US20160167834A1

US20160167834A1 - Dentifrice dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20160167834A1
Application number: US14/907,329
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Beckerman
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2013-07-25
Filing date: 2013-07-25
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: EP3024367A1; AU2013394887A1; AU2013394887B2; TW201515624A; CN105407773A; WO2015012840A1; MX2016000708A

Abstract

Dentifrice dispenser (1) comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber; and a mount (20) for connecting a toothbrush (30) to the container, the mount (20) comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar (22) positioned around a portion of the container to attach the mount (20) to the container. Dentifrice dispenser kit, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber; and a mount (20) for connecting a toothbrush (30) to the container, the mount (20) comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar (22) positionable around a portion of the container to attach the mount (20) to the container.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a dentifrice dispenser and to a dentifrice dispenser kit.
It is known to provide dentifrice, such as toothpaste, in a tube having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable. However, in order to dispense the dentifrice from the tube onto the head of a toothbrush, a user has to squeeze the tube while at the same time aligning the head of the toothbrush with the opening of the tube. Carrying out these two processes simultaneously can be difficult or impossible for some users, such as children, individuals with disabilities, and others who are challenged by low strength, coordination or motor control in the fingers, hands or arms.
There is a need for a dentifrice dispenser that helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of a toothbrush.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides a dentifrice dispenser, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber; and a mount for connecting a toothbrush to the container, the mount comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar positioned around a portion of the container to attach the mount to the container.
Optionally, the container comprises a vessel defining the chamber, and a cap device connected to the vessel and defining an orifice in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the collar is positioned around the cap device.
Optionally, the vessel is flexible and the cap device is of greater rigidity than the vessel.
Optionally, the cap device comprises a base defining the orifice and a closure movable relative to the base between a closed position, at which the closure isolates the orifice from an exterior of the dispenser, and an open position, at which the orifice is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser. Further optionally, the collar is positioned around the base of the cap device.
Optionally, the closure is rotatable between the open and closed positions.
Optionally, the closure is movable between the open and closed positions without hindrance by the mount.
Optionally, the mount comprises a toothbrush attachment device comprising one of: a magnet for attracting a magnet or a metal component comprised in a toothbrush, one of a ball and a socket for mating with the other of a ball and a socket comprised in a toothbrush, and a clip, optionally a Y-shaped clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.
Optionally, the mount comprises an arm attached to the collar and the toothbrush attachment device is positioned at an end of the arm distal from the collar. Further optionally, the arm is elongate in a direction extending away from the collar.
Optionally, a first portion of the mount is attached to the base of the cap device, a second portion of the mount is attached to the closure of the cap device, and the second portion of the mount comprises a clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.
Optionally, the mount prevents the closure from being rotated relative to the base from the closed position over more than a predetermined angle, such as 90 degrees.
Optionally, the mount is a unitary component.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a dentifrice dispenser kit, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber; and a mount for connecting a toothbrush to the container, the mount comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar positionable around a portion of the container to attach the mount to the container.
Optionally, the container comprises a vessel defining the chamber, and a cap device connected to the vessel and defining an orifice in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the collar is positionable around the cap device.
Optionally, the vessel is flexible and the cap device is of greater rigidity than the vessel.
Optionally, the cap device comprises a base defining the orifice and a closure movable relative to the base between a closed position, at which the closure isolates the orifice from an exterior of the dispenser, and an open position, at which the orifice is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser. Further optionally, the collar is positionable around the base of the cap device.
Optionally, the closure is rotatable between the open and closed positions.
Optionally, the closure is movable between the open and closed positions without hindrance by the mount when the mount is attached to the container.
Optionally, the mount comprises a toothbrush attachment device comprising one of: a magnet for attracting a magnet or a metal component comprised in a toothbrush, one of a ball and a socket for mating with the other of a ball and a socket comprised in a toothbrush, and a clip, optionally a Y-shaped clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.
Optionally, the mount comprises an arm attached to the collar, and the toothbrush attachment device is positioned at an end of the arm distal from the collar. Further optionally, the arm is elongate in a direction extending away from the collar.
Optionally, a first portion of the mount is attachable to the base of the cap device, a second portion of the mount is attachable to the closure of the cap device, and the second portion of the mount comprises a clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.
Optionally, the mount prevents the closure from being rotated relative to the base from the closed position over more than a predetermined angle, such as 90 degrees, when the mount is attached to the container.
Optionally, the mount is a unitary component.
Optionally, the kit comprises the toothbrush.
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 shows a perspective view of a dentifrice dispenser according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a closure of a cap device of the dentifrice dispenser at a closed position relative to a base of the cap device;

FIG. 2 shows a partial close-up perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 1, with the closure at an open position relative to the base of the cap device;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 2 with a toothbrush attached to a mount of the dispenser;

FIG. 4 shows a partial close-up perspective view of a dentifrice dispenser according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a closure of a cap device of the dentifrice dispenser at an open position relative to a base of the cap device;

FIG. 5 shows a partial close-up perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 4 with a toothbrush attached to a mount of the dispenser;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a dentifrice dispenser according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a closure of a cap device of the dentifrice dispenser at an open position relative to a base of the cap device;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 6 with a toothbrush attached to a mount of the dispenser;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a dentifrice dispenser according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a closure of a cap device of the dentifrice dispenser at a closed position relative to a base of the cap device;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 8, with the closure at an open position relative to the base of the cap device; and

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 9 with a toothbrush attached to a mount of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.
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.
FIGS. 1 to 3 show a dentifrice dispenser 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The dentifrice dispenser 1 of the illustrated first embodiment comprises a container 10 and a mount 20 attached to the container 10. Each of these components will be described in turn.
The container 10 comprises a flexible vessel 11, which vessel 11 comprises a sealed first end 12 and an elongate annular wall 13 extending from the sealed end 12 and defining a chamber 14 therein. Within the chamber 14 there is stored a dentifrice (not shown). At an opposite longitudinal second end 15 of the wall 13 from the first end 12, the vessel 11 has an opening (not shown) through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber 14. The container 10 also comprises a cap device 16 connected to the vessel 11 at the longitudinal second end 15 of the wall 13. The cap device 16 is of greater rigidity or hardness than the vessel 11 and defines an orifice 17 (see FIG. 2) in fluid communication with the opening of the vessel 11, through which orifice 17 the dentifrice is dispensable from the container 10. The cap device 16 comprises a base 18, which defines the orifice 17, and a closure 19, which is connected to the base 18 by a hinge (such as a living hinge) and is movable relative to the base 18 by bending the hinge. The closure 19 is rotatable relative to the base 18 between a closed position (see FIG. 1), at which the closure 19 isolates the orifice 17 from an exterior of the dispenser 1, and an open position (see FIGS. 2 and 3), at which the orifice 17 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser 1.
The mount 20 is for connecting a toothbrush 30 (see FIG. 3) to the container 10, thereby to attach the toothbrush 30 to the dentifrice dispenser 1. The mount 20 comprises an annular collar 22 positioned around the base 18 of the cap device 16, whereby the collar 22 is positioned around a portion of the container 10 to attach the mount 20 to the container 10. With the collar 22 positioned around the base 18 of the cap device 16, the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is movable between the open position and the closed position without hindrance by the mount 20. That is, the closure 19 does not contact the mount 20 as the closure 19 is moved between the open and closed positions.
The cap device 16, and each of the base 18 and the closure 19 of the cap device 16, has a circular cross section. The container 10 has a longitudinal axis C-C that extends through the sealed end 12 of the vessel, perpendicularly to the respective circular cross sections of the cap device 16, base 18 and closure 19 (when at the closed position), and through the respective centre points of the respective circular cross sections of the cap device 16, base 18 and closure 19 (when at the closed position). The annular collar 22 of the mount 20 is circular with an axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis C-C of the container 10. The collar 22 has an internal diameter that is equal to or slightly less than an external diameter of the base 18 of the cap device 16, whereby the collar 22 is retained on the base 18 through a push-fit or interference connection therebetween. In the illustrated first embodiment, the collar 22 is removably positioned around the base 18, so that the mount 20 is detachable from the container 10. However, in a variation to the illustrated first embodiment, the collar 22 may be permanently fixed to the base 18, such as by adhesion or welding, so that the mount 20 is not detachable from the container 10.
The mount 20 further comprises an arm 24 extending from the collar 22 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the collar 22 and away from the vessel 11. The arm 24 is elongate in the direction in which the arm 24 extends away from the collar 22 and vessel 11. The arm 24 has a first end 25 attached to the collar 22 and a longitudinally opposed second end 26 distal from the collar 22. The mount 20 also comprises a toothbrush attachment device in the form of a magnet 27 at the second end 26 of the arm 24. In the present embodiment, the magnet 27 is adhered to the second end 26 of the arm 24, so as to retain the magnet 27 in position relative to the arm 24. In a variation to the illustrated first embodiment, the magnet 27 may instead be fully or partially embedded within the arm 24, so as to retain the magnet 27 in position relative to the arm 24.
Bar the magnet 27, the mount 20 is a unitary component. That is, the collar 22 is unitary with, that is integrally formed with, the arm 24. The collar 22 and arm 24 may be formed from a rigid or hard plastic, such as polypropylene, or may be formed from a flexible material, such as a rubber or elastomeric material, optionally a thermoplastic elastomer.
The dentifrice dispenser 1 of the first embodiment is usable with a toothbrush comprising a magnet or a metal component. With reference to FIG. 3, when the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is in the open position relative to the base 18 of the cap device 16, the orifice 17 of the base 18 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser 1. A toothbrush 30 comprising a magnet 38 in or on a head 32 of the toothbrush 30 may be introduced to the dispenser 1 with the head 32 of the toothbrush 30 approximately aligned with the orifice 17. The magnet 27 in the mount 20 attracts the magnet 38 in or on the head 32 of the toothbrush 30 until the toothbrush 30 is brought into contact the mount 20. The magnets 27, 38 then cooperate to retain the head 32 of the toothbrush 30 at an approximately fixed distance from the container 10. With the head 32 at this fixed distance from the container 10, the user need make only small adjustments to the position of the toothbrush 30 relative to the dispenser 1 (such as rotation of the toothbrush 30 or container 10 about its respective longitudinal axis relative to the other of the toothbrush 30 and the container 10) in order to align the head 32 with the orifice 17.
With the head 32 fully or substantially aligned with the orifice 17, the user can then focus on appropriately squeezing the vessel 11 in order to reduce the volume of the chamber 14, thereby to dispense some of the dentifrice from the chamber 14 through the opening of the vessel 11 and the orifice 17 onto the head 32 of the toothbrush 30. Accordingly, the dispenser 1 helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of a toothbrush. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, the toothbrush 30 can be pulled away easily from the mount 20, against the attractive force of the magnet 27 in the mount 20, for use in an oral care session. The closure 19 is then movable relative to the base 18 to the closed position, without interference by the mount 20.
In variations to the illustrated first embodiment, the collar 22 is part-annular. That is, the collar 22 follows the majority of an annular path but has a gap between ends of the collar 22 lying on the path.
In variations to the illustrated first embodiment, the collar 22 may be attached to the vessel 11 rather than to the cap device 16. In some variations to the illustrated first embodiment, the cap device 16 may be omitted, and the container 10 may comprise just the vessel 11 and a one-piece, or rigid, closure for opening and closing the opening of the vessel 11.
In further variations to the illustrated first embodiment, the magnet 38 of the toothbrush 30 may be replaced by a metal component for attracting the magnet 27 in the mount 20. Moreover, in variations to the illustrated first embodiment, the magnet 38 or metal component of the toothbrush 30 may be positioned in or on one of the neck 34 and handle 36 of the toothbrush 30, rather than in or on the neck 32, and the arm 24 of the mount 20 may be suitably configured so as to ensure that the head 32 of the toothbrush 30 is alignable with the orifice 17, when the magnet 27 of the mount 20 has attracted the magnet 38 or metal component of the toothbrush 30 to bring the toothbrush 30 into contact with the mount 20.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a dentifrice dispenser 2 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 4 and 5 indicate like components.
The dentifrice dispenser 2 of the illustrated second embodiment comprises a container 10 and a mount 20 attached to the container 10. The container 10 of the second embodiment is the same as the container 10 of the first embodiment, and may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the container 10 of the first embodiment. Moreover, the mount 20 of the second embodiment has a collar 22 that is the same as the collar 22 of the mount 20 of the first embodiment, and may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the collar 22 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, no further detailed description of the container 10 and collar 22 of the second embodiment will be provided.
The mount 20 of the second embodiment further comprises an arm 24 extending from the collar 22 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the collar 22 and away from the vessel 11. The arm 24 is elongate in the direction in which the arm 24 extends away from the collar 22 and vessel 11. The arm 24 has a first end 25 attached to the collar 22 and a longitudinally opposed second end 26 distal from the collar 22. Instead of the magnet 27 of the mount 20 of the first embodiment, the mount 20 of the second embodiment comprises a toothbrush attachment device in the form of a resilient Y-shaped clip 28 at the second end 26 of the arm 24. Nevertheless, the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is movable between the open position and the closed position without hindrance by the mount 20.
The mount 20 is a unitary component. That is, the collar 22 is unitary with, that is integrally formed with, both the arm 24 and the clip 28. The mount 20 may be formed from a rigid or hard plastic, such as polypropylene, or may be formed from a flexible material, such as a rubber or elastomeric material, optionally a thermoplastic elastomer.
The dentifrice dispenser 2 of the second embodiment is usable with a toothbrush having a portion that is receivable by the clip 28 to connect the toothbrush to the container 10. With reference to FIG. 4, when the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is in the open position relative to the base 18 of the cap device 16, the orifice 17 of the base 18 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser 2. A neck 44 of a toothbrush 40 is introduced into the clip 28 against the resilience of the clip 28, so that the clip 28 clips to the neck 44 (see FIG. 5). The clip 28 and the neck 44 then cooperate to retain a head 42 of the toothbrush 40 at an approximately fixed location relative to the container 10. In a variation to the illustrated second embodiment, if the neck 44 is slidable within the clip 28, the user may make small adjustments to the position of the toothbrush 40 relative to the dispenser 2 (such as relative translation of the toothbrush 40 and the container 10 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 40, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C of the container 10) after the neck 44 is received by the clip 28, in order to best align the head 42 with the orifice 17.
With the head 42 fully or substantially aligned with the orifice 17, the user can then focus on appropriately squeezing the vessel 11 in order to reduce the volume of the chamber 14, thereby to dispense some of the dentifrice from the chamber 14 through the opening of the vessel 11 and the orifice 17 onto the head 42 of the toothbrush 40. Accordingly, the dispenser 2 helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of a toothbrush. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, the toothbrush 40 can be pulled away easily from the mount 20, against the resilience of the clip 28 of the mount 20, for use in an oral care session. The closure 19 is then movable relative to the base 18 to the closed position, without interference by the mount 20.
In variations to the illustrated second embodiment, the clip 28 of the mount 20 may be of other than a Y-shape. Moreover, in variations to the illustrated second embodiment, the clip 28 may be dimensioned to receive a portion of the head 42 or handle 46 of the toothbrush 40, rather than the neck 42, and the arm 24 of the mount 20 may be suitably configured so as to ensure that the head 42 of the toothbrush 40 is alignable with the orifice 17, when the clip 28 has received the portion of the head 42 or handle 46 to bring the toothbrush 40 into contact with the mount 20. Furthermore, while in the above-described second embodiment the clip 28 is resilient, in other embodiments the clip 28 may not be resilient, but may be openable from a closed position to receive, and to allow removal of, a portion of a toothbrush, and retainable at the closed position to retain the toothbrush.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a dentifrice dispenser 3 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 6 and 7 indicate like components.
The dentifrice dispenser 3 of the illustrated third embodiment comprises a container 10 and a mount 20 attached to the container 10. The container 10 of the third embodiment is the same as the container 10 of the first embodiment, and may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the container 10 of the first embodiment. Moreover, the mount 20 of the third embodiment has a collar 22 that is the same as the collar 22 of the mount 20 of the first embodiment, and may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the collar 22 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, no further detailed description of the container 10 and collar 22 of the third embodiment will be provided.
The mount 20 of the third embodiment further comprises an arm 24 extending from the collar 22 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the collar 22 and away from the vessel 11. The arm 24 is elongate in the direction in which the arm 24 extends away from the collar 22 and vessel 11. The arm 24 has a first end 25 attached to the collar 22 and a longitudinally opposed second end 26 distal from the collar 22. Instead of the magnet 27 of the mount 20 of the first embodiment, the mount 20 of the third embodiment comprises a toothbrush attachment device in the form of a resilient concave socket 29 at the second end 26 of the arm 24. Nevertheless, the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is movable between the open position and the closed position without hindrance by the mount 20.
The mount 20 is a unitary component. That is, the collar 22 is unitary with, that is integrally formed with, both the arm 24 and the socket 29. The mount 20 may be formed from a rigid or hard plastic, such as polypropylene, or may be formed from a flexible material, such as a rubber or elastomeric material, optionally a thermoplastic elastomer.
The dentifrice dispenser 3 of the third embodiment is usable with a toothbrush having a portion that is able to mate with the socket 29 to connect the toothbrush to the container 10. With reference to FIG. 6, when the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is in the open position relative to the base 18 of the cap device 16, the orifice 17 of the base 18 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser 3. A “ball” (by which is meant a convex hemispherical or partial-spherical element) 55 on a neck 45 of a toothbrush 50 is mated with the socket 29 against the resilience of the socket 29 (see FIG. 7). The socket 29 and the ball 55 then cooperate to retain a head 52 of the toothbrush 50 at an approximately fixed distance from the container 10. With the head 52 at this fixed distance from the container 10, the user need make only small adjustments to the position of the toothbrush 50 relative to the dispenser 3 (such as by rotating the ball 55 in the socket 29) in order to align the head 52 with the orifice 17.
With the head 52 fully or substantially aligned with the orifice 17, the user can then focus on appropriately squeezing the vessel 11 in order to reduce the volume of the chamber 14, thereby to dispense some of the dentifrice from the chamber 14 through the opening of the vessel 11 and the orifice 17 onto the head 52 of the toothbrush 50. Accordingly, the dispenser 3 helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of a toothbrush. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, the ball 55 can be pulled away easily from the socket 29, against the resilience of the socket 29, in order to enable use of the toothbrush 50 in an oral care session. The closure 19 is then movable relative to the base 18 to the closed position, without interference by the mount 20.
In variations to the illustrated third embodiment, the socket 29 may be dimensioned to receive a ball on the head 52 or a handle 56 of the toothbrush 50, rather than on the neck 52, and the arm 24 of the mount 20 may be suitably configured so as to ensure that the head 52 of the toothbrush 50 is alignable with the orifice 17, when the socket 29 has received the ball to bring the toothbrush 50 into contact with the mount 20. Furthermore, while in the above-described third embodiment the socket 29 is resilient, in other embodiments the socket 29 may not be resilient, but may be openable from a closed position to receive, and to allow removal of, a ball of a toothbrush, and retainable at the closed position to retain the ball of the toothbrush.
Still further, while in the illustrated third embodiment the ball is comprised in the toothbrush 50 and the socket is comprised in the mount 20, in a variation to the illustrated third embodiment the mount may comprise a ball that is able to mate with a socket comprised in the toothbrush, for connecting the toothbrush to the container 10.
FIGS. 8 to 10 show a dentifrice dispenser 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate like components.
The dentifrice dispenser 4 of the illustrated fourth embodiment comprises a container 10 and a mount 20 attached to the container 10. The container 10 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the container 10 of the first embodiment, except for the provision in the fourth embodiment of a gap in a side wall of the closure 19 of the cap device 16, and the container 10 may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the container 10 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, only the gap is described below and no further detailed description of the rest of the container 10 of the fourth embodiment will be provided. Moreover, the mount 20 of the fourth embodiment has a collar 22 that is the same as the collar 22 of the mount 20 of the first embodiment, and may be varied as per the above-described possible variations to the collar 22 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, no further detailed description of the collar 22 of the fourth embodiment will be provided.
In addition to the annular collar 22, the mount 20 of the fourth embodiment comprises a second part 70, which is connected to the collar 22 by a hinge 80 of the mount 20 and is movable relative to the collar 22 by bending the hinge 80. The second part 70 of the mount 20 comprises a panel portion 72 and a plurality of wall portions 74 depending from the panel portion 72 and spaced apart on a circular path around the closure 19. The closure 19 is positioned in a space defined by the panel portion 72 and the wall portions 74. With the collar 22 positioned around the base 18 of the cap device 16, and the wall portions 74 of the second part 70 of the mount 20 positioned around the closure 19, the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is movable between the open position and the closed position without hindrance by the mount 20.
The wall portions 74 have respective internal faces that together define and lie on an internal diameter of the second part 70 of the mount 20 that is equal to or slightly less than an external diameter of the closure 19, whereby the second part 70 is retained on the closure 19 through a push-fit or interference connection therebetween. In the illustrated fourth embodiment, the collar 22 and the second part 70 of the mount 20 are removably positioned around the base 18 and the closure 19, respectively, so that the mount 20 is detachable from the container 10. However, in a variation to the illustrated fourth embodiment, one or both of the collar 22 and the second part 70 of the mount 20 may be permanently fixed to the base 18 and closure 19, respectively, such as by adhesion or welding, so that the mount 20 is not detachable from the container 10.
The hinge 80 includes a first hinge part 81 attached to the collar 22 and a second hinge part 82 attached to the second part 70 of the mount 20. The first hinge part 81 has a first face 83 and the second hinge part 82 has a second face 84. When the closure 19 is at the closed position relative to the base 18, the first and second faces 83, 84 are spaced apart (see FIG. 8). However, when the closure 19 is at the open position relative to the base 18, the first face 83 abuts the second face 84 to delimit the movement of the closure 19 relative to the base 18 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Specifically, the first and second faces 83, 84 are configured to limit to a predetermined angle the possible angle of rotation of the closure 19 relative to the base 18 from the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined angle is 90 degrees. Accordingly, the mount 20 of the fourth embodiment prevents the closure 19 from being rotated relative to the base 18 from the closed position over more than 90 degrees. In variations to the illustrated fourth embodiment, the predetermined angle may be a different angle, such as 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 60 degrees, up to 75 degrees, or up to 90 degrees.
As mentioned above, the closure 19 of the cap device 16 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the closure 19 of the first embodiment, except that the closure 19 of the fourth embodiment has a gap 19 c in a side wall 19 b thereof. Briefly, the closure 19 comprises a panel 19 a from which depends the side wall 19 b, which side wall 19 b follows the majority of an annular path but has the gap 19 c between ends of the side wall 19 b lying on the path. Together the panel 19 a and the side wall 19 b define a cavity 19 d, which accommodates the orifice 17 when the closure 19 is in the closed position. The gap 19 c is aligned with a resilient clip 76 formed by two adjacent wall portions 74 of the second part 70 of the mount 20. When the closure 19 is in the open position, a neck 64 of a toothbrush 60 is receivable by the clip 76, thereby to retain the toothbrush 60 relative to the closure 19 and to connect the toothbrush 60 to the container 10 with a head 62 of the toothbrush 60 accommodated in the cavity 19 d of the closure 19.
The mount 20 is a unitary component. That is, the collar 22 is unitary with, that is integrally formed with, both the second part 70 of the mount 20 and the hinge 80. The mount 20 may be formed from a rigid or hard plastic, such as polypropylene, or may be formed from a flexible material, such as a rubber or elastomeric material, optionally a thermoplastic elastomer.
The dentifrice dispenser 4 of the fourth embodiment is usable with a toothbrush having a portion that is receivable by the clip 76 to connect the toothbrush to the container 10. With reference to FIG. 9, when the closure 19 of the cap device 16 is in the open position relative to the base 18 of the cap device 16, the orifice 17 of the base 18 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser 4. The neck 64 of the toothbrush 60 is introduced to the clip 76 against the resilience of the clip 76, so that the clip 76 clips to the neck 64 (see FIG. 10). The clip 76 and the neck 64 then cooperate to retain the head 62 of the toothbrush 60 within the cavity 19 d at an approximately fixed location relative to the container 10. In a variation to the illustrated fourth embodiment, if the neck 64 is slidable within the clip 76, the user may make small adjustments to the position of the toothbrush 60 relative to the dispenser 4 (such as relative translation of the toothbrush 60 and the container 10 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 60, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C-C of the container 10) after the neck 64 is received by the clip 76, in order to best align the head 62 with the orifice 17.
With the head 62 fully or substantially aligned with the orifice 17, the user can then focus on appropriately squeezing the vessel 11 in order to reduce the volume of the chamber 14, thereby to dispense some of the dentifrice from the chamber 14 through the opening of the vessel 11 and the orifice 17 onto the head 62 of the toothbrush 60. Accordingly, the dispenser 4 helps a user dispense dentifrice onto the head of a toothbrush. Once a desired volume of the dentifrice has been dispensed, the toothbrush 60 can be pulled away easily from the mount 20, against the resilience of the clip 76, for use in an oral care session. The closure 19 is then movable relative to the base 18 to the closed position, without interference by the mount 20.
In variations to each of the first to fourth embodiments, the container 10 may take a different form to that illustrated, so long as the container 10 defines a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber.
In each of the illustrated first to fourth embodiments, the mount 20 is attached to the container 10. The dentifrice dispensers 1, 2, 3, 4 may be supplied with the mount 20 attached to the container 10. Alternatively, in variations to each of the illustrated first to fourth embodiments, the container 10 and the mount 20 may be supplied together as a dentifrice dispenser kit, with the mount 20 unattached to the container 10 but positionable around a portion (e.g. the base 18 of the cap device 16) or portions (e.g. the base 18 and closure 19 of the cap device 16 in the case of the fourth embodiment) of the container 10 to attach the mount 20 to the container 10. The kit may comprise a toothbrush for connecting to the container 10 by the mount 20.

Claims

1. A dentifrice dispenser, comprising:

a container defining a chamber storing a dentifrice and having an opening through which the dentifrice is dispensable from the chamber; and

a mount for connecting a toothbrush to the container, the mount comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar positioned around a portion of the container to attach the mount to the container.

2. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vessel defining the chamber, and a cap device connected to the vessel and defining an orifice in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the collar is positioned around the cap device.

3. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 2, wherein the vessel is flexible and the cap device is of greater rigidity than the vessel.

4. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the cap device comprises a base defining the orifice and a closure movable relative to the base between a closed position, at which the closure isolates the orifice from an exterior of the dispenser, and an open position, at which the orifice is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser, optionally wherein the collar is positioned around the base of the cap device.

5. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 4, wherein the closure is rotatable between the open and closed positions, and/or wherein the closure is movable between the open and closed positions without hindrance by the mount.

6. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a toothbrush attachment device comprising one of:

a) a magnet for attracting a magnet or a metal component comprised in a toothbrush,

b) one of a ball and a socket for mating with the other of a ball and a socket comprised in a toothbrush, and

c) a clip, optionally a Y-shaped clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.

7. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 6, wherein the mount comprises an arm attached to the collar and the toothbrush attachment device is positioned at an end of the arm distal from the collar, optionally wherein the arm is elongate in a direction extending away from the collar.

8. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 4, wherein a first portion of the mount is attached to the base of the cap device, a second portion of the mount is attached to the closure of the cap device, and the second portion of the mount comprises a clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.

9. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 8, when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the mount prevents the closure from being rotated relative to the base from the closed position over more than 90 degrees.

10. The dentifrice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the mount is a unitary component.

11. A dentifrice dispenser kit, comprising:

a mount for connecting a toothbrush to the container, the mount comprising an annular, or part-annular, collar positionable around a portion of the container to attach the mount to the container.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the container comprises a vessel defining the chamber, and a cap device connected to the vessel and defining an orifice in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the collar is positionable around the cap device, optionally wherein the vessel is flexible and the cap device is of greater rigidity than the vessel.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the cap device comprises a base defining the orifice and a closure movable relative to the base between a closed position, at which the closure isolates the orifice from an exterior of the dispenser, and an open position, at which the orifice is in fluid communication with the exterior of the dispenser, optionally wherein the collar is positionable around the base of the cap device.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the closure is rotatable between the open and closed positions, and/or wherein the closure is movable between the open and closed positions without hindrance by the mount when the mount is attached to the container.

15. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a toothbrush attachment device comprising one of:

c) a clip, optionally a Y-shaped clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the mount comprises an arm attached to the collar, and the toothbrush attachment device is positioned at an end of the arm distal from the collar, optionally wherein the arm is elongate in a direction extending away from the collar.

17. The kit of claim 12, wherein a first portion of the mount is attachable to the base of the cap device, a second portion of the mount is attachable to the closure of the cap device, and the second portion of the mount comprises a clip for receiving a portion of a toothbrush.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the mount prevents the closure from being rotated relative to the base from the closed position over more than 90 degrees when the mount is attached to the container.

19. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mount is a unitary component.

20. The kit of claim 11, comprising the toothbrush.