Patent Publication Number: US-8523475-B2

Title: Oral care system, kit and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. 371 of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/045010, filed Jul. 22, 2011, which in turn claims priority to Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US10/60874, filed on Dec. 22, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/410,514, filed on Nov. 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,397, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,435 filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,449, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009; and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402 filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     Further, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/046132, filed on Aug. 1, 2011, which in turn claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060874, filed on Dec. 22, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010. 
     Additionally, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060867, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/410,514, filed on Nov. 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,397, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,435 filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,449, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009; and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402, filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     Further, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060861, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/410,514, filed on Nov. 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,397, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,435 filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,449, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009; and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402, filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     In addition, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060877, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/410,514, filed on Nov. 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,397, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,435 filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,449, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009; and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402, filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     Further, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/060881, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,414, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/410,514, filed on Nov. 5, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,397, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,435 filed on Dec. 15, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,449, filed on Dec. 15, 2010; Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009; and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402, filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     Additionally, this application claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069408, filed on Dec. 23, 2009 and Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/069402, filed on Dec. 23, 2009. 
     The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to oral care systems and dispensers, and more specifically, to an applicator for an oral care material dispenser. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Oral care products or agents are applied in different ways. For example, without limitation, a common technique used for tooth whitening products is to cast an impression of a person&#39;s teeth and provide a tray of the shape of this impression. A person then only needs to add a whitening composition to the tray and to apply the tray to his/her teeth. This is left in place for a period of time and then removed. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten. Another technique is to use a strip that has a whitening composition on one surface. This strip is applied to a person&#39;s teeth and left in place for about 30 minutes. After several applications the teeth are gradually whitened. Yet another technique is to apply a whitening composition to teeth using a small brush. This brush is repeatedly dipped back into the container during the application of the tooth whitening composition to one&#39;s teeth. After a few treatments the teeth gradually whiten. 
     A problem with existing brushing techniques is that saliva in the mouth contains the enzyme catalase. This enzyme will catalize the decomposition of peroxides. The brush can pick up some catalase during the application of some of the whitening product to teeth and transport that catalase back to the bottle. This catalase now in the bottle can degrade the peroxide in the bottle. Another problem with this latter technique is that it does not adapt for use with anhydrous whitening compositions. Here the brush may transport moisture from saliva from the mouth back into the bottle. This will have a negative effect on the whitening composition by potentially decomposing the peroxide active ingredient. In addition, if a person washes the brush each time after use, moisture from the wet bristles can enter the bottle. 
     While tray-based systems are suitable, many people do not use them due to the fact that they tend to be uncomfortable and/or awkward. Moreover, in order to use a whitening tray, a user must keep the tray and the required components at hand. This not only requires extra storage space in already cramped bathroom cabinets but also requires that the user remember to use the whitening system. Furthermore, these tray-based systems are not conveniently portable for transport and/or travel. 
     In addition to difficulties in applying some oral care products, storage is sometimes cumbersome and inconvenient for the user. The oral care product must typically be stored separately from oral care tooth cleaning implements such as a toothbrush since the oral care product package and toothbrush heretofore are generally treated as separate and distinct parts of an oral care regimen. 
     A more portable, compact and convenient way to store oral care products, and to dispense and apply those oral care products to oral surfaces is desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient, compact, and portable oral care system that combines an oral care implement such as a toothbrush with a fluid dispenser in a highly portable and convenient housing. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an oral care dispenser having an improved design for applying and spreading the fluid onto the planar surfaces of the teeth and gums. Advantageously, such embodiments are especially suited for easy transport and/or travel. 
     In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care system comprising: a toothbrush; and a dispenser detachably coupled to the toothbrush, the dispenser comprising: a housing having an internal reservoir containing a fluid, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; a resilient applicator coupled to the distal end of the housing, the resilient applicator comprising a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the resilient applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing and defined by a polygonal perimeter edge, the polygonal perimeter edge comprising a plurality of apex portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions forms a distal most-portion of the resilient applicator. 
     In another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care dispenser comprising: a housing having an internal reservoir containing a fluid, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; a resilient applicator coupled to the distal end of the housing, the resilient applicator comprising a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the resilient applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing and defined by a polygonal perimeter edge, the polygonal perimeter edge comprising a plurality of apex portions and a plurality of side portions, wherein one of the plurality of side portions forms a distal most-portion of the resilient applicator. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention can be an oral care dispenser comprising: a housing having an internal reservoir containing a fluid, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; an applicator coupled to the distal end of the housing, the applicator comprising a dispensing orifice for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir; and wherein the applicator comprises a working surface that is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the working surface defined by a multi-lobed perimeter edge, the multi-lobed perimeter edge comprising a substantially straight side portion extending between each pair of adjacent lobes, one of the substantially straight portions forming a distal most-portion of the applicator. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, any suitable fluid or product, such as a fluidic oral care material, may be used with embodiments and methods described herein according to the present invention. Accordingly, the oral care treatment system may be any type of system including without limitation tooth whitening, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, fluoride, tartar protection/control, and others. The invention is expressly not limited to any particular type of oral care system or oral care material, unless specifically claimed. 
     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 
       The features of the exemplified embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings in which like elements are labeled similarly. 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an oral care system including a toothbrush and a dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dispenser is coupled to the toothbrush; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the oral care system of  FIG. 1  wherein the dispenser is removed from the toothbrush; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the dispenser of the oral care system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 3  taken along the longitudinal axis B-B; 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view of area VI of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 3  with the cap removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the resilient applicator and distal portion of the housing of the dispenser of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right-side view of the resilient applicator and distal portion of the housing of the dispenser of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the resilient applicator and distal portion of the housing of the dispenser of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a resilient applicator and distal portion of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a resilient applicator and distal portion of a dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a resilient applicator and distal portion of a dispenser according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     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 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,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative 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,” 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 illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with respect to one possible oral care or treatment system. Embodiments of the oral care system may include without limitation the following fluids such as fluidic oral care materials including: tooth whitening, antibacterial, enamel protection, anti-sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, anti-attachment, fluoride, tartar control/protection, flavorant, sensate, colorant and others. However, other embodiments of the present invention may be used to store and dispense any suitable type of fluid and the invention is expressly not limited to any particular oral care system or oral care material alone. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , an oral care system  100  is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The oral care system  100  is a compact readily portable self-contained user-friendly system that comprises all of the necessary components and chemistries necessary for a user to perform a desired oral care treatment routine. As will be described in greater detail below, the oral care system  100  in one exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a modified toothbrush having a detachable dispenser  300  disposed at least partially within its handle. Because the dispenser  300  is located within the handle of the toothbrush itself, the oral care system  100  is portable for travel, easy to use, and reduces the amount of required storage space. Furthermore, since the toothbrush  200  and dispenser  300  are housed together, the user is less likely to misplace the dispenser  300  and more inclined to maintain the oral treatment routine with the dispenser  300  since brushing will remind the user to simply detach and apply the contents of the dispenser  300 . 
     However, it should be understood that the toothbrush  200  is not required in all embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the oral care dispenser  300  itself can be provided without the toothbrush  200 . Thus, although the discussion below is directed mainly to the oral care system  100 , which comprises both the toothbrush  200  and the dispenser  300 , the invention is not to be so limited and the dispenser  300  can be sold, used and stored separate from the toothbrush  200 , or alternatively as a kit with another toothbrush or oral care implement. 
     The oral care system  100  generally comprises a toothbrush body  200  (hereinafter referred to simply as a toothbrush) and a dispenser  300 . While the invention is described herein with respect to the use of a toothbrush as one of the two primary components of the oral care system  100 , it is to be understood that other alternate oral care implements can be used within the scope of the invention, including tongue cleaners, tooth polishers and specially designed ansate implements having tooth engaging elements. Additionally, as discussed above, in certain other embodiments the toothbrush  200  (or any alternate oral care implement) can be omitted altogether or simply packaged as a kit. 
     In certain instances, the toothbrush  200  may include tooth engaging elements that are specifically designed to increase the effect of the fluid in the dispenser  300  on the desired oral surface, such as the teeth, tongue, cheeks, gums or other soft tissue. For example, the tooth engaging elements may include elastomeric wiping elements that assist in removing stains from teeth and/or assist with forcing the fluid into the tubules of the teeth. Moreover, while the toothbrush  200  is exemplified as a manual toothbrush, the toothbrush may be a powered toothbrush in other embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the inventive system can be utilized for a variety of intended oral care needs by filling the dispenser  300  with the appropriate fluid, such as active or inactive oral care agents that achieve a desired oral effect, such as tooth anti-sensitivity agents, tooth whitening agents, medicaments, breath freshening agents, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fluid is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste as the dispenser  300  is intended to augment not supplant the brushing regimen. The fluid can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula, such as by coordinating flavors, colors, aesthetics, or active ingredients. 
     The toothbrush  200  generally comprises a handle  210 , a neck  220  and a head  230 . The handle  210  provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush  200 . The handle  210  may be formed of many different shapes, sizes, materials and a variety of manufacturing methods that are well-known to those skilled in the art, so long as it can house the dispenser  300  therein as described in detail below. If desired, the handle  210  may include a suitable textured grip  211  made of soft elastomeric material. The handle  210  can be a single or multi-part construction. The handle  210  extends from a proximal end  212  to a distal end  213  along a longitudinal axis A-A. A cavity (not visible) is formed within the handle  210 . An opening  215  is provided at the proximal end  212  of the handle  210  that provides a passageway into the cavity through which the dispenser  300  can be inserted and retracted. While the opening  215  is located at the proximal end  212  of the handle  210  in the exemplified embodiment, the opening  215  may be located at other positions on the handle  210  in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the opening  215  may be located on a longitudinal surface of the handle  210  (e.g., the front surface, the rear surface and/or the side surfaces) and be elongated to provide sufficient access to the cavity. 
     The handle  210  transitions into the neck  220  at the distal end  213 . While the neck  220  generally has a smaller transverse cross-sectional area than the handle  210 , the invention is not so limited. Broadly speaking, the neck  220  is merely the transition region between the handle  210  and the head  230  and can conceptually be considered as a portion of the handle  210 . In this manner, the head  230  is connected to the distal end  213  of the handle  210  (via the neck  220 ). 
     The head  230  and the handle  210  of the toothbrush  200  are formed as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, the handle  210  and head  230  may 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. Whether the head  230  and handle  210  are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention, unless specifically stated. In some embodiments of the invention, the head  230  may be detachable (and replaceable) from the handle  210  using techniques known in the art. 
     The head  230  generally comprises a front surface  231 , a rear surface  232  and a peripheral side surface  233  that extends between the front and rear surfaces  231 ,  232 . The front surface  231  and the rear surface  232  of the head  230  can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces  231 ,  232  can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof. Moreover, if desired, the rear surface  232  may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a tooth polishing structure. An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad comprising a plurality of nubs and or ridges. An example of a tooth polishing structure can be an elastomeric element, such as a prophy cup(s) or elastomeric wipers. Furthermore, while the head  230  is normally widened relative to the neck  220  of the handle  210 , it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle  210 . 
     The front surface  231  of the head  230  comprises a collection of oral cleaning elements such as tooth engaging elements  235  extending therefrom for cleaning and/or polishing contact with an oral surface and/or interdental spaces. While the collection of tooth engaging elements  235  is suited for brushing teeth, the collection of cleaning elements  235  can also be used to polish teeth instead of or in addition to cleaning teeth. As used herein, the term “tooth engaging 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 engaging 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. 
     The tooth engaging elements  235  of the present invention can be connected to the head  230  in any manner known in the art. For example, staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engaging elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block. 
     The toothbrush  200  and the dispenser  300  are non-unitary separate structures that are specially designed in certain embodiments to be non-fixedly secured together when in an assembled state (referred to herein as a storage state) and completely isolated and separated from one another when in a disassembled state (referred to herein as an application state). Of course, as discussed above in certain embodiments the dispenser  300  is a stand-alone product that is not designed or intended to be housed within the toothbrush  200 . The toothbrush  200  and the dispenser  300  are illustrated in the storage state in  FIG. 1  and in the application state in  FIG. 2 . The dispenser  300  can be slidably manipulated and moved between the storage state ( FIG. 1 ) in which the dispenser  300  is docked in the toothbrush handle portion  210  and the application state ( FIG. 2 ) in which the dispenser  300  is removed from the handle portion  210  by the user as desired. The dispenser  300  will now be described in greater detail. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5  concurrently, the dispenser  300  is schematically illustrated. The dispenser  300  is an elongated tubular pen-like structure that extends along a longitudinal axis B-B. In the exemplified embodiment, the dispenser  300  generally comprises a housing  301 , a resilient applicator  800  coupled to the housing  301 , a removable cap  302  coupled to one end of the housing  301  that encloses the resilient applicator  800 , and an actuator  303  coupled to the opposite end of the housing  301  (as discussed in detail below the actuator  303  is part of a larger fluid delivery system  50 ). 
     The housing  301  is an elongated hollow tubular structure extending along the longitudinal axis B-B from a proximal end  315  to a distal end  316 . The distal end  316  of the housing  301  comprises a transverse end wall  390  having a to surface  391 . In the exemplified embodiment, the housing  301  has a generally circular transverse cross-sectional profile. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the housing  301  can have a non-circular transverse cross-sectional profile. The housing  301  is in the form of an elongated tubular barrel that extends along a central axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis B-B. 
     The housing  301  generally comprises a product containing portion  711  for containing the fluid therein, an annular shoulder portion  712 , and a neck portion  713  extending form the annular shoulder portion  712 . The neck portion  713  is narrowed relative to the product containing portion  711 . The annular shoulder portion  712  provides a transition structure between the product containing portion  711  and the neck portion  713 . The housing  301 , and more particularly the product containing portion  711  in the exemplified embodiment, defines an internal reservoir  317  containing the desired fluid or product therein, which can be any active or inactive oral care agent. 
     The fluid and/or its carrier may be in any form such as a solid or a flowable material including without limitation viscous pastes/gels or less viscous liquid compositions. The fluid is a flowable material having a low viscosity in certain embodiments. Any suitable fluid can be used in the present invention. For example, the fluid may include oral care agents such as whitening agents, including without limitation, peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions. Suitable peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions are disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/403,732, filed Apr. 13, 2006, to the present assignee, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. While a tooth whitening agent and a sensitivity agent are the exemplified active agents in the present invention, any other suitable oral care agents can be used with embodiments of the present invention and, thus, stored within the reservoir  317 . Contemplated fluids include oral care agents that can be an active or non-active ingredient, including without limitation, antibacterial agents; oxidative or whitening agents; enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents; anti-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; anti-inflammatory agents; dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activity of any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic ingredients; and combinations thereof. The fluid in one embodiment is free of (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the fluid is intended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition to merely brushing one&#39;s teeth. Other suitable oral care fluids could include lip balm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solid state. 
     In another embodiment, the fluid is a tooth anti-sensitivity agent as the resilient applicator  800  is particularly suited for optimal application of tooth anti-sensitivity agent to the tooth surface. In some embodiments, the materials useful in the oral care fluid contained in the reservoir may include oral care compositions comprising a basic amino acid in free or salt form. In one embodiment, the basic amino acid may be arginine. Various formulations would be useful to supply the arginine to the user. One such oral care composition, e.g., a dentifrice, may be used comprising:
         i. an effective amount of a basic amino acid, in free or salt form, e.g., arginine, e.g., present in an amount of at least about 1%, for example about 1 to about 30%; by weight of total formulation, weight calculated as free base;   ii. an effective amount of fluoride, e.g., a soluble fluoride salt, e.g., sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate, providing from about 250 to about 25,000 ppm fluoride ions, e.g., about 1,000 to about 1,500 ppm; and   iii. an abrasive, e.g., silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.       

     The dental treatment materials of the present invention may have a viscosity suitable for use in tooth treatment applications and methods. As used herein, the “viscosity” shall refer to “dynamic viscosity” and is defined as the ratio of the shearing stress to the rate of deformation as measured by AR 1000-N Rheometer from TA Instruments, New Castle, Del. 
     When measured at a shear rate of 1 seconds −1 , the viscosity may have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, about 0.1 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 10,000 poise, specifically about 5,000 poise, and more specifically about 1,000 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 1 seconds −1  includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, about 0.1 poise to about 5,000 poise, about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, and about 0.1 poise to about 10,000 poise. 
     When measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds −1 , the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, specifically about 0.05 poise, and more specifically about 7.5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 1,000 poise, specifically about 100 poise, and more specifically about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds −1  includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise, about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 1,000 poise. 
     When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds −1 , the viscosity will have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025 poise, specifically about 0.05 poise, and more specifically about 5 poise, with the upper end of the range being selected independently of the lower end of the range and generally about 500 poise, specifically about 50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds −1  includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 500 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, about 5 poise to about 50 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 500 poise. 
     The housing  301  is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid to provide the necessary structural integrity for the dispenser  300 . For example, the housing  301  can be formed of a moldable hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. The chosen plastic(s), however, should be compatible with the fluid that is to be stored within the dispenser  300  and should not be corroded or degraded by the fluid. 
     While the housing  301  is exemplified as a single layer construction, in certain embodiments, the housing  301  may be a multi-layer construction. In certain multi-layer embodiments, an inner layer can be formed from the hard plastic materials described immediately above while an outer layer can be formed of a soft resilient material, such as an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. The elastomeric material of the outer layer may have a hardness durometer measurement ranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A suitable range of the hardness durometer rating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness. While an over-molding construction is one suitable method of forming the outer layer, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material, such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to inner layer with an appropriate adhesive, sonic welding, or by other means. 
     The fluid delivery system  50  provides the mechanism by which a user can dispense (or deliver) the fluid that is within the internal reservoir  317  from the dispenser  300 . In the exemplified embodiment, the fluid delivery system  50  comprises a reciprocator  306 , an extension member  307 , an elevator  308 , and a collar  332 . The reciprocator  306  generally comprises the actuator  303 , a resilient member  310  and a drive screw  311 . In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator  303 , the resilient member  310  and the drive screw  311  are integrally formed to form the reciprocator  306  as a unitary structure. The structural and function details of the fluid delivery system  50  are fully described in the priority application, Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US10/60874, which was filed on Dec. 22, 2010, and is fully incorporated herein by reference. Thus, many of the details of the fluid delivery system  50  will not be discussed herein. 
     Moreover, many different types of fluid delivery systems can be utilized in the dispenser  300  in accordance with the present invention. For example, the fluid delivery system  50  can be any type of automated or manual system that is capable of delivering the fluid that is within the internal reservoir  317  from the dispenser  300 . For example, in certain alternate embodiments, the fluid delivery system  50  can be incorporated into the housing  301  by simply making the housing  301  transversely compressible. In still other alternate embodiments, the fluid delivery system  50  can be an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical pump system. Such pump systems may utilize a piston, pressurization, or combinations thereof. 
     The rotatable actuator  303  extends from the proximal end  315  of the housing  301 . The dispenser  300  is designed so as to be capable of being operated to dispense the fluid stored therein using a single hand by rotating the actuator  303 . Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the dispenser  300  is positioned in a user&#39;s hand so that the actuator  303  is lodged in the palm of the user&#39;s hand. The user then uses the fingers of that same hand to rotate the housing  301  (while keeping the actuator  303  stationary relative to the housing  301 ). As a result, the fluid contained therein is dispensed from the dispenser  300 . 
     The actuator  303  protrudes axially from a proximal end of the housing  301  so that a user can easily grip and rotate the actuator  303 . A plurality of protuberances  305 , in the form of axially aligned and spaced-apart ridges, are formed on an outer surface  304  of the actuator  303  to further facilitate gripping and rotation. The actuator  303  is rotatable with respect to the housing  301 . In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator  303  has a substantially circular transverse cross-sectional profile. The actuator  303  is sized and shaped so that its transverse cross-sectional profile fits within the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing  301 . Of course, depending on the fluid delivery system  50  utilized in the dispenser  300 , the actuator can be a translation-type actuator, a click-type actuator, a slide actuator, a depressible button, or incorporated into one of the other components, such as the housing  301  as discussed above. 
     The cap  302  has a transverse cross-sectional profile that corresponds in shape to the transverse cross-sectional profile of the housing  301 . In the exemplified embodiment, both the cap  302  and the housing  301  have a circular cross-sectional profile. Of course, non-circular transverse cross-sectional profiles can be utilized to facilitate gripping and/or twisting to remove the cap from the housing so that the fluid can be dispensed from the internal reservoir  317  of the dispenser  300 . 
     A dispensing orifice  319  is provided at the distal end  316  of the housing  301  through which fluid stored in the reservoir  317  is dispensed from the housing  300 . The resilient applicator  800  also comprises a dispensing orifice  801 . The dispensing orifice  801  of the resilient applicator  800  is aligned with the dispensing orifice  319  of the housing  301  so that the fluid within the internal reservoir  317  can exit the dispenser  300  for application to the desired oral surface of the user upon actuation of the actuator  303 . The dispensing orifices  319 ,  801  are centrally located along the longitudinal axis B-B of the dispenser  300 . Of course, in alternate embodiments, the dispensing orifices  319 ,  801  may be offset partially or entirely from the longitudinal axis B-B. 
     Referring solely now to  FIG. 5 , the neck portion  713  of the housing  301  has a reduced transverse cross-sectional area in comparison to the product containing portion  301 . The neck portion  713  extends axially from the annular shoulder portion  712  of the housing  301  and provides a structure for coupling the resilient applicator  800  to the housing  300 . More specifically, the neck portion  713  comprises a plug portion  715  that can be slid into an internal cavity  803  of a sleeve portion  802  of the resilient applicator  800  to effectuate said coupling. In the exemplified embodiment, the sleeve portion  802  of the resilient applicator  800  has a circular transverse cross-sectional profile. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the sleeve portion  802  can have other transverse cross-sectional shapes. 
     When the dispenser  300  is fully assembled, the plug portion  715  of the housing  301  is disposed and retained within the internal cavity  803  of the sleeve portion  802  of the resilient applicator  800 . The retention of the resilient applicator  800  to the housing  300  is enhanced by the mating of a protuberance  328  of the housing  301  with a depression  804  of the resilient applicator  800 . More specifically, the plug portion  715  of the housing  301  comprises the protuberance  328 , which protrudes from an outer surface of the plug portion  715 . Similarly, the sleeve portion  802  of the resilient applicator  800  comprises the depression  804  which is formed into an inner surface of the sleeve portion  802 . In the exemplified embodiment, the depression  804  is in the form of an annular groove while the protuberance  328  is in the form of an annular flange. Of course, the depression  804  and the protuberance  328  can take on wide variety of embodiments so long as they are capable of mating with one another when the dispenser  300  is fully assembled to provide a level of axial retention to the resilient applicator  800 . For example, the depression  804  can take on the form of one or more dimples, one or more notches, one or more channels, and combinations thereof. Similarly, the protuberance  328  can take on the form of, for example, one or more ridges, one or more barbs, one or more tangs, one or more bumps, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, while the depression  804  is located in the resilient applicator  800  and the protuberance  328  is located on the housing  301  in the exemplified embodiment, in certain alternate embodiments the resilient applicator  800  may include the protuberance  328  while the housing  301  comprises the depression  804 . Of course, in certain embodiments the applicator  800  can be integrally formed with the housing  301 , or a portion thereof, rather than separately formed and coupled thereto as described herein. Moreover, in other embodiment, the protuberance  328  and depression  804  may be omitted all together. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 5  solely, a protuberance  329  is also provided on the neck portion  713  of the housing  301  for facilitating coupling of the removable cap  302  to the housing  301 . To this extent, the cap  302  also comprises a protuberance  369  to assist with the facilitation of the coupling between the removable cap  302  and the housing  301 . As the cap  302  is positioned on the housing  301 , the circumference of the cap  302  expands slightly, thereby allowing the protuberance  369  to slide past the protuberance  329 . The protuberance  369  of the cap  302  nests against the protuberance  329  of the housing  301 , thereby axially retaining the cap  302  in a coupled manner to the housing  301  until a sufficient axial force is applied to remove the cap  302  therefrom. In the exemplified embodiment, the protuberances  329 ,  369  of the cap  302  and housing  301  are in the form of annular ridges. Of course, the protuberances  329 ,  369  can take on a wide variety of structural arrangements, including tangs, prongs, bumps, ridges, etc. The protuberance  329  is located on the neck portion  713  at a longitudinal position that is closer to the shoulder  712  of the housing  301  than is the protuberance depression/annular groove  328  of the plug portion  715 . 
     The removable cap  302  comprises a tubular sidewall  364  and a transverse end wall  365 . The removable cap  302  has a closed top end and open bottom end. An axial plug  368  extends axially from a bottom surface of the end wall  365 . The removable cap  302  is coupled to the housing  301  by being slid over the resilient applicator  800  and the neck portion  713  of the housing  301 . As discussed above, interference between the protuberance  369  of the removable cap  302  and the protuberance  329  of the housing  301  secures the removable cap  302  to the housing  301 . When the removable cap  302  is fully assembled to the housing  301 , the axial plug  368  extends through and seals the dispensing orifice  801  of the applicator and the dispensing orifice  319  of the housing  301 , thereby preventing leaking and/or drying out of the fluid in the reservoir  317 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-9  concurrently, the details of the resilient applicator  800  will be discussed. In the exemplified embodiment, the applicator  800  is formed of unitary mass of resilient material. Suitable resilient materials include, without limitation, natural or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the resilient material of the applicator  800  may be a TPE having a Shore A Hardness of 20 to 60, although resilient materials outside this range may be used. In one specific embodiment, the resilient material of the applicator  800  may be a TPE having a Shore A Hardness of 25 to 35. 
     The resilient applicator  800  generally comprises a main body portion  805  and the sleeve portion  802 . The main body portion  805  has a working surface  806  and a bottom surface  890 . The bottom surface  890  of the main body portion  805  is in contact with the top surface  391  of the transverse end wall  390  of the housing  301 . The main body portion  805  further comprises an outer peripheral surface  891  and an inner surface  892 , the inner surface  892  defining the dispensing orifice  801 . The dispensing orifice  801  of the resilient applicator forms a fluid passageway from the working surface  806  of the resilient applicator  800  to the dispensing orifice  319  of the housing  301 , thereby forming a passageway through which fluid contained within the internal reservoir  317  can be dispensed from the dispenser  300  to the desired oral surface. The fluid passageway has a transverse cross-sectional area that tapers from the working surface  806  to the bottom surface  890 . Furthermore, the main body portion  805  has a thickness measured from the outer peripheral surface  891  to the inner surface  892  along a reference plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A and the dispensing orifice  801  has a width measured along the reference plane. The thickness of the main body portion  805  taken along the reference plane is greater than the width of the dispensing orifice  801  taken along the reference plane. 
     The resilient applicator  800  extends axially from a proximal annular edge  807  and comprises the working surface  806 . During use of the dispenser  300 , the working surface  806  contacts the oral surface, such as the teeth, to apply the fluid being dispensed from the dispensing orifice  801 . In the exemplified, the dispensing orifice  801  is positioned along the longitudinal axis B-B and in a central portion of the working surface  360 . 
     The working surface  806  of the applicator  800  is oriented at an oblique angle Θ to the longitudinal axis B-B of the housing  301 . The oblique angle Θ is in a range of 10° to 89°, and more preferably in a range of 25° to 35°. In the exemplified embodiment, the working surface  360  is a substantially planar surface. However, in certain other embodiments the working surface can be contoured. Moreover, while the working surface  806  is exemplified as a substantially smooth surface, the working surface  806  may include protuberances and/or depressions (or otherwise be given an uneven topography) in alternate embodiments, such as those disclosed in  FIGS. 10-12 . 
     The working surface  806  is defined by a polygonal perimeter edge  810  comprising a plurality of apex portion  811 - 813  and a plurality of side portions  814 - 816 . Thought of another way, the working surface  360  is defined by a multi-lobed perimeter edge  810  comprising a plurality of lobes  811 - 813  and a plurality of side portions  814 - 816 . For purposes of further discussion herein, the details of the perimeter edge  810  of the resilient applicator  800  will be described in terms of a polygonal shape having apex portions with the understanding that the aforementioned lobe terminology can be used interchangeably as appropriate. 
     Each of the side portions  814 - 816  extend between a pair of the adjacent apex portion  811 - 813 . Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, the side portion  814  extends between apex portions  811 ,  813 , the side portion  815  extends between apex portions  811 ,  812 , and the side portion  816  extends between apex portions  812 ,  813 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the polygonal perimeter edge  810  is generally triangular and, thus has three apex portions  811 - 813  and three side portions  814 - 816 . When the lobe terminology is utilized, the perimeter edge  810 , in the exemplified embodiment, is tri-lobed. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the perimeter edge  810  can take the form of other polygonal or multi-lobed shapes as desired. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, each of the apex portions  811 - 813  are rounded, thereby having a first radius curvature. In one embodiment, the first radius of curvature is in a range of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and more preferably 1.9 mm to 2.2 mm. However, in alternate embodiments, a subset or all of the apex portions  811 - 813  can come to a point rather than being rounded. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, each of the side portions  814 - 816  is substantially linear/straight. However, in certain other embodiments, one or more of the side portions  814 - 816  can be slightly curved or otherwise slightly contoured along a portion or all of their length. However, in embodiments where the side portions  814 - 816  are curved, the side portions  814 - 816  will have a second radius of curvature that is substantially greater than the first radius of curvature of each of the apex portions  811 - 813  so that a clear visible distinction between the apex portions  811 - 813  and the side portions  814 - 816  is present. In one such embodiment, the ratio of the second radius of curvature to the first radius of curvature is in a range of 15.0 mm to 10.0 mm, and more preferably 12.5 mm to 13.5 mm. 
     By forming the side portions  814 - 816  to be straight or slightly curved (in comparison to the apex portions), the side portions  814 - 816  are particularly suited for spreading the fluid that is dispensed from the dispensing orifice  801  along the oral surface. 
     As mentioned above, the working surface  360  of the applicator  800  is oriented at the oblique angle Θ relative to the longitudinal axis B-B of the housing  301 . The angular orientation of the polygonal perimeter  810  about the longitudinal axis B-B is coordinated with the oblique angle Θ so that one of the side portions  814 - 816  forms a distal-most portion  818  of the resilient applicator  800  (measured along the longitudinal axis B-B). In the exemplified embodiment, it is the side portion  814  that forms the distal-most portion  818  of the resilient applicator  800 . In the exemplified embodiment, the side portion  814  of the polygonal perimeter edge  810  that forms the distal-most portion  818  of the resilient applicator  800  lies entirely within a plane that is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis B-B and intersects no other portion of the resilient applicator  800  or the housing  301 . The invention, however, is not to be limited as such in all embodiments. 
     In certain embodiments, the angular orientation of the polygonal perimeter  810  about the longitudinal axis B-B is coordinated with the oblique angle Θ so that one of the apex portions  811 - 813  forms a proximal-most portion  819  of the working surface  806 . In the exemplified embodiment, it is the apex portion  812  that forms the proximal-most portion  819  of the working surface  806 . 
     By designing the resilient applicator  800  so that the working surface  806  is angled and oriented as discussed above, the side portion  814 , which forms the distal-most portion  818  of the resilient applicator  800 , functions in a manner similar to a spatula or trowel and facilitates spreading the fluid onto (and potentially into) the desired oral surface, such as the teeth which have tubules. Moreover, the compressible nature of the resilient material of the resilient applicator  800  further facilitates optimal application as the side portion  814  can take on the contour of the desired oral surface. This can be especially useful and effective for the application of tooth anti-sensitivity agents. 
     As noted above, the resilient applicator  800  comprises a sleeve portion  802  having a circular transverse cross-sectional profile despite the working surface  806  having a polygonal shape. The circular transverse cross-sectional profile of the sleeve portion  802  facilitates coupling of the resilient applicator  800  to the housing  301  while still affording the advantages discussed above for the working surface  806 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , alternate embodiments of the resilient applicator  800  are illustrated. Referring first to  FIG. 10 , an applicator  800 A is illustrated having a working surface  806 A. The working surface  806 A comprises a plurality of nubs or protuberances  820  extending outwardly therefrom. The nubs  820  are formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and can be formed integrally with or separately from the resilient applicator  800 . Although the exemplified embodiment illustrates a plurality of nubs  820 , in other embodiments the working surface  806 A may comprise a single nub. Furthermore, the nubs can have a short length or extension from the working surface  806 A of approximately 1-3 mm or a greater length of approximately 3-5 mm. A shorter nub will provide a more rigid feel to a user and a longer nub will be able to penetrate deeper within any crevices between or within the teeth, gums and other oral care surfaces. The nubs  820  can provide a massaging effect as the working surface  806 A is rubbed against a user&#39;s tooth and gum surfaces. Furthermore, the nubs  820  can extend between crevices of the teeth, gums and other oral surfaces for ensuring adequate coverage with the fluid by the applicator  800 A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an applicator  800 B is illustrated having a working surface  806 B. The working surface  806 B comprises a plurality of depressions in the form of elongated grooves  821  provided therein that extend from one of the side portions  815 B to an opposing one of the side portions  816 B. In the exemplified embodiment, the working surface  806 B comprises five grooves  821 . However, the invention is not to be so limited and there can be just a single groove or any other number of grooves  821  as will properly fit on the working surface  806 B. The grooves  821  provide a channel for the fluid to flow into while it is being dispensed from the dispenser  300 . The grooves  821  will enhance the application of the fluid onto any rough surfaces or surfaces that have bumps thereon. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , an applicator  800 C is illustrated having a working surface  806 C. The working surface  806 C comprises a plurality of ridges  822  that extend from one of the side portions  815 C to an opposing one of the side portions  816 C. The ridges  822  are formed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and can be formed integrally with or separately from the resilient applicator  800 . Furthermore, in this embodiment channels  823  are formed between adjacent ones of the ridges  822 . This embodiment will further enhance and facilitate application of the fluid onto the tooth, gum and other oral surfaces. 
     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. 
     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 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.