InnoCentive Challenge Name: Re-inventing Oral Care
Doc. Number: (internal use only)
My Solution:
Detailed Description of the Solution
The Solver's novel packaging for oral care delivery is the "Toothpaste Dispenser with an Integrated Toothbrush Holder".
A toothpaste dispenser comprises a generally cylindrical toothpaste container for storing a quantity of toothpaste, a fluid pump mechanism for dispensing toothpaste, and a toothbrush. The generally cylindrical toothpaste container is formed in a single mould. The top portion of the toothpaste container forms a vertical slit which is capable of slidably receiving the toothbrush in order to hold the neck of the toothbrush. Alternatively, the bottom portion of the toothpaste container forms a vertical hole which is capable of slidably receiving the toothbrush in order to hold the handle of the toothbrush.
Over the last 15 years or so, I have observed the evolution of toothpaste packaging from the squeeze tube to the award-winning pump, then to the stand-up tube. Now, there seems to be a trend back to the dull squeeze tube. If you have kids, you would understand how messy and frustrating it would be for the parents.
In my home, I have picked up an empty package of something else, then put the content of the toothpaste. Despite initial concerns about several technical issues, the package has worked surprisingly well. It has been in use successfully by my family of 5 for more than 5 years.
I have discovered that if a quantity of gel-type toothpaste is dispensed from a fluid pump mechanism without a cover on the spout, the tip of the spout will not dry out, although careful choice of the diameter of the intake tube, careful selection of the size of the spout, and careful control of the viscosity of the toothpaste are required. A novel toothpaste dispenser has an integrated toothbrush holder, moulded directly into the dispenser itself! A toothpaste dispenser and toothbrushes could be marketed in a manner of a razor and blades.
The Toothpaste Dispenser with an Integrated Toothbrush Holder is environmentally friendly. The dispenser itself is designed to be infinitely re-fillable, so the conventional tube without the redundant cardboard box would be sold as a re-fill.
References and Notes
Patent application "Toothpaste Dispenser with an Integrated Toothbrush Holder" has been drafted and filed by the Solver for potential licensing to the Seeker. Please find attached the partial text and drawings of the patent application for your review.
Please note that the Solver is willing to serve as a consultant to the Seeker in order to co-operatively achieve full commercialisation of the technology.
Conclusion
The Solver believes that the novel Toothpaste Dispenser with an Integrated Toothbrush Holder will meet all of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties.
