EP1765215A2 - Oral care device - Google Patents
Oral care deviceInfo
- Publication number
- EP1765215A2 EP1765215A2 EP05751900A EP05751900A EP1765215A2 EP 1765215 A2 EP1765215 A2 EP 1765215A2 EP 05751900 A EP05751900 A EP 05751900A EP 05751900 A EP05751900 A EP 05751900A EP 1765215 A2 EP1765215 A2 EP 1765215A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- oral care
- care device
- fluid
- housing
- conduit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/225—Handles or details thereof
- A61C17/227—Handles or details thereof with reservoirs, e.g. for toothpaste
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/0061—Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/0061—Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor
- A61C1/0084—Supply units, e.g. reservoir arrangements, specially adapted pumps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/0061—Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor
- A61C1/0084—Supply units, e.g. reservoir arrangements, specially adapted pumps
- A61C1/0092—Pumps specially adapted therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
- A61C17/0202—Hand-pieces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
- A61C17/0205—Container filling apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
- A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
- A61C17/3409—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor characterized by the movement of the brush body
- A61C17/3436—Rotation around the axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the bristle holder
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
- A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
- A61C17/36—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor with rinsing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/08—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members
- F04B43/082—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members the tubular flexible member being pressed against a wall by a number of elements, each having an alternating movement in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the tubular member and each having its own driving mechanism
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/222—Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/224—Electrical recharging arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
- A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
- A61C17/32—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating
- A61C17/34—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor
- A61C17/349—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like reciprocating or oscillating driven by electric motor with multiple brush bodies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C2204/00—Features not otherwise provided for
- A61C2204/002—Features not otherwise provided for using batteries
Definitions
- ORAL CARE DEVICE This invention relates to oral care systems and methods of their use.
- Conventional toothbrushes having tufts of bristles mounted on a head, are generally effective at removing plaque from the flat surfaces of teeth and the areas between teeth and along the gumline that can be accessed by the bristles.
- a consumer manually squeezes a globule of paste from a tube onto the bristles of the conventional brush prior to placing the brush in their mouth. After paste is deposited on the bristles, the brush is placed in their mouth and brushing commences.
- U.S. Serial No. 2002/0108193 proposes a sonic power toothbrush that is capable of dispensing additives at the head of the brush.
- the invention features an oral care device that includes (a) an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of the housing.
- the compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a path that is not semi-circular. Preferably the path is also not generally circular.
- the path defined by the compressible region is substantially straight, i.e., it has a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter of the housing in cross-section. The radius of curvature may in some cases be greater than 2 inches.
- the path defined by the compressible region may include one or more localized arcuate areas, but in such implementations the path will also include generally linear areas.
- the geometry of the compressible region allows the pumping assembly to have a relatively small profile, so that the pumping assembly fits within the elongated housing without the diameter of the housing becoming unwieldy.
- the geometry of the compressible region also facilitates removal of the fluid conduit from the housing, which is advantageous for reasons which will be discussed below.
- the pumping assembly may be configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple discrete compression events.
- the pumping assembly further comprises a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral, which may be continuous or discontinuous.
- the spiral may include a discontinuous arrangement of protrusions extending outwardly from a surface of the rotatable shaft.
- the spiral may be configured to compress the conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the conduit as the shaft rotates.
- the pumping assembly may further include a compression element positioned between the shaft and the conduit such that the compression element is displaced by the shaft to compress the conduit in the compressible region when the shaft is rotated.
- the compression element may be capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to multiple angular positions.
- the compression element may be configured to be displaced in a direction substantially transverse to the fluid path.
- the compression element may be displaced linearly when the shaft is at a selected angular position.
- the compression element may. be displaced in a rotational or bending motion, or by buckling the compression element.
- the oral device may include multiple compression elements positioned between the shaft and the conduit such that the compression elements are capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated, which may be arranged in one or more linear array(s).
- the oral care device may include an electric motor configured to rotate the rotatable shaft, e.g., at a selected rate or frequency in response to a signal from a controller located within the housing or at differing selected rates or frequencies.
- the controller may be programmed to increase or decrease the rate or frequency at which the motor rotates the rotatable shaft, e.g., in response to input from a user.
- the long axis of the fluid conduit may be substantially parallel to or coaxial with the long axis of the housing.
- the oral care device may further include a fluid reservoir located within the housing that is capable of communication with the fluid path.
- the pumping assembly may be located downstream of the fluid reservoir.
- the oral care device may include multiple fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a fluid passageway, and the fluid conduits may each have a compressible region.
- the multiple fluid passageways may converge within the housing to combine fluid upstream of the outlet.
- the oral care device may be configured so that all of the fluid passageway is replaceable.
- the invention features an oral care device that includes a housing including a fluid passageway for directing fluid within the housing and, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth, and a reversible pumping assembly configured to transfer fluid along the passageway.
- a housing including a fluid passageway for directing fluid within the housing and, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth, and a reversible pumping assembly configured to transfer fluid along the passageway.
- Some implementations include one or more of the features described above. Some implementations may include one or more of the following features.
- the reversible pumping assembly may be configured to transfer fluid along the fluid passageway in a direction away from the outlet at the distal portion of the housing.
- the reversible pumping assembly may include an electric motor.
- the electric motor may be configured to rotate a rotatable shaft in either a first direction or in an opposite second direction in response to a signal from a controller located within the housing.
- the oral care device may include a fluid reservoir within the housing and fluidly connected to the fluid passageway, and the reversible pumping assembly may be configured to introduce fluid into the fluid reservoir.
- the reversible pumping assembly may be configured to introduce fluid from the fluid passageway into the fluid reservoir while the pumping assembly is running in reverse.
- the invention features an oral care device including a housing including a head, a handle and a neck connecting the head and the handle, the head being dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth, and an energy source for powering the oral care device, in which the housing includes a separable caitridge component that contains a fluid reservoir and the energy source.
- the energy source may be, for example, a battery.
- the energy source may be electrically connected to a motor configured to drive a pump assembly, e.g., such as the pump assemblies described above.
- the invention features an oral care device that includes a housing having a movable head configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, a handle and a neck connecting the head and the handle, the housing defining a housing axis extending between the handle and the head that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a fluid passageway located within the neck of the housing and extending to an outlet at the head, and a drive member connected to the head at a location spaced from the housing axis, the drive member being configured to rotate the movable head about the axis of rotation.
- the oral care device may include a drive assembly configured to move the drive member.
- the drive member may be connected to the head at a location spaced a distance (d) between about 0.05 and about 0.2 inch from the housing axis, e.g., about 0.075 and 0.150 inch from the housing axis, for example about 0.125 inch.
- the invention also features methods of providing oral care using the oral care devices described above.
- the invention features a method including reducing an uncompressed volume (V0) of a fluid conduit positioned within the oral care device by compressing the fluid conduit to a compressed volume (Vc) within a compressible region defining a path that is not semicircular, wherein the compressed volume (Vc) remains substantially constant as the fluid conduit is compressed progressively along a length (L) to transfer fluid along a fluid passageway within the oral care device.
- the fluid conduit may be compressed progressively along L by a series of discrete compression events, e.g., using the pumping assemblies described above.
- the invention also features a method including, with a series of successive, side-by-side compression events, compressing a fluid conduit progressively in a compressible region along at least a portion of a length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along a fluid passageway and toward a fluid outlet at a head of an oral care device.
- the compressible region may be substantially linear.
- the invention features an oral care device including (a) a housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing; (c) a pouch disposed within the housing, the pouch comprising a pouch body including two sidewalls defining a volume therebetween; and (d) a fitment providing communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit.
- the sidewalls are joined along at least one longitudinal side edge by a seam.
- the fitment has a height to width aspect ratio of less than one, the height and width being measured along minor and major axes, respectively, at an end of the fitment disposed between the sidewalls.
- the pouch volume may increase from an original, unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with content, and decrease as the pouch is emptied. When the pouch is substantially emptied, the pouch volume may be substantially equivalent to the original, unfilled volume.
- the invention features an oral care device including (a) an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of the housing; wherein the pumping assembly is configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple discrete compression events.
- the invention also features an oral care device that includes (a) an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passageway in the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping assembly configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passageway toward an outlet at the distal portion of the housing, the motorized pumping assembly including a drive shaft that is disposed substantially parallel to a plane defined by the compressible region. This relative arrangement of the drive shaft and compressible region provides a compact geometry which allows the pumping assembly to fit within the elongated housing without the diameter of the housing becoming unwieldy.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an oral care system.
- FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an oral care device.
- FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 3 A is a transparent front view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 3B is a transparent rear view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIG, 4A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a pump assembly and associated fluid passageway.
- FIG. 4B is a perspective detail view of the pump assembly of FIG. 4A.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of an array of compression elements.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and perspective views, respectively, of a screw embodiment.
- FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passageway of FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of elements of a pumping assembly including a flexible membrane.
- FIGS. 9 and 9A illustrates another flexible membrane embodiment.
- FIG. 10A is a perspective top view detailing an embodiment of a drive assembly.
- FIG. 10B shows the drive assembly of FIG. 10A positioned within the oral care device.
- FIG. IOC is a side view of an alternative cam embodiment.
- FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a guide assembly.
- FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a drive shaft.
- FIG. 12 is a sectional drawing of a head
- FIGS. 13A and 13B are top and perspective views, respectively, of the drive shaft of FIG. 11 and a fluid passageway connected to the head.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are front perspective views of two brush embodiments.
- FIGS. 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment.
- FIGS. 17A and 17B are front and rear perspective views of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment.
- FIGS. 18A and 18B are side views of an embodiment of a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIG. 18C is a sectional detail view of area C of FIG. 18A showing a valve.
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are side and sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a separable cartridge component forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIGS. 19C and 19D are enlarged detail views of areas C and D, respectively, of FIG. 19B.
- FIGS. 20A and 20C are front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
- FIGS. 20B and 20D are transparent front and rear views, respectively, of the component of FIG. 20A.
- FIG. 21 is a side section view of the valve of FIG. 19D mated with a docking station valve.
- FIGS. 22A and 22B are side section views of another valve assembly embodiment.
- FIG. 22C is a front view of a valve fitment of FIGS. 22A and 22B.
- FIG. 23 A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a docking station.
- FIG. 23B is a transparent side perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 23A.
- FIG. 24 illustrates a docking station embodiment.
- FIG. 25 illustrates another docking station embodiment.
- FIGS. 26 A and 26B are side perspective views of a pump assembly embodiment.
- FIGS. 27A and 27B are side perspective views of a valve actuation assembly.
- FIG. 28 is a diagram of an oral care system control embodiment.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective side view of another embodiment of an oral care device.
- FIGS. 30A and 3 OB are, respectively, side perspective and transparent views of a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 29.
- FIGS. 31A and 3 IB are, respectively, side perspective and transparent views of a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG. 29.
- FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 are perspective views of alternative compression member array embodiments.
- FIGS. 35A and 35B show an alternative screw embodiment.
- FIGS. 36A and 36B are rear and front views, respectively, of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment with the neck shown as transparent.
- FIG. 37 is a rear view of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment with the neck shown as transparent.
- FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate alternative head embodiments.
- FIGS. 41, 42 and 44 are perspective views of different fluid reservoir embodiments and FIG. 43 is an end view of a fitment of FIGS. 41 and 42.
- an embodiment of an oral care system 10 is shown that includes an oral care device 12, in this case a toothbrush, and a docking station 14 that holds the oral care device 12 in an upright position within a receiving portion of the docking station.
- oral care device 12 is a power toothbrush having a motorized head and is designed to discharge a fluid, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash or a combination of various fluids, during the brushing cycle.
- oral care device 12 includes a multi- component, separable housing 16 consisting of three interconnected components 152, 154 and 156 (see also for example Figs. 18 A, 19A and 20A). As assembled, the oral care device 12 includes a distal portion 18 at which a head 20 is located and a proximal portion 22 at which a handle 24 is located. Connecting handle 24 and head 20 is neck 26. Head 20 is sized to fit within a user's mouth for brushing, while the handle 24 is graspable by a user and facilitates manipulation of the head 20 during use. Referring to Fig.
- an inlet 28 is positioned near an end surface 30 at the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device.
- the inlet 28 is matable with an outlet 280 (Fig. 23A) located at the docking station 14 for refilling a fluid path within component 154.
- the inlet 28 is spaced above a seating surface 275 (Fig. 23 A) within the receiving portion of the docking station where substances (e.g., dentifrice, water, dust) may accumulate, so that substances will not interfere with mating between the inlet 28 and the outlet 280.
- Oral care device 12 includes motors 34 and 36.
- Motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 38, that is used to transfer a fluid along a fluid passageway 40 (see
- pumping assembly 38 transfers fluid by compressing a portion of tube 60 with a compression element.
- motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in an opposite direction, toward the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device 12. Moving the fluid in the opposite direction may, for example, reduce or, in some cases, even eliminate any leaking of fluid from the head that may occur due to pressure build-up within the passageway.
- Motor 36 drives a drive shaft 42, which in turn moves (e.g., rotates) the head 20.
- a rechargeable battery 44 is electrically coupled to the motors.
- motor 34 includes a rotatable shaft 46 that is connected to a screw 48 having an advancing, enlarged spiral 50 (Fig. 4B) by a pair of gears 52 and 54.
- Screw 48 and spiral 50 are shaped to sequentially displace each finger (or compression element) of an array of interconnected fingers 56 as motor 34 rotates the screw.
- Fingers 56 are secured to an inner wall of the housing 16 (Fig. 2A) forming a series of cantilevered projections that are positioned adjacent tube 60 within a compressible region 58 (Fig. 4A) that, itself, forms a portion of the fluid passageway 40. When the fingers 56 are displaced, they compress the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 progressively along its length in a series of multiple compression events to force fluid along the fluid path (see Figs. 7A-7E).
- the motor 34 and the gearing can be selected as desired.
- a suitable motor 34 is a FF-130SH, available from Mabuchi.
- the gearing is selected to reduce speed by about 23: 1.
- the array of fingers includes seven interconnected fingers 56 that extend integrally from a common base 57. While seven fingers are depicted, the number of fingers can be selected as desired (e.g., greater than one finger, up to 10, 50, 100 or 200 fingers). Multiple arrays can also be used.
- the fingers 56 are interconnected at one end 62 and each extends to a free end 64 that can be displaced depending on the angular position of screw 48.
- While the pump assembly 38 may be used without fingers 56 (e.g., spiral 50 of screw 48 may be used to compress tube 60 within the compressible region 58 directly), by utilizing fingers 56, rolling and sliding wear against the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 can be reduced due to the displacement of the fingers in a direction substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the tube 60. Such a reduction in rolling and sliding wear can reduce potential for rupture of tube 60 that can lead to fluid leakage within the housing 16.
- each of the fingers 56 is of substantially identical dimensions having a width Wf (e.g., from about 0.05 inch to about 0.2 inch, such as about 0.1 inch) and a length L (e.g., from about 0.4 inch to about 0.6 inch, such as about 0.5 inch) and is shaped to reduce the volume occupied by the fingers within the housing.
- Wf width
- L length
- the fingers 56 extend relatively linearly within regions 66 and 68, with region 68 offset from region 66 a distance T by a bend 70.
- surface 72 of fingers 56 can contact an outer surface of the tube 60 and opposite surface 74 can contact screw 48 or vice versa.
- one or more of the fingers may have a differing dimension.
- Design of the fingers 56 depends, at least in part, on the screw design and tube 60 design.
- Each finger 56 is designed to compress a region of the tube 60 that is roughly equal to the width of the respective finger 56.
- the distance between each finger and the adjacent finger is minimized (e.g., about 0.015 inch) for pumping efficiency.
- materials for foirning the fingers 56 can be selected as desired.
- Materials preferable for forming the array of fingers include elastic materials having high resistances to fatigue failure (e.g., due to the repeated displacement of the fingers) and capable of withstanding, at least for a reasonable time (e.g., 180 uses or more), the rolling and sliding contact between the fingers 56 and the spiral 50.
- a suitable plastic material is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be employed for forming the fingers, such as molding (e.g., injection molding), casting and machining.
- the defining variables of the screw 48 include the pitch of the screw, the dwell time caused by the flat 76 at the top of the pitch.
- screw pitch P i.e., the distance center-to-center between flats 76 along a line parallel to shaft axis, at least in some cases, ensures that at least one (preferably more than one) finger compresses the tube at a given moment in time. As shown, P is about 0.8 inch, while the width of each flat is about 0.035 inch.
- the dimensions of the screw 48 can be selected as desired. Preferably, however, the screw 48 design depends, at least in part, on the design of the fingers 56 and the design of the tube 60 within compressible region 58 in order to achieve pumping action to transfer fluid along the passageway 40.
- a suitable plastic material is DELRIN® plastic.
- Any suitable method can be used to form the screw 48, such as molding (e.g., injection molding the screw or over-molding plastic onto, for example, a metal shaft) and machining.
- molding e.g., injection molding the screw or over-molding plastic onto, for example, a metal shaft
- the tube 60 Prior to compression, within compressible region 58 the tube 60 has a substantially constant inner and outer diameter, and an initial, uncompressed volume V 0 for a length L (i.e., the length of the compressible region 58), with L being substantially equal to the width W of the array of fingers (Fig. 5A).
- V c remains substantially constant during the entire displacement sequence.
- V c changes substantially during the displacement sequence. In either case, it is the geometry of the passageway 40 through which fluid flows that is acted on by a series of discrete and progressive compression events to create flow.
- fingers 56a and 56b are displaced by screw 48 due to the increased diameter of spiral 50 (Fig. 6A and 6B), which, in turn, compresses (e.g., occludes) a portion of tube 60 within the compressible region 58 between the finger 56 and the wall 78 to positively displace fluid along the passageway 40. While the screw 48 displaces finger 56a (eventually a maximum distance /), the screw 48 also displaces finger 56b. As the screw 48 turns, referring also to Fig. 5B, finger 56a begins a return, drawing fluid into the previously displaced region of the tube
- / is substantially equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58, however, / can be less than the inner diameter of the tube 60 within the compressible region 58. As shown, the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region is about 1/16 inch and / is slightly greater than 1/16 inch.
- flexible membrane 80 may be positioned between the fingers 56 and the tube 60 (see Figs. 20C and 20D).
- the membrane 80 is used to seal the internal components positioned within housing component 156 from water, paste or other liquids associated with brushing.
- the membrane can be, for example, adhered to inner wall 81 of component 156 and/or over molded on the component 156.
- the membrane 80 includes a compression element 57 or array of compression elements (or multiple arrays of compression elements) that can be used for compressing the tube 60, replacing the fingers 56.
- compression means are contemplated to compress tube 60 directly (or to displace the compressible elements), such as a spinning bent wire (e.g., a coiled wire or cam/crank shaft wire), solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, a rocking mechanism and/or annular constrictions with ferrofluids.
- a spinning bent wire e.g., a coiled wire or cam/crank shaft wire
- solenoids pneumatic cylinders
- rocking mechanism e.g., a rocking mechanism
- annular constrictions with ferrofluids e.g., a coiled wire or cam/crank shaft wire
- fluid can be positively displaced without backflow and, as mentioned, without any need for a backflow-preventive device, such as a check valve (although a check valve can be used, if desired).
- the pump assembly described above is particularly well suited to pump slurries, viscous, shear-sensitive and aggressive fluids.
- Head Drive Assembly Referring back to Fig. 3A, motor 36 moves (e.g., translates linearly) pivoting drive shaft 42, which in turn moves (e.g., oscillates rotationally) rotatable head 20.
- the drive shaft 42 is connected to the rotatable head 20 using an offset design that facilitates placement of a fluid outlet at the head 20 and a tube 82 forming a portion of fluid passageway 40 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. This offset design will be described in further detail below.
- Movement of the rotatable head 20 is accomplished, in part, by use of a cam and follower system that translates rotational output of the motor 36 into linear motion used to drive the drive shaft 42 backward and forward.
- a track 86 extends outwardly from a shaft 84 that is connected to the motor 36 by a series of interconnected gears.
- Follower 88 includes a pair of projections 90 that are designed to ride track 86 as shaft 84 is rotated by motor 36.
- Track 86 is shaped such that as shaft 84 rotates, the follower 88 oscillates linearly.
- An alignment component 92 aids in aligning the follower 88 as it oscillates.
- an alternative cam design includes a cam 94 having cam geometry on an internal surface 96 of a cup 98.
- the cam follower can run axisymmetric with the motor.
- Non-cam systems can also be used, such as a belt or chain system.
- a belt or chain system can replace the drive shaft system shown to drive the head 20 while leaving the axis of the oral care device 12 available to make way for the fluid passageway 40.
- Connected to follower 88 is an intermediate drive shaft 100.
- the guide assembly 102 includes a gasket 104 (e.g., formed of rubber), a bushing 106 (e.g., a bronze oilite bushing) and a mounting plate 108.
- the mounting plate 108 is secured to the housing 16 (see Fig. 10B).
- the guide assembly 102 provides alignment and stabilization for the intermediate shaft 100 as the intermediate shaft moves forward and backward with the follower 88.
- a pivoting drive shaft 42 is coupled to the intermediate drive shaft 100.
- the drive shafts 100 and 42 are coupled by a pair of interconnecting notches 110A, 110B, which are constructed to engage each other.
- Notch 110A is positioned at an end of the shaft 42 (Fig. 11) and notch 110B is positioned at the adjacent end of intermediate shaft 100 (Fig. 10A).
- Drive shaft 42 is slidably positioned within a bracket 112 that is secured within the neck 26 of the housing 16 (shown in phantom) to restrict side-to-side movement of shaft 42 and to maintain the connection between the notches 110.
- the notches 110 are detachable (e.g., to separate components 152 and 154) by applying a force (e.g., by a consumer) to the bracket 112 in a direction that separates the notches 110.
- the bracket 112 has sufficient flexibility to allow the notches 110 to detach when pushed on by a consumer to allow the consumer to separate component 154 from components 152 and 156.
- the available space within the neck 26 of housing 16 is relatively limited.
- the drive shaft 42 is shaped to facilitate placement of both the fluid-carrying tube 82 and the oscillating drive shaft 42 within the neck 26 of the housing 16.
- the drive shaft 42 includes a number of bends 114, 116 that aid in maintaining distance between the fluid passageway 40 and the drive shaft 42 so that the tube 82 does not interfere with motion of drive shaft 42.
- the short bend 114 is connected to rotatable head 20 and is designed to be short enough to be assembled through the neck 26 of housing 16.
- rotatable head 20 is rotatably connected to housing 16 within a socket 118 formed in housing 16.
- a non-rotatable fitting (e.g., a bushing) 120 is secured over a distal end of the tube 82 and a valve 122 is fitted over the fitting 120.
- the valve 122 and fitting 120 extend through an aperture 124 in the rotatable head 20 such that, of the valve 122 and the fitting 120, the non-rotatable fitting 120 receives much of forces from the rotatable head 20 during operation, thus reducing wear and tear on the valve.
- a pin 126 secures the rotatable head 20 in the housing 16 by passing through a hole 128 in the housing 16 and into a slot 130 formed in the rotatable head 20. This pin 126 and slot 130 connection secures the rotatable head 20 within the housing 16 and allows the rotatable head 20 to rotate. Referring also to Figs.
- the drive shaft 42 is connected to the rotatable head 20 at a hole (not shown) formed in the rotatable head 20 and positioned offset from a longitudinal axis 131 by a distance d (e.g., greater than zero, such as from about 0.05 to about 0.2 inch, such as about 0.125 inch).
- the longitudinal axis 131 is perpendicular to an axis of rotation 134 (Fig. 13B) of the head, and distance d is measured perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis 131 to the center of the hole.
- the shaft 42 is slip fit into the hole to allow oscillation of the rotatable head 20 relative to shaft 42.
- head 20 oscillates about axis 134 at a desired frequency (e.g., from about 35 Hz to about 140 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 80 Hz.).
- head 20 includes a base 136 that includes the opening 124 (see Fig. 12) through which the valve 122 extends outwardly beyond the base.
- a desired frequency e.g., from about 35 Hz to about 140 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 80 Hz.
- head 20 includes a base 136 that includes the opening 124 (see Fig. 12) through which the valve 122 extends outwardly beyond the base.
- the duckbill valve is preferred for ease of use and for reducing the introduction of outside fluids and particles into the fluid passageway (e.g., during use and storage).
- the distal end of the tube 82 forms the fluid outlet without use of a valve attached thereto.
- opening 124 forms a portion of the fluid passageway.
- Extending from the base 136 is an array of bristle tufts 138. Although each tuft 138 is shown as a solid mass in the drawings, the tufts are actually each made up of a great mass of individual plastic bristles.
- the bristles may be made of any desired polymer, e.g., nylon 6.12 or 6.10, and may have any desired diameter, e.g., 4-8 mil.
- the tufts 138 are supported by the base 136, and may be held in place by any desired tufting technique as is well known in the art, e.g., hot tufting or a stapling process.
- the tufts 138 may also be mounted to move on the base 136, as is well known in the toothbrush art.
- tufts 138 and fluid outlet 140 (along with opening 124) may be positioned where desired. Referring to Figs. 14 and Fig. 15, tufts 138 are positioned about centrally located valve 122. Referring particularly to Fig.
- a contoured ellipse head design is illustrated where base 136 is in the form of an ellipse.
- the valve 122 is shown positioned at about the center of the elliptical base 136 (i.e., at the intersection of the major and minor axes of the ellipse) with the tufts 138 arranged about the fluid outlet 140 in an elliptical arrangement.
- Fig. 15 shows a more circular head design with valve 122 positioned at the center of the base 136 and the tufts 138 positioned about the fluid outlet 140 in a circular arrangement.
- valve 122 and associated fluid outlet 140 be positioned centrally within the rotatable head 20 or that the fluid outlet be aligned with the axis of rotation 134 of the rotatable head 20.
- a movable head 142 includes an offset valve design.
- a valve 122 and associated fluid passageway 40 extends through a rotatable head 142 spaced from an axis of rotation 134.
- a drive shaft 42 is connected to the rotatable head 142 offset from a longitudinal axis 131.
- a head 146 includes a movable portion 148 and a stationary portion 150 with a valve 122 and associated fluid passageway 40 positioned in the stationary portion 150.
- the valve 122 can be positioned within the movable portion 148, as described above, rather than in the stationary portion 150.
- the movable portion 148 can be foraied by a rotatable head that is connected to a drive shaft, as described above.
- the drive shaft 42 includes a fluid path that forms a portion of fluid passageway 40 by fluidly connecting the drive shaft 42 to tube 60.
- An end (not shown) of the drive shaft 42 that is connected to the head can provide a fluid outlet, or a valve or other structure can be attached to the end of the drive shaft.
- housing 16 is separable into three components 152, 154 and 156.
- Component 152 i.e. a removable head assembly; Figs. 18A and 18B
- Component 154 i.e. a removable, refillable cartridge assembly; Figs. 19A and 19B
- Motors 34 and 36 are housed by component 156, along with pumping assembly 38 and rechargeable battery 44 (see Fig. 3B).
- each of the components 152 and 154 contains a portion of fluid passageway 40, in order to reduce or, in some cases, to prevent fluid leakage when components 152 and 154 are separated, each of the components 152 and 154 includes a valve 160 and 162, respectively, having a "normally closed" construction.
- the valves are disposed at an end of the associated conduit, e.g., to close substantially the entire fluid passageway associated with each component when the components are disengaged.
- the neck valve 160 is capable of mating with the cartridge valve 162 (see Figs. 19A and 19C).
- neck valve 160 and cartridge valve 162 include inner surfaces 164 and 166, respectively, that each form a portion of fluid passageway 40.
- valves can be constructed to remain closed and seal the passageway even if an amount of positive pressure is applied within the passageway (e.g., the pumping mechanism is activated). As positive pressure is applied to the respective poppet from within the passageway, an increased amount of biasing force is transmitted and the poppet applies more force against the seating surface maintaining the seal.
- the cartridge component 154 includes a second valve 200 that is capable of mating with docking station valve 322 at outlet 280 (Figs. 21 and 23 A).
- Valve 200 includes the features described above with regard to valve 162
- valve 322 includes the features described above with regard to valve 160.
- Valve 200 controls fluid flow through the inlet 28 positioned near the base surface 30 (see Fig. 2B), while valve 322 controls fluid flow through the docking station outlet 280.
- each of the poppets 176 and 178 include an extended portion 188.
- the extended portions 188 project beyond the seating surfaces 172, 174 when the valves are separated.
- the extended portions 188 of the poppets 176, 178 contact each other.
- only one or neither of poppets 176, 178 has an extended portion 188 that extends beyond the respective seating surface.
- the poppets 176, 178 deflect away from the seating surfaces, thus opening the fluid passageway 40 and allowing the flow of fluid therethrough.
- cartridge valves 162 and or 200 can include a sealing ring 201 (e.g., an O-ring) positioned within a recess 192 extending inwardly from an outer surface 194 of the cartridge valve.
- the sealing ring provides a fluid-tight seal, but not an airtight seal. In some cases, the sealing ring provides both a fluid-tight and an airtight seal.
- the sealing ring can be sized to contact an inner surface 190 of the valves 160 and/or 322.
- the neck valve 160 incorporates a portion 165 of the neck 26 as part of the valve assembly.
- the neck valve assembly 160 is directly connected to the proximal open end of tube 82, allowing fluid passage directly from the valve into tube 82.
- the cartridge valve 162 is connected to tube 60 by means of a barbed fitting 203 at the rear of the assembly. Other methods of attachment, such as clamps, wire or plastic tie wraps and/or adhesives are also possible.
- an alternative valve assembly is used that closes the fluid passageway 40 in only one component, when the components are separated.
- a one-sided valve assembly 250 includes a valve 252 and an open fitment 254 (see Fig. 22C).
- the valve 252 includes an inner surface 256 that is necked-down to form a seating surface 258 and a poppet 260 with an extended portion 262 that is biased toward the seating surface 258.
- the fitment 254 includes an inner surface 266 forming a passageway for fluid flow and a wall 268 that spans the passageway of the fitment.
- the wall 268 includes four channels 270 that are in fluid communication with the passageway. The channels 270 provide a conduit through which fluid can flow from the fitment 254 to the valve 252 (or vice versa) when the valve 252 is mated with the fitment 254.
- valve 252 As valve 252 is mated with fitment 254, turning to Fig. 22B, the extended portion 262 is brought into contact with wall 268. As a surface 272 of the valve 252 approaches wall 268, poppet 260 is deflected away from seating surface 258, opening the valve 252. The channels 270 are positioned such that poppet 260 does not block the channels 270 so that fluid can pass therethrough.
- the fitment 254 replaces the neck valve 160 (e.g., to allow for rinsing of the passageway 40 within neck component 152).
- the materials for forming the fitment and valves, including the poppets and springs can be selected as desired.
- Suitable materials for forming the valves include polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), polypropylene, acrylonitrile-based co-polymer (e.g., BAREX® available fromBP p.l.c), acetal (POM), or corrosion resistant metals, such as stainless steel.
- Suitable materials for forming the poppets include elastomers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), fluorocarbons (e.g., VITON® fluorocarbons, available from DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C.), combinations of these materials and any of these materials used in combination with a harder material such as stainless steel.
- the valves can be formed by any suitable method including molding (e.g., injection molding) and/or machining, with common joining processes such as ultrasonic or laser welding, adhesives and the like.
- Components 152 and 154 are designed to be replaceable.
- replacement we mean that components 152 and 154 are interchangeable by the consumer with other like components to form an assembled oral care device, and that replacement can normally be effected by the consumer without damage to the oral care device.
- the entirety of fluid passageway 40 is carried by components 152 and 154, the entirety of fluid passageway 40 is also replaceable. In other words, any part of oral care device 12 that touches fluid is replaceable.
- components 152 head assembly and 154 (cartridge) both attach to component 156 by independent mechanical snap latching mechanisms 137 (Figs. 2A and 2B).
- component 152 is attached to component 156 by inserting a top end 133 of the component 156 into a receiving end 135 of component 156.
- a mechanical connection is formed by snap latch members 139 (Fig. 18B) and 141 (Fig. 20A), the drive shafts 42 and 100 are connected and, if component 154 is connected to component
- a fluid connection is made through the valves 160 and 162.
- Component 154 is attached to component 156 by a similar snap latch connection (see also Fig. 19A).
- a user can squeeze the snap latches 137 toward each other to disengage the mechanical connection. This is accomplished by pinching buttons 143 located at the handle 24 to detach component 154 from component 156 and by pinching buttons 143 located at the neck 26 to detach components 152 and 156.
- Other connections are contemplated, such as an independent screw or bayonet-style collar that can move independently of the orientation of the components being attached.
- a linear connection (e.g., as opposed to a rotational) is preferred to align the two connections.
- Other general attachment airangements can be made, such as attaching component 152 to component 154, and subsequently, attaching component 154 to component 156.
- the oral care device 12 includes a control circuit or controller 400 that is electrically connected to the motors 34, 36 and that generally governs operation of the motors.
- a user interface 402 provides external interaction with controller 400.
- the user interface 402 includes on and off buttons 404 and 406 and a fluid level switch 408, all of which are accessible from exterior of the housing 16 (see Fig. 2A).
- the controller can be programmed as desired, as one example, the controller is designed such that depressing button 404 initiates both motors 34 and 36 and depressing button 406 initiates only one of the motors 34, 36, such as motor 36. By depressing button 404 both head movement and fluid flow can be initiated. By depressing button 406, only one of fluid flow and head movement can be initiated.
- Depressing button 404 or 406 can also halt the associated motor(s) subsequent to initiation.
- a user can, for example, brush without additional fluid delivery and can rinse the oral care device 12 while the head rotates.
- the fluid level switch 408 allows a user to choose between preselected rates of fluid delivery, such as high (e.g., about 1.1 g/ minute), medium (e.g., about 1 g/ minute) and low (e.g., about 0.9 g/ minute) rates.
- Three LED's 410 can selectively illuminate to indicate a selected fluid deliveiy level.
- an LCD display can be included to convey a fluid delivery level and/or can be used to display other information such as level of fluid in the oral care device 12 and/or status of battery charge.
- the controller 400 can be programmed as desired.
- the controller 400 is programmed to adjust a paste delivery level subsequent to initiation of the motor 34.
- the controller is programmed such that a relatively large bolus of fluid is delivered soon after motor 34 is initiated, e.g., to have enough paste to begin brushing, and then the level of paste delivery is decreased, e.g., to a lower delivery level throughout the remaining portion of the brushing cycle.
- the level of paste delivery may be decreased, for example, by intermittent bursts of fluid and/or by slower rates of fluid delivery.
- the controller may be programmed to provide three delivery settings, low, medium and high.
- the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus by activating the motor 34 for about seven seconds. After about seven seconds, the controller intermittently activates the motor 34 for about 0.75 seconds and deactivates motor 34 for about 2.4 seconds (i.e., cycles the motor on and off at these intervals).
- the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus by activating the motor 34 for about seven seconds, and then to cycle the motor on for about 0.75 seconds and off for about 1.63 seconds.
- the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus by activating the motor 34 for about seven seconds and then to cycle the motor on for about 0.75 seconds and off for about 1.2 seconds.
- a docking station When not in use, oral care device 12 can be coupled with docking station 14. Docking station 14 can be connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) or other suitable power supply. Referring to Figs. 23A and 23B, docking station 14 is formed to hold oral care device 12 within the receiving portion 273 in an upright position. The receiving portion 273 is formed between a vertical recess 295 formed in housing 291 and housing extension 297 extending from base 293. The recess 295 is contoured to receive a portion of oral care device 12.
- the docking station 14 includes a reactive device, e.g., a sensor (not shown) that detects an input upon receipt of the oral care device by the docking station and, in response to this input, sends a signal to a controller, the details of which will be described in greater detail below.
- a reactive device e.g., a sensor (not shown) that detects an input upon receipt of the oral care device by the docking station and, in response to this input, sends a signal to a controller, the details of which will be described in greater detail below.
- the docking station 14 includes a fluid reservoir 274 (see Figs. 24 and 25) that is coupled with a tube 276 that forms a portion of a fluid passageway 278 extending from the fluid reservoir 274 to outlet 280.
- the fluid reservoir 274 is formed as an integral part of a separable, replaceable portion 301 of the docking station 14.
- the docking station includes a reversible pump assembly 282.
- the pump assembly 282 is similar to the pump assembly depicted by Figs. 4A and 4B in that it includes a motor 284, a screw 286 having an advancing spiral of enlarged dimension (see Fig.
- the motor 284, screw 286 including spiral and fingers 290 are of a construction substantially identical to the constructions described above.
- Other pump assemblies are also contemplated for moving fluid, paniculate and/or powder along the passageway, such as a diaphragm pump, piston pump, compressed gas, gear pump, etc.
- the motor 284 is mounted, using a bracket 294, on a support plate 296 that is secured to a floor 298 (see Fig. 23B) of the base station 14.
- the fingers 290 are secured along their base (see, for example, element 53 of Fig.
- a positioning plate 310 is provided to position the fluid-carrying tube 276 so that the compressible region 292 is adjacent the fingers 290.
- the positioning plate 310 is mounted to an upper surface of the plates 306, 308, and includes openings, defined by the lower surface of the positioning plate 310 and recesses 312 and 314 in the upper surfaces of each of the guide plates 306, 308, through which the tube 276 passes. Because the tube 276 is positioned and held in place by these openings, when the fingers 290 are displaced they compress the tube 276 in the compressible region 292 progressively along its length in a series of multiple compression events to force fluid along the fluid path.
- motor 284 can be selected as desired.
- a suitable motor is
- FF130SH available fromMabuchi.
- the screw 286, the fingers 290 and the displacement sequence can be identical to those described above with reference to Figs.
- tube 276 Downstream of the pump assembly 282, tube 276 is connected to a drive assembly 316 (Fig. 27 A) that is used to extend and retract valve 322 to engage and disengage, respectively, valve 200 of the oral care device 12.
- a drive assembly 316 (Fig. 27 A) that is used to extend and retract valve 322 to engage and disengage, respectively, valve 200 of the oral care device 12.
- valve 322 is depicted, any suitable coupling can be used that is constructed to couple with the oral care device and provide communication between the fluid reservoir 274 and the oral care device.
- the drive assembly 316 includes a motor 318 capable of moving a sled 320 that is connected to the valve 322, which is fluidly connected (e.g., using a barbed fitting) to the tube 276.
- the valve 322 is slidably positioned within a fixed bushing 324.
- the motor 318 and an associated gear box 328 are connected to a lead screw 330, using a coupling which is threadably connected to the sled 320.
- the motor 318 rotates the lead screw 330
- the sled 320 is pulled or pushed toward or away from the motor 318, depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 330.
- the lead screw 330 is connected to a pair of bearings 334, which aid in positioning the lead screw 330.
- valve 322 is positioned at outlet 280 to control the flow of fluid from the outlet 280, and is matable with valve 200 that controls fluid flow into the inlet 28 of the oral care device 12.
- the valve can be mechanically actuated using other drive mechanisms, for example, a spring mechanism (e.g., by spring-loading the valve and releasing the valve using a button) and/or a lever that can cause the valve to extend and or retract.
- a spring mechanism e.g., by spring-loading the valve and releasing the valve using a button
- a lever that can cause the valve to extend and or retract.
- a pair of leads 336, 338 are exposed within the receiving portion 273 of the docking station 14.
- Leads 336, 338 are positioned to contact a pair of contacts 340, 342 (Fig. 2A) on the oral care device 12 when the oral care device 12 is placed within the receiving portion 173. This contact will electrically couple the oral care device 12 and the docking station 14, so that the power source to which the docking station is connected can recharge the rechargeable batteries within the oral care device.
- Contacts 340, 342 are electrically connected with the rechargeable batteries, allowing power to flow from the docking station to the batteries.
- a charging circuit is closed, which is recognized by the controller.
- the charging circuit can include an inductive component for charging the batteries 44 inductively.
- the oral care device is electrically connected to the docking station mechanically or by using a signal from a magnetic field, electrical field or radio frequency identification (RFID), as examples.
- RFID radio frequency identification
- the valve 322 can be projected forward by the drive assembly 316 for an additional selected period of time (e.g., about two seconds), which can ensure that valves 200 and 322 are seated. During the selected period of time, the valve 322 may or may not travel forward. The selected period of time for travel is primarily used to help ensure that the valves 322 and 200 are mated.
- the controller Upon activation of the limit switch and expiration of the selected period of time, the controller is programmed to determine if a pressure switch (not shown) has been actuated.
- the pressure switch is plumbed into the passageway 278 (or, in some embodiments, into passageway 40 of oral care device 12) and will actuate when pressure in the passageway exceeds a preselected threshold, e.g., eight psi (preferably between six and ten psi). If this threshold is exceeded, this indicates that the fluid passageway 40 in the oral care device is full.
- a preselected threshold e.g. eight psi (preferably between six and ten psi). If this threshold is exceeded, this indicates that the fluid passageway 40 in the oral care device is full.
- the controller detects that the pressure switch is actuated prior to activating the pumping assembly 282 (i.e., if the fluid passageway of the oral care device is already full when the oral care device is placed on the docking station), the motor 284 is not activated and the valve 322 is retracted until a rear limit switch (not shown) is actuated.
- the controller signals the motor 284 to deactivate to discontinue pumping of fluid and signals the drive assembly 316 to retract the valve 322 to its starting, closed position.
- the controller opens a bypass valve that directs fluid back to the fluid reservoir.
- a similar operation can also be accomplished, for example, by use of a pressure relief valve, which does not require a pressure switch.
- the rear limit switch actuates when the valve 322 is retracted to its starting position.
- the fluid passageway 40 is filled until pressure within the passageway reaches the preselected threshold, indicating that the component 154 has reached a predetermined capacity.
- the controller can deactivate motor 284 after a selected time period (e.g., one minute, preferably between 30 seconds and 2 minutes) has lapsed, regardless of whether the pressure switch has actuated. This can prevent the docking station 14 fi-om emptying the fluid reservoir 274 (e.g., in the event of a valve mating problem or a broken component 154).
- the oral care device 12 cannot be removed from receiving portion 273.
- the mated valves lock the oral care device 12 to the docking station 14, e.g., to maintain a fluid connection between the oral care device 12 and the docking station 14.
- only one motor housed within the docking station 14 is used to drive the valve 322 and to pump fluid along the fluid passageway 278.
- a clutch can be used to selectively engage the motor with the drive assembly and the pump assembly.
- the pump assembly 38 within the oral care device 12 is used to pull fluid from the fluid reservoir of the docking station to refill the passageway 60 within the cartridge component 154. This can render unnecessary the pumping assembly 282 within the docking station 14.
- an alternative oral care device 400 that includes a separable bi-component housing 402 with a separable and replaceable cartridge 404. Similar to the oral care device 12 described above, oral care device 400 is a power toothbrush having a motorized head and is designed to discharge a fluid, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash or a combination of various fluids, during the brushing cycle. As will be discussed in detail below, the oral care device 400 includes a body component 418 and the separable cartridge component 404 that includes both a fluid reservoir (that can be refillable and/or disposable) and batteries (that can be rechargeable or disposable) or other power source. The body and cartridge components are secured together by snap latch 419.
- the entire caitridge component 404 is disposable.
- the oral care device 400 includes a distal portion 406 at which a movable head 408 and neck 410 is located and a proximal portion 412 at which a handle 414 is located.
- the head 408 is sized to fit within a user's mouth for brushing, while the handle 414 is graspable by a user and facilitates manipulation of the head 408 during use.
- the oral care device 400 includes a user interface 416 in the form of an on/off button.
- the cartridge component 404 is separable from the body component 418 (see Fig. 31A). As shown in Figs.
- the cartridge component 404 is a removable, replaceable cartridge capable of carrying a fluid (e.g., dentifrice, mouthwash, water) within a fluid reservoir 405 (e.g., a rigid container or a flexible pouch).
- a fluid reservoir 405 e.g., a rigid container or a flexible pouch.
- the body component 418 also includes a power source 420 (see Fig.
- the cartridge component 404 By providing the cartridge component 404 with a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) and a fluid reservoir, the need for a docking station capable of both refilling and recharging the cartridge component, can be eliminated.
- a refilling station, a recharging station and/or a combination of a refilling and recharging station is provided for refilling the cartridge component 404 and/or recharging the power source 420.
- a simple docking station that neither refills nor recharges may be provided as a holder for the oral care device. Referring now to Figs.
- the body component 418 includes the movable head 408, and, housed internally within the body component 418, a pair of motors 34 and 36.
- Motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 438 that is used to transfer a fluid along a fluid passageway 40 toward the head 408 of the oral care device 400.
- motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in an opposite direction, toward the proximal portion of the oral care device 400 (e.g., to reduce or, in some cases, even eliminate any leaking of fluid from the head that may occur due to pressure build-up within the passageway).
- Motor 36 drives a drive shaft 442, which in turn moves (e.g., rotates) the head 408.
- the power source 420 is electrically coupled to the motors 34, 36 for providing power thereto.
- the head drive assembly is similar to the head drive assembly of the oral care device 12, discussed above, in that the drive shaft 42 is connected to the rotatable head 408 using an offset design that facilitates placement of a fluid outlet at the head 408 and a tube 422 forming the fluid passageway 40 within the neck 410 of the housing 402.
- the drive shaft 42 is moved by use of a cam and follower system that translates rotational output of the motor 36 into linear motion used to drive the drive shaft 42 backward and forward.
- the head drive assembly is substantially identical to that shown by Figs.
- the pumping assembly 438 is similar to the pump assembly 38 depicted by Figs. 4A and 4B in that it includes the motor 34, a screw 48 having an advancing spiral 50 of enlarged dimension, an array of interconnected fingers 56 and a tube 422 having a compressible region 58 that forms at least a portion of fluid passageway 40.
- the motor 34, screw 48 including spiral 50, tube 422 and fingers 56 are of substantially identical construction to the constructions described above, and may include any of the alternatives discussed above.
- Each of the housing components 404 and 418 contains a portion of fluid passageway 40.
- valves 160 and 162 having a "normally closed” configuration are provided at the proximal end of the body component 418 and at the distal end of the cartridge component 404, respectively. (Suitable valves having a "normally closed” configuration are shown, for example, in
- valves 160 and 162 close passageway 40 when the body component 418 and the caitridge component 404 are separated, and allow fluid flow through passageway 40 when the components are joined.
- Other Embodiments Referring now to Figs. 32, 33 and 34, three alternative compression element arrays are shown that include compression elements having multiple bends 508, e.g., to facilitate placement of the compression element arrays within the oral care device.
- the curvature can be 180 degrees, as shown, but other configurations may be used, such as a 90 degree curvature.
- compression element array 500 includes multiple, interconnected compression elements 502. Each of the compression elements 502 is supported at both ends by bases 504, each of the bases 504 also interconnecting the elements 502 of the array.
- the compression elements 502 are formed to buckle upon application of a force, such as that applied by screw 48. As the elements 502 buckle, an associated compression surface 506 is displaced, which, in turn, can displace, for example, an adjacent compressible tube.
- another compression array 510 includes multiple, interconnected compression elements 512 that are supported at only one end by a base 504. Referring now to Fig.
- compression array 600 is capable of compressing a pair of compressible fluid conduits 602 and 604 to pump fluid along a pair of associated fluid passageways 606 and 608 (shown by dashed lines).
- the compression elements 610 extend from a common base 612 that also interconnects each compression element 610 of the two arrays.
- An advantage of the embodiment shown is that a single shaft with spiral can be utilized to displace both arrays of compression elements by placing the shaft with spiral (not shown) between the two arrays of compression elements 610.
- multiple, separate arrays of compression elements can be used, such as that shown by Fig. 5B, along with multiple shafts with spirals, such as that shown by Fig. 6A, to pump fluid along multiple, respective passageways.
- FIG. 35A and 35B An alternative screw embodiment 700 is shown by Figs. 35A and 35B where spiral 702 is formed of multiple, discontinuous projections 704.
- the projections 704 are arranged and formed to displace an array of compression elements, e.g., as described above with reference to Figs. 7A-7E.
- the oral care device can include more than one fluid passageway.
- the oral care device includes a pair of tubes 514 and 516 to direct two fluid streams (e.g., of the same or of differing fluids) within the oral care device.
- each of the tubes 514 and 516 is connected to the head at a location offset from a longitudinal axis 531 perpendicular to an axis of rotation 518 of the movable head 408.
- one of the tubes 514, 516 may be connected to the head at the axis of rotation 518 and the other connected at a location offset from the axis of rotation 518.
- tubes 550 and 552 are fluidly connected to each other downstream of the pumping assembly and upstream of a fluid outlet at the head. This embodiment may be advantageous where it is desirable to mix fluids within the passageways at a time just prior to delivery to a brushing surface. Referring to Figs.
- the head may include a prophy cup 620, 622 (or other guiding member, such as a pick).
- the prophy cups 620 and 622 extend from base 624 and around nozzle 626.
- the prophy cup 622 is castellated and includes openings 628 positioned along a ridge 630 of the prophy cup, which can aid in cleaning.
- Figs. 40A and 40B illustrate an alternative valve assembly 800 embodiment, e.g., to replace valves 160 and 162 which can provide communication between the head component 152 and the cartridge component 154 (see, e.g., Figs.
- Valve assembly 800 includes a fitment 802 having a passageway 804 extending therethrough. Positioned within the passageway 804 is a spring-biased ball 806 that is biased by a spring 808 toward a sealing ring 810 extending into and coaxial with the passageway 804. Referring to Fig. 40A, valve assembly 800 is shown in a closed position with the ball 806 biased against the sealing ring 810 sealing the passageway 804. Referring now to Fig.
- valve assembly 800 is shown in the open position with the ball 806 forced apart from the sealing ring 810 by a conduit 812 that is received by the fitment 802.
- the conduit 812 includes multiple ports 814 extending through a sidewall 816 of the conduit 812.
- the ports 814 allow fluid to pass therethrough and into the passageway 804 when an end 818 the conduit 812 abuts ball 806.
- fluid, particulate or any other suitable material can flow past the ball 806 during use toward and or, in some embodiments, away from, e.g., the head 20 of oral care device 10.
- fluid reservoirs suitable for use with certain oral care device embodiments are in the form of refillable pouches 850 and 900, respectively.
- pouches 850 and 900 are refillable.
- the pouches are replaceable and can be disposable, e.g., when the pouch is emptied.
- Pouch 850 and 900 includes a pair of sidewalls 852, 854 that are joined along opposite longitudinal side edges 856, 858 by respective seams 860 and 862.
- the side edges can be joined along one longitudinal side edge by a seam and along an opposite longitudinal side edge by a fold.
- the sidewalls 852, 854 are also joined along a top edge 864 and a bottom edge 866 by seams 868, 870.
- the sidewalls 852, 854 form a pouch body 872 having a volume formed between the sidewalls. Extending into the pouch body 872 and having an end 882 (Fig. 43) disposed between the sidewalls 852, 854 at the top edge 864 is a fitment 874.
- Fitment 874 provides communication between the pouch body 872 and the fluid conduit extending through the oral care device.
- the fitment 880 extends through an opening formed in sidewall 852.
- valve 200 Referring again to Figs. 41 and 42, connected to the fitment 874 is valve 200 having a normally closed construction, as described above.
- the end 882 of the fitment 874 has a width W that is greater than a height H of the fitment, W and H being measured along perpendicular major and minor axes 884, 886 (each axis shown in phantom), respectively (i.e., a height to width aspect ratio of the fitment 874 is less than one, preferably at most about 0.65, such as about 0.55).
- the pouch including fitment is constructed such that the volume of the pouch body increases from an original, unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with content, the volume decreasing as the pouch is emptied.
- the volume of the pouch is substantially equivalent to the original, unfilled volume (e.g., the volume is within at least about 40 percent of the original, unfilled volume, preferably at least about 20 percent of the original unfilled volume, such as at least about 10 percent of the original unfilled volume), with shoulders 888 and 890 of the pouch collapsed substantially flat.
- This construction can allow the pouch to be emptied without significant material fatigue, e.g., allowing the pouch to be refilled and reused, and can facilitate use of stiffer materials for forming the sidewalls.
- Pouches 850 and 900 can have a laminate structure that includes inner and outer layers that form the sidewalls 852, 854, or the sidewalls can be of unitary structure having only a single layer. In embodiments having multiple layers forming the sidewalls, the layers can be of differing materials, or each of the layers can be of the same material.
- the pouch body can be formed of a single sheet of plastic film (or multiple sheets e.g., two sheets) of plastic film that is folded in half and sealed on the folded edge and the two open edges. The fitment is then inserted into the open edge and the edge is sealed with the fitment disposed between the two sidewalls. In some embodiments, as noted above, the folded edge may not be sealed.
- the pouch body is rounded on one end and a continuous rounded seam seals the rounded end of the pouch body (not shown).
- Suitable materials for forming the pouch body include acrylonitrile co-monomer, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., BAREX® resin), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, e.g., PCTFE or CTFE, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof.
- the fitment can also be formed of any suitable material, such as acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., BAREX® resin).
- the sidewalls may comprise a laminate structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer comprising a material having a flexural modulus of at most about 500,000 psi. In some embodiments, the sidewall (or at least a layer of the sidewall) is between about 25 and 100 microns thick.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/861,253 US20050271531A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 | 2004-06-03 | Oral care device |
PCT/US2005/017716 WO2005120387A2 (en) | 2004-06-03 | 2005-05-20 | Oral care device |
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EP1765215A2 true EP1765215A2 (en) | 2007-03-28 |
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EP05751900A Withdrawn EP1765215A2 (en) | 2004-06-03 | 2005-05-20 | Oral care device |
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US (1) | US20050271531A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1765215A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008501412A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1960683B (en) |
AR (1) | AR050509A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005251695A1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2569252C (en) |
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- 2005-05-20 CA CA2723021A patent/CA2723021A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-05-20 MX MXPA06013913A patent/MXPA06013913A/en unknown
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- 2005-05-20 JP JP2007515196A patent/JP2008501412A/en active Pending
- 2005-05-20 CN CN2005800176826A patent/CN1960683B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-05-20 WO PCT/US2005/017716 patent/WO2005120387A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-05-20 EP EP05751900A patent/EP1765215A2/en not_active Withdrawn
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Cited By (2)
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US8747005B2 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2014-06-10 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with cavitation system |
US9398940B2 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2016-07-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with cavitation system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1960683A (en) | 2007-05-09 |
CA2569252C (en) | 2011-02-01 |
AU2005251695A1 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
JP2008501412A (en) | 2008-01-24 |
AR050509A1 (en) | 2006-11-01 |
CA2569252A1 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
US20050271531A1 (en) | 2005-12-08 |
MXPA06013913A (en) | 2007-01-26 |
CA2723021A1 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
WO2005120387A2 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
WO2005120387A3 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
CN1960683B (en) | 2010-09-08 |
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