Abstract:
An oral care kit is provided. The oral care kit is designed to be used to treat a painful area of a patient&#39;s mouth, such as a tooth, an area of a lip, or an area along a gum line. The oral care kit generally includes a topical anesthetic, a plurality of disposable swabs, and an applicator. The applicator has a proximal end defining a handle, and a distal end comprising a pair of prongs. A channel is formed along an inner surface of the prongs. The proximal end of each swab is dimensioned to be slidably received within the channel, while the distal end comprises flocking. Each of the disposable swabs is dimensioned to be received within a user&#39;s mouth for application of the topical anesthetic. A method of numbing a dental area is also provided herein.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to oral care devices. More specifically, the invention relates to an applicator used by an individual for applying a topical anesthetic to an area around the mouth or gums, and a method for temporarily numbing a dental area. 
         [0006]    2. Technology in the Field of the Invention 
         [0007]    Individuals occasionally suffer pain in the mouth and gums. Such pain may be due to the movement of teeth incident to the adjustment of braces or other orthodontic treatment. Such pain may alternatively be due to tooth development, or “teething,” in small children. Such pain may alternatively be due to irritation from dentures, a retainer, or other orthodontic appliances. Further, such pain may be due to something more serious such as tooth decay, i.e., loss of enamel, or nerve root irritation. Finally, an individual may suffer from a sore on the gums or lips. 
         [0008]    In any of these instances, the individual may choose to apply a topical anesthetic to an affected area. Various ways for applying a topical oral anesthetic are known. First, it is known to apply a gel containing an anesthetic by using one&#39;s finger. In operation, a user will squeeze an amount of topical ointment from a tube and onto one&#39;s finger, and then rub the medicament onto an affected area. 
         [0009]    In a more preferred manner, a swab such as the Q-tips® brand offered by Conopco, Inc. of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey may be used. The swab comprises a wooden or plastic stick having a cotton or other open-celled absorbent material at opposing tips. In this instance, the anesthetic is squeezed or otherwise placed onto a cotton tip. The medicament is then applied using the swab. 
         [0010]    More sophisticated types of swab applicators are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,194 discloses a specially-design swab applicator wherein the applicator is in the form of a long, hollow tube. The tube is made up of a thin-walled plastic material. Within the tube is a liquid designed to be applied to an ear or other area of a patient. The liquid may be, for example, water, iodine or alcohol. A tab is provided proximate an end of the swab applicator. Removal of the tab allows the liquid held within the tube to be released, whereupon the liquid travels down to a tip of the swab for application. 
         [0011]    In the context of oral gel applicators, such an applicator is offered by Blistex Inc. of Oak Brook, Illinois. This product is sold under the trade name Kank A®. The Kank A® product offers a tube holding an anesthetic liquid therein. The tube is generally shaped like a pen. At a tip of the tube is a brush. A user may swab an affected area in his or her mouth using the brush to apply an anesthetic. 
         [0012]    Another product available on the market is the Orajel® cold sore treatment offered by Church &amp; Dwight Co., Inc. of Ewing, New Jersey. In one embodiment, a vial is provided containing a topical anesthetic. The vial is snapped open, exposing an applicator tip. The vial is then held face-down to allow the tip to become saturated. The user may then apply the liquid anesthetic directly to an affected area such as a cold sore. 
         [0013]    In another arrangement currently on the market, a small bottle is sold containing an oral topical anesthetic. The bottle is secured using a threaded lid. A stiff applicator is connected to the underside of the lid. The applicator is dipped into the bottle, removed from the bottle, and then rubbed onto the affected area. 
         [0014]    Shortcomings exist with the known applicators. In some instances, the applicator requires use of an off-the-shelf swab or may involve use and multiple re-uses of the same plastic applicator. In other instances, the applicators require either that a tube or a vial be broken or a tab removed to expose a medicament. This increases complexity and cost of the device. Alternatively, the applicator may actually be a finger, meaning that a person&#39;s or parent&#39;s finger is placed into a mouth. This may not be the most sanitary approach. Accordingly, a need exists for an applicator for a topical anesthetic that permits the use of disposable and sterile swabbing tips. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    An oral care kit is provided herein. The oral care kit is designed to be used to treat a painful area of a patient&#39;s mouth. Such an area may be, for example, a tooth, an area of a lip, or an area along a gum line. The patient may be an adult or an older child; alternatively, the patient may be an infant or a toddler. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the oral care kit first includes a topical anesthetic. The topical anesthetic preferably comes in a tube or bottle having a lid that is threadedly secured to the tube or bottle. The topical anesthetic may be, for example, procaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, or combinations thereof. 
         [0017]    The oral kit further comprises an applicator. The applicator includes a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end defining a handle for a user, and a distal end comprising a pair of prongs. A channel is formed along an inner surface of the prongs. 
         [0018]    The applicator comes with a plurality of disposable swabs. Preferably, each swab is fabricated from a plastic material to form a flexible body that is between about 1 and 4 inches in length. Each swab comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the swab is dimensioned to be slidably received within the channel, while the distal end comprises hydrophilic flocking Preferably, the flocking comprises nylon and/or cotton fibers. 
         [0019]    The applicator also includes a sleeve. The sleeve is slideably disposed along the shaft. The sleeve is movable from an open position that allows the prongs to open, thereby exposing the channel for receiving the proximal end of the swab, and a closed position wherein the channel closes around the proximal end of the swab to provide a friction fit. A shoulder may be provided along the shaft to limit travel of the sleeve towards the open position. 
         [0020]    Each of the disposable swabs is dimensioned to be received within a user&#39;s mouth for application of the topical anesthetic. Preferably, the oral kit comprises a packaging containing the topical anesthetic and the applicator for retail sale. In one embodiment, the plurality of swabs comprises between about 10 and 50 individual swabs within the package. 
         [0021]    A method of numbing a dental area is also provided herein. In one embodiment, the method first includes accessing an applicator. The applicator includes the shaft and the pair of prongs as described above. The applicator also includes the channel formed along an inner surface of the prongs, and a plurality of disposable swabs. Further, the applicator includes the sleeve slideably disposed along the shaft as described above. 
         [0022]    The method also includes positioning the sleeve in its open position. The method then includes sliding the proximal end of a selected swab into the channel, and then moving the sleeve into its closed position. In this way, the selected swab is secured in place within the channel. 
         [0023]    The method next includes unscrewing or otherwise removing a lid from the tube or bottle to access the topical anesthetic. The anesthetic preferably resides within a tube or a bottle. The method then includes applying a topical anesthetic to the distal end of the swab. In one aspect, the distal end of the swab is dipped into the tube or bottle. 
         [0024]    The method also includes applying the topical anesthetic to an affected area of a patient&#39;s mouth. This is done by manually extending the swab into the patient&#39;s mouth to access the affected area, or around the lips. Thereafter, the disposable swab may be released from the prongs by sliding the sleeve back to its open position. A new swab may be selected later for a subsequent treatment to the same or a different affected area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    So that the manner in which the present invention can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an applicator as may be used in an oral care kit of the present invention, in one embodiment. In this view, a swab is connected to a lip of the applicator. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2A  is an enlarged side view of the swab of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of a collar of the swab of  FIG. 2A , taken from portion  2 B of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of components that may be used to make up an oral care kit of the present invention, in one embodiment. The components include an applicator, a plurality of swabs held together through one or more support members, and a bottle of topical anesthetic. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . Here, the sleeve is in its open position, opening the prongs to expose a channel. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is another perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . Here, the sleeve has been moved to its closed position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 , taken across line  4 C- 4 C of  FIG. 4B . 
           [0033]      FIG. 4D  is another cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . Here, the view is taken across line  4 D- 4 D of  FIG. 4B . 
           [0034]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  present alternative arrangements for packaging. In  FIG. 5A , a packaging representing a box is shown. In  FIG. 5B , a packaging representing a cardboard backing and a plastic cover are shown. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
       [0035]    As used herein, the term “swab” means any elongated device that may be used to apply topical anesthetic to an affected area of a patient&#39;s mouth. 
         [0036]    The term “dental area” refers to the mouth and gums of a patient, including the lips, tongue, teeth and inner cheeks. 
       Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments 
       [0037]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an applicator  100  as may be used in an oral care kit of the present invention, in one embodiment. The applicator  100  first includes a shaft  110 . The shaft  110  has a proximal end  112  that serves as a handle. The applicator  100  also includes a distal end  114  that supports a pair of prongs. In the view of  FIG. 1 , only a front prong  132  is shown. However, front  132  and back  134  prongs are indicated in the perspective views of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and in the cross-sectional view of  FIGS. 4C and 4D , discussed below. 
         [0038]    A sleeve  120  is placed around the shaft  110 . The sleeve  120  slides along the distal end  114  of the shaft  114 . In the view of  FIG. 1 , the sleeve  120  is in its closed position. In this position, the prongs  132  and  134  are pulled together to hold a swab  200 . As will be described more fully below, the sleeve  120  may be moved to an open position to release the swab  200 , and to then receive a new swab. This involves moving the sleeve downward so that a collar  126  of the sleeve  120  lands along a collar  116  along the shaft  110 . 
         [0039]    The applicator  100  has an optional concave surface portion  115 . The concave surface portion  115  resides intermediate the proximal  112  and distal  114  ends. The concave surface portion  115  assists the user in holding the applicator and manipulating the sleeve  116 . 
         [0040]    As noted, in the view of  FIG. 1 , a swab  200  extends from the shaft  110 . More specifically, the swab  200  extends from a lip  135  of the applicator  100 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2A  is an enlarged side view of the swab  200  of the applicator  100  of  FIG. 1 . It can be seen that the swab  200  defines an elongated body  210  having a proximal end  212  and a distal end  214 . Preferably, the body  210  is fabricated from a plastic or an elastomeric material, allowing the body  210  to be flexible and not brittle. 
         [0042]    The proximal end  212  of the body  210  is dimensioned to be received between the prongs  132 ,  134  of the applicator  100 . A length “L” is shown indicating a length of the body  210  that is received within the prongs  132 ,  134 . Preferably, a collar  220  is formed along the body  210  near the proximal end  212 . The collar  220  provides a catch for the lip  135 , helping to maintain the swab  200  within the prongs  132 ,  134  during use. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of the collar  220  of the swab  200  of  FIG. 2A . This view is taken from portion  2 B of  FIG. 2A . 
         [0044]    Returning to  FIG. 2A , it can be seen that the body  210  also includes a distal end  214 . The distal end  214  is preferably rounded, or spherical, to avoid edges. In this respect, the distal end  214  is intended to be introduced into the mouth of a patient to deliver a topical anesthetic. Preferably, the distal end  214  includes a flocking material. Flocking material is shown at  216 . The flocking material  216  is a cotton or other cellulosic or open-celled material. 
         [0045]    The flocking material  216  is attached to the distal end  214  using a unique manufacturing process. The process involves placing an adhesive on the bulbous distal end. The swab  200  is then placed in an electro-static chamber having flocking material  216  swirling therein. The flocking material  216  attaches to the distal end  214  by action of the adhesive. The fibers of the flocking material  216  are oriented outward from the distal end  214  in response to the electrical charge residing in the chamber. 
         [0046]    Various natural fibers are suitable for use as the flocking material  216 . Cotton is preferred, but pulped softwood and hardwood fibers may be considered. Absorbent fibrous materials may alternatively be used as derived from Esparto grass, bagasse, jute, ramie, kenaf, sisal, abaca, hemp, oat fiber and flax. 
         [0047]    Hydrophilic synthetic fibers may also be considered for the flocking material  216 . Suitable synthetic fibers include polyester (including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene), nylon, and the various bi-component fibers known in the art of non-woven substrates. In one aspect, cellulose fibers may be blended with synthetic fibers. 
         [0048]    The flocking material  216  may optionally be coated with or otherwise contain an anti-microbial agent. An anti-microbial agent inhibits the risk of spreading infections. Suitable anti-microbial substances include those available from suppliers such as Aegis Environmental Management, Inc. and Microban International, Ltd, as well as others known in the art. Anti-microbial substances may be applied through a variety of methods including, without limitation, using a flexographic printing press and subsequent curing in an oven or by ultraviolet radiation, or simply by spraying the substance onto the absorbent outer surfaces of the fibers during manufacture. 
         [0049]    The anti-microbial agent may be, for example, any of the peptides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,713,927, entitled “Antimicrobial Peptides.” The &#39;927 patent states that the listed peptides are effective in eradicating streptococcus mutans, which are a common oral pathogen and the causative agent of dental caries. The &#39;927 patent is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
         [0050]    Other anti-microbial agents may be employed. For example, the anti-microbial agents may include metal particles averaging less than 0.50 microns, wherein the metal is in a base of polysynthetic oils or is applied as part of a colloidal mixture. The metals may be micronized or submicron sized metal that is 99.9% pure and that is comprised of any of the following including: silver, gold, copper, platinum, and/or organo/inorgano complexes of silver, gold, copper, platinum, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, boron trinitride and metal or metal oxide. Any of such metals are believed to eliminate the growth of bacterial organisms. 
         [0051]    The flocking materials may be scented or flavored using, for example, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, menthol, wintergreen oil, citrus oil, and the like. 
         [0052]    The applicator  100  and a plurality of swabs  200  are sold together as part of a kit.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of components that may be used to make up an oral care kit  300  of the present invention, in one embodiment. According to the view of  FIG. 3 , the components include an applicator  100 , a plurality of swabs  200  joined together as an injection-molded assembly  320 , and a bottle of topical anesthetic  350 . 
         [0053]    In the illustrative arrangement of  FIG. 3 , the various swabs  200  are releasably held together in the assembly  320  through one or more flexible support members  322 . The support members  322  are connected to the swabs  200  during the injection molding process. Swabs  200  may be removed by simply pulling them from the support members  322 . Preferably, the kit  300  will include 10 to 50 swabs  200 . A selected individual swab  200  may then be connected to the applicator  100  by inserting the proximal end  212  of the swab  200  into a channel  136  formed between the prongs  132 ,  134 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the applicator  100  of  FIG. 1 , indicated at  400 A. Here, the sleeve  120  is in its open position. The sleeve  120  has been moved downward along the shaft  110 . This allows the outwardly-biased prongs  132 ,  134  to open, thereby exposing the channel  136 . The sleeve  120  includes a collar  126  that lands along a collar  116  along the shaft  110 . The proximal end  212  of a swab  200  may then be inserted into the channel  136 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 4B  is another perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 , indicated at  400 B. Here, the sleeve  120  has been moved upward along the distal end  114  to its closed position. Upward movement of the sleeve  120  enables the channel  136  to closely hold the proximal end  212  of the swab  200  in a friction fit. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 , taken across line  4 C- 4 C of  FIG. 4B .  FIG. 4D  is another cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 . Here, the view is taken across line  4 D- 4 D of  FIG. 4B . The applicator is indicated at  400 B.  FIGS. 4C and 4D  demonstrate the positioning of the prongs  132 ,  134  at the distal end  114  of the applicator  400 B. 
         [0057]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , and as noted, the kit  300  also includes a topical anesthetic  350 . The topical anesthetic may be, for example, procaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, or combinations thereof. The topical anesthetic  350  is packaged in a small bottle  310 , such as a bottle holding 1.5 fluid ounces. The bottle  310  includes an upper end having male threads  325 . The male threads  325  are dimensioned to receive a cap  320  having female threads  320 . Optionally, a seal (not shown) is placed over the cap  320  or over the threads  325  to ensure the integrity of the components through the shipping and retail sale process. 
         [0058]    The kit  300  may be presented in a box, a blister pack, a cardboard backing encapsulated by plastic, or any other method known in the packaging industry. The kit  300  will include instructions for use and suitable FDA (or other) notices. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  present alternative arrangements for packaging. In  FIG. 5A , a packaging  500 A representing a box is shown. The box  500 A includes side walls  510  and a lid  520 . The box  500 A is dimensioned to hold at least the applicator  100 , an assembly  320  of disposable swabs  200 , and a bottle of topical anesthetic  350 . 
         [0060]    In  FIG. 5B , a packaging  500 B representing a cardboard backing  550  with a plastic cover  560  are shown. The plastic cover  560  is shown exploded away from the cardboard backing  550  for illustrative purposes. The plastic cover  560  preferably has molded integral recesses  10 ,  20 ,  30  for enclosing the applicator  100 , an assembly  320  of disposable swabs  200 , and a bottle of topical anesthetic  350 , respectively. 
         [0061]    As can be seen, an improved oral care kit for ameliorating pain in the dental area is provided. Using the kit, a user may apply a topical anesthetic to the mouth of a patient in a quick, convenient and sterile manner. Thus, a method for numbing a dental area is also provided herein. 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, the method first includes accessing an applicator. The applicator includes the shaft  110  and the pair of outwardly-biased prongs  132 ,  134  as described above. The applicator also includes the channel  136  formed along an inner surface of the prongs  132 ,  134 , and a plurality of disposable swabs  200 . Further, the applicator includes the sleeve  120  slideably disposed along the distal end  114  of the shaft  120  as described above. 
         [0063]    The method also includes positioning the sleeve in its open position. The method then includes sliding the proximal end of a selected swab into the channel, and then moving the sleeve into its closed position. In this way, the selected swab is secured in place within the channel. 
         [0064]    The method next includes applying a topical anesthetic to the distal end of the swab. The anesthetic preferably resides within a tube or a bottle. The method then includes unscrewing (or otherwise removing) a lid from the tube or bottle to access the topical anesthetic. In one aspect, the distal end of the swab is dipped into the tube or bottle while the swab is secured by the applicator. 
         [0065]    The method also includes applying the topical anesthetic to an affected area of a patient&#39;s mouth. This is done by manually extending the swab into the patient&#39;s mouth or onto the patients lips or gums to access the affected area. Thereafter, the swab may be released from the prongs by sliding the sleeve back to its open position, abutting a collar along the shaft of the applicator. The selected swab may then be disposed. 
         [0066]    In one aspect, the method further includes the steps of: 
         [0067]    sliding the sleeve back to its open position, thereby releasing the selected swab from the prongs; 
         [0068]    disposing of the selected swab; 
         [0069]    selecting a new swab; 
         [0070]    sliding the proximal end of the new swab into the channel; 
         [0071]    moving the sleeve into its closed position, thereby securing the new swab in place within the channel; 
         [0072]    applying topical anesthetic to the distal end of the new swab; and 
         [0073]    re-applying the topical anesthetic to the affected area of the patient&#39;s mouth. 
         [0074]    As can be seen, a novel method of numbing a dental area is provided. While it will be apparent that the inventions herein described are well calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above, it will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.