WO2012154052A1

WO2012154052A1 - Device for applying a substance to surfaces in the mouth of a person

Info

Publication number: WO2012154052A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Ernst LEMAIN
Original assignee: Lemain Martin Ernst
Priority date: 2011-05-12
Filing date: 2012-05-14
Publication date: 2012-11-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for applying a substance, comprising: - a substance reservoir having a wall which encloses the reservoir and in which an opening is arranged, wherein the wall is compressible from a first position to a second position such that, during compression of the part of the wall from the first position to the second position, substance is pressed via the opening out of the reservoir; - applicator means which are connected for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir; - sealing means for sealing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means prior to compression of the wall; and - release means for releasing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means by opening the sealing means, the release means being adapted to release the medium-throughflow connection when the wall is in its first position.

Description

DEVICE FOR APPLYING A SUBSTANCE TO SURFACES IN THE MOUTH OF A PERSON

The invention relates to a device for applying a

substance such as a liquid, a gel or a paste to for instance surfaces in the mouth of a person, comprising:

- a substance reservoir having a wall which encloses the reservoir and in which an opening is arranged, wherein at least a part of the wall is compressible from a non- compressed first position to a compressed second position such that, during compression of the part of the wall from the first position to the second position, substance is pressed via the opening out of the reservoir;

- applicator means which are connected for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir such that, during compression of the part of the wall from the first position to the second position, substance pressed out of the reservoir flows to the applicator means for the purpose of applying the substance; and

- sealing means for sealing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the

applicator means prior to compression of the part of the wall .

Such a device is for instance known from WO-A1- 2005/058182. The device from WO-A1-2005/058182 comprises a reservoir filled with substance and a cannula, which cannula is connected on one side to the reservoir and on the other comprises a brush for applying the substance to teeth and molars of a person. Prior to first use of the device two foils seal the reservoir medium-tightly from the cannula.

For the purpose of applying the substance the wall of the reservoir is compressed, whereby the two foils separate from each other and the cannula is connected for medium- throughflow to the reservoir. In order to prevent the

substance spurting out of the cannula in uncontrolled manner during compression of the reservoir the cannula or the brush is adapted such that the substance encounters resistance and therefore flows in more controlled manner out of the cannula and to the brush.

A drawback of the device from WO-A1-2005/058182 is that uncontrolled spurting of the substance out of the cannula cannot be wholly prevented. Uncontrolled spurting of the substance out of the cannula takes place because the reservoir has to be compressed with a certain force in order to mutually separate the two foils, whereby a high pressure develops on the substance and the substance moves at a high speed through the cannula.

It is an object of the invention to at least partially obviate the above stated drawback. It is a particular object of the invention to provide a device of the type stated in the preamble with which the substance can be applied in controlled and/or leakage-free manner to surfaces in the mouth of a person.

According to invention the device of the type stated in the preamble comprises for this purpose release means for releasing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means by opening the sealing means, the release means being adapted to release the medium-throughflow connection when the part of the wall is in its first position.

Using the release means according to the invention the release of the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means takes place first without the wall of the reservoir having to be compressed for this purpose, wherein the wall of the reservoir can be compressed for the purpose of applying the substance after release of the connection. By separating these two steps, i.e. release of the medium-throughflow connection and application of the substance by compressing the wall of the reservoir, the reservoir need not be compressed with great force, whereby the pressure applied to the substance remains smaller and the substance can be delivered to the applicator means in controlled and/or dosed and/or leakage-free manner.

The device according to the invention is a so-called one hand only system, i.e. a device which can be operated with only one hand. The device can be held with its one end, i.e. the end remote from the applicator means, against a random surface such as a table, desk, the palm of the user and so on, after which release of the medium-throughflow connection can take place by for instance piercing or displacing a membrane or valve, or removing a squeezing element. Following release of the medium-throughflow

connection, application of the substance can take place by compressing the compressible wall of the reservoir with the same hand as that with which the medium-throughflow

connection is released. In this way the user, for instance a dentist, can apply the substance to surfaces in the mouth of a person with only one hand using the device according to the invention, leaving the other hand of the user free for other operations. The device according to the invention consists for this purpose of an integral whole. No other steps, such as screwing the applicator means onto the reservoir or assembling different parts of the device, are therefore required. The device is ready for use without further operations and thereby easy for the user to use with one hand. After use the device can be wholly discarded and a new device can be used for a subsequent person. The device can therefore be a so-called single dose unit.

In a practical embodiment the sealing means comprise a pierceable and/or displaceable membrane or valve.

Such a pierceable and/or displaceable membrane or valve provides the advantage that it seals the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the

applicator means in simple and/or effective and/or medium- tight manner. Opening the membrane or the valve for the purpose of releasing the medium-throughflow connection can take place easily by piercing or displacing the membrane or the valve using the release means.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the release means comprise a piercing and/or displacing element, which element is displaceable between a first position, in which the element is situated a distance from the location where the sealing means are situated, and a second position in which the element extends through the location where the sealing means are situated in the first position such that in the second position the sealing means are opened by being pierced and/or displaced.

Using such a piercing and/or displacing element the sealing means can be opened easily and/or quickly for the purpose of releasing the medium-throughflow connection.

In another embodiment of the device according to the invention the element is fixedly connected to the reservoir or the applicator means, wherein displacing of the element takes place by displacing the reservoir and the applicator means relative to each other.

Such an embodiment provides the advantage that

displacement of the element takes place in simple manner by displacing the reservoir and the applicator means relative to each other. It can moreover be optically visible to the user whether the reservoir and the applicator means have already been displaced relative to each other, and therefore whether the medium-throughflow connection has already been released, or whether the reservoir and the applicator means have not yet been displaced relative to each other and the medium-throughflow connection is still sealed. A gap may for instance be present between the reservoir and the applicator means, wherein displacement of the element takes place by displacing the reservoir and the applicator means toward each other over at least a part of the length of the gap. In such an embodiment the presence of the gap is an indicator to the user that the medium-throughflow connection is sealed, while the absence of the gap or a smaller gap is an indicator that the medium-throughflow connection has been released .

In a practical embodiment the device comprises guide means for guiding the relative displacement of the reservoir and the applicator means. In this way opening of the sealing means can take place in controlled manner by displacing the reservoir and the applicator means relative to each other such that the medium-throughflow connection is properly and/or wholly released.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the applicator means comprise an applicator element and a conduit, wherein the conduit is connected on one side for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir and connected on the other for medium throughflow to the applicator element, and wherein the sealing means are disposed in the conduit.

The conduit can have a determined length which enables the user to hold the device outside the mouth of the person while the applicator element is situated in the mouth of the person .

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the applicator means comprise an applicator element and a conduit, wherein the conduit is connected on one side for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir and connected on the other for medium throughflow to the applicator element, wherein the sealing means comprise a squeezing element for pressing shut the conduit such that the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means is sealed.

The release means are defined here as means for ending the sealing function of the sealing means, or unblocking the sealing means, and comprise here of discontinuing the squeezing force of the squeezing element on the conduit, for instance by removing the squeezing element. Opening the sealing means is understood here to mean unblocking the sealing means, or discontinuing the squeezing force of the squeezing element on the conduit, for instance by removing the squeezing element. Discontinuing the squeezing force of the squeezing element on the conduit, for instance by removing the squeezing element, releases the medium- throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means in that discontinuing the force causes the flexible tube to take on substantially its original shape, wherein release can take place when the part of the wall is in its first position.

An advantage of such a squeezing element is that the conduit can be pressed shut effectively for the purpose of sealing the medium-throughflow connection, which medium- throughflow connection can be easily released by ending the sealing function of the squeezing element, for instance by removing it. It is also possible, following a first release of the connection, to seal the connection once again by restoring the squeezing force of the squeezing element on the conduit, for instance by rearranging the squeezing element .

The device practically comprises an opening which extends between an outer surface of the device and the conduit and in which the squeezing element is arranged. The squeezing element can be removed and/or arranged via the opening. Because the opening extends to the outer surface of the device, the squeezing element can be easily gripped from outside .

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the squeezing element comprises at least one leg, which leg is adapted to be arranged round at least a part of an outer wall of the conduit for the purpose of pressing shut the conduit between the leg and another leg of the squeezing element, or between the leg and the wall of the opening. The squeezing element comprises for instance two legs between which the conduit is pressed shut.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the squeezing element comprises a carrier with a code. Such a code is for instance a two-dimensional barcode, which code can comprise information about the substance. The carrier can for instance extend at any angle relative to the squeezing element. The angle is for instance 9ΰ such that the carrier can be easily gripped for the purpose of removing the squeezing element.

The conduit is preferably flexible such that with plastic deformation it can be bent through a determined angle .

Such a flexible conduit has the advantage that the user can hold the device at a determined desired angle relative to the person while the applicator element is situated in the mouth of the person.

In order to prevent the conduit from being bent so far that the flow of the substance is impeded, angle limiting means can be provided for the purpose of limiting the maximum bending angle of the conduit.

The angle limiting means practically comprise two mutually separated bodies, each extending round a part of the length of the conduit, wherein the conduit is bendable in a bending zone between the two bodies and wherein the maximum bending angle of the conduit is reached when the two mutually facing end zones of the two bodies are brought into engagement with each other.

The flexible conduit and the angle limiting means can also be advantageously applied in any random device for applying a substance such as a liquid, a gel or a paste to for instance surfaces in the mouth of a person. The

invention therefore also relates to a device for applying a substance such as a liquid, a gel or a paste to for instance surfaces in the mouth of a person, comprising a substance reservoir, for instance though not exclusively as described above, and applicator means, for instance though not exclusively as described above, wherein the applicator means comprise a flexible conduit such that with plastic deformation it can be bent through a determined angle. Angle limiting means can optionally be provided for limiting the maximum bending angle of the conduit. The angle limiting means practically comprise two mutually separated bodies, each extending round a part of the length of the conduit, wherein the conduit is bendable in a bending zone between the two bodies and wherein the maximum bending angle of the conduit is reached when the two mutually facing end zones of the two bodies are brought into mutual engagement.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises a second substance reservoir with a wall enclosing the reservoir, wherein on a side facing toward the first reservoir the wall has two mutually overlapping end zones which are connected medium- tightly to each other such that the second substance reservoir is sealed medium-tightly from the first reservoir, wherein at least a part of the wall of the second reservoir is compressible from a non-compressed first position to compressed second position such that, during compression of the part of the wall from the first position to the second position, the medium-tight connection between the

overlapping end zones is left clear and an opening is formed between the overlapping end zones which connects the second substance reservoir for medium throughflow to the first reservoir such that, during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position, substance is pressed via the opening out of the second reservoir into the first reservoir.

Such a device can advantageously be applied when for instance two different substances have to be applied to surfaces in the mouth, which substances are preferably not mixed prior to application. Examples of such substances are etching, primer and bonding material. The first reservoir can for instance be partially filled with a first substance and the second reservoir can be partially or wholly filled with a second substance. The medium-throughflow connection between the first reservoir and the second reservoir will be realized by compressing the wall of the second reservoir, wherein the second substance is pressed from the second reservoir into the first reservoir, and mixes therein with the first substance. The volume of the second substance can for instance be equal to or smaller than the unfilled volume of the first reservoir.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second reservoir comprises at least two compartments separated medium-tightly from each other by a separating wall, wherein an end zone of the separating wall extends between the overlapping end zones of the wall and is connected medium-tightly to each of the overlapping end zones, wherein during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position the medium-tight connection between the overlapping end zones of the wall and the end zone of the separating wall is left clear and openings form therebetween which connect the two compartments to the first reservoir for medium throughflow such that, during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position, substances are pressed via the openings out of the compartments into the first reservoir.

Such a device can advantageously be applied when for instance two or three different substances, for instance the above stated substances, which are preferably not mixed prior to application, have to be applied to surfaces in the mouth. The first reservoir can for instance be empty, whereby during compression of the wall of the second reservoir the substances flow out of the two compartments into the first reservoir and can mix therein. The first reservoir can also be partially filled with a third

substance, which third substance can mix in the first reservoir with the two substances from the compartments.

It will be apparent that the number of compartments can be chosen as desired subject to the number of substances to be applied. The substances held in the compartments are preferably pressed wholly out of the compartments by compressing the compressible wall so that the mixing ratio of the substances will be correct.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the compressible part of the wall of the reservoir comprises a foil manufactured from a material chosen from the group comprising plastic and aluminium.

Such a foil provides the advantage that compressing the wall of the reservoir can take place in controlled manner.

Another problem in currently used devices for applying a substance to surfaces of the mouth of a person is that the devices are often relatively small and/or have an unsuitable shape and thereby do not lie comfortably in the hand of the user. The invention also relates for this purpose to a device of the type stated in the preamble, wherein the reservoir forms part of or is connected to a gripping body having a shape which can be gripped well and/or firmly by the hand of a user.

In another embodiment of the device according to the invention the device has a colour representative of the substance. It is hereby clearly visible to the user what substance is held in the reservoir.

The applicator means and/or the applicator element practically comprise a brush or sponge. The substance can be easily applied to surfaces in the mouth of a person with such a brush or sponge.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a substance such as a liquid, a gel or a paste to surfaces in the mouth of a person, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a device as claimed in any of the claims

1-19;

(b) releasing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the applicator means by opening the sealing means when the part of the wall is in its first position, and (c) applying the substance after completion of step (b) by compressing the part of the wall from the first position to the second position.

The method according to the invention is preferably performed using only one hand of the user, whereby the user has his/her other hand free for other operations. Performing the method according to the invention with only one hand of the user is possible in that the device according to the invention consists of an integral whole.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, in which

figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in the hand of a user; figure 2 is another perspective view of the device of figure 1;

figures 3A-3C show schematic longitudinal sections of the device of figure 1; wherein figure 3Ά shows the device in a non-released state, figure 3B shows the device in a released state when a compressible wall is in a first position, and figure 3C shows the device in its released state when the compressible wall is in a second position; figure 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention; figure 5 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention; figures 6A and 6B show schematic longitudinal sections of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein figure 6A shows the device when a second compressible wall is in a first position, and figure 6B shows the device when the second compressible wall is in a second position;

figures 7A-7C show schematic longitudinal sections of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention; wherein figure 7A shows the device in a non-released state, figure 7B shows the device in a released state when a compressible wall is in a first position, and figure 7C shows the device in its released state when the compressible wall is in a second position;

figures 8A and 8B show cross-sections of the device of figure 7, wherein figure 8A shows the device in a non- released state and figure 8B shows the device in a released state; and

figures 9A and 9B show cross-sections of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein figure 9A shows the device in a non-released state and figure 9B shows the device in a released state.

Figures 1 to 3 show a device 1 for applying a substance to for instance surfaces in the mouth of a person. Such surfaces can for instance be teeth and molars. The substance can for instance be a liquid, a gel or a paste. The

substance can particularly be etching, primer or bonding material .

Figures 3A-3C show that device 1 comprises a substance reservoir 2 with a wall 3 which encloses the reservoir and in which is arranged an opening 4. A part of wall 3

accessible to the user is compressible from a non-compressed first position (figures 3A and 3B) to a compressed second position such that, during compression of the part of wall 3 from the first position to the second position, substance is pressed via opening 4 out of reservoir 2. The compressible part of wall 3 of reservoir 2 comprises a foil manufactured from a material chosen from the group comprising plastic and aluminium. Information relating to the content of reservoir 2 can optionally be arranged on the foil. Device 1 further comprises a conduit 5 which is connected on one side for medium throughflow to opening 4 of substance reservoir 2 and connected on the other for medium throughflow to a brush 6 such that, during compression of the part of wall 3 in the direction of arrow 25 from the first position to the second position, substance pressed out of reservoir 2 flows through conduit 5 to brush 6 in the direction of arrow 26 for the purpose of applying the substance. The cross-section of brush 6 can for instance be round, oval or conical such that different liquids, gels or pastes can be applied for different applications. The shape of the reservoir can be chosen as desired such that compression of the wall of the reservoir takes place ergonomically .

Prior to the first use of device 1, the substance in reservoir 2 is sealed from the environment such that the substance cannot be affected. Device 1 comprises for this purpose sealing means in the form of a membrane 7 which seals the medium-throughflow connection between substance reservoir 2 and brush 6 (see figure 3A) . Membrane 7 is arranged in a channel 8 which connects to conduit 5, wherein the cross-section of channel 8 is greater than the cross- section of conduit 5. A second conduit 9 connected to reservoir 2 also extends in channel 8. It will be apparent herefrom that the medium-throughflow connection of conduit 5 to reservoir 2 takes place via channel 8 and second conduit 9. The end zone of second conduit 9 remote from reservoir 2 tapers to a tip 10, the tip 10 being suitable for piercing membrane 7. Conduit 5, channel 8 and second conduit 9 together form a conduit which is connected on one side to reservoir 2 and on the other to brush 6.

Figure 3B shows that displacing the tip 10 of second conduit 9 through membrane 7 releases the medium-throughflow connection between substance reservoir 2 and conduit 5.

Displacing the tip 10 of second conduit 9 through membrane 7 can take place while wall 3 is in its first non-compressed position. Because a pressure in reservoir 2 is lower than the ambient pressure, the substance will remain held in reservoir 2 even after membrane 7 has been pierced, whereby the substance does not flow uncontrolled out of conduit 5 to brush 6.

Figure 3C shows the displacement of wall 3 of reservoir 2 to its second compressed position. This shows that compressing of wall 3 causes the substance to be pressed out of reservoir 2 and to flow via conduit 5 to brush 6 for the purpose of applying the substance. Because the medium- throughflow connection between conduit 5 and reservoir 2 has already been released by piercing the membrane 7, only a slight, controlled pressure need be exerted on wall 3 of reservoir 2, and application of the substance to surfaces in the mouth of a person can take place in controlled and/or dosed and/or leakage-free manner.

Figures 3A-3C show that conduit 9 is connected fixedly to a gripping body 11 which comprises reservoir 2. Gripping body 11 has a shape which can be gripped well and/or firmly by the hand 24 of a user. Gripping body 11 particularly has a dish-like surface, wherein reservoir 2 extends from the dish-like surface. Gripping body 11 can in this way be gripped ergonomically while wall 3 of reservoir 2 can be compressed in simple manner. Conduit 5 extends through an applicator body 12. Gripping body 11 and applicator body 12 are mutually connected by guide rods 13 which extend on one side substantially perpendicularly from an end surface 14 of gripping body 11 facing toward applicator body 12, and which are received on the other in respective recesses 15 of applicator body 12 which are arranged in an end surface 16 of applicator body 12 facing toward gripping body 11. It will be apparent that it is also possible for guide rods 13 to be connected to applicator body 12 and for gripping body 11 to have respective recesses 15. Displacement of second conduit 9 with tip 10 takes place by displacing gripping body 11 and applicator body 12 relative to each other, wherein guide rods 13 guide the relative displacement such that the mutually facing surfaces 14,16 are displaced perpendicularly toward each other and continue to extend parallel to each other during the relative displacement.

Figure 3A shows that, in the non-released state of the medium-throughflow connection, a gap 17 is present between gripping body 11 and applicator body 12, wherein the relative displacement of gripping body 11 and applicator body 12 takes place along the length of gap 17. Figure 3B shows that, following the relative displacement of gripping body 11 and applicator body 12, the mutually facing surfaces 14,16 are in contact with each other. It is therefore optically visible to the user whether the medium-throughflow connection has already been released, i.e. when no gap 17 is present, or whether the connection has, conversely, not yet been released, i.e. when gap 17 is still present.

Figure 2 shows that conduit 5 is flexible such that it can be bent with plastic deformation through a determined angle, i.e. through the whole conically formed range 20. Gripping body 12 comprises two mutually separated bodies 21,22, each extending round a part of the length of conduit 5, wherein conduit 5 is bendable in a bending zone 23 between the two bodies 21,22. A maximum bending angle of conduit 5 is reached when the two mutually facing end zones of the two bodies 21,22 are brought into mutual engagement. Conduit 5 is thus prevented in simple manner from bending so far that the substance flow through conduit 5 is impeded. The maximum bending angle is for instance about 65-70°.

Instead of the two bodies 21,22 being mutually

separated it is also possible for bodies 21,22 to be connected by a relatively thin material layer in bending zone 23 such that conduit 5 is bendable in a bending zone 23 between the two bodies 21,22.

Figures 2 to 3 show that body 21 of applicator body 12 widens in the direction of gripping body 11. Such a shape is advantageous for displacing gripping body 11 and applicator body 12 toward each other because such a shape provides the user with grip during the relative displacement.

Gripping body 11 and applicator body 12 can for instance be manufactured from a suitable plastic. Conduit 5 and/or second conduit 9 can for instance be manufactured from a suitable plastic or (stainless) steel, with a size of for instance a maximum of 30 gauge. Other sizes are possible, depending on the liquid, gel or paste applied, and its viscosity.

The device of figure 1 can have a colour representative of the substance. Wall 3 of reservoir 2 and/or the foil in particular can display the representative colour. The colour of the individual components or of the whole device can be determined as desired. The colour can thus correspond to the existing colour coding of different liquids and/or gels and/or pastes known to the skilled person. Examples hereof are: blue for etching gel, yellow for bonding material, orange for all-in-one bonding materials, and so on. It is also possible for a plurality of colours to be used in a device .

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of device 1' . A difference between device 1' of figure 4 and device 1 of figures 1 to 3 is that conduit 5' extends to a position close to opening 4' of wall 3' of reservoir 2' and that the end zone of conduit 5' directed toward reservoir 2' tapers to a tip 10' . Conduit 5' with tip 10' in this way forms a piercing element for piercing a membrane 7' which seals opening 4' in wall 3' of reservoir 2'.

Another difference between the embodiments of figures 1 to 3 and figure 4 is that guide rods 13' each comprise a ring of resiliently extending flexible tongues 30 provided close to their end zone remote from reservoir 2' with a radially extending edge 31. When gripping body 11' and applicator body 12' are displaced toward each other the resilient tongues 30 will displace outward such that edges 31 will extend into a recess 32, which recess 32 extends radially from an end zone of recesses 15' of applicator body 12'. This makes it impossible to displace gripping body 11' and applicator body 12' away from each other once they have been displaced toward each other. The medium-throughflow connection hereby remains properly opened and it moreover remains optically visible that device 1' is in its released state . Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of device 1'' . This third embodiment is distinguished from the other embodiments in that device 1'' does not consist of an integral whole. On the basis of this embodiment it will be apparent that the characteristics as claimed in for instance claims 11-13 can also be applied in devices other than the above described one hand only systems. Device 1'' according to the third embodiment comprises a gripping body 11'' and an applicator body 12'' which are not mutually connected prior to first use. Gripping body 11'' with reservoir 2'' is embodied as a tube. An end zone of tube 11'' is provided with threads 40. Applicator body 12'' comprises a cavity 42 provided over its peripheral wall with threads 41. Threads 40 of tube 11'' and threads 41 of applicator body 12'' are adapted to co-act such that tube 11'' can be screwed onto applicator body

12'' . The screwing displaces tube 11'' and applicator body 12'' toward each other, whereby a tip 10'' of a conduit 5'' will pierce a membrane 7'' which seals an opening 4'' of a wall 3'' of reservoir 2''.

Figures 6A and 6B show a fourth embodiment of device

1'''. Device l''' comprises a second substance reservoir 50 with a wall 51 enclosing the reservoir, wherein on a side facing toward the first reservoir 2 ' ' ' wall 51 has two mutually overlapping end zones 52 which are connected medium-tightly to each other. Second reservoir 50 comprises two compartments 53 which are separated medium-tightly from each other by means of a separating wall 54. An end zone 55 of separating wall 54 extends between the overlapping end zones 52 of wall 51 and is connected medium-tightly to each of the overlapping end zones 52. The two compartments 53 are in this way closed off medium-tightly from first reservoir 2 ' ' ' . As shown in figures 6A and 6B, wall 51 of second reservoir 50 is compressible from a non-compressed first position (figure 6A) to a compressed second position (figure 6B) such that, during compression of the part of wall 51 from the first position to the second position, the medium- tight connection between the overlapping end zones 52 of wall 51 and end zone 55 of separating wall 54 is left clear and openings 56 which connect the two compartments 53 for medium throughflow to first reservoir 2''' form

therebetween. Figure 6B shows that, by compressing the part of the wall of second reservoir 50 from the first position to the second position, the substances present in

compartments 53 are pressed via openings 56 out of

compartments 53 into first reservoir 2''' and mix therein. First reservoir 2''' is empty prior to compression of wall 51, but can for instance also be partially filled with a third substance. The mixed substances can then be pressed as described above out of first reservoir 2''' for the purpose of applying the mixed substances to surfaces in the mouth. Compression of wall 51 of second reservoir 50 preferably takes place prior to release of the medium-throughflow connection between first reservoir 2''' and the applicator means. Compression of wall 51 preferably takes place in the direction of arrows 57, wherein the substances flow in the direction of arrows 58 to first reservoir 2' ' ' .

It is noted that separating wall 54 need not be present. In this case the end zones 52 of wall 51 are mutually connected without a separating wall extending therebetween .

Figures 7A-7C show a fifth embodiment of device 1' ' ' ' .

Device ' ' ' ' comprises an gripping body ' ' ' ' and an applicator body 12'''' which are integrally formed as one body 61 and through which a conduit 5'''' extends. Conduit 5' ' ' ' is here a continuous conduit extending between a substance reservoir 2'''' and a brush 6'''' . From an outer surface 60 of body 61 an opening 62 extends up to conduit 5'''' such that conduit 5'''' is accessible from outside. A clamp 63 is arranged in opening 62 and seals the medium- throughflow connection between substance reservoir 2' ' ' ' and brush 6' ' ' ' . Figure 8A shows clearly how clamp 63 seals conduit 5'''' by pressing, i.e. how clamp 63 presses conduit b' ' ' ' shut. Clamp 63 has for this purpose two parallel legs 64 which are directed toward each other and exert a pressing force on conduit 5' ' ' ' . Figures 7B and 8B show that removal of clamp 63 allows conduit 5'''' to return to its original, in this case round, shape and the medium-throughflow

connection between substance reservoir 2'''' and brush 6'''' is thus released. Returning to its original shape is possible in that conduit 5' ' ' ' is manufactured from a flexible material. Figure 7C shows the compressed position of substance reservoir 2' ' ' ' , wherein during compression of the part of wall 2'''' in the direction of arrow 25'''' from the first position to the compressed position substance which is pressed out of reservoir 2'''' flows through conduit 5' ' ' ' to brush 6' ' ' ' in the direction of arrow

26'''' for the purpose of applying the substance.

At its base, i.e. at its end where legs 64 are mutually connected, clamp 63 has a carrier 65 on which a two- dimensional barcode, also referred to as a QR code, is arranged. The QR code can comprise information about the substance contained in reservoir 2'''', such as the

composition of the substance, the production date, the use- by date, and information relating for instance to the use of the substance. It is also possible using the QR code to link the substance to a user. Carrier 65 can have any desired shape, such as rectangular, in particular square, round, oval or random shape. In figures 7 and 8 carrier 65 is shown parallel to the longitudinal direction of clamp 63, i.e. in line with legs 64. Carrier 63 can however be disposed at any desired angle relative to clamp 63, such as for instance perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of legs 64, such that carrier 65 can be gripped in simple manner for the purpose of removing clamp 63 from opening 62.

It is noted that the other characteristics of device 1'''' that are not described are the same as the

corresponding characteristics of device 1 of figures 1-3. It is further noted that opening 62 can be arranged at any desired location along the length of conduit 5' ' ' ' such that clamp 63 seals conduit 5'''' at this desired location.

The squeezing force of clamp 63 and/or the dimensions of clamp 63 is/are preferably adapted to the stiffness and/or the cross-section of the relevant conduit 5' ' ' ' such that each chosen conduit 5' ' ' ' can be sealed effectively by the chosen clamp 63.

Figures 9A and 9B show a device ]_''''' which is substantially the same as device I' ' ' ' of figures 7-8.

Characteristics of device 1' ' ' ' ' that are not described correspond here to corresponding characteristics of device I'''' of figures 7 and 8. Figures 9A and 9B show that, instead of clamp 63, a one-legged element 63' is used to press conduit 5''''' shut. The conduit extends here between element 63' and the wall of opening 62' such that conduit 5' ' ' ' ' is clamped and pressed shut between element 63' and the wall of opening 62' . The pressing shut of conduit 5''''' is discontinued by removing element 63', wherein flexible conduit 5''''' returns to its original shape and the medium- throughflow connection is released. Compression of the wall of the reservoir can then take place for the purpose of pressing out of the reservoir substance present therein (not shown) .

As shown in figures 9A and 9B, opening 62' is a continuous opening extending between two opposite locations in the outer surface of device 1''''' . On an insertion side of opening 62', i.e. on the side where element 63' can be inserted, the size of the opening is greater than on the opposite side. Element 63' has for instance a shape adapted to opening 62', wherein a first part of element 63' has a larger size than a second part of element 63' . The second part of element 63' has on its end remote from the first part a so-called tamper-evident indicator 66 which indicates whether element 63' has possibly been removed and then re^¬ placed. When element 63' is removed for the first time the connection between element 63' and indicator 66 is broken. Indicator 66 is hereby no longer connected to element 63' or device 1''''', which indicates that element 63' has been removed from opening 62' . Even after element 63' has been re-placed in opening 62' the absence of indicator 66 is an indication that the medium-throughflow connection of conduit 5''''' has already been released. This is advantageous, for instance for the purpose of determining the shelf-life of the substance in the reservoir, which shelf-life may decrease after the medium-throughflow connection is

released .

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the above discussed exemplary embodiments but also extends to other variants within the scope of the appended claims.

It will be apparent that, instead of a membrane, it is possible to apply a valve, which is not pierced but is displaced pivotally for the purpose of releasing the medium- throughflow connection. Instead of a brush it is also possible to use a fine brush or sponge or, conversely, there is no such applicator element and the substance can be applied directly from the conduit. The guide elements can for instance also take a different form, such as cross- sectionally rectangular, square, polygonal with optionally equal sides, conical, cylindrical, star-shaped or a

combination of said shapes, wherein the shape of the recesses corresponds to the shape of the protrusions. The number of guide elements can also vary.

Claims

1. Device for applying a substance such as a liquid, a gel or a paste to for instance surfaces in the mouth of a person, comprising:

applicator means prior to compression of the part of the wall ,

characterized by

release means for releasing the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the

applicator means by opening the sealing means, the release means being adapted to release the medium-throughflow connection when the part of the wall is in its first

position .

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing means comprise a pierceable and/or displaceable membrane or valve.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the release means comprise a piercing and/or displacing element, which element is displaceable between a first position, in which the element is situated a distance from the location where the sealing means are situated, and a second position in which the element extends through the location where the sealing means are situated in the first position such that in the second position the sealing means are opened by being pierced and/or displaced.

4. Device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the element is fixedly connected to the reservoir or the applicator means, and wherein displacing of the element takes place by displacing the reservoir and the applicator means relative to each other.

5. Device as claimed in claim 4, comprising guide means for guiding the relative displacement of the reservoir and the applicator means.

6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the applicator means comprise an applicator element and a conduit, wherein the conduit is connected on one side for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir and connected on the other for medium throughflow to the applicator element, and wherein the sealing means are disposed in the conduit.

7. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator means comprise an applicator element and a conduit, wherein the conduit is connected on one side for medium throughflow to the opening of the substance reservoir and connected on the other for medium throughflow to the applicator element, wherein the sealing means comprise a squeezing element for pressing shut the conduit such that the medium-throughflow connection between the substance reservoir and the

applicator means is sealed.

8. Device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device comprises an opening which extends between an outer surface of the device and the conduit and in which the squeezing element is arranged.

9. Device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the squeezing element comprises at least one leg, which leg is adapted to be arranged round at least a part of an outer wall of the conduit for the purpose of pressing shut the conduit between the leg and another leg of the squeezing element, or between the leg and the wall of the opening.

10. Device as claimed in any of the claims 7-9, wherein the squeezing element comprises a carrier with a code.

11. Device as claimed in any of the claims 6-10, wherein the conduit is flexible such that with plastic deformation it can be bent through a determined angle.

12. Device as claimed in claim 11, wherein angle limiting means are provided for the purpose of limiting the maximum bending angle of the conduit.

13. Device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the angle limiting means comprise two mutually separated bodies, each extending round a part of the length of the conduit, wherein the conduit is bendable in a bending zone between the two bodies and wherein the maximum bending angle of the conduit is reached when the two mutually facing end zones of the two bodies are brought into engagement with each other.

14. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a second substance reservoir with a wall

enclosing the reservoir, wherein on a side facing toward the first reservoir the wall has two mutually overlapping end zones which are connected medium-tightly to each other such that the second substance reservoir is sealed medium-tightly from the first reservoir, wherein at least a part of the wall of the second reservoir is compressible from a non- compressed first position to compressed second position such that, during compression of the part of the wall from the first position to the second position, the medium-tight connection between the overlapping end zones is left clear and an opening is formed between the overlapping end zones which connects the second substance reservoir for medium throughflow to the first reservoir such that, during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position, substance is pressed via the opening out of the second reservoir into the first reservoir.

15. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second reservoir comprises at least two compartments separated medium-tightly from each other by a separating wall, wherein an end zone of the separating wall extends between the overlapping end zones of the wall and is connected medium- tightly to each of the overlapping end zones, wherein during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position the medium- tight connection between the overlapping end zones of the wall and the end zone of the separating wall is left clear and openings form therebetween which connect the two compartments to the first reservoir for medium throughflow such that, during compression of the part of the wall of the second reservoir from the first position to the second position, substances are pressed via the openings out of the compartments into the first reservoir.

16. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the compressible part of the wall of the reservoir comprises a foil manufactured from a material chosen from the group comprising plastic and aluminium.

17. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the reservoir forms part of or is connected to a gripping body having a shape which can be gripped well and/or firmly by the hand of a user.

18. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device has a colour representative of the substance .

19. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims wherein the applicator means and/or the applicator el ement comprise a brush or sponge.