Patent Publication Number: US-9839283-B2

Title: Oral care implement with product applicator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/069040, filed Dec. 12, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Toothbrushes are typically used by applying toothpaste or dentifrice to a bristle section on the head of the toothbrush, followed by brushing regions of the oral cavity (e.g., the teeth or soft tissue such as the tongue and/or gums) with the bristle section. Some toothbrushes have been equipped with internal reservoirs and systems for delivering auxiliary or supplemental oral care materials, such as whitening agents, breath-freshening agents and others to a user&#39;s oral cavity, in addition to dentifrice. However, in known toothbrushes having oral care material contained therein, the delivery mechanism or channels may become clogged. Such toothbrushes do not adequately deliver the oral care material to a user&#39;s oral cavity and can force a user to spend time unclogging the device. Furthermore, some delivery systems utilize either a pump to force the fluid from a reservoir through an opening in a head of the toothbrush or rely on capillary action to flow the oral care material from the reservoir to the head. A stationary applicator, such as a pad or bristles, is then used to apply the oral care material to the oral surface. Thus, a need exists for an improved system for delivering and/or applying an oral care material contained within the oral care implement to a user&#39;s oral cavity. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to oral care implements that have an oral care material contained therein and being operable to dispense the material to a user. In one embodiment, the oral care material is dispensed through the head of the oral care implement. In one embodiment, the oral care implement is a toothbrush. 
     According to one embodiment, a toothbrush includes a body comprising a handle, a head coupled to the handle, and an internal cavity containing an oral care material, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, and an applicator disposed in the head and in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The applicator includes at least one spring-actuated valve movable from the closed non-dispensing position to an open dispensing position upon applying a pressing force against an externally exposed portion of the valve wherein oral care material is dispensed from the internal cavity. 
     According to another embodiment, a toothbrush includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a handle, a head coupled to the handle, and an internal cavity containing an oral care material, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, and an applicator disposed in the head and in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The applicator includes at least one spring-actuated valve including a depressible sealing element and a spring member biasing the sealing element into a closed non-dispensing position. The sealing element is linearly movable from the closed non-dispensing position to an open dispensing position upon applying a pressing force against the sealing element wherein oral care material is dispensed from the internal cavity through the user. 
     According to another embodiment, a toothbrush includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a handle, a head coupled to the handle, and an internal cavity disposed in the head containing an oral care material, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head, and an applicator disposed in the head and in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The applicator includes a spring plate mounted in the head of the toothbrush, a plurality of spring members disposed on the spring plate, a plurality of sockets disposed in the head of the toothbrush, and a plurality of depressible sealing element engageable with the socket. Each one of the spring members, sockets, and sealing elements collectively defining a spring-actuated valve. Each of the sealing elements are linearly movable from a closed non-dispensing position to an open dispensing position upon applying a pressing force against the sealing element wherein oral care material is dispensed from the internal cavity through the user. 
     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 present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an oral care implement, in the form of a toothbrush, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  taken along longitudinal axis line X-X of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  with a spring-actuated valve in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  with the spring-actuated valve of  FIG. 3A  in an open dispensing position; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic of one embodiment of a pressurizer in the form of a movable piston that can be used in the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic of another embodiment of a pressurizer in the form of a compressible wall that can be used in the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  with a second embodiment of a spring-actuated valve in a closed position; and 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the head of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  with a third embodiment of a spring-actuated valve in a closed position 
     
    
    
     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 the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front” and “rear” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” “secured” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments, even if indicated as being preferred. The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a toothbrush  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In the exemplified embodiments disclosed herein, the invention is illustrated and described in the form of a manual toothbrush. However, the invention is not so limited in all embodiments. In other embodiments, the oral care implement may take other forms, including without limitation a powered toothbrush, an interdental device, a soft tissue cleaner or any other type of ansate oral care implement as is known in the art. 
     The toothbrush  100  extends axially from a proximal end  101  to a distal end  102  along a longitudinal axis X-X. The toothbrush  100  generally comprises a body  105  having a head  110  and a handle  120 . The body  105  comprises an outer surface  106  and an inner surface  117  ( FIG. 2 ). The body  105  is constructed of a material having suitable rigidity for handling of the toothbrush  100  and being sufficiently impervious to fluids so that an oral care material, such as a fluid, can be stored within an internal cavity  140  and/or a reservoir  150  contained within the body  105  of the toothbrush  100  (discussed below). Suitable materials for the body  105  include hard plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic, ABS or any other of the commonly known thermoplastics used in toothbrush manufacture. 
     Toothbrush  100  defines an X, Y and Z axis in a Cartesian coordinate system shown in  FIG. 1 , which used for reference herein in describing embodiments according to the present disclosure. Both the Y-Y and Z-Z axes are transverse axes with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X. 
     The head  110  is coupled to a distal end of the handle  120  via the neck  121 . In the exemplary embodiment, the head  110  and the handle  120  are integrally formed as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle  120  and the head  110  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  110  and the handle  120  are of a unitary or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention, unless specifically claimed. In some embodiments of the invention, the head  110  may be detachable (and replaceable) from the handle  120  using techniques known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the head  110  comprises a front surface  111 , an opposing rear surface  112  and a peripheral side surface  113  extending around the perimeter of the head. The front surface  111  and the rear surface  112  of the head  110  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  111 ,  112  can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof. While the head  110  is normally widened laterally relative to the neck of the handle  120  in a direction of a transverse axis Y-Y, it could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle  120 . 
     Moreover, in certain embodiments with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the rear surface  112  of the head  110  may also comprise additional structures (in addition to an applicator  130 , as will be described below) for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleaner  114 . The soft tissue cleaner  114  is located on the rear surface  112  of the head  120  and is intended to clean a user&#39;s soft tissue surfaces such as the gums, tongue and cheeks. In one embodiment, the soft tissue cleaner  114  is formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material of the soft tissue cleaner  114  may be any biocompatible resilient material suitable for use in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. As an example, one preferred 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 soft tissue cleaner  114  comprises a plurality of protuberances, which in certain embodiments may be in the form of nubs  115  extending transversely outwards from head  110  (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ). As used herein a “nub” generally refers to a generally elongated column-like protrusion (referring to without limitation the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion viewed from the peripheral edges of the toothbrush head  110 ) which is upstanding from a base surface. In a general sense, the nub  115 , in a preferred construction, has a height that is greater than the width at the base of the nub  115  (as measured in the longest direction). Nevertheless, nubs could include projections wherein the widths and heights are roughly the same or wherein the heights are somewhat smaller than the base widths. Moreover, in some circumstances (e.g., where the nub tapers to a tip or includes a base portion that narrows to a smaller projection), the base width can be substantially larger than the height. 
     In one preferred arrangement of the soft tissue cleaner  114 , the nubs  115  are preferably conically shaped. As used herein, “conically shaped” or “conical” is meant to include true cones, frusto-conically shaped elements, and other shapes that taper to a narrow end and thereby resemble a cone irrespective of whether they are uniform, continuous in their taper, or have rounded cross-sections. An example of a suitable elastomeric soft tissue cleaner that may be used with the present invention and positioned on the rear surface  112  of the head  110  is 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 by reference. The soft tissue cleaner  114  is omitted from illustration in  FIGS. 2-5  to prevent crowding in the figures and for ease of description. However, it should be understood that the soft tissue cleaner  114  can be included with any of the embodiments discussed herein. 
     In certain other embodiments, the protuberances of the soft tissue cleaner  114  can take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the soft tissue cleaner  114  can be formed out of the same material of the body  105  as discussed above. In one such embodiment, the soft tissue cleanser  114  can comprise protuberances that are integrally formed into the body  105 . 
     The head  110  also comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  extending outwards from the front surface  111  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B . The plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  conceptually forms a field of cleaning elements. The tooth cleaning elements  116  are generically illustrated as a plurality of tufts of bristles. However, the invention is in no way limited by the configuration or material of the tooth cleaning elements  116 . Furthermore, while the plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  are particularly suited for brushing and/or polishing teeth, the plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  can also be used to clean oral soft tissue, such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to teeth. 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 as have been described in detail above with regard to the soft tissue cleaner  114 . 
     The plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  can be mounted to the head  110  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. Other types of tooth cleaning elements may be mounted using AFT in a similar way. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention as noted above. Alternatively, the bristles or other cleaning elements could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable depressions in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, referring to  FIG. 3A , the plurality of tooth cleaning elements  116  are coupled to the head  110  of the toothbrush body  105  using an AFT mounting method. In AFT, a head plate  400  (which can be a membrane in certain embodiments) is formed having a desired pattern of tuft holes  408 . The head plate  400 , in one embodiment, can be formed of any of the materials described above for the body  105 . In one such embodiment, the head plate  400  is formed of one of the hard thermoplastics described herein for the body  105  using an injection molding process. Once the head plate  400  is formed, a bristle tuft  410  (or other desired tooth cleaning element, such as an elastomeric element) is inserted into each of the tuft holes  408 . When so inserted, a cleaning portion  118  of each of the bristle tufts  410  protrudes freely outwards from a front surface  412  of the head plate  400  while an end anchor or base portion  119  protrudes inwards from a rear surface  414  of the head plate  400 . A heating element (such as a plate) is then brought into contact with the base portions of the bristle tufts  410  that melts the base portions  119  of the bristle tufts  410 , thereby flowing and fusing the base portions together to form a melt matte  402  (also known as a bristle melt in the art). Alternatively, the end portions of the bristle tufts  410  can be melted by any means known for applying heat thereto, such as convective heated gas flow and/or irradiation. When the melt matte  402  hardens, the bristles tufts  410  are secured to head plate  400  and cannot be pulled out though the front surface  412  of the head plate. As a result of the above, the completed head plate assembly  400  is formed. While the process is described above using bristle tufts  410 , any type of tooth cleaning element  116  can be utilized to form the head plate assembly  400  as described above instead of or in combination with the bristle tufts. 
     Once the head plate assembly  400  is formed, the head plate assembly is aligned with the front basin  416  in the head  110  of toothbrush body  105 . The head plate assembly  400  is then nested into the front basin  416  (as shown in  FIG. 3A ) and secured to the head  110 . In one embodiment, as shown, the head plate  400  and the melt matte  402  are nested in the front basin  416  so that the head plate  400  contacts a shoulder or ledge  404  formed in the head  110 . Once so positioned, the head plate  400  with the melt matte  402  trapped beneath the head plate in front basin  416  is secured to the head  110  using a technique such as thermal welding, sonic welding, or adhesion. Of course, other connection techniques can be utilized, such as snap-fit, tight-fit, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A -B, and  4 , the toothbrush  100  further comprises a fluidic oral care material applicator such as applicator  130  mounted to or formed integrally with the body  105  of the toothbrush. In the exemplified embodiment shown in these figures, applicator  130  may be a roll-on type applicator including one or more rotatable oral care material dispensing elements. Applicator  130  is mounted to the body  105  so as to be positioned on the rear surface  112  of the head  110  of the toothbrush  100 . However, the invention is not so limited and in other embodiments (some of which will be described below), the applicator  130  can be mounted to the body  105  so as to be positioned on the front surface  111  of the head  110 . In still other embodiments, the applicator  130  can be mounted to the body  105  so as to be positioned on the handle  120 , such as for example at or near the proximal end  101  of the toothbrush  100 . Of course, the applicator  130  can be mounted to the body  105  so as to be positioned still elsewhere on the body  105 , including on the narrowed neck  121  of the toothbrush  100  (which is located between the handle  120  and the head  110 ). It will further be appreciated that more than one applicator  130  may be provided including any combination of the foregoing arrangements. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the applicator  130  is positioned within the soft tissue cleaner  114 . In other words, the applicator  130  is positioned within a field of the protuberances such as nubs  115  of the soft tissue cleaner  114  so as to utilize the protuberances to better distribute the fluidic oral care material dispensed through the applicator to the soft oral tissue of the user. In one embodiment, the applicator  130  is positioned within the field of the protuberances of the soft tissue cleaner  114  so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the protuberances. In still other embodiments, the applicator  130  is positioned within the field of the protuberances of the soft tissue cleaner  114  so that the protuberances of the soft tissue cleaner  114  are located on at least opposite sides of the applicator  130  measured along the longitudinal axis X-X or transverse axis Z-Z (see, e.g.  FIG. 1 ). 
     In the exemplified embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A -B, and  4 , the applicator  130  comprises a plurality of spring-actuated valves  210  for dispensing the oral care material  141 . Spring-actuated valves  210  include a depressible sealing element, a biasing or spring member  220   a - c , and a socket  131   a - c  configured to sealingly engage a respective sealing element. As used herein, the term “spring-actuated” does not require the inclusion of a traditional spring as the biasing member. Rather, the term “spring-actuated,” as used herein, includes structures in which the biasing member is any type of resilient structure or body. Spring members  220   a - c  are operable to bias the sealing elements into engagement with sockets  131   a - c . The sealing element is linearly moveable and openable/closeable to allow flow or shutoff flow of oral care material  141  to a user. In one embodiment, where applicator  130  is a roll-on type applicator, the sealing element may be a linearly moveable and rotatable applicator ball or spherical element  130   a - c  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-B  and  4 . Each of spherical elements  130   a - c  are linearly moveable into and out of engagement with their respective sockets  131   a - c  along the transverse Z-Z axis and also rotatable about their own rotational axis, as further described herein. 
     While three valves  210  and spherical elements  130   a - c  are shown in this embodiment of applicator  130 , more or less than three rolling elements can be utilized as desired. In certain embodiments, the applicator  130  may comprise at least one single spherical element  130   a - c . In the exemplified embodiment, the rolling elements are in the form of a first spherical element  130   a , a second spherical element  130   b  and a third spherical element  130   c . Each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  is capable of 360 degree rotation about each of the X, Y and Z axes in a Cartesian coordinate system such that there is no limit on the angle and/or degree of rotation of the spherical elements  130   a - c.    
     Although the rolling elements of the applicator  130  are exemplified and described herein as spherical elements  130   a - c , the rolling elements of the applicator  130  can take on many other three-dimensional geometries so long as the rolling elements are capable of a sufficient degree of rotation to deliver oral care material from an internal cavity and/or reservoir to the user&#39;s oral surface. Thus, the structural cooperation and concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of rolling element that is used as the applicator  130 . 
     The spherical elements  130   a - c  are solid in the exemplified embodiment, but can be hollow in other embodiments. The spherical elements  130   a - c  can be formed of a wide variety of materials, including rigid materials, elastomeric materials, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the spherical elements  130   a - c  can be formed of hard plastics such as polypropylene or any of the other materials described above for the body  105 . Other suitable materials for spherical element  130   a - c  include POM (polyoxymethylene), Glass, PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), and PA (polyamide). Alternatively, the spherical elements  130   a - c  may be formed of a metallic material such as, for example without limitation steel, aluminum, copper or the like. In still other embodiments, the spherical elements  130   a - c  can be formed of thermoplastic elastomers having a high degree of Shore A hardness. 
     The outer surfaces of the spherical elements  130   a - c  are smooth in the exemplified embodiment to provide comfort to a user as well as to facilitate ease of rotation. However, in certain other embodiments, the outer surfaces of the spherical elements  130   a - c  may be roughened or may contain an irregular topography. Such embodiments may enhance the capture and delivery of an oral care material to a user&#39;s oral surfaces as will be described in detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-B , each one of the spherical elements  130   a - c  is rotatably mounted to the rear surface  112  of the head  110  in a spaced-apart manner so as to be isolated from one another. In other words, each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  can function independent of the other ones of the spherical elements  130   a - c . Thus, if one spherical element  130   a - c  were to become clogged or incapable of rotation, the other spherical elements  130   a - c  would act as a backup which continue to deliver the oral care material to the desired oral surface of the user during use. 
     In order to rotatably mount the spherical elements  130   a - c  to the body  105  of toothbrush  100 , the rear surface  112  and wall  200  of the head  110  comprises a first socket  131   a , a second socket  131   b  and a third socket  131   c  formed therein as best shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 . The first spherical element  130   a  is rotatably mounted in the first socket  131   a , the second spherical element  130   b  is rotatably mounted in the second socket  131   b  and the third spherical element  130   c  is rotatably mounted in the third socket  131   c . Each one of the sockets  131   a - c  forms a through passageway or opening  108   a ,  108   b , and  108   c  from the external environment, through rear wall  200  of the head  110  (or body  105  if applicator  130  is located elsewhere), and into an internal cavity  140  of the head  110  which holds the fluidic oral care material. Each opening  108   a - c  defines a central hole axis CA aligned substantially parallel to transverse axis Z-Z and perpendicular to rear surface  112  of the toothbrush head  110 . 
     When rotatably mounted within their corresponding sockets  131   a - c , portions of each spherical elements  130   a - c  are simultaneously exposed to both the external environment and the internal cavity  140  of head  110  containing the fluidic oral care material. In the exemplified embodiment, an exterior portion of each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  protrudes outwards from the openings  108   a - c  along the Z-Z axis while another interior portion of the spherical elements  130   a - c  protrudes inwards into internal cavity  140  along the Z-Z axis. 
     The spherical elements  130   a - c  can be rotatably mounted within the sockets  131   a - c  in a wide variety of manners so long as the spherical elements  130   a - c  are retained within the sockets  131   a - c  and capable of the desired rotational movement. In the exemplified embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , the spherical elements  130   a - c  are retained within the sockets  131   a - c  due to a geometric mating between specially contoured and configured socket seating surfaces  134   a - c  of the sockets  131   a - c  and the spherical elements  130   a - c . More specifically, each of the sockets  131   a - c  is defined by a contoured seating surface  134   a - c  configured for sealingly engaging a circumferentially extending annular portion of the spherical elements  130   a - c  to eliminate or minimize outward leakage of the fluidic oral care material from internal cavity  140  when not being intentionally dispensed. These contoured seating surfaces  134   a - c  have a concave contour that is complementary configured to generally correspond to the convex contour of the outer surfaces of the spherical elements  130   a - c . Of course, the contours are selected so as to allow for the necessary tolerance required to allow rotation. As such, the convex contour of the outer surface of each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  nests within the concave contour of the seating surfaces  134   a - c  of the corresponding sockets  131   a - c . In other embodiments, the spherical elements  130   a - c  can be rotatably mounted within the sockets  131   a - c  using an axle or pivot pins extending across through openings  108   a - c  to provide rotation of the spherical elements  130   a - c  within or along a single plane or axis of rotation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , the socket seating surfaces  134   a - c  in certain embodiment are configured with a generally tapered or frusto-conical cross section having a diametrically wider internal end portion  109   i  adjacent internal cavity  140  for receiving a portion of spherical element  130   a - c  within the sockets  131   a - c  and a diametrically narrower external end portion  109   e  adjacent the rear surface  112  of head  110  (see  FIG. 4 ). The narrow external end portions  109   e  of each socket  131   a - c  defines a portion of openings  108   a - c  having a smaller diameter than the widest or maximum diameter of the spherical elements  130   a - c  to retain the spherical element  130   a - c  in toothbrush head  110  and prevent the spherical elements from being ejected (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) under the outward biasing effect of spring members  220   a - c , as further described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 4 , spring members  220   a - c  are each disposed in the internal cavity  140  in toothbrush head  110  and engaged with spherical element  130   a - c . In one embodiment, each spring member  220   a - c  may be formed as an integral unitary structural portion of a common spring plate  222 . In other embodiments, each spring member  220   a - c  may be a separate spring member each engageable with spherical element  130   a - c . In such embodiments, spring members  220   a - c  may be helical springs  300  as shown in  FIG. 7  each having an end engaging spherical element  130   a - c  and an opposite end engaging an internal surface within head  110  of toothbrush  100  proximate the front surface  111  side of the toothbrush. The annular shaped surface defined by the end of each helical spring  300  that engages a spherical element  130   a - c  defines a contact surface between the springs and spherical elements. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the spring members  220   a - c  may be formed as an integral unitary structural part of spherical elements  130   a - c . In this embodiment, the spherical elements  130   a - c  are not rotatable within sockets  131   a - c ; rather, movement is restricted to axial movement of the spherical elements along the central hole axis CA perpendicular to the rear surface  112  of the toothbrush head  110  and in the direction of transverse axis Z-Z since the spherical elements are part of the spring members  220   a - c  having no relative motion between these two components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , spring plate  222  includes a generally planar elongated mounting base  221  configured for mounting in toothbrush head  110 . Spring members  220   a - c  are disposed on base  221 . In one embodiment, spring members  220   a - c  are configured as cantilevered members extending outwards from the base  221  into internal cavity  140  in a direction towards sockets  131   a - c  in rear wall  200 . Spring plate  222  provides a common base  221  for supporting spring members  220   a - c  which is mountable in toothbrush head  110 . In one embodiment, spring members  220   a - c  may each be configured with a flexible elastically deformable and resilient arm  223   a - c  that defines an urging surface  224   a - c  configured to abuttingly contact and engage spherical element  130   a - c . In one embodiment, contact surfaces  224   a - c  may be concavely shaped to complement the convex shape of the spherical element  130   a - c . Arms  223   a - c  may be oriented at an angle with respect to the planar surface of base  221  as shown, and in some embodiments contact surfaces  224   a - c  may further be oriented at an angle in turn with respect to portions of the arms between the contact surfaces and base  221 . 
     In one embodiment, spring plate  222  including spring members  220   a - c  may be molded from PEI (polyetherimide), PC, POM, PP and filled versions of the foregoing (e.g. glass, talc, nylon, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , the toothbrush  100  is provided with an open front basin  416  that opens inwards through front wall  202  of the head  110  into the internal cavity. 
     Possible mounting arrangements of spring-actuated valves  210  will now be briefly described. Referring now to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 , the spherical elements  130   a - c  may be rotatably mounted on the rear surface  112  of the head  110  in rear wall  120  in a spaced apart manner. In the exemplified embodiment, the first spherical element  130   a  is spaced from the second spherical element  130   b  by a first distance D 1  and the second spherical element  130   b  is spaced from the third spherical element  130   c  by a second distance D 2  such that the first and second distances D 1 , D 2  are the same. However, in certain other embodiments the first and second distances D 1 , D 2  may be different in order to achieve a particular cleaning action. In the exemplified embodiment, the spherical elements  130   a - c  are aligned along the longitudinal axis X-X. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments the spherical elements  130   a - c  can be aligned along an axis that is transverse or oblique to the longitudinal axis X-X. In still other embodiments, the spherical elements  130   a - c  could be located along an axis that is substantially parallel to but offset form the longitudinal axis X-X. In another embodiment, the spherical elements  130   a - c  may be rotatably mounted the peripheral surface  113  of the head  110 . Unless specifically recited in the claims, the invention is not to be limited by the particular arrangement, number and/or positioning of the rolling elements. 
     The internal cavity  140  is defined by the inner surface  117  of the body  105  of the toothbrush  100 . In the exemplified embodiment, the internal cavity  140  is located within the head  110  of the toothbrush  100  (see, e.g.  FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B ). However, in other embodiments, the internal cavity  140  can be positioned at other locations within the body  105 . For example, in other embodiments, the internal cavity  140  can be located in the handle  120  and/or the neck region of the toothbrush  100 . The internal cavity  140  contains and stores an oral care material  141  in close proximity to spherical elements  130   a - c  for ready dispensing to the user. Thus, the body  105  forms a housing which forms the internal cavity  140  which contains the oral care material  141 . 
     In certain embodiments, the toothbrush  100  also comprises a delivery channel  142  that places the internal cavity  140  in fluid communication with a reservoir  150  (described below) that contains the fluidic oral care material  141 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . However, in certain other embodiments, the internal cavity  140  is an isolated chamber and the toothbrush  100  may not include a delivery channel  142  or a separate reservoir  150 . In such an embodiment, the internal cavity  140  will act as a reservoir. 
     The oral care material  141  is a material that provides oral health benefits to a user upon contact with a user&#39;s oral cavity. In one embodiment, the oral care material  141  is a fluidic material which is broadly defined herein as being a material capable of flowing at a temperature. The oral care material  141  may be of any viscosity so long as the material is capable of flowing through the toothbrush  100  and being dispensed through applicator  130  to a user. For example, in certain embodiments the oral care material  141  is a mouthwash solution that cleans the oral surfaces when applied thereto and provides the user with breath freshening benefits. In other embodiments, the oral care material  141  is a tooth cleaning solution. Of course, the oral care material  141  is not to be in any way limiting of the present invention and may include fluids having active or inactive agents that deliver therapeutic, cosmetic, experiential and/or sensorial benefits to a consumer during a tooth, soft tissue, tongue or interdental cleaning regimen. Specifically, the oral care material can be an anti-sensitivity agent, fluoride, a tartar protection agent, an antibacterial agent, an oxidative or whitening agent, an enamel strengthening or repair agent, a tooth erosion preventing agent, a tooth sensitivity ingredient, a gum health active, a nutritional ingredient, a tartar control or anti-stain ingredient, an enzyme, a sensate ingredient, a flavor or flavor ingredient, a breath freshening ingredient, an oral malodor reducing agent, an anti-attachment agent or sealant, a diagnostic solution, an occluding agent, a dry mouth relief ingredient, a catalyst to enhance the activity of any of these agents, colorants or aesthetic ingredients, arginine bicarbonate, chlorohexidine, triclosan, CPC, zinc oxide and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the oral care material  141  is free of a dentifrice as the oral care material  141  is intended to supplement traditional brushing of the teeth rather than supplant it. 
       FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4  depict the exemplified embodiment in which cavity  140  is disposed in the head  110  of the toothbrush  100 . The internal cavity  140  is formed between a rear wall  200  that supports applicator  130  and soft tissue cleaner  114 , and an opposing front wall  202  that supports tooth cleaning elements  116 . The sockets  131   a - c  are supported by and disposed in rear wall  200  and rear surface  112  defined by the rear wall. The sockets  131   a - c  may be either an integral unitary part of the rear wall  200  or a separate component mounted in the rear wall  200 . Either construction may be used depending on the intended application at hand. 
     As discussed above, the spherical elements  130   a - c  of the applicator  130  are mounted to the rear surface  112  of the head  110  within the sockets  131   a - c  on the rear surface  112  and rear wall  200  of the head  110 . The spherical elements  130   a - c  are mounted to the head  110  so that a portion of each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  protrudes inwards from corresponding sockets  131   a - c  in rear wall  200  and is in contact with the oral care material  141  contained within the internal cavity  140 . Another diametrically opposed portion of each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  protrudes outwards from and beyond sockets  131   a - c  above rear wall  200  and rear surface  112  through the corresponding through opening  108   a - c  and is exposed to the external environment. Thus, as will be described in detail below, each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  comprises an exposed portion that protrudes form the outer surface  106  of the body for applying the oral care material to the user&#39;s oral surface. As the spherical elements  130   a - c  rotate within their respective sockets  131   a - c , the oral care material  141  is delivered from the internal cavity  140  to the exposed portions of the spherical elements  130   a - c  in a rolling manner of delivery or dispensing. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the rear wall  200  of toothbrush head  110  may include raised annular rims  204  formed around some or all of the sockets  131   a - c  to assist with projecting the spherical elements  130   a - c  beyond the soft tissue cleaner  114  and nubs  115  for better contact with a user&#39;s soft oral tissue. 
     An exemplary method for assembling a toothbrush head  110  including applicator  130  and spring-actuated valves  210  will now be described. Advantageously, assembly of the applicator  130  and components of the spring-actuated valves  210  (e.g. spherical elements  130   a - c  and spring plate  222 ) will be incorporated into the normal AFT assembly process for toothbrush head  110  described herein so that the work process flow only requires minor modification without substantial disruption to incorporate the applicator elements. This provides efficiencies and economies in the toothbrush fabrication and head assembly process. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 4 , prior to mounting the tooth cleaning elements  116  by AFT or another method, a toothbrush  100  is first provided having a head  110  with sockets  131   a - c  already mounted or formed in rear wall  200  (see also  FIG. 4 ). Internal cavity  141  and adjacent internal portions of rear wall  200  holding sockets  131   a - c  are exposed and accessible from the front side of the toothbrush head  110  through front basin  416  formed through front wall  202 . Next, spherical elements  130   a - c  are placed in their respective sockets  131   a - c  through the front basin  416  and engaged with seating surfaces  134   a - c.    
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3A and 4 , spring plate  222  is then inserted through front basin  416  and engaged with front wall  202  in a mounted position in toothbrush head  110 . Front wall has an open through hole  420  extending into internal cavity  140  and a perimeter lip  406  surrounding hole  420  that is complementary configured to engage the peripheral edges  225  of spring plate  222  on base  221  (see  FIG. 4 ). In one embodiment, perimeter lip  406  is step-shaped have a configuration for engaging a corresponding mating step-shape of peripheral edges  225  so that the spring plate  222  does not fall into internal cavity  140  due to an interference fit between the mating steps. In this manner, perimeter lip  406  defines a seat for receiving spring plate  222 . Upon mounting spring plate  222  in toothbrush head  110 , assembly of each spring-actuated valve  210  is completed in-situ. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 3A , the head plate  400  assembly with bristle matte  402  already formed in the manner already described herein is then inserted into front basin  416  and traps the spring plate  222  in head  110  of toothbrush  100 , as shown. With the head plate  400  assembly and spring plate  222  nested in place in head  110 , the head plate  400  is secured to the front wall  202  of toothbrush head  110  in the manner already described herein such as via thermal welding, sonic welding, adhesion, snap-fitting, etc. In one preferred embodiment, head plate  400  is thermal or sonic welded to head  110  in a way that concurrently welds spring plate  222  onto front wall  202 . This hermetically seals the spring plate  222  to the front wall  202  and provides a leak-proof closure on the front side of internal cavity  140  so that the only remaining flow path for fluidic oral care material  141  to exist cavity  140  is through the spring-actuated valves  210  in the rear wall  200  of toothbrush head  110  as intended. The completed toothbrush head assembly with applicator  130  appears as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Embodiments of toothbrush  105  and the oral care material dispensing applicator  130  shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4  deliver the fluidic oral care material  141  via a combination of roll-on motion of the rotating spherical elements  130   a - c  and direct dispensing of the material under pressure from pressurizer  160  via the linear movement of the valve sealing elements within toothbrush head  110 , which in the present embodiment being described are spherical elements  130   a - c . Each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  are linearly moveable in a direction parallel to the transverse Z-Z axis and central hole axis CA of each socket  131   a - c  from an inactive closed non-dispensing position in which fluidic oral care material  141  is not dispensed (see  FIG. 3A ), to an active open dispensing position (see  FIG. 3B ) in which valve  210  is operable to dispense oral care material to the user&#39;s soft oral tissue. 
     An exemplary method for dispensing an oral care material  141  from a toothbrush  100  having applicator  130  will now be described. A toothbrush  100  containing the oral care material  141  is first provided. The oral care material may be filled in reservoir  500  in any suitable manner, including through fill cap or other closeable port disposed in body  105  of toothbrush  100 . The spring-actuated valves  210  of applicator  130  and spherical elements  130   a - c  are in the inactive closed non-dispensing position in which fluidic oral care material  141  is not dispensed, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Accordingly, the spherical elements  130   a - c  are fully engaged and abuttingly contact seating surfaces  134   a - c  of the corresponding sockets  131   a - c  to provide a seal. The resilient spring members  220   a - c  are in a fully expanded state and operably urging the spherical elements  130   a - c  against seating surfaces  134   a - c  to form the seal. Exposed external portions of the spherical elements  130   a - c  protrude outwards beyond rear surface  112  and above the base of the soft tissue cleaner  114   a  sufficient amount so that the elements  130   a - c  are positioned to engage the soft oral tissue of the user. 
     To apply the oral care material  141 , the user then grasps the toothbrush  100  and presses applicator  130  against the soft oral tissue, such as the cheeks, gums, or tongue, either alone or in combination with brushing the teeth with tooth cleaning elements  116  on the opposite side of head  110 . The externally exposed portions of spherical elements  130   a - c  engage the soft oral tissue and an inward pressing force F acting towards internal cavity  140  and longitudinal axis X-X is applied by the pressing action (see  FIG. 3B ). This causes the spherical elements  130   a - c  to each move linearly inwards in the direction of each corresponding central hole axis CA by a distance sufficient to at least partially unseat and disengage a portion of spherical elements  130   a - c  from seating surfaces  134   a - c  of the corresponding sockets  131   a - c . The valves  210  and spherical elements  130   a - c  are now in the active open dispensing position. The spring members  220   a - c  are correspondingly collapsed into a compressed state, and in certain embodiments may abuttingly contact base  221  of spring plate  222  thereby acting a travel stop limiting the distance by which each spherical elements  130   a - c  may move. As shown by the flow arrows in  FIG. 3B , this allows the pressurized fluidic oral care material  141  drawn from reservoir  150  to directly flow outwards through the sockets  131   a - c  between the spherical elements  130   a - c  and seating surfaces  134   a - c  where the material is dispensed and deposited onto the soft oral tissue. In addition, the dispensing and application of the oral care material  141  onto the soft oral tissue may further be assisted by the rotational or rolling action of the roll-on spherical elements  130   a - c  when the user draws the applicator  130  across the oral soft tissue thereby causing the spherical elements  130   a - c  to rotate. Accordingly, the applicator  130  shown in  FIG. 3B  may dispense oral care material  141  via two delivery mechanisms. 
     It will be appreciated that in the present embodiment being described and shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the applicator  130  does not rely solely on the rotational or roll-on oral care material delivery mechanism. Therefore, advantageously, even if in certain instances there is insufficient friction produced by the user&#39;s soft oral tissue to cause rotation of the spherical elements  130   a - c  (e.g. excessive saliva or dentifrice on the tissue surfaces), the oral care material  141  will nonetheless still be dispensed via a direct outflow from the partially open sockets  131   a - c  of the spring-actuated valves  210  as described above. 
     When the user disengages the oral care material applicator  130  from the soft oral tissue, the inward pressing force F will be relieved. Spring members  220   a - c  will now again act to urge and move spherical elements  130   a - c  linearly outwards from internal cavity  140  to engage seating surfaces  134   a - c  of the corresponding sockets  131   a - c , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The spring-actuated valves  210  of applicator  130  and spherical elements  130   a - c  are returned to the inactive closed non-dispensing position in which fluidic oral care material  141  is not dispensed. 
     It should be understood that the applicator embodiment of  FIG. 6  in which the spherical elements  130   a - c  are formed integral with spring members  220   a - c , there would be only a linear axial movement component for the spherical elements without rotation. Accordingly, this embodiment delivers oral care material  141  via direct outflow from spring-actuated valves  210 . 
     In the applicator embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the spherical elements  130   a - c  are not constrained by the spring members  220   a - c  from rotating. Accordingly, this embodiment delivers oral care material via both direct outflow and rotational delivery mechanism similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     The functional details of the spherical elements  130   a - c  will now be further described with respect to the first spherical element  130   a  with the understanding that the below-discussion is equally applicable to the other two spherical elements  130   b - c  and any other structural embodiments which the rolling element may take. 
     The first spherical element  130   a  comprises an exposed portion  132   a  and an internal portion  133   a . The exposed portion  132   a  protrudes from the rear surface  106  of the body  105  (which in the exemplified embodiment is the rear surface  112  of the head  110 ) while the internal portion  133   a  is positioned within the internal cavity  140  and in contact with and wetted by the oral care material  141  therein. It should be understood that the exposed portion  132   a  and the internal portion  133   a  of the first spherical element  130   a  are not a particular segment/area of the first spherical element  130   a  itself, but are rather defined by the relative rotational positioning of a portion of spherical element  130   a  with respect to the head  110  and/or external environment. Thus, the segments/areas of the first spherical element  130   a  that comprise the exposed and internal portions  132   a ,  133   a  change during rotation of the first spherical element  130   a  upon application of the fluidic oral care material  141  to the user. Moreover, during rotation of the spherical element  130   a , the particular segment/area of the first spherical element  130   a  that forms the exposed portion  132   a  of the first spherical element  130   a  at a certain time may also form the internal portion  133   a  of the first spherical element  130   a  at a different time. 
     In operation, as the spherical element  130   a  is rotated within socket  131   a  due to frictional contact with the oral tissue surface, the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140  adheres to the segment/area of the spherical element  130   a  that is, at that time, the internal portion  133   a . As the spherical element  130   a  continues to rotate, the segment/area of the spherical element  130   a  having the oral care material  141  adhered thereto becomes the exposed portion  132   a  of the spherical element  130   a  (at a subsequent time), thereby allowing the adhered oral care material  141  to be applied to the desired oral tissue surface. 
     In a similar manner described above, the second spherical element  130   b  also comprises an exposed portion  132   b  and an internal portion  133   b  while the third spherical element  130   c  comprises an exposed portion  132   c  and an internal portion  133   c , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     As set forth above, the applicator  130  delivers the oral care material  141  from the internal cavity  140  to the exposed portions  132   a - c  of the spherical elements  130   a - c  due to rotation of the spherical elements  130   a - c  during use of the toothbrush  100 . The adherence of the oral care material  141  to the spherical elements  130   a - c  can be the result of the tackiness of the oral care material  141 , a capillary action, and/or surface tension between the oral care material  141  and the spherical elements  130   a - c . When a user desires to dispense the oral care material  141  from the internal cavity  140  to an oral tissue surface, the exposed portions  132   a - c  of the spherical elements  130   a - c  are first put into contact with the desired oral surface. The toothbrush  100  is then translated. Due to the frictional engagement between the exposed portions  132   a - c  of the spherical elements  130   a - c  and the oral surface, the spherical elements  130   a - c  rotate during said translation, thereby dispensing the oral care material  141  onto the oral surface. This dispensing can occur indirectly during brushing of the teeth or be specifically intended, such as brushing of the tongue with the rear surface  112  of the head  110 . The spherical elements  130   a - c  will continue to rotate throughout use of the toothbrush  100  so that fresh oral care material  141  will continually be delivered from the internal cavity  140  to the exposed portions  132   a - c  of the spherical elements  130   a - c  for application to the user&#39;s oral cavity. As discussed in above, each of the spherical elements  130   a - c  is capable of 360 degree rotation about each of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the center of the subject spherical elements  130   a - c  is considered the 0-0-0 point. However, such unlimited degrees of rotational freedom are not necessary in all embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the rolling element(s) of the applicator  130  will have at least 360 degrees of rotational freedom about at least a single axis. In one such embodiment, this single axis may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the toothbrush  100 . 
     The fluidic oral care material  141  storage and dispensing system components will now be described in greater detail. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , the body  105  of toothbrush  100  further includes a reservoir  150  that contains an additional amount/volume of the oral care material  141  besides the oral care material temporarily held in toothbrush head  110  within the internal cavity  141  as described herein. The reservoir  150  is in fluid communication with the internal cavity  140  via a flow conduit such as delivery channel  142 . However, in certain other embodiments, the internal cavity  140  may be the only chamber within the body  105  of toothbrush  100  that contains the oral care material  141 , and thus, can conceptually be considered a reservoir in such embodiments. In one embodiment, the reservoir  150  has a larger volumetric capacity for oral care material  141  than the internal cavity  140 . 
     The delivery channel  142  extends from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140  through neck  121 , thereby forming a fluid passageway from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140  that facilitates the fluid communication between the reservoir  150  and the internal cavity  140 . In the exemplified embodiment, the delivery channel  142  extends axially along the longitudinal axis X-X. In other embodiments, the delivery channel  142  may extend substantially transverse or at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis X-X. The delivery channel  142  may be linear, curved, and/or combinations thereof. The exact shape (i.e. longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional) and orientation of the delivery channel  142  will be dictated by considerations such as the position of the internal cavity  140 , the position of the reservoir  150 , and the shape of the body  105  of the toothbrush  100 . While the internal cavity  140  is shown as being a larger chamber than the delivery channel  142  in cross-section, in certain alternate embodiments the internal cavity  140  can be considered merely a portion or extension of the delivery channel  142 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the toothbrush  100  further comprises a pressurizer  160  for dispensing and maintaining the oral care material  141  in contact with the spherical elements  130   a - c  of the applicator  130 . In the exemplified embodiment, the pressurizer  160  is operably coupled to the reservoir  150  to pressurize the oral care material  141  contents in the reservoir. However, in other embodiments, the pressurizer  160  can be operably coupled directly to the internal cavity  140  or to the delivery channel  142 . 
     The pressurizer  160  can be any type of pressurizer known in the art, such as for example without limitation a movable piston or a user-operable pump. Examples of user-operated pumps include a compressible bladder, an electrical pump, a manual pump, a gas-generating cell. The pressurizer  160  is operated by the user to increase the pressure within the reservoir  150 , which in turn forces the oral care material  141  to flow from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140 , thereby continually supplying and filling the internal cavity  140  with the oral care material  141 . Thus, by pressurizing the oral care material  141  within the reservoir  150 , the pressurizer  160  also indirectly pressurizes the internal cavity  140  due to the fluid communication between the reservoir  150  and the internal cavity  140 . 
     The pressurizer  160  ensures that the internal cavity  140  remains filled with the oral care material  141  so that the internal portions  133   a - c  of the spherical elements  130   a - c  of the applicator  130  are maintained in contact with the oral care material  141  at all times. If the internal cavity  140  becomes empty and devoid of the oral care material  141 , the applicator  130  will either not be operable to dispense the oral care material  141  to the user&#39;s oral surfaces or a delay would result in the dispensing time, neither of which is particularly desirable. Thus, the pressurizer  160  ensures that the internal cavity  140  remains filled with the oral care material  141  so that the applicator  130  remains in contact with the oral care material  141  and ready essentially immediately for dispensing when desired by the user. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, however, the pressurizer  160  may be omitted and other mechanisms and/or methods for delivering the oral care material  141  to the applicator  130  may be utilized. In one embodiment, delivery can be accomplished by using a passive delivery system, such as a capillary action delivery mechanism. In one such embodiment, a capillary material, such as a porous material, a fibrous material, or an open cell material, can extend from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140  and delivery the oral care material  141  to the applicator  130  solely by capillary action. In this embodiment, the capillary material may fill (or at least partially fill) the internal cavity  140  so as to contact and/or be sufficiently adjacent the applicator  130  such that the oral care material  141  is transferred thereto. In another embodiment, the oral care material  141  may be delivered from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140  (and into contact with the applicator  130 ) simply by the mechanical action of brushing. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the toothbrush  100  further comprises a one-way valve  161  that is positioned in the delivery channel  142 . Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the one-way valve  161  can be positioned at other locations along the fluid path within the body  105 . In one embodiment, it is simply preferred that the one-way valve be operably coupled between the reservoir  150  and the internal cavity  140 . Thus, the one-way valve  161  can be positioned at an exit point of the reservoir  150  or at an entrance point of the internal cavity  140  or at any location therebetween. The one-way valve  160  permits the oral care material  141  to flow from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140  while preventing or prohibiting the oral care material  141  from flowing from the internal cavity  140  into the reservoir  150 . Thus, the one-way valve  161  also ensures that the internal cavity  140  remains filled so that the applicator  130  can maintain contact with the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140 . 
     When the amount of the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140  becomes low or depleted, the oral care material  150  within the reservoir  150  can be forced into the internal cavity  140  via automated or user-operated activation the pressurizer  160 . The oral care material  141  is maintained within the internal cavity  140  due to the existence of the one-way valve  161  thereby preventing flow back to the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir  150  contains an additional supply of the oral care material  141  to enable the toothbrush  100  to continue operating as desired even after an initial supply of the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140  has been depleted. 
     While the foregoing description discusses a single internal cavity  140 , a single delivery channel  142 , and a single reservoir  150 , in certain embodiments, multiple internal cavities, multiple delivery channels, and multiple reservoirs may b provided such that different oral care materials may be provided and dispensed to the user via the spherical elements  130   a - c.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 5A , one particular example of a pressurizer  170  will be described. The pressurizer  170  comprises a movable piston  171  that forces the oral care material  141  from the reservoir  150  to the internal cavity  140 . In the exemplified embodiment, the pressurizer  170  includes a biasing member  172  that automatically provides a constant pressure on the reservoir  150  and reduces the volume of the reservoir  150  as the oral care material  141  is dispensed. In the exemplified embodiment, the biasing member  172  is a coil spring. In other embodiments, the biasing member  172  can be any type of resilient component, including without limitation different types of springs, elastomeric elements, resilient prongs and/or combinations thereof. As the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140  becomes depleted, the biasing member  172  will extend in an axial direction along longitudinal axis X-X. As the biasing member  172  extends in the axial direction, the piston  171  also moves in the same axial direction and thereby decreases the interior volume of the reservoir  150 . Thus, the piston  171 , which is in constant contact with the oral care material  141 , pressurizes and forces the oral care material  141  to migrate in the axial direction towards the internal cavity  140  via dispensing channel  142 . The biasing member  172  and piston  171  only move in the axial direction as the oral care material  141  is removed from the internal cavity  140  as a result of usage of the toothbrush  100 . The biasing member  172  preferably should have sufficient force to pressurize the oral care material  141  sufficiently to overcome frictional flow resistance through the applicator  130  when dispensing the oral care material. It should be understood that in embodiments that have the pressurizer  170 , the one-way valve  161  may be omitted because the volume of the reservoir  150  decreases as the piston  171  moves in the axial direction. Decreasing the volume of the reservoir  150  prevents the oral care material  141  from flowing from the internal cavity  140  back to the reservoir  150  because of the corresponding decrease in volume of the reservoir  150 . 
     In other embodiments using a movable piston  171  as part of the pressurizer  170 , the movable piston  171  can be translated either manually or electronically due to user actuation. For example, a ratchet or drive screw assembly could be used. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , an exemplary pressurizer  180  will be described. The pressurizer  180  is illustrated as a user-operable manual pump. Specifically, the pressurizer  180  is formed by a compressible portion  181  of the body  105  that is formed of a compressible material. The compressible material may be a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material, a flexible plastic material or the like in preferred embodiments. As the oral care material  141  within the internal cavity  140  of head  110  becomes depleted, a user can press down on the compressible portion  181  of the body  105  with a transverse force F in the direction of the arrow, thereby forcing the oral care material  141  within the reservoir  150  to flow towards and into the internal cavity  140 . Pressing down on the compressible portion  181  with the force F in the direction of the arrow temporarily increases the pressure in the reservoir  150 . The compressible portion  181  preferably biases back to its normal structural configuration after the user stops applying the force F to the compressible portion  18  through the use of a proper pressure relief valve. It should be understood that any of the embodiments described herein may also include the one-way valve  161  to prevent the oral care material  141  from flowing back from the internal cavity  140  into the reservoir  150 . 
     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. For example, in certain embodiments, the delivery of the oral care fluid from the reservoir to the applicator can be supplemented by mechanical action if desired.