Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ORAL CARS 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 gun-line that can be accessed by the bristles.
Typically, 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. As a
further
development on conventional toothbrushes, U.S. Publication No. 2002/0108193,
dated
August 15, 2002, proposes a sonic power toothbrush that is capable of
dispensing
additives at the head of the brush. The head can vibrate relative to the body
of the
brush due to sonic frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the brush
head.
In one aspect, 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. In some
implementations, 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. In
other implementations, 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
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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.
Some implementations include one or more of the following features.
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. For example, 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. For example, the compression
element may be
displaced linearly when the shaft is at a selected angular position.
Alternatively, 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
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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.
In another aspect, 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.
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.
In a further aspect, 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 cartridge
component that
contains a fluid reservoir and the energy source.
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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.
In yet another aspect, 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.
Some implementations may include one or more of the following
features. In some implementations at least a portion of the fluid passageway
extends
substantially parallel to the axis of rotation or co-extends with the axis of
rotation. The
outlet and the axis of rotation may be spaced-apart from each other. 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. For example, the invention features a method
including
reducing an uncompressed volume (VO) 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
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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.
In another aspect, 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. In some
implementations, the sidewalls are joined along at least one longitudinal side
edge by a
seam. In some implementations 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.
In a further aspect, 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
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within a user's mouth; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a
fluid passage-
way 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.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an oral care device comprising:
an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head
dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth;
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;
wherein the compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a path that
is not semicircular, and
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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention wherein the pumping
assembly is
configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple
discrete
compression events.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the conduit
has a
substantially constant compressed volume (Vs) in the compressible region while
the
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conduit is compressed in the compressible region progressively along at least
a portion
of its length-
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the pumping
assembly
further comprises a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
the
oral care device of the present invention wherein the spiral is continuous.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the spiral
comprises a
discontinuous arrangement of protrusions extending outwardly from a surface of
the
rotatable shaft.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the spiral is
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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the pumping
assembly
further comprises 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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to
multiple angular
positions.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is displaced in a direction substantially transverse to the fluid path.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is displaced linearly when the shaft is at a selected angular position.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is displaced in a rotational motion.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is displaced in a bending motion.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
is displaced by buckling the compression element.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising 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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression
elements are arranged in a linear array.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression
elements are arranged in multiple linear arrays.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression
elements are displaced sequentially by the spiral of the shaft to compress the
conduit in
the compressible region to transfer fluid along the fluid path.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression
elements are arranged to compress the conduit in a series of compression
events applied
sequentially along the length of the conduit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention comprising a flexible
membrane
positioned between the rotatable shaft and the conduit, the compression
elements being
integral with the flexible membrane.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression
elements extend outwardly from the flexible membrane.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention comprising a flexible
membrane
positioned between the compression elements and the conduit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
includes a secured end that is connected to a support member and a free end
forming a
finger, the free end being positioned between the shaft and the conduit such
that the
free end is capable of being displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated
to a selected
angular position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising multiple
compression
elements, each including a secured end connected to a support member and a
free end
to form an array of fingers, the free ends being positioned between the shaft
and the
conduit such that the free ends are capable of being displaced by the shaft
when the
shaft is rotated.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the secured
ends of the
array of fingers are interconnected.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein a flexible
membrane is
positioned between the free end of the finger and the conduit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
compression element
has a pair of ends that are secured to a support member, the compression
element being
configured to buckle between the secured ends when the shaft is rotated to
compress
the conduit in the compressible region.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the pumping
assembly
comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the rotatable shaft.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the electric
motor
rotates the rotatable shaft at a selected rate or frequency in response to a
signal from a
controller located within the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the controller
is
configured to rotate the rotatable shaft at differing selected rates or
frequencies.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the controller
is
programmed to increase or decrease the rate or frequency at which the motor
rotates the
rotatable shaft.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the controller
increases
or decreases the rate or frequency the motor rotates the rotatable shaft in
response to
input from a user.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the long axis
of the fluid
conduit is substantially parallel to or coaxial with the long axis of the
housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the fluid
conduit
comprises a tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, further comprising a
fluid
reservoir located within the housing that is capable of communication with the
fluid
path.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the pumping
assembly is
located downstream of the fluid reservoir.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising multiple
fluid
conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a fluid
passageway.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
s provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the fluid
conduits each
have a compressible region.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the pumping
assembly is
configured to compress each of the fluid conduits in the compressible region
progressively along at least a portion of their lengths to transfer fluid
along an
associated fluid path toward an outlet at the distal portion of the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the multiple
fluid
passageways converge within the housing to combine fluid upstream of the
outlet.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising multiple
fluid outlets,
each fluid outlet fluidly connected to an associated fluid conduit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the head
comprises a
brush.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the head
comprises an
elastorneric cup.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the
elastomeric cup
extends outwardly from a base and around at least a portion of the fluid
outlet.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the head
comprises a
pick.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, in the form of a
dispensing
toothbrush.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, having a replaceable
head
component.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the head
component
includes the head, neck and fluid outlet.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising an inlet
fluidly
connected to the fluid conduit, the inlet configured to fluidly connect with a
docking
station to allow fluid to be introduced through the inlet.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein all of the
fluid
passageway is replaceable.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising an inlet in
fluid
communication with the fluid conduit.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein the inlet
comprises a
valve.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, comprising first and
second
components, each component forming at least a portion of the housing and
including a
portion of the fluid passageway.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein respective
fluid
passageways of the first and second components are fluidly connected by a
valve.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the oral care device of the present invention, wherein one of the
first and
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second components is a replaceable cartridge component and the other of the
first and
second components is a replaceable head and neck component.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of providing oral care using an oral care device, the method
comprising:
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 (V.) 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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the method of the present invention, wherein the fluid conduit is
compressed
progressively along L by a series of discrete compression events.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the method of the present invention, wherein the reducing step
includes
displacing a compression element.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the method of the present invention, wherein the compression element
is
displaced by a shaft having a raised spiral.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the method of the present invention, further comprising rotating the
shaft.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided the method of the present invention, wherein the shaft is rotated by
an electric
motor.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of providing oral care using an oral care device, the method
comprising:
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
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transfer fluid out of the compressible region along a fluid passageway and
toward a
fluid outlet at a head of the oral care device.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an oral care device comprising:
an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head
dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth;
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
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.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an oral care device comprising:
an elongated housing including, at a distal portion of the housing, a head
dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth;
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
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.
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The features described above can be combined in any desired
combination, with each other and with other features of the oral care devices
that will be
described below.
15 The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and
advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from
the
claims. -
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an oral care
20 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. 3A is a transparent front view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A.
25 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.
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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. I OA is a perspective top view detailing an embodiment of a drive
assembly.
FIG. I OB shows the drive assembly of FIG. 1 OA positioned within the
oral care device.
FIG. I OC 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 of the oral care device of FIG.
2A.
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.
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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. 23A 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. 26A 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
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device.
FIGS. 30A and 30B are, respectively, side perspective and transparent
views of a separable component forming part of the oral care device of FIG.
29.
FIGS. 31A and 31B 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. 40A and 40B are section views of an alternative valve assembly
embodiment.
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.
Referring to Fig. 1, 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. As will be described in much greater detail below, 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. The docking station 14 is designed to recharge batteries that are
located within
the oral care device, and to refill the oral care device with the fluid(s).
Turning to Figs. 2A and 2B, 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. 18A, 19A and 20A). As assembled, the
oral
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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. 2B, showing a rear view of the oral care device 12, an
inlet 28 is positioned near an end surface 30 at the proximal portion 22 of
the oral care
device. As will be described in greater detail below, 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. By positioning the inlet 28 distal of the end surface 30, the
inlet is
spaced above a seating surface 275 (Fig. 23A) 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.
Referring now to Figs. 3A and 3B, internal components of the oral care
device 12 are shown. 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
Fig. 3B) toward the distal portion 18 of the oral care device 12. As will be
discussed
further below, pumping assembly 38 transfers fluid by compressing a portion of
tube 60
with a compression element. In some embodiments, 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. To supply power to motors 34, 36, a
rechargeable
battery 44 is electrically coupled to the motors. A suitable rechargeable
battery is a Li
Ion UR 14500P, available from Sanyo.
Pump Assembly
As can be seen more clearly in Figs. 4A and 4B, 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
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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).
Generally, the motor 34 and the gearing (e.g., gears 52 and 54) can be
selected as desired. A suitable motor 34 is a FF-130SH, available from
Mabuchi. In
some embodiments, the gearing is selected to reduce speed by about 23:1.
Referring now to Figs. 5A and 5B, as shown, 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.
Generally, the sizes and dimensions of each of the fingers can be selected
as desired. As shown, 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.
Referring
particularly to Fig. 5B, 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. In operation,
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. The offset can ensure that a downward force of
the
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finger is fully applied to the tube 60. In some embodiments, 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.
In general, materials for forming 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.
Referring now to Figs. 6A and 6B, 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.
Other variables affecting screw design include the width of the fingers and
the number
of fingers. The 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.
Generally, 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. As discussed
above
with regard to the fingers, materials preferable for forming the screw can
endure, at least
for a reasonable time (e.g., 180 uses, or more), the rolling and sliding
contact between
the spiral 50 and the fingers 56. 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.
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Referring to Figs. 7A-7E, diagrammatic illustrations of portions of a
displacement sequence are shown for the pump assembly 38 shown in Fig. 4A and
described above. In this displacement sequence, the fingers 56 of the array
are
sequentially displaced by the enlarged spiral 50 (see Fig. 4B). Prior to
compression,
within compressible region 58 the tube 60 has a substantially constant inner
and outer
diameter, and an initial, uncompressed volume Vo 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). When the fingers 56 compress the tube 60, the volume over L
decreases to a compressed volume V0. In some embodiments, Vc remains
substantially
constant during the entire displacement sequence. In certain other
embodiments, V,
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.
Referring particularly to Fig. 7A, 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
60, while finger 56b is displaced the distance / and finger 56c begins its
displacement.
As shown by Fig. 7C, spiral 50 is shaped such that finger 56b is displaced the
distance
/ (or the maximum displacement distance) at least from the moment finger 56a
begins
on its return path and at least until finger 56c is displaced the distance /.
Referring now
to Figs. 7D and 7E, this sequence continues as all seven fingers 56a-56g are
displaced
(only the displacement of the first four fingers 56a-56d is shown, for
brevity) and then
repeats until the motor 34 stops rotating the screw 48. By displacing more
than one
finger at all times, the displacement sequence compresses the tube 60
relatively
continuously along the length L, with relatively little, if any, backflow.
Minimizing
backflow generally eliminates the need for a check valve to achieve pumping
action. In
some embodiments, / is substantially equal to or greater than the inner
diameter of the
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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.
Referring to Fig. 8, 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.
Referring
to Figs. 9 and 9A as examples, in some embodiments, 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. Additionally, other 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.
By utilizing the above-described pump assembly, 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. Additionally, the
fingers, motor,
gears, screw, and other internal components can be isolated from the fluid as
the fluid
travels along the passageway 40, which, in some cases, can increase the life
span of the
oral care device 12.
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.
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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. Referring
particularly to
Fig. 10A, 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. Although a raised track-
follower system
is shown, any suitable system can be utilized, such as various other cam
systems,
including drum cams with followers and grooved tracks with followers. For
example,
referring to Fig. I OC, an alternative cam design includes a cam 94 having cam
geometry
on an internal surface 96 of a cup 98. In some cases, 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.
Intermediate drive shaft 100 is slidably positioned within a guide assembly
102 that is
secured directly to the housing 16. Referring to Fig. I OD, 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.
Referring to Fig. l OB, 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, 11 OB, which are constructed to engage each
other.
Notch 110A is positioned at an end of the shaft 42 (Fig. 11) and notch 1 lOB
is
positioned at the adjacent end of intermediate shaft 100 (Fig. IOA). 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
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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.
As can be seen, the available space within the neck 26 of housing 16 is
relatively limited. As a result, 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. Shown more clearly in Fig. 11, 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. This can allow the shaft 42 to
be
assembled through an opening in the bottom of component 152 (see Fig. 10B) and
facilitates use of a relatively narrow, unitary housing component 152. The
bend 114,
however, is long enough to drive the rotatable head 20. By including bends
114, 116,
there is a reduced probability that the drive shaft 42 and tube 82 will
interfere with each
other's operation in use.
Referring now to Fig. 12, 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. 13A and 13B, the drive shaft 42 is connected to
the rotatable head 20 at a hole (not shown) formed in the rotatable head 20
and
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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. As drive shaft 42 translates backward and forward, the rotatable
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.).
Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, head 20 includes a base 136 that includes
the opening 124 (see Fig. 12) through which the valve 122 extends outwardly
beyond
the base. Although any suitable valve can be employed, such as a duckbill
valve or
other types of check valves, 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). In some embodiments, the distal end of the tube 82
forms the
fluid outlet without use of a valve attached thereto. In some embodiments,
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. For a more detailed discussion of brush heads, Applicants refer to
pending U.S.
Application number 10/666,497, filed September 9, 2003, the disclosure of
which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Generally, 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. 14, a
contoured ellipse
head design is illustrated where base 136 is in the form of an ellipse. The
valve 122 is
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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.
It is not required, however, that the 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. For example,
referring to
Figs. 16A and 16B, a movable head 142 includes an offset valve design. In this
embodiment, a valve 122 and associated fluid passageway 40 extends through a
rotatable head 142 spaced from an axis of rotation 134. As above, a drive
shaft 42 is.
connected to the rotatable head 142 offset from a longitudinal axis 131. As
another
example, referring to Figs. 17A and 17B, 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. As an alternative, 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 formed by a rotatable
head that
is connected to a drive shaft, as described above. In some embodiments, 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.
Valves and Seals
Referring now to Figs. 18A-19B and 20A-20D, as noted above, housing
16 is separable into three components 152, 154 and 156. Component 152 (i.e. a
removable head assembly; Figs. 18A and 18B) includes movable head 20 and neck
26
along with drive shaft 42 and tube 82. Component 154 (i.e. a removable,
refillable
cartridge assembly; Figs. 19A and 19B) includes tube 60, compressible region
58 (Fig.
19B) and inlet 28. Motors 34 and 36 are housed by component 156, along with
pumping assembly 38 and rechargeable battery 44 (see Fig. 3B).
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Because each of components 152 and 154 contain 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.
Referring to Figs. 18A and 18C, the neck valve 160 is capable of mating
with the cartridge valve 162 (see Figs. 19A and 19C). Referring to both Figs.
18C 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. Near openings
126 and
128, inner surfaces 164 and 166 neck-down, reducing the inner diameter of the
fluid
passageway, to form seating surfaces 172 and 174. Biased against seating
surfaces 172
and 174 are poppets 176 and 178. Poppets 176, 178 have outer surfaces 180, 182
that
are contoured to complement the contour of the respective seating surfaces 172
and 174.
The poppets are biased against the seating surfaces 172, 174 by helical
springs 184, 186
(e.g., between about 0.250 and 0.375 inch long with an overall outer diameter
of
between about 0.120 and 0.240 inch; formed from, e.g., stainless steel wire
between
about 0.014 and 0.01 8 inch in diameter) to close the fluid passageway 40 when
components 152 and 154 are separated (e.g., forming a fluid-tight and/or air-
tight seal).
The 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.
Referring to Figs. 19B and 19D, 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 23A). Valve 200 includes the features described above with
regard to
valve 162, and 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.
To illustrate operation of the valves, referring to Fig. 21, each of the
poppets 176 and
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178 include an extended portion 188. The extended portions 188 project beyond
the
seating surfaces 172, 174 when the valves are separated. When the valves 200
and 322
are mated, the extended portions 188 of the poppets 176, 178 contact each
other. In
some embodiments, only one or neither of poppets 176, 178 has an extended
portion 188
that extends beyond the respective seating surface. As the valves 200 and 322
approach
one another, the poppets 176, 178 deflect away from the seating surfaces, thus
opening
the fluid passageway 40 and allowing the flow of fluid therethrough. When
mated, the
valves are also constructed to remain open during use as pressure is applied
to the
poppets, e.g., by fluid flowing within the passageway. This can be
accomplished by
restricting motion of the respective poppets when the valves are open.
To seal the fluid passageway 40 from the surroundings when the valves
are mated, cartridge valves 162 and/or 200 can include a sealing ring 201
(e.g., an
0-ring) positioned within a recess 192 extending inwardly from an outer
surface 194 of
the cartridge valve. In some embodiments, 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.
Referring to Fig. 18C, 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. Referring to Fig. 19C, 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.
In some embodiments, an alternative valve assembly is used that closes
the fluid passageway 40 in only one component, when the components are
separated.
Referring to Figs. 22A-22C, 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
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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.
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. In some
embodiments, the
fitment 254 replaces the neck valve 160 (e.g., to allow for rinsing of the
passageway 40
within neck component 152).
Generally, 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 from BP p.1.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
Eltomers 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. By
"replaceable", 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. As can be appreciated from the above description, because 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. This facilitates use of different types of fluids with the
oral care device
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without undesired mixing of the fluids and repair of the oral care device
(e.g., due to
fluid passageway rupture, valve malfunction, and the like). This also helps to
maintain
the oral care device in a sanitary condition during extended use.
To assemble the oral care device 12, components 152 (head assembly)
and 154 (cartridge) both attach to component 156 by independent mechanical
snap
latching mechanisms 137 (Figs. 2A and 2B). Referring to Figs. 18A and 20A,
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. In doing so, 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
156, 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). To
detach components 152 and 154 from component 156, 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. Because both a drive shaft and fluid line
connection must
be made, a linear connection (e.g., as opposed to a rotational) is preferred
to align the
two connections. Other general attachment arrangements can be made, such as
attaching
component 152 to component 154, and subsequently, attaching component 154 to
component 156.
Oral Care Device Controls
Referring back to Fig. 3A, 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).
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While 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. In cases where button 406 initiates and halts only motor 36, 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 delivery level. As an
alternative or in
addition, 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.
As mentioned above, the controller 400 can be programmed as desired.
Preferably, the controller 400 is programmed to adjust a paste delivery level
subsequent
to initiation of the motor 34. In some embodiments, 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. As an example, the controller may be
programmed to provide three delivery settings, low, medium and high. In one
embodiment, at the low delivery setting, 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). In
the same embodiment, at the medium delivery setting, 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. At the high
delivery
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setting, 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. Depending on the desired programming of the controller 400,
more
or fewer user interface controls can be used to initiate various functions.
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.
Referring now to Fig. 23B, 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. In some
embodiments, as shown by Fig. 24, the fluid reservoir 274 is formed as an
integral part
of a separable, replaceable portion 301 of the docking station 14. In other
embodiments,
illustrated by Fig. 25, a replaceable pouch 303 forms the fluid reservoir. In
this case, the
upper portion 301 of the docking station is removable, to allow the consumer
to easily
remove pouch 303 when its contents are exhausted, or when the user wishes to
use a
different product, and insert a replacement pouch.
Referring to Fig. 23B, to move fluid along the fluid passageway, the
docking station includes a reversible pump assembly 282. As can be seen more
clearly
in Figs. 26A and 26B, 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. 26A), and an array of interconnected
fingers 290
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positioned to sequentially compress a compressible region 277 of the tube 276.
In some
embodiments, 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, particulate 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. 5A) to a plate
305 that is
secured to a support member 300, which is mounted to side surfaces of pair of
guide
plates 306 and 308 (Fig. 26B). Mounted in this manner, the fingers 290 form a
series of
cantilevered projections positioned adjacent the tube 276. The guide plates
306, 308 are
each mounted at their lower surfaces to the support plate 296. Guide plate 308
includes
an aperture 309 sized to receive a coupling member 311 that connects the
output from
the gearbox to the screw 286 and guide plate 306 includes an aperture 309 that
receives
the screw 286.
Referring again to Figs. 26A and 26B, 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.
Generally, motor 284 can be selected as desired. A suitable motor is a
FF130SH, available from Mabuchi. The screw 286, the fingers 290 and the
displacement sequence can be identical to those described above with reference
to Figs.
7A-7E.
Downstream of the pump assembly 282, tube 276 is connected to a drive
assembly 316 (Fig. 27A) that is used to extend and retract valve 322 to engage
and
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disengage, respectively, valve 200 of the oral care device 12. Although 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. Referring now to Figs. 27A and 27B, the valve 322 is
slidably
positioned within a fixed bushing 324. To move the sled 320 and associated
valve 322,
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. As 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. As
noted above, 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. As an alternative, in some embodiments, 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.
Referring back to Fig. 23B, 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.
With reference to Fig. 28, by placing the oral care device 12 within
receiving portion 273 such that contacts 340, 342 mate with leads 336, 338 a
charging
circuit is closed, which is recognized by the controller. When the charging
circuit is
closed, the rechargeable batteries 44 begin to charge. The charging circuit
can include
an inductive component for charging the batteries 44 inductively. In some
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embodiments, 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. As the charging process begins,
the
motor 318 of the drive assembly 316 is activated and the valve 322 projects
forward to
mate with the valve 200 (Fig. 2B) in the handle 24. A limit switch (not shown)
determines the end of travel of the valve 322. Once the limit switch is
actuated, 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.
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. Once the valves are mated, if the fluid path in
the oral care
device is not already full (i.e., if the pressure switch is not activated)
then the pumping
assembly 282 is activated and pumps fluid from the reservoir 274 in the
docking station
to the fluid passageway 40 within component 154 of the oral care device 12,
refilling the
supply of fluid within the fluid path of the oral care device 12.
If, however, 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.
During a refill operation, when pressure in the passageway reaches the
threshold the pressure switch is actuated and the controller signals the motor
284 to
deactivate to discontinue pumping of fluid and signals the drive assembly 316
to retract
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the valve 322 to its starting, closed position. As an alternative, in some
embodiments,
upon actuation of the pressure switch, 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.
As explained above, 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. As an over-spill prevention measure,
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 from
emptying the
fluid reservoir 274 (e.g., in the event of a valve mating problem or a broken
component
154). When the valves 322 and 200 are mated (Fig. 19), 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.
In some embodiments, 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. In
these cases, a clutch can be used to selectively engage the motor with the
drive assembly
and the pump assembly. In some cases, 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.
Referring now to Fig. 29, an alternative oral care device 400 is shown
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
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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. In some embodiments, the entire cartridge
component 404 is
disposable.
As assembled, 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.
As noted above, the cartridge component 404 is separable from the body
component 418 (see Fig. 3 1A). As shown in Figs. 30A and 30B, 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). The body component 418 also includes a power source 420 (see
Fig.
30B). 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. In some
embodiments, 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. In other embodiments, a simple docking station that neither
refills nor
recharges may be provided as a holder for the oral care device.
Referring now to Figs. 3 1A and 31B, 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. In
some embodiments, 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
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moves (e.g., rotates) the head 408. When the cartridge component 404 is
connected to
the body component 418 (as shown in Fig. 29), 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. In some embodiments, the head drive assembly is
substantially
identical to that shown by Figs. 1OA-13 (and may include any alternatives) as
those
described above.
As can be seen by Fig. 31B, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In order to reduce or, in some cases, to even prevent fluid
leakage from
the fluid passageway 40 when components 404 and 408 are separated, 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
Figs. 18C and 19C and discussed above. Other types of valves may be used, such
as that
described with reference to Figs. 40A and 40B below.) As discussed above with
respect
to the valves shown in Figs. 18C-19C, valves 160 and 162 close passageway 40
when
the body component 418 and the cartridge component 404 are separated, and
allow fluid
flow through passageway 40 when the components are joined.
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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. Referring to Fig. 32, 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. Referring to Fig.
33, 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. 34, 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. In some embodiments, 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.
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.
As indicated above, the oral care device can include more than one fluid
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passageway. Referring to Figs. 36A and 36B, 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. As shown, 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. In some embodiments, 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. Referring to Fig. 37, a variation is
shown where
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. 38 and 39, the head may include a prophy cup 620, 622
(or other guiding member, such as a pick). As shown by Figs. 38 and 39, the
prophy
cups 620 and 622 extend from base 624 and around nozzle 626. In Fig. 39, 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. 18B
and 19B) and/or to replace the valves 200 and 322 which can provide
communication
between the cartridge component 154 and the docking station 14 (see, e.g.,
Fig. 21).
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. 40B, 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. In the open
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position, 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.
Referring now to Figs. 41 and 42, fluid reservoirs suitable for use with
certain oral care device embodiments, e.g., oral care devices including one or
more
features described above, are in the form of refillable pouches 850 and 900,
respectively.
As shown, pouches 850 and 900 are refillable. In some cases, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, referring to Fig.
44, the
fitment 880 extends through an opening formed in sidewall 852. Referring again
to
Figs. 41 and 42, connected to the fitment 874 is valve 200 having a normally
closed
construction, as described above.
Referring now to Fig. 43, 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. When the pouch is
substantially emptied, such as at least about 95 percent empty, the volume of
the pouch
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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. To form the pouches 850 and 900, 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. In some embodiments, 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 (or at least a layer of 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.
