Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPLICATOR FOR DISPENSING MATERIALS THROUGH
A WATER-JET DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to dispensing apparatuses
and more
particularly to dispensing apparatuses for water jet devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Water jet techniques are used for a variety of purposes and a
variety of
devices such as water jet cutters enabling cutting through rigid materials
such as stone
or metal or dental water jet devices for dental cleansing.
[0003] Dental water jet devices also called oral irrigators are designed
for applying
water jets over the teeth and gum-line to remove food debris, stains and
bacteria
(plaque) from the tooth as well as from hard-to-reach areas in the oral cavity
such as
between dense teeth and between a tooth and its surrounding gums. Oral
irrigators are
also used to irritate the gums to further improve oral hygiene, tooth and
gingival health.
The type of the jet (continuous or pulsed) and the jet pressure and thickness
determine
its efficiency. When using water-jet devices it is often necessary to apply
pharmaceutical or cleansing materials over the tooth and gum-line to enhance
the
operation of the water jet. Using dental water jet devices was proven to
improve or
even eradicate many dental problems and diseases such as gingivitis which
often
causes gums to bleed and/or recede, caries and others. Oral irrigators are
extremely
effective for subjects wearing orthodontic installations such as orthodontic
braces.
100041 Oral irrigators often include a spout portion connected to a
water pipe,
where the diameter of the outlet rim of the spout is significantly small to
increase the
jet pressure of the water when exiting the spout. The device can connect to a
portal and
fillable water container or to a water faucet, depending on the product
abilities and
purpose.
[0005] A patent application publication No. W02007/147552 Al discloses
an
adapter for a mouth spray. The invention is based on the problem of making
available a
mouth spray that allows water and a treatment agent to be sprayed
simultaneously into
the mouth. For this purpose, it has already been proposed to install, in the
main line to a
spray nozzle, a mixing reservoir for admixture of treatment agent to the
water. To solve
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,
the problem, the invention additionally proposes that the mixing reservoir is
located in
an adapter, and that the adapter has a first endpiece and a second endpiece,
wherein one
endpiece of the adapter is designed such that it can be coupled to a handpiece
of the
mouth spray, and the other endpiece is designed in such a way that it can be
coupled to
the spray nozzle, as a result of which the main line communicates with the
spray
nozzle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided
an
applicator for dispensing materials through a water jet device, that
comprises: (a) a
dispensing member having an inner cavity therein, wherein the dispensing
member
comprises a plurality of openings thereover for allowing water and dispensing
materials to enter and exit said cavity; and (b) a cover covering the
dispensing member
in such a manner that it forms a space between the cover and the dispensing
member in
the area of the openings of the dispensing member for containing a dispensing
material
therein, wherein the applicator is configured for connecting to the water jet
device such
as to have water jet thereof directed through the cavity of the dispensing
member,
wherein the dispensing material in the space is dispensable through the
plurality of
openings from the space and into the cavity of the dispensing member such that
once a
water jet is directed by the water jet device through the cavity of the
dispensing
member, a portion of the water jet enters the space through the openings and
carries
along into the cavity allotted portions of the dispensing material during the
water jet
flow through the cavity, and wherein the applicator is configured for
removably
connecting to the water jet device for replacing and/or refilling thereof.
[0007] According to some embodiments, the cover is configured as a water
jet tip
having a first edge that has a narrowing shape for enabling water jet with
allotted
portions of dispensing material exit therefrom and a second edge that is
connectable to
a body of the water jet device, said cover is further configured to having
said
dispensing member inserted therein such that an inner wall of said cover
covers said
dispensing member to form said space therebetween in which the dispensing
material is
located, wherein the applicator serves as a removable tip of the jet device
body.
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[0008] According to some embodiments, the applicator is configured to be
installed
between a jet tip of the water jet device and a water pipe such that the
applicator is
separable from the jet tip of the water jet device, for allowing the water to
pass
therethrough before exiting the jet tip. Optionally, the applicator is
configured to
connect to the water jet device through a connector and an adaptor thereof,
the
connector allows removably connecting a first edge of the applicator to the
jet tip and
the adaptor allows connecting a second opposite edge of the applicator to the
water
pipe.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the applicator further comprises a
removable gel applying member including an elongated member having a plurality
of
openings thereover, wherein a frontal edge thereof is sealed, the elongated
member is
configured to be inserted through the applicator's inner cavity, the gel
applying member
is further configured to connect to a pressable gel container for enabling to
insert the
gel into the applicator through the elongated member, wherein the sealed edge
also
seals the first rime of the applicator and thereby forces the pressed gel only
through the
openings of both the elongated member and the cannular member.
[0010] The dispensing material may be at least one of: medical material,
cosmetic
material, cleansing material and/or may be in the form of gel, paste, or
powder.
[0011] According to some embodiments, the dispensing member has a
cannular
member over which the openings are disposed, the cannular member edges having
rims
configured for engaging rims of the cover such as to form the space between
the cover
and the cannular member for containing the dispensing material therein.
[0012] According to other embodiments of the invention, there is
provided an
applicator for dispensing materials through a water jet device that comprises:
(a)
dispensing member having an inner cavity therein, the dispensing member
comprises a
plurality of openings thereover for allowing water and dispensing materials to
enter and
exit the cavity; and (b) a cover configured for covering the dispensing member
in such
a manner that it forms a space between the cover and the dispensing member in
the
area of the openings of the dispensing member for containing a dispensing
material
therein, the cover is configured a tip of the jet device having a first edge
that has a
narrowing shape for enabling water jet with allotted portions of dispensing
material
exit therefrom and a second edge that is connectable to a body of the water
jet device
for removably connecting to a body of the jet device, wherein the applicator
is
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configured for connecting to the water jet device such as to have water jet
thereof
directed through said cavity of said dispensing member, wherein the dispensing
material in the space is dispensable through the plurality of openings from
the space
and into the cavity of the dispensing member such that once a water jet is
directed by
the water jet device through the cavity of the dispensing member, a portion of
the water
jet enters the space through the openings and carries along into the cavity
allotted
portions of the dispensing material during the water jet flow through the
cavity, and
wherein the applicator is configured for removably connecting to the water jet
device
for replacing and/or refilling thereof, wherein the applicator serves as a
removable tip
of the jet device body.
[0013] According to some embodiments, the first edge of the cover has a
bending
conical shape.
[0014] According to some embodiments, the second edge of the cover is
connectable to the body of the water jet device by having a screw thread
configured for
removably securing to a corresponding screw thread at the edge of the water
jet device
body.
[0015] According to yet other embodiments of the invention, there is
provided a
water jet device for dispensing materials when using thereof the water jet
device
comprising a jet tip including an outlet section through which fluids can exit
and a base
portion; a connector for connecting to a water pipe for receiving water
therethrough;
and an applicator for economically dispensing of a material therethrough when
the
water jet is operated, the applicator connects to the jet tip at one end
thereof and to a
water tube at the other end thereof This applicator comprises: (a) a
dispensing member
comprising a cannular member having an inner cavity therein, and at least one
rim
connected to the cannular member and protruding therefrom forming a recess
thereby
over an outer surface of the cannular member, the cannular member comprises a
plurality of openings thereover; and (b) a cover covering the cannular member
in such
a manner that it encloses the recess to form a space between the cover and the
cannular
member in which the material is located. The space is configured for
containing a
dispensing material therein to allow dispending the contained material through
the
plurality of openings into the cavity of the cannular member to enable
dispensing
allotted portions of the material when a respective water jet is directed
towards a
respective jet tip of the water jet device during the water jet flow through
the cavity,
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wherein the applicator is configured for removably connecting to the water jet
device
for allowing replacing and/or refilling thereof and for allowing using the
water jet
device without the applicator.
[0016] According to some embodiments, the water jet device is a dental
water jet
device functions as an improved oral irrigator device, for applying dental
material, by
having dental dispensing material contained in the space between the
dispensing
member and the cover inner walls..
[0017] According to some embodiments, the water jet further comprises a
valve
installed at the jet tip to allow users to open and close the water jet
therethrough.
[0018] According to some embodiments, the base member is a narrowing tube
shape, where its inner wall enables walling the applicator to form the cover
in such a
manner that creates a space between the cannular member and the wall into
which the
gel is forced through the plurality of openings, wherein once the water jet is
applied
through the applicator cavity when directed through the first rim towards the
jet tip to
exit the water jet device carry allotted portions of the gel inserted to the
water jet from
the space and into the cavity.
[0019] According to some embodiments, the outlet section of the jet tip
is curved at
the edge.
[0020] According to some embodiments, the water jet device further
comprises a
handle designed for a user to grab on thereto when applying a water jet,
wherein the
handle comprises a valve mechanism for enabling the respective user to control
water
flow while holding the handle.
[0021] According to some embodiments, the material is at least one of:
medical
material, cleansing material, cosmetic material and/or is in the form of gel,
paste,
cream or powder.
[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a water
jet device for outputting water jet, the water jet device comprising: a body
having a
first edge that is connectable to a water tap or a water pipe and a second
edge
configured for connecting to a jet tip; and an applicator for dispensing
allotted portions
of a dispensing material through the water jet outputted therethrough. The
applicator
comprises: (a) a dispensing member having an inner cavity therein, the
dispensing
member comprises a plurality of openings thereover for allowing water and
dispensing
materials to enter and exit the cavity; and (b) a cover configured for
covering the
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, .
dispensing member in such a manner that it forms a space between the cover and
the
dispensing member in the area of the openings of the dispensing member for
containing a dispensing material therein, the cover is configured a tip of the
jet device
having a first edge that has a narrowing shape for enabling water jet with
allotted
portions of dispensing material exit therefrom and a second edge that is
connectable to
a body of the water jet device for removably connecting to a body of the jet
device. The
applicator is configured for connecting to the body of the water jet device
such as to
have water jet thereof directed through the cavity of the dispensing member,
wherein
the dispensing material in the space is dispensable through the plurality of
openings
from the space and into the cavity of the dispensing member such that once a
water jet
is directed by the water jet device through the cavity of the dispensing
member, a
portion of the water jet enters the space through the openings and carries
along into the
cavity allotted portions of the dispensing material during the water jet flow
through the
cavity, and wherein the applicator is configured for removably connecting to
the water
jet device for replacing and/or refilling thereof. The applicator serves as a
removable
tip of the jet device body.
[0023] According to some embodiments, the dispensing material located in
the
space between the cover and the dispensing member contains a dental dispensing
material such as to have the water jet device used as a dental water jet
device
functioning as an improved oral irrigator device for applying allotted
portions of the
dental dispensing materials to a user's mouth.
[0024] According to some embodiments, the water jet device further
comprises a
valve installed in the body to allow users to open and close the water jet
therethrough.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the dispensing material is at
least one of:
medical material, cleansing material, cosmetic material.
[0026] According to some embodiments, the dispensing material is in the
form of
gel, paste, cream or powder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF the DRAWINGS
[0027] Fig. 1 is an exploded view, schematically showing a dental water jet
device
including a dispensing apparatus embedded therein, according to some
embodiments of
the present invention.
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[0028] Fig. 2 is an exploded view, schematically showing the dispensing
apparatus
of Fig. 1, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] Fig. 3 is an exploded view, schematically showing a dental water
jet device
including a dispensing apparatus embedded therein, according to other
embodiments of
the present invention.
[0030] Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the dental water jet device
of Fig. 3
having the applicator installed therein, according to some embodiments of the
present
invention.
[0031] Fig. 5 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a water jet
device,
according to other embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] Fig. 6A is a cross sectional view schematically illustrating a
jet tip of a
water jet device having an applicator connected thereto, according to yet
another
embodiment the present invention.
[0033] Fig. 6B shows the jet tip and the applicator of Fig. 6A.
[0034] Fig. 7 shows a transparent exploded side view of a jet device system
with
an applicator configured for being used as a dispensable jet device tip,
according to
other embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00351 In the following detailed description of various embodiments,
reference is
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which are
shown
by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It
is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes
may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0036] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, provides an
applicator
that allows dispensing material such as gel, paste, ointment, powder and the
like
therefrom through a water jet device in a moderated economical manner for
dispensing
allotted portions of the material during each water jet irrigation-session and
during
multiple utilizations thereof. The applicator, according to some embodiments,
allows
dispensing the material during the operation of the water jet device in an
efficient
manner both economically as well as medically and/or hygienically, by allowing
both
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,
prolonging the utilization time of a predefined gel portion as well as
enabling a
substantially continuous emission of the material throughout each irrigation-
session.
[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
applicator is
designed to dispense dental material such as Chlorhexidine gel, Xylitol,
toothpaste, or
any other dental material whether liquid gel or powder, through a dental water
jet
device (oral irrigator) for medical/cleansing/cosmetic purposes. Since the gel
is
dispensed during the dispensing of the water jet the dispensed dental material
can be
directed along with the water jet to a desired location such as between the
tooth and its
surrounding gum tissue to enhance the effect of the water jet as well as the
effect of the
dental material.
[0038] According to additional or alternative embodiments of the present
invention, there is provided a water jet device including an applicator that
is installed
therein, where the applicator allows dispensing material therefrom into the
water jet of
the device in a moderated economical manner for dispensing allotted portions
of the
gel during each water jet irrigation-session and during multiple utilizations
thereof
[0039] The term "irrigation-session" refers to each period in which the
water jet
device is utilized where a jet of water is outputted from the water jet
device.
[0040] Reference is now made to Figures 1-2, schematically illustrating
a dental
applicator 200 for dispensing of dental material such as dental gel or paste
through the
operation of a dental water jet device 100 (also referred to as oral irrigator
100) in
which it is configured to be installed, according to some embodiments of the
present
invention. According to these embodiments, the adaptor 200 can be marketed as
a part
of the water jet device 100 or as a separate part that can be installed in the
water jet
device 100. According to some embodiments, the water jet device 100 is a
dental oral
irrigator enabling to output pulsed and/or continuous water jets through each
irrigation-
session.
[0041] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the water jet device 100 includes a jet
tip 110 that
has a narrowing conical structure and an adaptor 120 for connecting the jet
tip 110 to a
water pipe (not shown) which can connect to a water container and/or to a
water faucet
for inserting water therein. The conical shape of the jet tip 110 allows
increasing the jet
pressure to be outputted through an outlet section 111 of the jet tip 110
since the an
inlet section 113 of the jet tip 110 connecting to the adaptor 120 has an
aperture
diameter that is substantially larger than the diameter of the outlet section
111. The
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inlet section 113 of the jet tip 110 includes a base section 112 configured to
receive
therein the applicator 200 or a part thereof
[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as
illustrated in
Figures 1-2, the applicator 200 includes a dispensing member 210 having a
cannular
member 215 having one or more array of openings 212, creating a tube like
shape
opened at its ends and having the cavity therein, a first rim 211 and a second
rim 213
that protrude from an outer surface of the cannular member 215 forming a
recess 201
of this outer surface, for creating a space defined by the recess 201 created
to allow
forcing a material that is located within the recess 201 to be forced through
the of
openings 212 into the cavity 216 of the cannular member 215 to enable
dispensing
allotted portions of the material through the cavity 216 during the water jet
flow
through a water trajectory "Vo", defining the direction of the water jet when
passing
through the device 100 (see Fig. 2) and cannular member 215 inner cavity 216.
The
first rim 211 is configured to face and be inserted through the inlet section
113 of the
jet tip 110 and the second rim 213 is configured to face and connect to the
adaptor 120.
In this way the applicator 200 can be installed in the water jet device 100 by
inserting it
into the cylindrical cavity of the base section 112, which is configured to
encapsulate
the applicator 200 therein.
[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as
illustrated in
Figures 1-2, once the water jet is applied, it flows through the cavity 216 of
the
applicator 200 and some of the water is forced out of the openings 212 towards
the
space (recess 201) where the material is located between the outer walls of
the cannular
member 215 and the inner walls 114 of the jet tip 110. The exiting water (that
exited
through the openings 212) mix with some of the material (e.g. gel) located in
this
recess 201 that is closed by the inner walls 114 of the jet tip 110 and takes
a portion of
the material (e.g. gel/paste) back into the cavity 216 of the cannular member
215 into
the water stream running therethrough, thereby allowing dispensing water mixed
with
portions of the material through the jet tip 110 for applying the material
along with the
pressured water jet over the oral area to which it is directed (e.g. the gum-
line in case
of dental materials or the tooth itself for cosmetic materials such as
blotching materials
etc.). this allows dispensing the water jet along with the material for
improving the
dental/cleansing/cosmetic operation of the material over the oral area as well
as allows
dispensing the material in an allotted and economic manner.
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[0044] The applicator 200 first rim 211 is slightly coned enabling
fitting a
designated water filter 115 to connect thereto through an 0-ring 116. The
cannular
member 215 of the gel dispensing member 210 has a smaller diameter then that
of its
rims 211 and 213 to allow this section to be walled by the inner wall 114 of
the base
section 112 creating a space therebetween. In this configuration, when the
material
dispensing member 210 is inserted through the jet tip 110 the user may be able
to force
material through the second rim 213 to the space between the walls 114 of the
base
section 112 and the cannular member 215 by, for example using a removable
applying
member 40. To allow the user to easily fill the space between the applicator
200 and
the inner wall 114 of the jet tip 110. The applying member 40 may include an
elongated member 41 having at least one array of openings 42 positioned to fit
the
applicator's 200 array(s) of openings 212, where the elongated member 41 is
sealed at
its distal edge that is configured to be inserted into the inner cavity 216 of
the
applicator 200; and a connector 43 for connecting the applying member 40 to a
pressable container such as a tube container of a dental cleansing material
materials
such as Chlorhexidine gel, tooth gel or paste and the like. Once the applying
member
40 is connected to the tube container (e.g. through screwing threaded at its
edge
suitable for a standard male screw thread of typical material tube containers)
the user
can press the tube to force the material into the inner cavity 216 of the
applicator 200
through the elongated member's 41 openings 42. The material will further be
forced
from the inner cavity 216 to the space between the jet tip 110 inner wall 114
and the
cannular member 215 recess 201 surface through its openings 212. Once this
space is
filled (can be felt by the back pressure applied upon the tube container when
the user
continues pressing thereof), the applying member 40 can be removed and to
connect
the water jet device 100 to water supply through a water pipe (e.g. to a water
container,
which is a part of the water jet device or to a water faucet).
[0045] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the connector 120 has a back rim 121
that is of a
diameter that is compatible to the outer diameter of the elongated member 41 -
both
can be adapted to a water pipe standard diameter (e.g. standard dimensions
thereof).
The connector 120 can connect to the rear second rim 213 of the material
dispensing
member 210 through an 0-ring 122.
[0046] According to these embodiments, once the material is inside the
space
between the inner wall 114 and the cannular member 215 and once the water jet
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is assembled, connected to the water supply and operated, the water jet goes
along the
Vo trajectory through the inner cavity 216 of the cannular member 215 towards
the
outlet section 111 of the jet tip 110, some of the material returns through
the openings
212 to the cavity 216 and is carried by the water jet outwardly towards the
area the user
is directing the outlet section 111. The space dimensions and volume may be
designed
to allow encapsulating enough material therein to allow using the amount of
material
filling this space for multiple irrigation session. The volume of this space
(determined
by the diameter and length of the inlet section 113 and base section 112 and
the
diameter and length of the cannular member 215) as well as the number,
locations and
size of the openings 212 should be designed/configured according to the type
of water
jet device 100 (e.g. dental or other and/or the jet pressure and type i.e.
pulsed or
continuous), the material types that it should dispense and their viscosity
level, and the
like, to allow optimal economical and efficient material dispensing.
[0047] For example, in case of an oral irrigator water jet device 100 the
user is
recommended to direct the outlet 111 to the gum-line area and therefore this
method
and device 100 allows inserting reasonable allotted portions of material
through the
water jet pressure through the gum-line into areas between the teeth and gums
thereby
allowing the material to adhere to the tooth in gum-covered areas by using the
jet force
that slightly separates the gums from the tooth in these area. This
dramatically
improves oral hygiene and can even help preventing surgery in some case since
the
material is actually forced to adhere to tooth surfaces otherwise
inaccessible. If the
material was merely rubbed over the gum-line before using the water jet rather
than
applied during the applying of the water jet as a part of the jet itself, most
of the
material was washed away by the water material wasting a major percentage
thereof
enabling only a very small portion to actually adhere to the covered teeth
surfaces
underneath the gum-line. The current configuration, method and applicator 200
allow
much greater quantities of material to adhere to the covered teeth surfaces
while using
much less material in each irrigation-session.
[0048] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the jet tip 110 edge may be bent so that
the outlet
section 111 is angular to the rest of the jet tip 110 body to allow easy
access to oral
areas in case of a dental water jet device 100 or to any other area the water
jet should
reach. In this case the water pipe can be flexible to allow the user to easily
move and
twist the jet tip 110 to access different locations in his/her oral cavity.
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[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water
jet
device may further include a control button or valve conveniently located over
the jet
tip 110 for enabling the user to easily open and close water flow thereto.
[0050] Reference is now made to Figures 3-4, schematically illustrating a
dental
water jet device 300 with a replaceable (dispensable) and/or refillable
applicator 400,
according to other embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments,
the
water jet device 300 includes: (i) a straight (unbent) jet tip 310 including
an outlet
section 311 and a connector inlet section 312; (ii) a handle 330 with a valve
mechanism
340; (iii) the dispensable applicator 400; and (iv) a connector 350 for
connecting the
water jet device 300 to water supply (such as a water container or a water
faucet) via a
water pipe (Not Shown).
[0051] As illustrated in Figures 3-4, the connector 350 includes an
adaptor 320
that allows connecting to the handle 330 (e.g. through screw based connection
and
through a water sealing 0-ring 322) and to the second rim 415 of the
applicator 400 at
one end, and to a water pipe (Not Shown) at its other end through a pipe
connecting
adaptor 351.
[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as
illustrated in
Fig. 3, the valve mechanism 340 located at the handle 330 of the water jet
device 300,
is designed to allow a user to easily open and close the water jet by
including a valve
therein that can be open and closed via a press button 336. In this example,
to open the
water jet the user is required to press the elongated valve mechanism 340
button 336
connected to a first side 332a of the body of the handle 330, which ultimately
opens a
sealer valve therein (e.g. via a spring 341 based release mechanism) to allow
water
flow and release the pressure or even completely let go of the valve mechanism
340
portion to close the water jet, whereby the sealer valve simply returns to its
place
(closed position in which water is sealed from entering the water jet device
300)
through the spring 341 release in which it seals water passage towards the jet
tip 310.
The valve mechanism 340 may further allow controlling the water flow and not
just
open and close thereof by controlling an aperture of an opening of the sealer
valve
therein by controlling pressure applied to compress a coiled spring connected
thereto,
for example. The handle 330 other second side 332b may be sealed as well by a
cover
335.
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,
[0053] The applicator 400 includes (i) a dispensing member 410 including
a
dispensing portion 411 having multiple openings 412, a first rime portion 415a
and a
second rim portion 415b; and (ii) a cover 420. According to some embodiments,
as
illustrated in Fig. 3, the cover 420 envelopes and walls the dispensing
portion 411 of
the dispensing member 410 such that it seals it while creating a space 401
between the
cover's 420 wall and the cannular member 411 into which the applicator can be
forced
through the plurality of opening when filling/refilling the applicator 400.
According to
some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the cover 420 is made from
transparent
rigid material to allow a user to see the remaining applicator inside the
applicator's
space 401 to know if the applicator 400 should be replaced or refilled.
[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
applicator
400 may be filled having the space 401 between its transparent cover 420 and
dispensing member 410 already filled with applicator, while the openings of
the rims
415a and 415b of the dispensing member 410 are sealed by removable sealers to
allow
the user to install the applicator 400 in the water jet device 300 by removing
the sealers
and inserting the applicator 400 into the handle 330 of the water jet device
300 and
then connecting the handle 330 to the connector 350 for closing the water jet
device
300. Since the cover 420 is transparent, the user can see when the applicator
400 needs
refilling or replacing. In cases in which the applicators are marketed as
dispensable
applicators - the removable sealers may be designed so as not to allow
resealing the
rims 415a and/or 415b of the dispensing member 410. In other cases the
applicator 400
includes sealers that can be reused to seal the rims 415a and 415b to refill
the
applicator 400 by using a material applying member that is similar in concept
to the
one described in relation to Figures 1-2, using a container tube connected
thereto to
allow filling the applicator 400 by squeezing/pressing the container tube to
force the
material therefrom into a cavity 416 of the dispensing member 410 and
therefore to
force the material to the space 401 between the dispensing member 410 and the
cover
420 through the openings 412 of the dispensing member 410.
[0055] Due to the structure of the applicator 410, once the water jet is
applied
through the applicator cavity 416 when directed through the first rim 415a
towards the
jet tip 310 outlet portion 311 to exit the water jet device 300 it carries
allotted portions
of the material that enter the cavity 416 and join the water jet to allow the
material
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CA 02847134 2014-03-18
portion to be applied over the oral area along with the water jet flowing
through this
cavity 416.
[0056] The water jet devices such as 100 and 300 described in respect to
some
specific embodiments referring to oral irrigators can simply be used to
describe other
types of water jet devices using other types of materials depending on the
purpose of
the water jet device and/or its design.
[0057] The cross sectional view of Fig. 4 shows how the water jet is
directed
through an inner cavity 301 of the water jet device 300 and through the cavity
416 of
the applicator 400 substantially along a main axis "x" of the device 300 and
applicator
400. portions of the of the water jet directed through axis "x" enter the
space 401
between the outer surface of the dispensing portion 411 and the inner wall of
the cover
420 where the material (e.g. dental gel material) is located, through the
openings 412 of
the applicator's 400 dispensing portion 411 . The water then return to the
inner cavity
416 while taking a portion of this material there with while continuing
towards the
opening portion 311 of the water jet device 300 for ejecting therefrom. This
way
portions of the material are being dispensed from the water jet device 300 and
applicator 400 installed therein whenever the water jet is applied through the
device
300.
[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water
jet
device may also include a control unit that can electronically control
mechanical and/or
other functions of the water jet device and/or the applicator. For example, to
control the
valve mechanism or to notify the user (e.g. through visual and/or auditory
alarms) that
the material in the applicator is about to run out. To allow such indication,
some
mechanism that senses the amount of material in the space between the
dispensing
member and the wall surrounding it creating the space for the material to be
stored in
(either the inner wall of the jet base section or of the transparent cover of
the applicator
itself, depending on the specific embodiment) such as an optical sensor. Once
the
sensor identifies that the applicator is "empty" it operates a visual/auditory
alarm
signaling to the user that the applicator should be refilled/replaced.
[0059] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, schematically illustrating a water
jet
device 500 with an external applicator 600, according to other embodiments of
the
present invention. In these embodiments, the water jet device 500 includes:
(1) a body
having (i) a jet tip 510 having an outlet section 511 and a connector inlet
section 512;
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CA 02847134 2014-03-18
(ii) a handle 530 with a valve mechanism 540; (iii) and (iv) a connector 550
for
connecting the water jet device 500 to water supply (such as a water container
or a
water faucet) via a water pipe (Not Shown); and (2) the applicator 600. Other
components of the water jet device 500 are similarly configured to equivalent
components of the water jet devices 300 and 100 as described above; such as a
cover
535, a press button 536 of the valve 540 and a connector 550 for connecting
the water
jet device 500 to water supply via an 0-ring 556.
[0060] According to some embodiments of the invention, the applicator 600
includes an external container 610 having a funnel shaped edge 620 for
connecting to
an inner cavity tube of the water jet device 500 through which the water jet
passes. The
container 610 is filled with material such as a dental cleansing gel allowing
allocated
dispensing of the material into the water jet. The container 610 externally
connects to
the water jet device 500 body through an opening in the water jet device 500
configured for connecting to the edge 620 thereof, for allowing easy
replacement
and/or refilling thereof.
[0061] The narrowing end of the funnel shaped edge 620 of the container
610
connecting into the water jet creates a suction pressure that draws water from
the water
jet into the container 610. The drawn water return into the jet while bringing
some of
the material in the container 610 into the water jet therewith at each
operation of the
water jet device 500 allowing thereby to dispense allocated portions of the
contained
material upon each utilization of the water jet device 500.
[0062] According to some embodiments, the applicator 600 is removably
connected to the water jet device 500 body for allowing replacing and/or
refilling
thereof.
[0063] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of a water jet
device 700
having the same configuration of an applicator 800 having a container 810 and
a
narrowing edge 820 connected to the jet tip 710 of the device 700 for allowing
dispensing allocated portion of a material contained therein into the water
jet through
an inner cavity through which the water jet passes, according to other
embodiments of
the invention.
[0064] The funnel shaped edge 820 of the applicator 800 includes an
opening 821
which connects to a designated opening 702 at the water jet device 700 (in
this case
CA 02847134 2014-03-18
the opening 702 is in the jet tip 710). The applicator 800 may include a
connecting
edge 820 configured for fastening to the water jet device 700 in a sealed
manner.
[0065] Optionally, the container 820/620 is made from a flexible material
allowing
creating vacuum or partial vacuum therein once the water jet device 700/500 is
operated.
[0066] Reference is now made to Fig. 7 showing an applicator 30 having a
dispensing member 31 configured for serving as a removable and optionally
dispensable water tip 33 of a water jet device 20 from which water jet exits,
according
to other embodiments of the invention. The applicator 30 is configured for
being
removably secured to a body 10 of the jet device 20 such as to enable the
water jet to
be directed therethrough from the rear end of the body 10 to the front edge
opening of
the dispensable tip 33 illustrated by an arrow indicating the F direction of
jet flow. The
jet tip 33 is actually also serving as the cover of the dispensing member 31
as well as a
narrowing tip of the water jet device 20 once secured to the body 10 thereof.
[0067] According to some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 7, the dispensing
member 31 is actually embedded as part of the jet tip 33, and therefore the
applicator
30 itself is an improved dispensing jet tip. The jet tip 33 in which the
dispensing
member 31 is embedded can be of any desired structural configuration such as
the one
shown in Fig. 7 having a conical portion connected to a bent other conical
tip.
[0068] According to some embodiments of the invention, as shown in Fig. 7,
the
dispensing member 31 has multiple openings 32 thereover and is hollowed such
as to
create a cavity therein through which the jet of water is directed. The
configuration of
the dispensing member 31 in respect to the inner side of the jet tip 33 is
such that a
space 39 is formed between the inner walls 37 of the jet tip 33 and the outer
walls of
the dispensing member 31. The dispensing material is placed in this space 39
to allow
allotted dispensing thereof during water jet passage through the dispensing
member 31
cavity, in a similar manner in respect to the dispensing mechanism and
principles
discussed above.
[0069] As shown in Fig. 7, the distal (rear) edge of the applicator 30
has an
external screw thread 35 configured for being secured to an inner screw thread
15 of
the jet device body 10 for securing the applicator 30 to the body 10 in a
water proof
manner allowing the waster jet to only pass through the dispensing device 31
when
directed towards the opening of the jet tip 33. An 0-ring 36 can further
ensure such
16
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tight and water proof securing. To body 10 of the jet device 20 may further
include a
valve operable via a press button 16 for enabling and disabling water jet flow
and
optionally also for controlling water flow rate.
[0070] Additional or alternative mechanisms can be used for removably
securing
the applicator 30 to the body 10 such as snap fastening mechanism and the
like.
[0071] The applicator 30 can be easily removed from the body 10 for
replacing or
refilling thereof enabling marketing the applicator jet tip 30 as a
dispensable piece for
having the customer using the same water jet device body 10 by connecting it
to the
water tap or an extension pipe connected thereto and easily replacing the jet
tip
applicator 30 when the dispensing material runs out. Another one or more
removable
jet tips can be used that do not have a dispensing member therein to allow
using the
water jet device without dispensing the material therefrom and only installing
the
dispensing applicator when the user wishes to have the jet device dispense the
allotted
portions of the dispensing material along with the water.
[0072] According to some embodiments, the dispensing member 31 is fastened
to
the cover tip 33 via a snap mechanism 39.
[0073] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having
ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Therefore,
it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only
for the
purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention
as defined
by the following invention and its various embodiments and/or by the following
claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are
set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the
invention
includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are
disclosed
in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that
two
elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as
also
allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined
with
each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The
excision of
any disclosed element of the invention is explicitly contemplated as within
the scope of
the invention.
[0074] The words used in this specification to describe the invention
and its various
embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly
defined
meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification
structure, material or
17
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,
acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can
be
understood in the context of this specification as including more than one
meaning,
then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible
meanings
supported by the specification and by the word itself.
[0075] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims
are,
therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination
of elements
which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts
for performing
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain
substantially the
same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of
two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims
below or
that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
Although
elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially
claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements
from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that
the
claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-
combination.
[0076] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed
by a
person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are
expressly
contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore,
obvious
substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be
within the scope of the defined elements.
[0077] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically
illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be
obviously
substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the
invention.
[0078] Although the invention has been described in detail, nevertheless
changes
and modifications, which do not depart from the teachings of the present
invention,
will be evident to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications
are deemed
to come within the purview of the present invention and the appended claims.
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