Fluid supply apparatus and personal care implement containing the same

A fluid supply apparatus with leakage protection. The apparatus includes a housing defining a storage cavity having a total volume including a fluid portion and a gas portion. The storage cavity extends along a cavity axis from a first end to a second end. A capillary member is fluidly coupled with the fluid. A plurality of vent apertures are formed into the housing, each forming a passageway between the storage cavity and an external atmosphere and each configured such that the fluid cannot flow through the vent apertures at ambient temperature and pressure equilibrium between the storage cavity and the external atmosphere. The vent apertures may be located and arranged on the housing such that irrespective of vertical and angular orientation of the housing relative to a gravitational vector at least one of the vent apertures is in spatial communication with the gas.

BACKGROUND

Fluid supply apparatuses are used to store a fluid that is later dispensed onto a surface. Examples of fluid supply apparatuses include writing instruments, liquid dispensers, liquid applicators, and the like. Personal care implements, particularly oral care implements such as toothbrushes, are typically used by applying dentifrice or toothpaste to tooth cleaning elements such as bristles followed by brushing regions of the oral cavity, e.g., the teeth, tongue, and/or gums. Some oral care implements have been equipped with fluid reservoirs and systems for dispensing auxiliary oral care fluids before and/or during the tooth brushing regimen. An issue with existing fluid supply apparatuses and oral care implements containing the same is leakage, particularly due to air expansion as a result of temperature increases or pressure decreases which forces the liquid to leak out of the device. An improved fluid supply apparatus and personal/oral care implement containing the same is desired to address existing unwanted fluid leaks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a fluid supply apparatus with leakage protection. The apparatus includes a housing defining a storage cavity having a total volume that includes a fluid occupying a portion of the total volume and a gas occupying the remainder of the total volume. The storage cavity extends along a cavity axis from a first end to a second end. A capillary member is fluidly coupled with the fluid. A plurality of vent apertures are formed into the housing, each forming a passageway between the storage cavity and an external atmosphere and each configured such that the fluid cannot flow through the vent apertures at ambient temperature and pressure equilibrium between the storage cavity and the external atmosphere. The vent apertures may be located and arranged on the housing such that irrespective of vertical and angular orientation of the housing relative to a gravitational vector at least one of the vent apertures is in spatial communication with the gas within the storage cavity.

In one aspect, the invention may be a fluid supply apparatus comprising: a housing defining a storage cavity having a total volume, the storage cavity extending along a cavity axis from a first end to a second end; a store of a fluid in the storage cavity and occupying a portion of the total volume, a remaining portion of the total volume occupied by a gas; a capillary member in fluid coupling with the store of the fluid, the capillary member extending through the housing; a plurality of vents apertures in the housing, each of the vent apertures forming a passageway between the storage cavity and an external atmosphere and configured such that the fluid cannot flow through the vent apertures at ambient temperature and pressure equilibrium between the storage cavity and the external atmosphere; and the vent apertures located and arranged on the housing such that irrespective of vertical and angular orientation of the housing relative to a gravitational vector at least one of the vent apertures is in spatial communication with the gas.

In another aspect, the invention may be a fluid supply apparatus comprising: a housing defining a storage cavity extending along a cavity axis from a first end to a second end; a capillary member in fluid coupling with the store of the fluid, the capillary member extending through the housing; a plurality of vents apertures in the housing, the vent apertures comprising: a plurality of first vent apertures in a sidewall of the housing and arranged in a spaced apart manner to circumferentially surround the cavity axis; at least one second vent aperture located adjacent the first end of the cavity; and at least one third vent aperture located adjacent the second end of the cavity.

The fluid supply apparatus may be located within a handle cavity of a handle of an oral care implement such that a gap is formed between an outer surface of the housing of the fluid supply apparatus and an inner surface of the handle of the oral care implement. The vent apertures of the fluid supply apparatus may be in spatial communication with the gap such that at least one handle vent aperture forms a passageway between the storage cavity and an external atmosphere.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first toFIGS. 1-4, a fluid supply system1000is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fluid supply system1000generally comprises a personal care implement100and a fluid supply apparatus200. In certain embodiments the fluid supply apparatus200is stored within a handle cavity170of a handle120of the personal care implement100. The fluid supply apparatus200may include a housing210that defines a storage cavity211for storing a fluid. The fluid supply apparatus200also includes mechanisms for flowing the fluid from its stored location within the storage cavity211to another location at which the fluid is dispensed in a desired manner. In the exemplified embodiment, the fluid supply apparatus200permits flow of the fluid from the storage cavity211to an applicator150that is located on a rear surface123of a head120of the personal care implement100, but the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. The fluid supply apparatus200is specifically configured to prevent fluid leakage regardless of the orientation at which the housing210is held under any normal usage and storage conditions including through changes in temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the invention described herein relates to the fluid supply apparatus200by itself, and in other embodiments the invention relates to the entire system1000including the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200stored therein.

In the exemplified embodiment, the personal care implement100is an oral care implement, and more specifically a manual toothbrush. Thus, the invention will be described herein with the details predominately directed to a toothbrush. However, in certain other embodiments the personal care implement100can take on other forms such as being a powered toothbrush, a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, a water pick, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, a specially designed ansate implement having tooth engaging elements, or any other type of implement that is commonly used for oral care. Still further, the personal care implement100may not be one that is specifically used for oral care in all embodiments, but rather it may be an implement such as a deodorant application implement, a face or body cleaning implement, a make-up applicator implement, a razor or shaving implement, a hairbrush, or the like. Thus, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of personal care implement unless a specific type of personal care implement is specified in the claims. Furthermore, in some embodiments the invention is directed solely to the fluid supply apparatus200. Thus, the fluid supply apparatus200may be included in the personal care implement100or it may be a separate, stand-alone device. When a stand-alone device, the fluid supply apparatus200may include some type of applicator so that the fluid dispensed from the fluid supply apparatus200can be properly applied to a desired surface.

In the exemplified embodiment, the personal care implement100generally includes a body101comprising a handle110and a head120and an end cap130that is detachably coupled to the handle110. The body101generally extends along a longitudinal axis A-A from a proximal end104to a distal end105. Conceptually, the longitudinal axis A-A is a reference line that is generally coextensive with the three-dimensional center line of the body101. Because the body101may, in certain embodiments, be a non-linear structure, the longitudinal axis A-A of the body101may also be non-linear in certain embodiments. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the body101may have a simple linear arrangement and thus a substantially linear longitudinal axis A-A.

The handle110extends from a proximal end111to a distal end112and the head120is coupled to the distal end112of the handle110. In the exemplified embodiment, the end cap130is detachably coupled to the proximal end111of the handle120. Specifically, the handle120has an opening116at the proximal end111thereof and the end cap130is coupled to the proximal end111of the handle120and closes the opening116. The end cap130may be detachable from the handle120so that a fluid or oral care material can be stored within the body101and can be refilled by detaching the end cap130from the handle110to provide access, via the opening116, to a cavity/reservoir within the body101within which the fluid may be stored. Furthermore, in certain embodiments the end cap130may be altogether omitted and the proximal end111of the body101may form a closed bottom end of the personal care implement100. In such embodiments, refill of the reservoir may not be possible or may occur through other mechanisms/structures as would be understood to persons skilled in the art.

The handle110is an elongated structure that provides the mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the personal care implement100during use. The handle110comprises a front surface113and an opposing rear surface114. In the exemplified embodiment, the handle110is generically depicted having various contours for user comfort. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the handle110can take on a wide variety of shapes, contours and configurations, none of which are limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

In the exemplified embodiment, the handle110is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as, for example without limitation, polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the handle110may include a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, as a grip cover that is molded over portions of or the entirety of the handle110to enhance the gripability of the handle110during use. For example, portions of the handle110that are typically gripped by a user's palm during use may be overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further increase comfort to a user.

The head120of the personal care implement100is coupled to the handle110and comprises a front surface122, an opposing rear surface123, and a peripheral surface124extending between the front and rear surfaces122,123. In the exemplified embodiment, the head120is formed integrally with the handle110as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle110and the head120may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. In some embodiments the head120may be detachable from the handle110. The head120may be formed of any one of the materials discussed above with regard to the handle110.

In the exemplified embodiment, the head120of the personal care implement100is provided with a plurality of tooth cleaning elements115extending from the front surface122. Of course, depending on the particular type of device selected for the personal care implement100, the tooth cleaning elements115may be replaced with some other bristle-like elements (for example when the personal care implement100is a hairbrush or a mascara applicator) or may be altogether omitted. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the tooth cleaning elements115are generically illustrated. In certain embodiments the exact structure, pattern, orientation and material of the tooth cleaning elements115are not to be limiting of the present invention. Thus, as used herein, the term “tooth cleaning elements” is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of “tooth cleaning elements” include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof, and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.

Referring briefly toFIGS. 2 and 4, in the exemplified embodiment the tooth cleaning elements115are formed on a cleaning element assembly140that comprises a head plate141and the tooth cleaning elements115mounted thereon. In such an embodiment, the head plate141is a separate and distinct component from the body101of the personal care implement100. However, the head plate141is connected to the body101at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, any fusion techniques such as thermal fusion, melting, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Thus, the head plate141and the body101are separately formed components that are secured together during manufacture of the personal care implement100. More specifically, the tooth cleaning elements115are secured to the head plate141in a manner known in the art (i.e., anchor free tufting or AFT) to form the cleaning element assembly140, and then the cleaning element assembly140is coupled to the head120. Alternatively, the tooth cleaning elements115may be connected to the head120using AMR techniques, stapling, or the like. The invention is not to be particularly limited by the manner in which the tooth cleaning elements115are coupled to the head120in all embodiments.

Although not illustrated herein, in certain embodiments the head120may also include a soft tissue cleanser coupled to or positioned on its rear surface123. An example of a suitable soft tissue cleanser that may be used with the present invention and positioned on the rear surface123of the head120is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462, issued Dec. 5, 2006 to the assignee of the present application, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In certain other embodiments, the soft tissue cleanser may include protuberances, which can take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain embodiments the personal care implement100may not include any soft tissue cleanser.

Referring back toFIGS. 1-4concurrently, in the exemplified embodiment the personal care implement100comprises an applicator150protruding from the rear surface123of the head120. More specifically, the head120has an opening125that extends from the rear surface123of the head120into a basin cavity126of the head120. The applicator150is inserted into the basin cavity126of the head120and extends through the opening125and protrudes from the rear surface123of the head120. Thus, during use of the personal care implement100to brush teeth, the applicator150will engage/contact the user's oral surfaces and dispense a fluid thereon as discussed in more detail below. The personal care implement100may also include a divider member160that divides the basin cavity126into an upper chamber and a lower chamber such that the cleaning element assembly140is located in the upper chamber and the applicator150is located in the lower chamber. The divider member160may seal the applicator150within the lower chamber so that any fluid loaded on the applicator150does not pass into the upper chamber.

The applicator150may be formed of a capillary material that is capable of being loaded with a fluid that can then be dispensed when the applicator150is compressed. For example, the applicator150may be a porous foam such as including without limitation a polyurethane foam or other open cell porous material. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the applicator150can be formed of any type of material through which a liquid can travel via capillary action or capillary flow. Specifically, the capillary material can be a porous material, a fibrous material, a foam material, a sponge material, natural fibers, sintered porous materials, porous or fibrous polymers or other materials which conduct the capillary flow of liquids. Of course, the capillary material is not to be limited by the specific materials noted herein in all embodiments, but can be any material that facilitates movement of a liquid therethrough via capillary action. Furthermore, although described herein as being formed of a capillary material, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and some alternative embodiments will be described herein below. For example, in certain embodiments the applicator150may be formed of a plastic material or a rubber material and may have an orifice formed therethrough to enable the fluid to flow through the applicator for application to a biological surface such as a user's oral cavity, facial surfaces, or the like.

The handle110of the personal care implement100comprises an inner surface106that defines a handle cavity170. The handle cavity170is closed at its bottom end via the end cap130that closes the opening116at the proximal end111of the handle110. The handle cavity170is open at its top end so as to be spatially coupled to the opening125. More specifically, the handle cavity170is spatially coupled to the opening125in the head120via a passageway172that extends through the neck region of the personal care implement100.

The fluid supply apparatus200generally comprises a housing210defining a storage cavity211and a capillary member240. The storage cavity211is designed to hold a store of a fluid as discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 14A-14D. The capillary member240is at least partially located within the storage cavity211so that the capillary member240is fluidly coupled to the store of the fluid that is located within the storage cavity211. The housing210has an opening212in its top end through which the capillary member240passes so that a portion of the capillary member240extends external to the housing210. More specifically, the capillary member240extends from the housing210and through the passageway172in the neck region of the personal care implement100to the applicator150so that the capillary member240can draw fluid from the store of the fluid in the storage cavity211and transport that fluid to the applicator150where it can be dispensed at an appropriate time and location. The housing210also comprises a plurality of vent apertures220that facilitate venting of the storage cavity211to prevent fluid leaks as discussed in much greater detail below. The vent apertures220create an air intake/venting system that allows air to replace the fluid that is dispensed from the storage cavity211over time during use and allows air to exit the storage cavity211to prevent it from exerting pressure on any fluid in the storage cavity211.

Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 4, the relationship between the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200will be described in more detail. The housing210of the fluid supply apparatus200is positioned within the handle cavity170. Although the housing210is illustrated as being wholly encased within the handle cavity170, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the housing210may extend into the passageway172or it may even protrude from the proximal end111of the handle110in some alternative embodiments. However, fully enclosing the housing210within the handle cavity170provides a more desirable aesthetic as the overall appearance of the personal care implement100can be more similar to that of a traditional device of the same type. The capillary member240extends from a first end241that is located within the storage cavity211and fluidly coupled to the fluid stored in the storage cavity211to a second end242that is fluidly coupled to the applicator150. Thus, the capillary member240transports the fluid from the storage cavity211of the housing210to the applicator150as described herein.

In the exemplified embodiment, the capillary member240is a capillary tube having a capillary passageway243extending entirely through the capillary member240from the first end241to the second end242that permits the fluid to flow within the capillary member240from the first end241to the second end242via a wicking action. Thus, in this manner the fluid is able to flow from its storage location within the storage cavity211of the housing210to the applicator150so that the applicator150can be loaded with the fluid. Specifically, the passageway243may have a cross-sectional size and shape that permits flow of the fluid all the way from the storage cavity211to the applicator150to ensure that the applicator150remains loaded with the fluid (see, e.g.,FIG. 7). In other embodiments, the capillary member240may be formed of a porous material, such as any of the materials described above with reference to the applicator150. In such embodiments the fluid may flow up the capillary member240via a wicking action (also referred to herein as capillary action) due to the material of the capillary member240. In either embodiment, the flow of the fluid occurs naturally via capillary action without the need for a separate pump.

In certain embodiments, the capillary member240has a capillary structure which may be formed in numerous configurations and from numerous materials operable to produce fluid flow via capillary action. In one non-limiting embodiment, the capillary member240may be configured as a tube or lumen having an internal open capillary passageway extending between ends of the capillary member which is configured and dimensioned in cross section to produce capillary flow. The lumen or open capillary passageway may have any suitable cross sectional shape and configuration. In such embodiments the capillary member240may be formed of a porous material as described below or a non-porous material (e.g., plastics such as polypropylene, metal, rubber, or the like). In other non-limiting embodiments, capillary member240may be formed of a porous and/or fibrous material of any suitable type through which a fluid can travel via capillary action or flow. Examples of suitable materials include without limitation fibrous felt materials, ceramics, and porous plastics with open cells (e.g. polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene, or combinations thereof) including such materials as those available from Porex Technologies, Atlanta, Ga. The capillary member material may therefore be a porous material, a fibrous material, a foam material, a sponge material, natural fibers, sintered porous materials, porous or fibrous polymers or other materials which conduct the capillary flow of liquids. Of course, the capillary material is not to be limited by the specific materials noted herein in all embodiments, but can be any material that facilitates movement of a liquid therethrough via capillary action. A mixture of porous and/or fibrous materials may be provided which have a distribution of larger and smaller capillaries. The capillary member240can be formed from a number of small capillaries that are connected to one another, or as a larger single capillary rod. The capillary member whether formed as a lumen or of porous or fibrous materials may have any suitable polygonal or non-polygonal cross sectional shape including for example without limitation circular, elliptical, square, triangular, hexagonal, star-shaped, etc. The invention is not limited by the construction, material, or shape of the capillary member.

Referring toFIGS. 5-9concurrently, the fluid supply apparatus200will be described in greater detail. The housing210of the fluid supply apparatus200has an outer surface201and an opposite inner surface202. The inner surface202of the housing210defines the storage cavity211that is configured to store the fluid therein. The storage cavity211extends from a first end213to a second end214along a cavity axis B-B. More specifically, the housing210comprises a first end wall215that bounds the first end213of the storage cavity211and a second end wall216that bounds the second end214of the storage cavity211. Furthermore, the housing210comprises a sidewall217extending between the first and second end walls215,216. In the exemplified embodiment, the housing210has a round or circular cross-sectional shape, but it may have other shapes in other embodiments (i.e., square, triangular, hexagonal, etc.) and the invention is not to be limited by the exemplified shape in all embodiments. In certain embodiments the shape of the housing210may be dictated by the shape of the handle cavity170.

The storage cavity211has a floor218formed by the first end wall215of the housing210and a roof219formed by the second end wall216of the housing210. The terms “floor” and “roof” could be interchangeable depending on the orientation of the housing210at any given time. Specifically, the terms “floor” and “roof” are merely intended to denote the lower and upper boundaries of the storage cavity211. The remaining boundary of the storage cavity211is formed by the inner surface202of the housing210along the entirety of the sidewall217. The capillary member240is partially located within the storage cavity211and extends from a location adjacent to the floor218through the entire length of the storage cavity211and through the opening212that is formed into the second end wall216of the housing210. In the exemplified embodiment, the capillary member240has openings into the passageway243at the lower-most end244thereof and at the upper-most end245thereof. Thus, the fluid within the storage cavity211can only enter into the passageway243of the capillary member240through the opening in the lower-most end244of the capillary member240. There are no other openings along the length of the capillary member240that permit the fluid to enter into the passageway243of the capillary member240. As a result, in the exemplified embodiment fluid can only enter into the passageway243of the capillary member240when the fluid is in contact with the lower-most end244of the capillary member240. Thus, in certain orientations of the housing210and certain fluid levels within the storage cavity211, the fluid is unable to enter into the passageway243of the capillary member240because it is not in contact with the opening in the lower-most end244of the capillary member240. Of course, in other embodiments additional openings into the passageway243of the capillary member250may be provided.

The fluid supply apparatus200requires an air intake and venting system to allow air to replace the fluid that is dispensed from the storage cavity211over time during use. This helps to ensure consistent flow of the fluid during use but must be designed correctly to ensure that uncontrolled fluid leakage is prevented regardless of the orientation at which the housing210is positioned and regardless of changes in temperature and pressure. As mentioned briefly above, in the exemplified embodiment the fluid supply apparatus200comprises the plurality of vent apertures220in the housing210that operate as the air intake and venting system of the device. More specifically, each of the vent apertures220forms a passageway from the storage cavity211to the external atmosphere (i.e., the atmosphere external to the storage cavity211). Thus, each of the vent apertures220extends entirely through the housing210from the inner surface202thereof to the outer surface201thereof.

In certain embodiments, each of the vent apertures220is designed with a specific dimension/size tailored to the physical properties (e.g., viscosity and surface tension) of the fluid stored within the storage cavity211such that once system equilibrium is reached, the fluid cannot pass through the vent apertures220under normal usage conditions. Stated another way, each of the vent apertures220is configured such that a fluid within the storage cavity211cannot flow through the vent apertures220at ambient temperature and with a pressure equilibrium existing between the storage cavity and the external atmosphere. However, at the same time the vent apertures220are designed to permit gas, such as air, within the storage cavity211to pass through the vent apertures220. Specifically, as long as the vent apertures220are not clogged, the gas/air will be capable of freely passing through the vent apertures220both into and out of the storage cavity211as needed to provide proper air intake and venting to ensure proper operation of the device (i.e., consistent fluid flow during use) without leakage. In certain embodiments, the vent apertures220may have a diameter in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, and more specifically between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

As discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 14A-14D, the vent apertures220are positioned along the housing210in such a manner that there are no pockets of trapped air within the storage cavity211, regardless of orientation of the housing210, that can expand due to increases in temperature or decreases in pressure (both of which would exert pressure on the fluid in the storage cavity211and cause it to be expelled in an uncontrolled manner). Rather, any air pockets are always spatially coupled to the exterior atmosphere so that as a result of any increases in temperature or decreases in pressure the air/gas in the air pockets will exit the storage cavity211rather than exert pressure on the fluid and cause it to leak out of the storage cavity211. In order to achieve this, at least one of the vent openings220is positioned along the housing210at a location that is aligned with a maximum internal diameter of the storage cavity211.

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of vent apertures220comprise a plurality of first vent apertures221formed into the sidewall217of the housing210, at least one second vent aperture222located adjacent the first end213of the storage cavity211, and at least one third vent aperture223located adjacent the second end214of the storage cavity211. In the exemplified embodiment, the second vent aperture222is formed into the first end wall215of the housing210and the third vent aperture223is formed into the second end wall216of the housing210. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment there are two of the second vent apertures222and two of the third vent apertures223, although a single one of the second and third vent apertures222,223or more than two of the second and third vent apertures222,223could be used in other embodiments.

The second vent apertures222permit proper venting of the storage cavity211when the housing210is in an upright orientation and the plurality of first vent apertures221and the third vent apertures223are covered by the fluid in the storage cavity211. The third vent apertures223permit proper venting of the storage cavity211when the housing211is in an inverted orientation and the plurality of first vent apertures221and the second vent apertures222are covered by the fluid in the storage cavity211. The plurality of first vent apertures221permit proper venting of the storage cavity211when the second and third vent apertures222,223are covered by the fluid in the storage cavity211but at least one of the plurality of first vent apertures221remains outside of the fluid in the storage cavity211. In every instance that the second and third vent apertures222,223are covered by the fluid in the storage cavity211, regardless of the specific orientation of the housing210, at least one of the first vent apertures221will be located outside of the fluid so that it is spatially coupled to the gas within the storage cavity211. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the housing210, there is always one vent aperture221,222,223available for venting the storage cavity211which assists in preventing fluid leaks. This will be described in greater detail below with specific reference toFIGS. 14A-14D.

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of first vent apertures221are located in a middle portion of the housing210between the first and second end walls215,216. Although in the exemplified embodiment the plurality of first vent apertures221do not extend all the way to the first and second end walls215,216, in other embodiments they could. The plurality of first vent apertures221are arranged in a spaced apart manner along the sidewall217. In the exemplified embodiment, the first vent apertures221are both axially and angularly equi-spaced from one another. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment adjacent ones of the first vent apertures221are separated by an angle that is less than or equal to 60 degrees, more specifically less than or equal to 50 degrees, more specifically less than or equal to 40 degrees, more specifically less than or equal to 30 degrees, more specifically less than or equal to 20 degrees, and more specifically less than or equal to 10 degrees. However, the first vent apertures221need not be equi-spaced in all embodiments and adjacent first vent apertures221may have variations in spacing in alternative embodiments (i.e., a first of the first vent aperture221that is adjacent to a second and a third of the first vent apertures221may be in closer to proximity the second of the first vent apertures221than to the third of the first vent apertures221).

In the exemplified embodiment, the first vent apertures221circumferentially surround the cavity axis B-B of the storage cavity211of the housing210. Thus, the first vent apertures221collectively define a reference ring (if a reference line were added to connect each of the first vent apertures221to those adjacent to it a ring would be created) that circumferentially surrounds the cavity axis B-B. This reference ring is oblique to the cavity axis B-B. State another way, in the exemplified embodiment the plurality of first vent apertures221lie in a reference plane C-C that is oblique to the cavity axis B-B. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and an alternative arrangement will be described with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11with other alternative arrangements not illustrated herein also being possible and within the scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, an alternative fluid supply apparatus300is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals will be used to describe the features of the fluid supply apparatus300as were used to describe the features of the fluid supply apparatus200except the 300-series of numbers will be used. Certain reference numerals are illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11and not specifically described herein, it being understood that the description of the similar feature with reference to the fluid supply apparatus200is applicable.

The fluid supply apparatus300is identical to the fluid supply apparatus200except with regard to the location of the first vent apertures321. Specifically, in this embodiment the first vent apertures321are located centrally along the length of the housing310between the first and second end walls315,316such that they lie in a reference plane D-D that is orthogonal to the cavity axis B-B. Of course, the first vent apertures321could be located closer to the first end wall315or closer to the second end wall316of the housing310in other embodiments while still lying in a reference plane D-D that is orthogonal to the cavity axis B-B. In this embodiment, the first vent apertures321still circumferentially surround the cavity axis B-B in a spaced apart manner, but they are all located at the same axial height along the length of the housing310. In any of the embodiments described herein, there could be multiple loops/rings of the first vent apertures221,321. In still other embodiments, the first vent apertures321could be arranged in a helical pattern about the cavity axis B-B.

Referring briefly toFIG. 12, another alternative fluid supply apparatus400is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals will be used to describe the features of the fluid supply apparatus400as were used to describe the features of the fluid supply apparatus200except the 400-series of numbers will be used. Certain reference numerals are illustrated inFIG. 12and not specifically described herein, it being understood that the description of the similar feature with reference to the fluid supply apparatus200is applicable.

In this embodiment, the first vent apertures321still lie in a reference plane E-E that is orthogonal to the cavity axis B-B just like with the fluid supply apparatus300. However, in this embodiment the storage cavity411has a region430with an increased diameter or transverse cross-sectional area. Specifically, within the region430of the storage cavity411, the inner surface402of the housing410and more specifically of the sidewall417is located radially furthest from the cavity axis B-B. Thus, a distance measured from the cavity axis B-B to the inner surface402of the housing410is greater at the region430than at other locations along the storage cavity411. In this embodiment, the first vent apertures421are located within the region430. Thus, the first vent apertures421are formed into the housing410along the portion of the inner surface402of the housing410that is located furthest from the cavity axis B-B. Stated another way, the first vent apertures421are located along the portion of the storage cavity411that has a maximum internal diameter. Locating the first vent apertures421in this manner ensures that the first vent apertures421will be located within air pockets in the storage cavity411regardless of the orientation at which the housing410is positioned as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 14A-14D.

In this embodiment, the housing410also includes additional vent apertures423,424formed into the sidewall417adjacent to the second end wall416. Furthermore, still more vent apertures could be included in the sidewall417to further ensure that at any orientation of the housing410, at least one of the vent openings will be located within the air/gas in the storage cavity411and outside of any fluid within the storage cavity411. These additional vent apertures423,424(and any others not illustrated) can be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

In still other embodiments, the arrangement of the first vent apertures221can be random or the first vent apertures221could be arranged along the entirety of the housing210in a spaced apart manner. In one embodiment the first vent apertures221should be arranged around the entire circumference of the housing210to surround the cavity axis B-B, but these first vent apertures221can be spaced apart, located at different axial locations along the housing210, or the like. So long as the functionality described herein is achieved so that one of the vent apertures221,222,223is in spatial communication with the air/gas within the storage cavity211regardless of the orientation of the storage cavity211, the exact locations of the plurality of first vent apertures221is not to be limiting of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, a close-up view of a portion ofFIG. 4is provided to illustrate the fluid supply apparatus200within the handle cavity170of the personal care implement100. In the exemplified embodiment, a protuberance171(either ring-like or a plurality of spaced apart protuberances arranged in a ring) extends from the inner surface106of the handle110into the handle cavity170. The protuberance171abuts against the outer surface201of the housing210to secure the housing210properly in position within the handle cavity170. Thus, the protuberance171may ensure that the housing210is secured in place within the handle cavity170via an interference or friction fit. The protuberance171may be formed of resilient elastomeric material so that the protuberance171will compress as the housing210is inserted into the handle cavity170and exert pressure on the outer surface201of the housing210to secure it in place. In the exemplified embodiment, there are a plurality of protuberances171arranged along the length of the storage cavity211(each of which may represent a single protuberance in any shape including ring-like or a plurality of spaced-apart protuberances arranged in a ring). The housing210may also include a detent or other recess in its outer surface201that mates with the protuberance171to further secure the housing210in place. Other mechanical structures can be used to secure the housing210within the handle cavity170in other embodiments.

When the housing210is located within the handle cavity170, the outer surface201of the housing210is spaced apart from the inner surface106of the handle110so that a gap180exists therebetween. In certain embodiments, the gap180is an annular gap that circumferentially surrounds the housing210along the entire length of the housing210between the first and second ends213,214thereof. The gap180may be a continuous gap in some embodiments or it may be segmented or partially segmented in others as long as each segment is vented to the external atmosphere as described herein.

In that regard, the body101, and more specifically the handle110in the exemplified embodiment, has at least one vent opening119extending from the inner surface106of the handle110to an outer surface107of the handle110. Where the gap180is segmented, there should be at least one vent opening119formed into the handle110within each segment of the gap180. The at least one vent opening119forms a passageway from the gap180to the exterior atmosphere. In the exemplified embodiment the vent opening119is oriented oblique to the longitudinal axis A-A of the personal care implement100. This may be desirable to limit blockage of the vent opening119by preventing debris from entering into the vent opening119. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments the vent opening119may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A of the personal care implement100and/or to the cavity axis B-B of the storage cavity210.

Moreover, in the exemplified embodiment the cap130also includes at least one vent opening135that provides a passageway from the gap180to the exterior atmosphere. In this embodiment, the cap130includes a recessed portion131such that if the personal care implement100were positioned vertically with the cap130resting on a horizontal surface, the recessed portion131of the cap130would be spaced from the horizontal surface. This maintains the vent opening135in the cap130spaced from such a horizontal surface, which may facilitate preventing debris from entering into and clogging the vent opening135.

Although the exemplified embodiment illustrates the vent openings119in the handle110and the vent openings135in the cap130, in alternative embodiments only one of the vent opening119in the handle110and the vent opening135in the cap130may be needed to achieve the desired venting as described herein. However, at least one vent from the gap180to the exterior atmosphere is needed to permit and facilitate air to flow from the storage cavity211to the exterior atmosphere during periods of air expansion to prevent fluid leakage.

Thus, in the exemplified embodiment, a passageway exists from the storage cavity211to the external atmosphere as follows: from the storage cavity211through one of the first, second, and third vent openings221,222,223and into the gap180, and then from the gap180to the external atmosphere through one of the vent openings119,135. Thus, as long as at least one of the first, second, and third vent openings221,222,223is located in spatial contact with air/gas within the storage cavity211(as opposed to being in spatial contact with fluid in the storage cavity211), the storage cavity211is properly vented to substantially prevent fluid leaks as has been described herein.

Although in the exemplified embodiment the fluid supply apparatus200and the housing210are separate components from the personal care implement100, in other embodiments the features of the housing210may be wholly incorporated directly into the personal care implement100. For example, in one embodiment the inner surface106of the handle110may define the storage cavity for retaining the fluid that is intended to be dispensed via the applicator150. In such embodiment the handle110may include an internal feature to operate as the roof or upper bounds of the storage cavity. In such embodiment, the vent openings221,222,223may be formed directly into the handle110of the personal care implement100in the manner described herein above with regard to the housing210,310,410. Thus, in such an embodiment the handle110can operate exactly in the same manner as the housing210thus negating the need for the housing210altogether.

Referring now toFIGS. 14A-14D, operation of the fluid supply apparatus200within the personal care implement100will be described. It should be appreciated that the fluid supply apparatus200would operate in a similar manner on its own without being disposed within the personal care implement100. Thus, in certain embodiments the fluid supply apparatus200may be coupled to an applicator, but not one that is a part of a personal care implement100. For example, the second end242of the capillary member240may be coupled to an applicator that can be used to apply a fluid to a desired surface.

Specifically, as will be better understood from the description ofFIGS. 14A-14Dthat follows, the vent apertures221,222,223are located and arranged on the housing210such that irrespective of the vertical and angular orientation of the housing210relative to a gravitational vector GV, at least one of the vent apertures221,222,223is in spatial communication with a gas located within the storage cavity211of the housing210rather than with a fluid located within the storage cavity211of the housing210.

FIG. 14Aillustrates the fluid supply apparatus200located within the personal care implement100with the housing210positioned in an upright orientation. As shown here, the storage cavity211of the housing210has a total volume that is occupied by a fluid108and a gas109. Specifically, a first portion of the total volume of the storage cavity211of the housing210is occupied by the fluid108and a second portion of the total volume of the storage cavity211of the housing210is occupied by the gas109. In the exemplified embodiment, the first portion of the total volume of the storage cavity211that is occupied by the fluid108is a majority of the total volume such that the fluid occupies a majority of the total volume of the storage cavity211. In one embodiment, the fluid109occupies at least eighty percent (80%) of the total volume of the storage cavity211. In another embodiment, the fluid109occupies at least eight-five percent (85%), or at least ninety percent (90%) or at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the total volume of the storage cavity211. Of course, as the fluid108supply apparatus200is used, the fluid109contained within the storage cavity211becomes depleted and the percentage of the total volume that is taken up by the fluid108decreases while the percentage of the total volume that is taken up by the gas109increases.

In one specific embodiment, the total volume of the storage cavity210may be between 5 ml and 10 ml, more specifically between 6 ml and 8 ml, and still more specifically approximately 7ml. Furthermore, in certain embodiments prior to use the fluid108will encompass approximately 95% (about 6.7 ml when the total volume is 7 ml) of the total volume. Of that 6.7 ml of the fluid108, a portion will prime the capillary member240and the applicator150, leaving approximately 6 ml of the fluid108within the storage cavity210(based on the storage cavity210having a total volume of 7 ml, the exact numbers may change while the percentages may remain the same). Thus, after priming and at or before first use by an end user, between 80%-90%, and more specifically approximately 85% of the total volume of the storage cavity210will be taken up by the fluid108, the remaining 10%-20%, and more specifically 15%, being taken up by the gas/air109.

With the housing210positioned in the upright orientation such that the gravitational vector GV is parallel to the cavity axis B-B, the fluid108in the storage cavity211is located in a bottom portion205of the storage cavity211and the gas109is located in the top portion206of the storage cavity211above the free surface of the liquid108. In this example and orientation of the housing210, the vent apertures223are in spatial communication with the gas109in the storage cavity211. Thus, if there were an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure, the gas109will flow out through the vent apertures223into the gap180and then out through one of the vent openings119,135to the external atmosphere. Thus, because one of the vent apertures223is in spatial communication with the gas109(i.e., air pocket) within the storage cavity211, the gas109is permitted to pass to the external atmosphere rather than having it exert a pressure on the fluid108which could create a leak situation.

In certain embodiments, the gas109in the storage cavity211is air (i.e., oxygen, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and small amounts of other gases, or the like). Furthermore, the fluid109can be any fluid that is desired to be dispensed for application to a surface (such as a biological surface) depending on the end use. For example, when the desired application site is a user's oral cavity, the fluid108may be one that provides a benefit to a user's oral surfaces (i.e., a benefit agent) such as a sensorial or therapeutic benefit. For example without limitation, the fluid108may be a mouthwash, a dentifrice, a tooth whitening agent such as peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions, or the like. Other contemplated fluids that can be stored in the storage cavity211include, for example without limitation, antibacterial agents; oxidative or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents; tooth sensitivity ingredients; gum health actives; nutritional ingredients; tartar control or anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensate ingredients; flavors or flavor ingredients; breath freshening ingredients; oral malodor reducing agents; anti-attachment agents or sealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding agents, dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activity of any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic ingredients; and combinations thereof In certain embodiments the oral care material is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the oral care material in such embodiments is intended to provide benefits in addition to merely brushing one's teeth. Other suitable oral care materials could include lip balm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solid state. Furthermore, in still other embodiments the first fluid103can be a natural ingredient, such as for example without limitation, lotus seed; lotus flower, bamboo salt; jasmine; corn mint; camellia; aloe; gingko; tea tree oil; xylitol; sea salt; vitamin C; ginger; cactus; baking soda; pine tree salt; green tea; white pearl; black pearl; charcoal powder; nephrite or jade and Ag/Au+.

Thus, when the fluid supply apparatus200is stored in an oral care implement or toothbrush, any of the above fluids may be desirable for use as the fluid108. In other embodiments the personal care implement100may not be a toothbrush. Thus, the fluid108can be any other type of fluid that has beneficial results when dispensed in accordance with its end use or the end use of the product/implement with which it is associated. For example, the fluid108may be hair gel when the implement is a hairbrush, make-up (i.e., mascara or the like) when the implement is a make-up applicator, shaving cream when the implement is a razor, anti-acne cream when the implement is a skin or face scrubber, or the like. Furthermore, as described herein in some embodiments the fluid supply apparatus200may not be associated with a personal care implement at all. Thus, the fluid108may be modified as desired to be any type of fluid that is desired to be dispensed in accordance with the teachings set forth herein even if it is dispensed directly from the fluid supply apparatus200rather than through a personal care implement100.

FIG. 14Billustrates the same thing asFIG. 14Aexcept the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200therein have been flipped 180° so that they are upside-down relative toFIG. 14A. Thus, in this embodiment the cavity axis B-B remains parallel to the gravitational vector GV, except here the housing210is upside-down such that its top portion206is facing downward and its bottom portion205is facing upward. In this embodiment, the same amount of the total volume of the storage cavity211is occupied by the fluid108and the gas109as with the embodiment ofFIG. 14A(i.e., a majority of the total volume is occupied by the fluid108and the remainder by the gas109).

With the housing210positioned in the upside-down orientation, the fluid108in the storage cavity211is located in the top portion206of the storage cavity211and the gas109is located in the bottom portion205of the storage cavity211(which is above the free surface of the liquid108due to the upside-down orientation). In this example and orientation of the housing210, one of the second vent apertures222is in spatial communication with the gas109in the storage cavity211. Thus, if there were an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure, the gas109will flow out through the second vent aperture(s)222into the gap180and then out through one of the vent openings119,135to the external atmosphere. Thus, because one of the second vent apertures222is in spatial communication with the gas109(i.e., air pocket) within the storage cavity211, the gas109is permitted to pass to the external atmosphere rather than having it exert a pressure on the fluid108which could create a leak situation.

FIG. 14Cillustrates the same thing asFIGS. 14A and 14Bexcept the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200have been tilted so that the cavity axis B-B is oriented obliquely to the gravitational vector GV. Although one tilt position is illustrated inFIG. 14C, the device will operate similarly in any of the infinite tilt orientations at which the cavity axis B-B is oblique to the gravitational vector GV. Furthermore, at any orientation shown, the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200can be rotated (with the cavity axis B-B or the longitudinal axis A-A as the rotational axis) 360° with the device still properly functioning to prevent a leak situation. In the embodiment ofFIG. 14C, the same amount of the total volume of the storage cavity211is occupied by the fluid108and the gas109as with the embodiments ofFIGS. 14A and 14B(i.e., a majority of the total volume is occupied by the fluid108and the remainder by the gas109).

With the housing210positioned in this tilted orientation, the fluid108in the storage cavity211is located in an upper corner of the storage cavity211near the top end or second end wall216. In this example and orientation of the housing210, one of the third vent apertures223is in spatial communication with the gas109in the storage cavity211. Thus, if there were an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure, the gas109will flow out through the third vent aperture223into the gap180and then out through one of the vent openings119,135to the external atmosphere. Thus, because one of the third vent apertures223is in spatial communication with the gas (i.e., air pocket) within the storage cavity211, the gas109is permitted to pass to the external atmosphere rather than having it exert a pressure on the fluid108which could create a leak situation.

FIG. 14Dillustrates the same thing asFIGS. 14A-14Cexcept the personal care implement100and the fluid supply apparatus200have been tilted so that the cavity axis B-B is oriented orthogonal to the gravitational vector GV. In the embodiment ofFIG. 14C, the same amount of the total volume of the storage cavity211is occupied by the fluid108and the gas109as with the previously described embodiments.

With the housing210positioned in this orientation, the fluid108in the storage cavity211falls by gravity to the right-side portion251of the storage cavity211and the left-most portion252of the storage cavity211is filled with the gas109. In this example and orientation of the housing210, at least one of the first vent apertures221is in spatial communication with the gas109in the storage cavity211. Thus, if there were an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure, the gas109will flow out through the first vent aperture221into the gap180and then out through one of the vent openings119,135to the external atmosphere. Thus, because one of the first vent apertures221is in spatial communication with the gas (i.e., air pocket) within the storage cavity211, the gas109is permitted to pass to the external atmosphere rather than having it exert a pressure on the fluid108which could create a leak situation.FIG. 15further illustrates the spatial communication between the gas109in the storage cavity211and one of the first vent apertures221with the housing210in the orientation ofFIG. 14Dsuch that the cavity axis B-B is perpendicular to the gravitational vector GV.