Patent ID: 7857623

Claim:
A stem portion for a toothbrush for delivering fluid supplied from at least one reservoir to at least one exit opening in a bristle plate with bristles, comprising: a stem body having an interior longitudinal opening, the stem body having an outer surface and inner surface which defines the longitudinal opening, wherein the stem body terminates in a bristle plate with bristles which is integral with the stem body or attached thereto; and a core member configured to fit within the stem body opening, wherein a rear end of the stem portion connects to the remainder of the toothbrush, the stem body having an outer surface, wherein the stem body and the core member each have at least two grooves along the lengths thereof, the core member including an outer surface which extends between the grooves therein, wherein one groove in an inner surface of the stem body which opens onto the inner surface of the stem body and one mating groove in the outer surface of the core member, form a first stem channel, and wherein a second groove in the inner surface of the stem body, which opens onto the inner surface of the stem body and a second mating groove in the outer surface of the core member form a second stem channel, wherein the first and second stem channels extend to the bristle plate, for delivery of fluids to the bristle plate, and wherein the core member includes two rib elements which extend outwardly from said outer surface of the core member and are located, respectively, between the first and second stem channels, contacting the stem body in such a manner to provide a fluid-tight relationship between the stem body and the core member, separating the fluids in the first and second stem channels along the lengths thereof.