, a different accessory, such as a strip of dental floss or a
tongue cleaning element,
may be attached to the tail portion 103 of the oral care implement 100.
Moreover, in certain
embodiments of the invention, the oral care implement 100 may not include an
accessory or may
include multiple accessories.
[0027] The head 112 comprises a cleaning element block 122. The cleaning
element block 122
comprises a plurality of bristles extending from the head 114. The bristles of
the cleaning
element block 122 may be of any desired shape. For example, the bristles could
be of cylindrical
shape having a uniform diameter throughout their length. Alternatively, the
bristles could taper
from the root where they extend from the head 122 to their outer cleaning
ends. It is understood
that the cleaning element block 122 may include other cleaning elements.
[0028] Furthermore, the dimensions of the various components of the oral care
implement 100
are preferably small. Thus, for example, each bristle of the cleaning element
block 122 may
extend outwardly from the outer surface of the head 112 a distance no greater
than 1 Omm and
preferably no greater than 8mm and most preferably no greater than 6mm. Where
tapered
cleaning elements are used, the root diameter should be no greater than
1.5nim, more preferably
between 0.5mm and lmm, and most preferably no greater than 0.3mm. The diameter
could then
decrease in size with distance from the head 112. Preferably, the length of
the entire oral care
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
implement 100 is no greater than 5 inches, more preferably no greater than 4
inches and most
preferably in the range of 2 to 4 inches.
[0029] A central portion of the head 114, which is surrounded by the cleaning
element block
122, comprises a depression or cavity for retaining a rupturable gel capsule
or bead 132. The gel
capsule 132 is filled with an oral care material, such as a fluidic solution,
for cleaning or
otherwise providing health benefits to a user's oral cavity. The oral care
material may be
toothpowder, toothpaste, tooth cleaning gel, mouthwash or a similar dentifrice
or oral hygiene
product, or a combination of the same. The gel capsule 132 is moisture-
sensitive and should be
protected against high humidity environments in order to prevent premature
rupture. In other
words, the gel capsule 132, or at least a portion thereof, is susceptible to
degradation when
subjected to a high humidity atmosphere as it has been discovered that
moisture in the air in a
high humidity environment can degrade the integrity of the gel capsule 132.
Therefore, it is
desirable to package the oral care implement 100 in a manner that protects the
gel capsule 132
from humidity and liquid moisture prior to use.
[00301 The gel capsule 132 holds and applies an oral care material onto the
tooth cleaning
elements 122 of the oral care implement head 112, and ultimately to a user's
teeth and oral care
surfaces. As mentioned above, the oral care material may be toothpaste, a gel,
a mouthwash, or a
similar dentifrice or oral hygiene product, or a combination of the same.
Preferably, the gel
capsule 132 is a liquid-filled gel capsule having a shell comprising
frangible, thin walls that
easily rupture or burst when rubbed against the teeth. In a preferred
embodiment, the gel capsule
132 degrades when subjected to moisture and, thus, dissolves when mixed with
the saliva of a
user. As the saliva of a user degrades and dissolves the walls of the gel
capsule 132, the oral care
solution held therein is excreted. While the degradation of the gel capsule
132 is a desired
characteristic for effectuating end use of the oral care implement 100 by the
consumer, the
moisture-driven degradation of the gel capsule 132 presents issues with
respect to properly
preserving the integrity of the gel capsule 132 during product manufacturing,
packaging,
shipping and display in retail stores.
[0031] The gel capsule 132, or at least a portion thereof, is susceptible to
degradation when
subjected not only to direct contact with liquid water but also to prolonged
exposure to
atmospheres having a high humidity level. It has been discovered that a high
humidity
environment can degrade the integrity of the gel capsule 132 and prematurely
expel the oral care
6
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
material or cause the oral care material to dry up. Of course, the exact
humidity levels and
exposure times that will result in the degradation of the gel capsule 132 will
be determined on a
case-by-case basis, considering such factors as the type of gel capsule 132
being used, the type of
oral care material, and the thermal cycling to which the oral care implement
100 is subjected. In
view of the foregoing, it is desirable that the gel capsule 132 (and
potentially the entire oral care
implement 100) be placed in a package that fauns a sealed cavity in which at
least the gel
capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 is disposed, thereby protecting the
gel capsule 132
from external moisture which can be in the fowl a high humidity atmosphere or
liquid water. In
certain embodiments, the sealed cavity may be hermetically sealed.
[0032] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the entire
structure of the oral care
implement 100, including the head 112, the handle 114, and the toothpick 116,
is molded as one
integral structure, using a conventional two-component injection molding
operation typically
used in the manufacture of oral care implements. This enables the oral care
implement 100 to be
economically and quickly manufactured. Although the oral care implement 100
may be
constructed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and relative dimensions, it is
preferred that the oral
care implement 100 have a small profile so that it is easily portable and can
be discreetly used.
In one embodiment, it is preferred that the head 112 be small enough to cover
a single tooth at a
time and that the handle 114 be substantially thinner than conventional,
everyday oral care
implement handles.
[0033] Since the oral care implement 100 is intended to be both small and
lightweight, it is
preferred that the oral care implement 100 weigh no more than 3 grams in
certain embodiments.
The small size allows the oral care implement 100 to be held completely within
the palm of an
adult user's hand. The head 112 is preferably sized to correspond to the size
of an individual
tooth or an individual tooth and the interproximal areas. While the head 112
could be made in
any suitable shape, it is preferably of circular or oval shape and has a
maximum lateral
dimension or diameter of no greater than 13mm, preferably no greater than 12mm
and most
preferably no greater than 1 1 mm. Of course, the oral care implement 100 is
not limited to any
specific dimensions or shapes.
[0034] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the
above-described oral
care implement 100. While the inventive package will be described in
combination with a
plurality of the oral care implements 100, it is to be understood that other
oral care implements
7
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
can be packaged as discussed below. In certain embodiments of the invention,
the package is in
no way limited to the structure of the oral care implement 100 unless
specifically stated in the
claims. In the exemplary embodiment, the oral care implement 100 disposed
within the package
is one which is disposable, has a pre-applied oral care material, and must be
protected against
moisture. However, in certain other embodiments, a conventional toothbrush or
any other type
of oral care implement may be disposed within the package, irrespective of
whether it must be
protected against moisture and/or contains a pre-applied oral care material.
As used herein, pre-
applied means that the oral care material is associated with the oral care
implement as-packaged
for sale.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, a package 300 containing a
plurality of the oral care
implements 100 is illustrated. The package 300 is designed to keep moisture
out of the
subcavities containing the oral care implements 100 so that the pre-applied
oral care material,
which is in the form of the gel capsule 132, is protected from degradation due
to humidity and/or
moisture. Of course, in embodiments where the oral care implements contained
within the
package 300 do not need to be protected against moisture degradation, the
package 300 need not
be hermetically sealed.
[0036] The package 300 generally comprises a tubular body 301 having an
annular wall 302 that
forms a cavity 305. In the exemplary embodiment, the annular wall 302 has a
circular transverse
cross-sectional profile. The circular transverse cross-sectional profile shape
is beneficial when
the package 300 is designed for positioning in a cup holder of a vehicle. In
such an embodiment,
the package 300 preferably has a diameter Di that is between 60-80mm. In
certain other
embodiments, the package 300 may take on a tapered shape (not shown) such that
the diameter
D1 of the package 300 is larger at a top end 303 of the package 300 than at a
bottom end 304 of
the package 300 or vice versa. Of course, the invention is not so limited and
in certain other
embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional profile of the annular wall 302
may be almost any
shape, including without limitation rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, triangular
or otherwise
polygonal.
[0037] The package 300 comprises a plurality of inner walls 310 positioned
within the cavity
305. The inner walls 310 divide the cavity 305 into a plurality of subcavities
306. Each of the
subcavities 306 comprises a top end 308 and a bottom end 309. In the exemplary
embodiment,
the inner walls 310 form a rectilinear gridwork of walls. Of course, the
invention is not so
8
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
limited and the inner walls 310 may take on any other form so long as the
inner walls 310 divide
the cavity 305 into a plurality of subcavities 306.
[0038] Referring solely to FIG. 4, the rectilinear gridwork is illustrated in
greater detail. The
rectilinear gridwork is a preferable embodiment of the inner walls 310 because
it maximizes the
amount of cavity space that is being used when the annular wall 302 has a
circular transverse
cross-sectional profile. In the exemplary embodiment in which a circular
transverse cross-
sectional profile of the annular wall 302 is utilized, some of the subcavities
306 are empty
because they are not large enough to contain one of the oral care implements
100 therein.
However, as discussed above, the circular transverse cross-sectional profile
is preferable when
the package 300 is being stored in a vehicle cup holder. In embodiments where
the transverse
cross-sectional profile of the annular wall 302 is rectangular, the inner
walls 310 may be in the
form of a Cartesian gridwork in order to maximize the used cavity space. Each
of the subcavities
306 may be the same size or different sizes. For example, in embodiments where
different types
of oral care implements are stored in the package 300, each of the subcavities
306 may be
different sizes to store the different types of oral care implements. Stated
simply, the number
and size of the subcavities 306 are in no way limiting of the present
invention in all
embodiments.
[0039] Referring again to FIGS. 3-5 concurrently, the bottom end 304 of the
package 300 is
enclosed by a floor 307. The floor 307 is coupled to the annular wall 302 and
each of the inner
walls 310 so as to seal the bottom end 309 of each of the plurality of
subcavities 306. As will be
described in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the floor 307 is a
separate component
from the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 and is attached to the
annular wall 302 and the
inner walls 310 at a later stage in the manufacturing process. Of course, the
invention is not so
limited and in certain other embodiments the floor 307 may be fonned
integrally with the other
components of the package 300.
[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, exactly one oral care implement 100 is
disposed within
each of the subcavities 306. Thus, in such an embodiment the transverse cross-
sectional
dimensions of each of the subcavities are approximately between 6-20mm, and
more preferably
between 10-15mm. Of course, the size of the subcavities 306 may be larger or
smaller than the
ranges discussed herein in order to accommodate larger or smaller oral care
implements, or to
accommodate more than a single one of the oral care implements 100 therein.
9
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
[0041] The oral care implements 100 are arranged in the subcavities 306 so
that the tail portions
103 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the top ends 308 of the
subcavities 306 and the
head portions 104 of the oral care implements 100 are adjacent the bottom ends
309 of the
subcavities 306. Positioning the oral care implements 100 in the subcavities
306 in this manner
provides for easier gripping of the oral care implements 100 by the user for
removal from the
subcavities 306 as will be described in more detail below. Of course, the
invention is not to be
limited by the particular arrangement of the oral care implements 100 within
the subcavities 306,
unless specifically recited in the claims
[0042] The package 300 comprises a film 320 that seals the top ends 308 of
each of the plurality
of subcavities 306. More specifically, the film 320 is attached to a top edge
312 of the annular
wall 302 and a top edge 311 of the inner walls 310. Thus, a combination of the
annular wall 302,
the inner walls 310, the floor 307 and the film 320 creates an environment
within each of the
plurality of subcavities 306 such that each subcavity 306 is sealed with
respect to the other
subcavities 306 and to an environment external to the package 300, such as the
ambient
atmosphere. Creating an environment within each of the plurality of
subcavities 306 that is
sealed from each of the other subcavities 306 assists with maintaining a
moisture-free
environment within each of the subcavities 306 prior to use of the particular
oral care implement
100 within that subcavity 306. In some embodiments, subcavity 306 is
hermetically sealed.
[0043] The film 320 is preferably a thin sheet of material that encloses the
entire top end 303 of
the package 300, thereby also enclosing the top ends 308 of each of the
subcavities 306. The
film 320 can be, for example without limitation, a laminate, a foil, a wax
paper or a plastic sheet.
The film 320 is preferably flexible, but may be rigid in certain embodiments.
Furthermore, any
other materials that can seal the top ends 308 of each of the subcavities 306
as would be known
to persons skilled in the art may also be used for the film 320. The film 320
can be attached to
the top edges (or surfaces) of the tubular body 301 by any number of means,
including adhesion,
thermal bonding, static, friction, or combinations thereof.
[0044] In one embodiment, the film 320 is a substantially transparent
material. By creating the
film 320 out of a transparent material, a user can easily see through the film
320 into each of the
subcavities 306 to determine whether an oral care implement 100 is disposed
therein. By
allowing a user to see though the film 320 may also allow the user to choose
the oral care
implement 100 he or she wishes to retrieve in embodiments where different
types of oral care
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
implements are stored in the package 300. However, the invention is not so
limited and the film
320 may be translucent or opaque. Furthermore, the film 320 may be colored in
any desired
fashion including a solid color or a patterned coloring arrangement. In some
embodiments, a
patterned coloring arrangement consisting of different color film segments 321
may denote to the
user the different type of oral care implements that are stored in the package
300.
[0045] The film 320 is divided into a plurality of film segments 321 that are
separable from each
other. The film segments 321 are not limited to an embodiment comprising a
single film that is
subsequently divided into segments but also includes embodiments where
completely separate
and distinct segments of film 320 are separately applied. In one embodiment,
the film segments
321 may be a single film covering the entire top end 303 of the package 300
that is subsequently
separated into the film segments 321 by pre-weakening portions 322 on the film
320. Regardless
of how the film segments 321 are created, the film segments 321 collectively
font' the film 320.
Furthermore, it should be understood that the top end 308 of each one of the
subcavities 306 is
sealed by a corresponding one of the film segments 321.
[0046] The film 320 is coupled to the package 300 in a manner so that access
can be obtained
into a single one of the subcavities 306 while the other subcavities 306
remain sealed from each
other and the external environment. In order to gain access into a single one
of the subcavities
306, the film segment 321 that is sealing that particular subcavity 306 must
be removed,
penetrated or otherwise opened so that the subcavity 306 is no longer covered
or sealed by the
film segment 321. In some embodiment, the film segment 321 hermetically seals
the subcavity
306. In the exemplary embodiment, the pre-weakened portions 322 that separate
the film 320
into the film segments 321 are portions of the film 320 between adjacent film
segments 321.
Specifically, the pre-weakened portions 322 of the film 320 are the portions
of the film 320 that
overlie and are attached to the top edges 311 of the inner walls 310 between
adjacent film
segments 321. In the exemplary embodiment, the film 320 also has a pre-
weakened portion 322
overlying the top edge 312 of the annular wall 310. However, in certain other
embodiments, the
portion of the film 320 that overlies the top edge 312 of the annular wall 310
is not pre-
weakened. The pre-weakened portions 322 can be perforated seams, heat-weakened
seams or
cut seams located between adjacent film segments 321.
[0047] As discussed above, in order to gain access into one of the subcavities
306 for removal of
the oral care implement 100 disposed therein, the film segment 321 that is
sealing that particular
11
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
subcavity 306 must be manipulated. Manipulating the film segment 321 includes
removing or
penetrating the film segment 321 or otherwise creating an opening in the film
320 in the area of
the film segment 321 that is covering a particular subcavity 306 so that the
subcavity 306 is no
longer covered by the film segment 321. Due to the pre-weakened portions 322,
the film
segments 321 are easily penetrated or removed. Specifically, when a force F is
applied to a
selected film segment 323 of the plurality of film segments 321 that is
enclosing a selected
subcavity 316 of the plurality of subcavities 306, the film 320 breaks along
the pre-weakened
portions 322 surrounding the selected film segment 323. As such, the selected
film segment 323
becomes separated from the remainder of the film 320 and a passageway is
formed from the
external environment into the selected subcavity 316 that was sealed by the
selected film
segment 323. It should be understood that the force F is preferably the force
of a user's finger
pressing down on the selected film segment 323. However, the invention is not
so limited and
the force F can be obtained by an object being pressed against the selected
film segment 323 or
in any other manner as would be understood by persons skilled in the art.
[0048] In certain other embodiments not illustrated, each of the film segments
321 may have a
corresponding tab that is able to be gripped by a user. In such an embodiment,
when the user
desires to gain access into the selected subcavity 316, the user grips the tab
and pulls the selected
film segment 323 away from the subcavity in order to provide a passageway into
the selected
subcavity 316. Regardless of how the selected film segment 323 is manipulated
to create a
passageway into the selected subcavity 316, once the selected subcavity 316 is
open, the oral
care implement 100 disposed in the selected subcavity 316 will be exposed. As
such, the user
will be able to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it from the
selected subcavity 316
for use. As discussed above, it is preferable that the tail portion 103 of the
oral care implement
100 be positioned adjacent the top ends 308 of the subcavities 306. This is
because the tail
portion 103 of the oral care implements 100 are smaller than the head portions
104, which will
make it easier for a user to grip the oral care implement 100 and remove it
from the subcavity
306.
[0049] After the user grips the oral care implement 100 and removes it from
its corresponding
subcavity 306, the user can use the oral care implement to cleanse his or her
oral cavity. The gel
capsule 132 will rupture upon use either by dissolving in the user's saliva or
being punctured by
the user's teeth, and the user's teeth and other oral surfaces will benefit
from the contents of the
12
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
gel capsule 132. In certain embodiments as discussed above, the oral care
implement 100 is
intended for one-time use and is therefore disposable. Thus, after use, the
user can discard the
oral care implement 100 by replacing the oral care implement 100 back into the
selected
subcavity 316 from which it came. As such, the package 300 can be used as a
container for
storing the oral care implements 100 prior to use and as a waste basket for
discarding of the oral
care implements 100 after use. If the package 300 is sized and configured to
fit within the cup
holder of a vehicle, this will prevent users from leaving the used oral care
implements 100 loose
within the vehicle.
[0050] In certain embodiments, as will be described in more detail below with
reference to
FIGS. 7 and 10, the film 320 is also re-sealable. A user may find it
unattractive to have the used
oral care implements 100 merely positioned uncovered in the subcavities 306.
Thus, by re-
sealing the film 320, the used oral care implements 100 can be blocked from
view.
[0051] In certain embodiments, the package 300 also comprises a lid (not
shown). One
embodiment of a lid will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIG.
9. However, the lid
may take on any known lid embodiments. Specifically, the lid may be a snap-
fit, press-fit,
interference fit or other type of lid that covers the top ends 308 of the
subcavities 306 above the
film 320. More specifically, the lid will be coupled to the tubular body 301
so that the film 320
is located between a bottom surface of the lid and the tubular body 301. The
lid will prevent the
film 320 from being prematurely punctured, opened or removed during
manufacturing,
packaging, shipping and display at a retail store for sale to an end user. The
lid is preferably
made of the same materials as the other components of the package 300 as will
be discussed
below. However, the lid may be formed of any materials so long as the lid
protects the film 320
from premature puncture. Any of the embodiments discussed herein, whether
illustrated with a
lid or not, may be manufactured, shipped, displayed and sold with a lid.
[0052] Referring solely to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the package 300 that
comprises a desiccant
380 will be described. In certain embodiments, the desiccant 380 is positioned
within the
package 300 in order to remove any moisture that may seep into the subcavities
306 of the
package 300. Thus, the package 300 further comprises a transverse plate 360
positioned within
each of the subcavities 306 that separates each of the subcavities 306 into an
upper chamber 362
and a lower chamber 363. Conceptually, the package 300 can be considered to
include a single
transverse plate 360 extending transversely across the entirety of the cavity
305 generally
13
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
parallel to the floor 307. The upper chamber 362 extends between the film 320
and a top surface
364 of the transverse plate 360. Similarly, the lower chamber 363 extends
between a bottom
surface 365 of the transverse plate 360 and the top surface 312 of the floor
307. In the
exemplified embodiment, the transverse plate 360 is integrally formed as a
unitary part with the
annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310. The manufacturing process involved
in creating the
package 300 with the desiccant 380 will be described in greater detail below.
[0053] In the exemplified embodiment, the transverse plate 360 comprises a
plurality of
openings 361, each of which provides a passageway between the upper and lower
chambers 362,
363 of the subcavities 306. In other words, for each subcavity 306, air within
the upper chamber
362 is able to flow downward into the lower chamber 363 through the openings
361 and vice
versa. As will be better understood from the discussion below, it is
preferable that there is at
least one opening 361 in a portion of the transverse plate 360 that is
disposed within each of the
plurality of subcavities 306. This will enable air to circulate between the
upper and lower
chambers 362, 363 in each of the subcavities 306. In the exemplified
embodiment, there are
three openings 361 in the transverse plate 360 in each of the subcavities 306.
However, the
invention is not so limited and there can be more or less openings 361 in the
transverse plate 360
as desired. Furthermore, it should be understood that in certain other
embodiments, the
transverse plate 360 can be omitted altogether.
[0054] In the exemplified embodiment, the desiccant 380 is disposed in the
lower chamber 363.
The desiccant 380 may be any material that is known to induce or sustain a
state of dryness in its
local vicinity in a moderately well-sealed container. The desiccant 380 may
be, for example
without limitation, silica gel, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride,
montmorillonite clay, molecular
sieves, rice, salt or the like. Other desiccants that are now known or later
discovered that can
sustain a state of dryness within a sealed container while not transmitting
any toxins to the oral
care implements 100 disposed within the subcavities 306 may be used.
[0055] The oral care implements 100 are disposed in the upper chamber 362.
Thus, the entire
package 300 only needs to be large enough in height to contain the oral care
implements 100,
which may be as small as 2 to 4 inches, and the desiccant 380, which may
simply be a layer of
salt disposed in the lower chamber 363.
[00561 Due to the openings 361 in the transverse plate 360, the desiccant 380
will absorb any
moisture within either of the upper and lower chambers 362, 363 because the
air within the
14
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
subcavities 306 will freely flow between the upper and lower chambers 362, 363
through the
openings 361 in the transverse plate 360. Thus, the desiccant 380 will remove
excess humidity
that would otherwise degrade or potentially destroy the oral care implements
100 within the
upper chamber 362.
[0057] It is preferred that the oral care implements 100 be placed in the
package 300 at a relative
humidity level that is less than 70% at room temperature, preferably less than
60% at room
temperature, more preferably less than 50% at room temperature, and most
preferably less than
40% at room temperature in order to avoid degradation of the gel capsules 132.
However, in
certain embodiments, even if an atmosphere having a higher humidity is
initially trapped within
the subcavities 306, the desiccant 380 in the lower chamber 363 will be able
to absorb the excess
moisture without degrading the gel capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100.
However, the
subcavities 306 are air-tight as discussed above in order to prevent further
exposure of the gel
capsule 132 of the oral care implement 100 to moisture, thereby keeping the
gel capsule 132
intact.
[0058] The annular wall 302, the inner walls 310, the transverse plate 360 and
the floor 307 can
be formed of any type of material as would be known to persons skilled in the
art. Specifically,
the material may be a metal or metal alloy, or a thermoplastic such as for
example
polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. Of course,
the invention is not
so limited and other materials as would be known to persons skilled in the art
can be used.
[0059] The package 300 can be formed in a multi-step process. Specifically, in
one
embodiment, the annular wall 302, the inner walls 310 and the transverse plate
160 are fowled in
a single step injection molding process. After the annular walls 302, the
inner walls 310 and the
transverse plate 360 are formed, the lower chamber 363 is filled with the
desiccant 380. Then,
after the desiccant 380 is properly positioned, the floor 307, which is in the
form of a plate, is
connected to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 so as to enclose the
bottom ends of the
annular walls 302 and the inner walls 310.
[0060] The floor 307 can be created in a second injection molding step and
then attached or
coupled to the annular wall 302 and the inner walls 310 at a later stage of
the manufacturing
process. The coupling of the floor 307 to the annular wall 302 and the inner
walls 310 can be
achieved by any suitable technique known in the art, including without
limitation thermal
welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners or the
like. It should be
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
understood that the various components of the package 300 may be formed by
methods other
than molding, such as, for example, milling, machine, or other suitable
process.
[0061] It should be understood that the desiccant 380 may be omitted
altogether in certain
embodiments. In such embodiments, the floor 307 may be formed integrally with
the annular
wall 302 and the inner walls 310. The embodiments discussed below are not
specifically
discussed or illustrated as having a desiccant. However, the structure of the
package
embodiments discussed below may be manufactured as discussed above so that the
desiccant 380
can be included in the package for moisture absorption. Furthermore, as
discussed above, the
package 300 is preferably sized so that it can fit within a vehicle cup
holder. Thus, a user will
have oral care implements 100 available for use when the user is driving in
the vehicle. Of
course, the invention is not so limited and the package 300 can take on other
shapes and sizes,
such as those disclosed above herein.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a package 600 of oral
care implements
is illustrated. The package 600 is identical to the package 300 except that
the configuration of
the inner walls and the film are different. The portions of the package 600
that are the same as
portions of the package 300 will be described with the same reference
numerals, except that the
600-series of numbers will be used. Any portions of the package 600 not
specifically described
herein have the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of
the package 300.
[0063] The package 600 comprises a tubular body 601 having an annular wall 602
that forms a
cavity 605 with a longitudinal axis A-A. The package 600 comprises a plurality
of radial walls
610 that divide the cavity 605 into a plurality of subcavities 606. The radial
walls 610 extend
radially from the longitudinal axis A-A to the annular wall 602 such that each
subcavity 606 is
sealed from the other subcavities 606. In the exemplary embodiment, the
package 600 has
twelve radial walls 610 that divide the cavity 605 into twelve equally sized
subcavities 606. Of
course, the invention is not so limited and more or less than twelve radial
walls 610 may be
provided to divide the cavity 605 into more or less than twelve subcavities
606. Furthermore, in
certain embodiments the radial walls 610 may divide the cavity 605 into a
plurality of
subcavities 606 of different sizes. As described above with respect to the
package 300, the
plurality of subcavities 606 may be of different sizes in order to store
different types of oral care
implements within a single package 600. The number and size of the subcavities
606 are in no
way limiting of the present invention.
16
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
[0064] Similar to the package 300, the package 600 has a film 620 enclosing a
top end 608 of
each of the subcavities 606. The film 620 is connected to a top edge 611 of
each of the radial
walls 610 and to a top edge 612 of the annular wall 602. Furthermore, in the
exemplary
embodiment a portion of the film 620 that overlies and is attached to the top
edges 611 of the
radial walls 610 and the top edge 612 of the annular wall 602 is a pre-
weakened portion 622 of
the film 620. Of course, in certain other embodiments, the pre-weakened
portion 622 of the film
620 may only be the portion of the film 620 that overlies the top edges 611 of
the radial walls
610. In certain other embodiments, the film 620 may not have any pre-weakened
portions 622,
but may instead be a plurality of separate film segments as discussed above
with reference to the
package 300. Thus, the package 600 is the same as the package 300 in all
respects except for the
configuration of the inner/radial walls 310, 610, and thus, the size, shape
and number of the
subcavities 306, 606. It is preferable that only one oral care implement 100
is disposed within
each of the subcavities 606. However, the subcavities 606 are generally larger
than the
subcavities 306 and it may be possible to dispose more than one oral care
implement 100 within
each of the subcavities 606.
[0065] The film 620 may be penetrated as discussed above by providing a force
onto the top
surface of one of the films 620 so that the film 620 breaks along the pre-
weakened portions 622
surrounding the film 620. Alternatively, each of the film segments of the film
620 may include a
tab for gripping by a user so that the film 620 can be separated from the top
edges 611 of the
radial walls 610 and the top edge 612 of the annular wall 602. Thus, the
process of removing an
oral care implement 100 from one of the subcavities 606 of the package 600 is
the same as the
process of removing an oral care implement 100 from one of the subcavities 306
of the package
600 discussed above with references to FIG. 3.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment of a package 700 of oral
care
implements is illustrated. The portions of the package 700 that are the same
as portions of the
package 300 will be described with the same reference numerals, except that
the 700-series of
numbers will be used. Any portions of the package 700 not specifically
described herein have
the same structure, configuration and use as the same portions of the package
300.
[0067] The package 700 comprises a tubular body 701 having an annular wall 702
that forms a
cavity 705. The package 700 further comprises an inner wall 710 that divides
the cavity 705 into
two subcavities 706. Although the package 700 is illustrated having only a
single inner wall 710,
17
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
the invention is not so limited. In other embodiments, the package 700 may
have two inner walls
that are perpendicular to each other, or more than two inner walls. The number
of inner walls
included with the package 700 is dependent upon the desired number of
subcavities 706. A
bottom end 704 of the package 700 is enclosed by a floor (not shown), which
seals each of the
subcavities 706 as discussed above with reference to the package 300.
[0068] The package 700 has a plurality of the oral care implements 100
disposed within each of
the subcavities 706. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, ten oral care
implements 100
are disposed within each of the subcavities 706. Of course, the invention is
not to be limited by
the number of oral care implements 100 disposed within each of the subcavities
706.
[0069] Each of the subcavities 706 has a top end 708 that is sealed by a re-
sealable film 720.
The re-sealable film 720 is attached to a top edge 711 of the inner wall 710
and a top edge 712 of
the annular wall 702. More specifically, the re-sealable film 720 comprises
two separate film
segments 721 that are attached to the top edge 711 of the inner wall 710 and
the top edge 712 of
the annular wall 702 with a gap or space 723 between each of the film segments
721 at the top
edge 711 of the inner wall 710. Thus, each one of the film segments 721
encloses and seals one
of the subcavities 706. Of course, the invention is not so limited and in
certain other
embodiments the film 720 may be a single film sheet that encloses both of the
subcavities 706
and the film 720 may be a pre-weakened area as discussed above.
[0070] The film 720 is attached to the package 700 so that a portion of the
film 720 can be
manipulated to provide access into a single one of the subcavities 706, while
the other
subcavities 706 remain sealed. More specifically, one of the film segments 721
can be separated
from the package 700 to expose/open one of the subcavities 706 while the other
one of the film
segments 721 remains attached to the package 700 so as to seal the other one
of the subcavities
706. Of course, in embodiments where there are more than two subcavities 706,
any one of the
subcavities 706 can be opened while the other of the subcavities 706 remain
sealed.
[0071] Each of the film segments 721 comprises a pull tab 724. The pull tabs
724 enable a user
to easily grip the film segments 721 to manipulate the film segments 721 and
open the
subcavities 706, thereby exposing the oral care implements 100 within the
subcavities 706 to the
external environment. The pull tabs 724 are sized and shaped to be easily
grasped by a user's
fingers and thumb. The pull tabs 724 also facilitate re-sealing of the film
segments 721 as will
be discussed below. Although the pull tabs 724 are illustrated as being
located on the portion of
18
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
the film segments 721 adjacent the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702, in
other embodiments
the pull tabs 724 can be located on the portion of the film segments 721
adjacent the top edge
711 of the inner wall 710.
[0072] The top edge 712 of the annular wall 702 and a portion of the top edge
711 of the inner
wall 710 are covered or layered with an adhesive. Specifically, the top edge
711 of the inner
wall 710 is covered with an adhesive while leaving the gap 723 between
adjacent film segments
721 free of the adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be
applied along a
perimeter of each of the film segments 721. The adhesive is not applied to the
pull tab 724 so
that the pull tab 724 is prevented from adhering to the top edge 712 of the
annular wall 702.
Thus, a user will be more easily able to grasp the pull tab 724 and pull the
film segments 721 of
the film 720 away from the package 700 to open the subcavities 706.
Furthermore, by giving a
consumer a specific portion of the film segments 721 to pull, the consumer is
not drawn to
touching the adhesive portion of the film segments 721. Touching the adhesive
portion of the
film segments 721 may cause the adhesive layer to lose its adhesiveness and
not provide a proper
reseal of the top ends 708 of the subcavities 706. Any type of adhesive that
is now known or
later discovered for use with re-sealable films as described above may be used
as the adhesive as
would be known to persons skilled in the art.
[0073] In use, a user will grasp the pull tab 724 of one of the film segments
721 and pull the film
segment 721 away from the package 700 to open the subcavity 706. The bonding
strength of the
adhesive is strong enough to maintain a hermetic seal when the film 720 is
positioned on the
package 700, but weak enough so that the seal can be broken to open the
subcavities 706 without
tearing or otherwise destroying the film 720. Once the subcavity 706 is
opened, a user will
remove one of the oral care implements 100 from the subcavity for use 706. The
user can
replace the oral care implement 100 back into the subcavity 706 for disposal
after use. Then, the
user will re-seal the film segment 721 to enclose and seal the subcavity 706
by reattaching the
film segment 721 to the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702. The user can
apply pressure to the
perimeter of the film segment 721 in order to ensure that a sufficient seal is
achieved between the
film segment 721 and the top edge 712 of the annular wall 702.
[0074] When the film segment 721 is pulled back from the package 700, the oral
care
implements 100 disposed within the subcavity 706 that was covered by the film
segment 721
will be exposed to the external environment and therefore also to any moisture
contained therein.
19
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
As noted above, it is desirable to prevent the oral care implements 100 from
exposure to
moisture prior to use in order to prevent premature rupture of the gel
capsules 132. However, it
is most preferable that the oral care implements 100 be sealed during the
packaging, shipping
and display stages until sale to the end user. In some embodiments, the oral
care implements 100
are sealed. Once the end user purchases the package 700, limited exposure to
moisture will not
damage the oral care implements 100 or the gel capsules 132 disposed thereon.
Thus, opening
the package 700 and exposing a plurality of the oral care implements 100 to
the external
environment temporarily is not harmful to the gel capsules 132 of the oral
care implements 100.
However, it is preferable that the film segments 721 be properly re-sealed
onto the package 700
in order to prevent excessive exposure of the unused oral care implements 100
to moisture.
[0075] Furthermore, creating the package 700 so that a desiccant can be
disposed therein can
further protect the gel capsules 132 of the oral care implements 100 against
moisture damage.
As discussed above, the oral care implements 100 in the package 700 will be
subjected to the
external environment prior to use because a plurality of the oral care
implements 100 are
positioned within a single subcavity 706. As such, in certain embodiments, the
package 700 may
have a desiccant disposed therein as discussed above with regard to FIG. 5 in
order to absorb
moisture that may potentially enter into the subcavities 706 during removal of
a single one of the
oral care implements 100 from the subcavity 706.
[0076] As discussed above with regard to the package 300, it may be beneficial
to provide a lid
for the packages described herein in order to protect the films from damage or
rupture. Referring
to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a package 900 having a lid 910 is illustrated.
The package 900
may be any of the packages 300, 600, 700 discussed herein. The package 900 is
therefore
generically illustrated as comprising a tubular body 901 having an annular
wall 902 that forms a
cavity (not shown). The lid 910 may be any type of lid that is known to
persons skilled in the
art. The lid 910 does not need to hermetically seal the top end of the cavity
because the film
achieves the hermetic seal as discussed above. In the exemplary embodiment,
the lid 910
comprises a top plate 911 and an annular skirt 912. The lid 910 may be coupled
to the tubular
body 910 in any manner as would be known to persons skilled in the art.
Because the package
900 is already sealed by the film (not shown), the lid 910 helps to protect
the film from rupture
prior to the time a user desires to use an oral care implement disposed in the
cavity. In certain
other embodiments, the lid 910 may provide an additional hermetic seal by
including a gasket to
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
prevent moisture in the external environment from penetrating into the cavity.
The lid 910 may
be attachable to the tubular body 901 by a press-fit, snap-fit, interference
fit, friction fit or any
other type of attachment/connection as would be known to persons skilled in
the art.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of a package 1000 of
oral care
implements is illustrated. The package 1000 comprises a tubular body 1001
having an annular
wall 1002 that forms a cavity 1005. The package 1000 also comprises a
plurality of inner walls
1010 in the cavity 1005 that divide the cavity 1005 into a plurality of
subcavities 1006. In the
exemplified embodiment, the inner walls 1010 extend radially from a
longitudinal axis B-B of
the cavity 1005. More specifically, the inner walls 1010 extend from the
longitudinal axis B-B
to an inner surface 1013 of the annular wall 1002.
[0078] The annular wall 1002 comprises a plurality of slots 1030. Each of the
slots 1030 forms a
passageway into one of the subcavities 1006 from an area external to the
subcavities 1006. In
other words, the annular wall 1002 is made up of a plurality of wall segments
1032 that are
separated by a gap formed by the slots 1030. Each of the wall segments 1032 is
connected to
one of the inner walls 1010 to form a T-shape.
[0079] The package 1000 comprises a roof 1003 that seals a top end 1008 of
each of the
subcavities 1006 and a floor 1007 that seals a bottom end 1009 of each of the
subcavities 1006.
The floor 1007 and roof 1003 may be integrally formed with the annular wall
1002 and inner
walls 1010 or the floor 1007 and the roof 1003 may be separately formed and
later connected to
the annular wall 1002 and inner walls 1010 as has been discussed herein above.
In the
exemplified embodiment, the floor 1007 and the roof 1003 are plates that
enclose the bottom and
top ends 1009, 1008 of the package 1000, respectively. However, the floor 1007
and the roof
1003 of the package may take on other structural forms as would be known to
persons skilled in
the art so long as the floor 1007 seals the bottom ends 1009 of the
subcavities 1006 and the roof
1003 seals the top ends 1008 of the subcavities 1006.
[0080] At least one oral care implement 100 is disposed within each of the
plurality of
subcavities 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one oral care
implement 100 is disposed
in each of the twelve illustrated subcavities 1006. However, in certain other
embodiments, more
than one oral care implement 100 may be disposed in each of the subcavities
1006. Furthermore,
the package 1000 may comprise more or less than twelve subcavities 1006 in
alternative
21
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
embodiments. The oral care implements 100 may be retrieved from the package
1000 through
the passageway that is formed by the slots 1030 in the annular wall 1002.
[0081] In the exemplified embodiment, each of the subcavities 1006 is an open
space between
the annular wall 1002 and adjacent inner walls 1010. However, in certain other
embodiments,
the subcavities 1006 may simply be depressions in the annular wall 1002 that
are sized and
shaped to snugly fit a single oral care implement 100 therein. In other words,
the annular wall
1002 may have a depression in an outer surface 1014 that is sized and shaped
to correspond with
the size and shape of the oral care implements 100. In such an embodiment, the
oral care
implements 100 can fit within the depression and be covered by a film as will
be described in
more detail below. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the inner walls 1010
may be omitted
altogether because they will not be necessary to create the plurality of
subcavities 1006. Rather,
in such an embodiment, the plurality of subcavities 1006 are the depressions
formed in the outer
surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002.
[0082] Each of the slots 1030 is sealed by a film 1020. As such, each of the
subcavities 1006 is
sealed from the external environment. Furtheimore, the combination of the
annular wall 1002,
the inner walls 1010, the roof 1003 and the floor 1007 seal each of the
subcavities 1006 from the
other subcavities 1006. Thus, each subcavity 1006 is its own, isolated and
separate sealed
compartment. The film 1020 is configured as discussed below so that a portion
of the film 1020
can be manipulated to provide access into a single one of the subcavities 1006
while the other
subcavities 1006 remain sealed. Specifically, the film comprises a plurality
of film segments
1021 that are separate or separable from one another. In the exemplary
embodiment, each of the
plurality of film segments 1021 is separate and distinct from the other of the
film segments 1021.
Furthermore, each of the film segments 1021 is separated from adjacent film
segments 1021 by a
gap 1023. In certain other embodiments, the film segments 1021 may be
connected to each other
to collectively form the film 1020. In such an embodiment, the film 1020
comprises pre-
weakened portions between adjacent film segments 1021, the pre-weakened
portions overlying
and attached to the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall 1002 to enable the
film segments 1021
to be easily separated from each other so that access to one subcavity 1006 at
a time can be
achieved.
[0083] The film 1020 is attached to the outer surface 1014 of the annular wall
1002. More
specifically, each of the film segments 1021 is attached to the roof 1003, the
floor 1007 and two
22
CA 02821923 2013 06 14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
adjacent wall segments 1032 of the annular wall 1002. Furthermore, each of the
film segments
1021 comprises a tab 1024. The tab 1024 extends from the film segments 1021
beyond the roof
1003 of the package 1000 for easy gripping by a user. Of course, the invention
is not so limited
and the tab 1024 could be otherwise located on the film segments 1021.
Furthermore, the film
segments 1021 could be attached to the package 1000 in other ways that would
be known to
persons skilled in the art as long as each one of the film segments 1021 seals
one of the
subcavities 1006.
[0084] An adhesive is applied to either a rear surface 1025 of the film
segments 1021 around the
perimeter of the film segments 1021 or the outer surface 1014 of the annular
wall 1002, or both.
Thus, the film segments 1021 are removably attached to the outer surface 1014
of the annular
wall 1002. A user can grasp the tab 1024 and pull down on the film segments
1021 in order to
remove the film segments 1021 from the annular wall 1002 and to expose the
subcavities 1006.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments the film segments 1021 are re-sealable
such that the film
segments 1021 can be re-attached to the annular wall 1002 after opening in
order to enclose and
seal the subcavity 1006.
[0085] The various components of the different embodiments of the packages
discussed above
may be used with any of the package embodiments. For example, although not all
embodiments
are illustrated and described as having a desiccant, any of the embodiments
may comprise a
desiccant. Furthermore, although not all embodiments are illustrated and
described as having a
lid, any of the embodiments may comprise a lid. Thus, mixing and matching the
various
components of the different embodiments described herein is contemplated
within the scope of
the present invention.
[0086] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each
and every value
that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the
terminus of the range.
In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced
in their entireties.
In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that
of a cited reference, the
present disclosure controls.
[0087] While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplary
embodiments of
the present invention, it will be understood that various additions,
modifications and substitutions
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as
defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those
skilled in the art that
23
CA 02821923 2013-08-14
WO 2012/087318 PCT/US2010/061884
the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures,
arrangements,
proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components,
without departing from
the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the
invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement,
proportions, sizes,
materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the
invention, which are
particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements
without departing from
the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments
are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of
the invention being
defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description
or embodiments.
24
